Parents have questions about camp too! Click through our frequently asked questions below to get the answers you need – or feel free to call or email us to learn more about Skyland Camp & Retreats.

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WHEN WAS SKYLAND FOUNDED?

Skyland has been continually operating as a summer camp since 1917. That’s more than a century of sleepaway camp in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Skyland’s Main Lodge (the hub of camp!) was originally built for, and opened as, a grand hotel in the late 1800s. Skyland’s founder, Susan Courtney “Granny” Harris, had become devoted to the hotel where she and her children vacationed each summer in the early 1900s. While vacationing here, Granny Harris learned that the failing hotel was on the auction block, and that the property was being auctioned off in parcels.

Before she could legally vote in the United States, Granny Harris marched onto the front porch, stood behind the auctioneer as he was receiving bids for each parcel, and boldly called out: “I’ll give you three thousand dollars for the whole kit and caboodle!” And with that, she was named the highest bidder, and had just acquired a hotel and its surrounding land.

From her winter home in Florida, the resourceful mother of five organized friends and neighbors to join her in the mountains the following summer, and Skyland Camp for Girls was off to a running start!

WHAT MAKES SKYLAND UNIQUE?

Skyland’s small size and multigenerational community sets us apart. With no more than 50 campers, Skyland is one of the smallest camps of its kind. It is an environment in which each individual is an important member, and even the youngest and newest campers have opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute.

Skyland’s family roots set the foundation for our multigenerational community. For more than a century, Skyland has been owned and operated by the women of the same family. Similarly, many Skyland families have sent their campers to Skyland for that same amount of time. At Skyland, it’s “normal” for current campers to walk the exact same steps that their great-grandmothers walked in the 1920s. (In these days, where else does that happen? We think it’s pretty special!)

At Girl’s Camp, campers are housed by grade, but there is much opportunity to be with, and learn, from campers and staff of all ages. In fact, the entire camp is together during our three daily meals and evening clubhouse, on campouts and hikes, and as part of team competitions.

Staff plays a critical role in this multigenerational community by providing plenty of individualized attention that helps campers find mentors in all types of incredible people. It is not uncommon for a camper to leave Skyland feeling like she has gained a few grandmothers, lots of cool moms, aunts, and older cousins, and scores of sisters.

These are often relationships that hold strong throughout the rest of her life.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINI CAMPS AND GIRL’S CAMPS?

Skyland has operated as a Girl’s Camp since 1917. Only girls age 6-15 could experience the life-changing magic of a Skyland summer. But Mini Camps are designed for everyone! We have programming for adult women, moms and daughters, and the whole family. Campers of all ages and genders can experience the joy and wonder that Skyland inspires.

WHY AN ALL-GIRLS CAMP?

Girls approach life a little differently than boys, and they excel in environments where their unique needs and styles are understood and respected. In a camp environment, where campers create their own identities and self-concept, an all-girls setting can be especially beneficial. As girls move into adolescence, it becomes more and more critical for them to retain their voice and begin to develop the leadership skills and strengths that will carry them forward in life.

In Skyland’s all-girls environment, campers discover enormous amounts of inner strength, pride, power, potential, and flexibility. They learn to take risks and manage consequences. They gain confidence, cultivate grit, and explore their authentic selves.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND AN OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR MY SON?

Boys are welcome at Skyland’s Family Camp! If your Girl’s Camp camper has a brother who is ready to have his own camp experience, let us know. We are very familiar with camps in this region and can help you find one that fits your son’s interests. Call us for more information.

IS SKYLAND CAMP & RETREATS ACCREDITED?

Yes. Skyland Camp & Retreats is fully accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

This accreditation is a voluntary process, and to become accredited by the ACA, camps must meet up to 280 health and safety standards. Accredited camps are responsible not only for meeting state and local laws, but also for meeting ACA standards in the areas of food service and safety, transportation, health and wellness, operational management, human resources, and programming. For more information about accreditation and the ACA, please visit this link. 

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE AT SKYLAND?

On most days, Skyland follows a structured schedule that includes activities such as archery, culinary arts, horseback riding, musical theatre/dance, arts and crafts, swimming, tennis, volleyball and other court/team games. The schedule changes slightly depending on which program you are attending, but will most likely look something like this:

8:00 a.m.	Morning reveille	2:15 p.m.	Rest hour
8:25 a.m.	Flag raising	3:30 p.m.	Three activity periods
8:35 a.m.	Breakfast	6:00 p.m.	Dinner
10:00 a.m.   Three activity periods		7:00 p.m.	Free time
12:25 p.m.   Free time		8:00 p.m.	Clubhouse
1:00 p.m.	Mail call	9:30 p.m.	Lights out – younger campers
1:15 p.m.	Dinner	10:00 p.m.   Taps/Lights out for all

Campers select other activities that can change each week if they would like. All campers participate in Musical Theatre, Games, and either Swimming or Recycled Arts (depending on the week).

Free time, which is before and after meals, allows campers to take advantage of unstructured time so they can explore, play, and be independent. To end each day, the entire camp gathers for the evening Clubhouse, with activities ranging from scavenger hunts to carnivals to dance parties.

HOW WILL MY CAMPER BE SUPERVISED?

With a camper-to-staff ratio of 3:1, each camper receives individual attention and is helped to immediately feel at home among new friends. A minimum of two staff members are assigned to any group of campers, whether in cabins or at activities. Additional staff will be assigned for larger cabin groups, off-campus trips, or activities that require more instructors, such as horseback riding. In addition to designated cabin and activity staff, campers get to know Skyland’s directors, nurses, chefs, and administrative staff, who are active participants and contributors to camp life.

WHERE WILL MY DAUGHTER SLEEP AND SHOWER?

Skyland’s youngest campers (rising 1st-5th grades) live on the second floor of the Main Lodge, the original Victorian hotel that was repurposed into Skyland’s main building. Campers keep their belongings in one of the original hotel rooms and sleep on the large screened wrap-around porch. Older campers, who are typically 6th grade and above, live in nearby cabins, which also have screened-in sleeping porches as well as living rooms with shelves for clothes, a separate counselor room, and their own bathrooms.

Each of the cabins and the Main Lodge contain modern restroom facilities. Campers have access to hot showers either in their cabin’s personal shower or in the centrally located shower huts. We pride ourselves on keeping our spacious living and bathroom facilities clean and comfortable.

CAN I STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY CAMPER?

Yes! We encourage parents to send letters and emails.

Mail Call, a daily tradition just before the mid-day meal, is an opportunity for campers to receive letters and emails from friends and family back home. Years later, alumnae still flip through scrapbooks of their old letters to and from home and recall fun memories of mail call, writing letters, and learning how to address an envelope.

In addition, some behind-the-scenes efforts are in place to help parents feel connected with their camper while still encouraging her to gain independence. Skyland’s dedicated parent liaison stays in touch with parents all summer long. She is available for phone calls, texts, and emails with parents who would like to check in to see how their camper is doing. Because of Skyland’s size, it’s likely we will be able to tell you what she ate for breakfast, who her newest friends are, and a few accomplishments in her favorite activity. Many parents also enjoy viewing daily camp photos that are posted on a password-protected website. This provides a glimpse in to daily life at Skyland and allows an opportunity to see your camper engaged in some of her favorite activities.

WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS MEDICAL CARE?

A registered nurse oversees the health of campers and staff, as well as distribution of daily medications. Nurse assistants support the health services center to ensure 24-hour coverage. Staff members are trained in first aid and adult/child CPR. There is a regional medical center and pediatrics office approximately three miles from camp.

Parents will be contacted if their camper needs medical care from an outside provider. All campers are required to carry medical insurance for the duration of the camp program. The camp office can recommend short-term insurance providers for your camper should your camper not carry insurance.

WHAT WILL MY CAMPER EAT AT SKYLAND? DO YOU ACCOMMODATE FOOD ALLERGIES?

When you think “camp food,” do you think local produce and wholesome, made-from-scratch food? How about home cooked meals and family-style service? If not, think again.

That’s what your camper will enjoy at Skyland Camp for Girls! Our meals are home cooked by culinary professionals, and served family style. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful at each meal, and it’s common to see fresh fruits on the all-day snack table, a healthy salad bar at supper, or an oatmeal bar at breakfast.

Unfortunately, Skyland is not able to accommodate severe or life-threatening food allergies, but does provide vegetarian options, as well as options for gluten and dairy sensitivity (100% gluten and/or dairy-free cannot be guaranteed). If your camper has specific dietary needs, let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss options for her, or even help find a camp that will support her unique needs.

DOES SKYLAND HAVE A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION?

Skyland is an independent camp and has no religious affiliation. Campers of all faiths and beliefs are welcome to join and to help strengthen our community.

In its early years, Skyland (like many camps in that era) adopted some Christian practices. While most are no longer in practice, some of those rich traditions are still present today. You’ll see those traditions in the pre-meal blessings/songs of thanks, as well as in our Sunday night Vespers service, and in selected songs performed by Skyland Singers.

WHAT IS VESPERS SERVICE?

Vespers is a Clubhouse event held on Sunday evenings. It is a non-denominational service in which values such as friendship, loyalty, gratitude, and stewardship for the earth are honored. Vespers is also a beautiful opportunity to learn about, celebrate, and respect the traditions of religions and cultures from across the world.

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO ELECTRONICS?

One of the greatest gifts we give our campers (and staff!) is the opportunity to unplug from social media grids and practice the art of being “fully connected”—with each other, with nature, and with their own thoughts, dreams, and curiosity.

Cell phones are not permitted at camp, nor are any items that connect to the internet or have screens for gaming, watching movies, or creating videos. This includes cell phones, smart phones, iPads, iWatches, e-readers, laptops, electronic games, or cameras that upload to the internet.

Each cabin has speakers and a CD player for campers to enjoy music together. Campers may bring CDs with their favorite songs, and/or a basic MP3 player. They may also bring a digital camera that does not have an internet upload option. Skyland’s library is always stocked with great books and games.

WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER GETS HOMESICK?

While some campers report never feeling homesick, others may experience mild to moderate homesickness during the first few days of camp. This is completely normal and is actually considered a healthy part of youth development. In fact, campers gain an enormous amount of confidence, and are better prepared for obstacles they may face in the future, after they’ve overcome even the mildest of homesickness.

Skyland’s counselors and staff are well trained in time-tested techniques that help campers successfully navigate homesickness and fully immerse themselves in the camp experience.

SO MY DAUGHTER WILL BE FINE, BUT WHAT IF I GET “KID-SICK”?

We also realize that the overnight camp experience is sometimes harder for those back home than it is for the camper. (We know how quiet that house can be when your camper is away!) We are committed to ensuring the camp experience is as fulfilling for you back home as it is for your camper on Skyland Hill.

During camp, parents are welcome to call, email, or even text with Skyland’s parent liaison.

Many parents have LOVED reading Michael Thompson’s book Homesick and Happy, either as they prepare for camp or while their daughter is away at camp. We recommend it to all new parents and it is a valuable tool that helps readers learn and understand the value of the camp experience for the camper, the parent, and the entire family. It is a fabulous resource and one that many Skyland parents have recommended to others.

We also have resources and references if you’d like other things to read or if you’d like to connect with other Skyland families.

WHAT DOES THE CAMPER TUITION FEE COVER?

All fees are covered in the camp tuition except weekly laundry service, an optional white-water rafting trip for older campers, purchases at the camp store, and spending money for off-site trips.

WHAT IF SHE NEEDS SOMETHING? DO I SEND SPENDING MONEY?

Skyland’s camp store is open at various times during the week and contains general items such as Skyland apparel, stamps, stationery, toiletries, etc. If a camper needs something that is not in the camp store, she can request her need and it will be delivered the following day.

Purchases are deducted from camper’s spending accounts, which are established by the parent before camp begins. Campers do not use cash and should not bring money to camp.

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

A deposit is due at the time of registration.

• Prior to May 1, the deposit, less a $200 processing fee, is refundable.
• After May 1, the deposit is non-refundable.
• Camper tuition accounts must be paid in full by June 1. After June 1 no refunds will be issued.
• Should a camper need to withdraw for a health condition confirmed by a physician after April 1, we will give full credit toward the following year’s registration (minus the $200 processing fee).
• In cases of homesickness, dismissal, or voluntary withdrawal, no refunds will be issued. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.
• If, for whatever reason, Skyland Camp for Girls does not open for the registered term(s), full refunds will be issued.

HOW DO YOU SELECT AND TRAIN YOUR COUNSELORS?

With decades of experience, we know it is always the people who make a summer camp experience special. As a result, we take extra care in our recruiting and selection process, hiring only those who display high levels of creativity, integrity, and passion for teaching, mentoring, and supporting youth development.

Staff members are carefully screened through at least two interviews, reference checks, and extensive criminal background checks. Training begins several weeks before camp with customized videos and readings on essential topics from experts in the field.

On-site orientation begins the week before campers arrive and covers everything from creating a supportive cabin environment, to emergency procedures, to lesson planning and delivering dynamic and progressive activity options.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD PREPARE FOR CAMP?

There are many ways to help prepare your daughter for camp, starting when you first consider it an option. Engage your daughter in conversations about camp. Tell her all about what she will do at camp, the new friends and counselors she will meet, and the new adventures she will have. Include her in the camp selection process and make sure she likes and trusts the people at camp just as much as you do. Does she want to go to camp with a friend or sibling or will the adventure be completely her own? As camp nears, plan a couple of test-runs for her to sleep away from home. Maybe she can spend a weekend with her grandparents or tag along on a trip with a friend?

The whole process of preparing for camp should be supportive and positive. You will likely have your own concerns as a parent, and expressing those concerns to your camper can leave her feeling anxious or afraid. Instead, make getting ready for a camp a bonding experience. Perhaps you could preview camp at Skyland’s Mother-Daughter Weekend, or spend quality time together packing her trunk and picking out stationery so she can fill you in on all she will be doing?

THESE FAQS HAVE BEEN GREAT, BUT WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

While we have included the most frequently asked questions, we realize you may have additional questions or unique situations. If we have not addressed one of your questions, or if you would like additional information, please call (828-627-2470) or email (mailbox@skylandcamp.com).