The Wilds Of North Carolina
Experience The Wilds
What makes The Wilds so special? Is it the creative games and activities? Or the exceptional facilities? Maybe it’s coming away to beautiful surroundings? Or interaction with believers who genuinely care? Could it be extra time spent under the influence of God’s Word? How about all of the above? Returning campers often have trouble putting The Wilds experience into words: you just have to experience it for yourself.
What to expect
Purposeful time with Christ
At The Wilds of North Carolina, nurturing the faith of young people remains at the core of everything we do. Our camp is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where children and teens can deepen their relationship with Christ.
30+ exciting activities
From thrilling water activities to challenging sports, there’s something for everyone at The Wilds! Explore our wide range of activity options that are included in each camp registration cost, and start planning your next unforgettable experience.
Lake
Our swimming area is full of great activities. You may choose to be daring and jump from the 25′ Jump-off Tower or get catapulted from The Blob. Maybe you would prefer the exhilarating Water Trolley or Tube Slide. All are available with certified lifeguard supervision.
This activity is available to all campers when it is open.
Boating & Fishing
Our seven-acre Lake is a great place to enjoy a relaxing “cruise” out to the island on a canoe or kayak or enjoy an exciting paddleboat race. Fishing is also available on a catch-and-release basis.
This activity is available to all campers when it is open.
Superslide
One of the original activities at The Wilds, the Superslide, is a favorite of many campers on hot afternoons. Enjoy the thrill and the chill of the hill as you pick up speed before splashing into a pool!
This activity is available to all campers when it is open.
Tubing
Grab a tube and get ready to float along Toxaway Creek, relaxing to the peaceful sounds of a mountain stream. But don’t get lulled to sleep! Exit the calming waters after you round the last bend or be prepared for the gauntlet of Water Wars!
This activity is available to all campers when it is open.
Water Wars
Located just behind the Giant Swing, 12 water cannons are positioned along the creek banks and on the bridge where bold gunners blast one another (and unsuspecting tubers!) with cold, crisp, mountain water at 48 bursts a minute! Anyone brave enough to withstand the deluge of Water Wars is in for a refreshing water fight. Last man standing wins!
This activity is available to all campers when it is open.
Team Games
Providing a fun atmosphere helps break down barriers and encourage relationships that help move campers closer to the Lord. The Wilds is known for our creative games—many are invented right here on the campsite. The energy and excitement of our team games can’t be fully described—you just have to experience it for yourself!
Laser Tag
A unique, outdoor experience for our teen and adult campers, Laser Tag offers a variation of game modes for variety of play. Long-distance blasters and quality sensors allow for both daytime and evening games with no additional gear required.
This activity is available during teen and adult camps.
GaZEEball
Defend your section of the GaZEEball platform while attempting to score against the opposing team. Watch out, the ball might just disappear below the deck! Everybody down! Where did it go?! There it is! Quick, throw it in the goal before the other team comes back up!
This activity is available to all campers.
Human Foosball
Players holding onto stationary straps can swing and kick with abandon! Soft balls and plenty of space ensure safe fun for newbie or experienced foosballers. This activity is lighted so it can be enjoyed during the day or night.
This activity is available to all campers
Gameroom
Challenge your friends to the many games offered in the air-conditioned Gameroom! Air Hockey, Foosball, and the always popular Carpetball provide plenty of fun for everyone. Located underneath the Fireplace Room in the Lodge, the Gameroom is a center of activity.
This activity is available during teen and adult camps.
Basketball
Challenge your friends to a round of H-O-R-S-E or even a full-court game! The Wilds offers two regulation-size basketball courts for you to enjoy, as well as Tall-Man Basketball, which features 6’ and 9’ goals. Now anyone can realize their dream of dunking that basketball!!
This activity is available to all campers.
Soccer
Fans of “the beautiful game” find no shortage of options at The Wilds! Our enclosed and lighted, outdoor Soccer Arena makes for fast-paced game play reminiscent of indoor soccer. Full-sized goals on a regulation field remain a popular option for our more traditionally minded campers. On turf or on grass, soccer remains one of our most popular Freetime activities!
This activity is available to all campers.
Sand Volleyball
Grab a couple of friends, kick off your shoes, and hit the sand! Our three lighted sand volleyball courts provide a great way to get some exercise while having a blast. Serve it up and hit around just for fun or get competitive in a serious match—the choice is yours.
This activity is available to all campers.
Mini-Golf
The Wilds 18-hole lighted miniature golf course, The Links, has become a favorite for campers of all ages! Situated next to the Giant Swing, the course is challenging enough for the experienced golfer, but simple enough for the smallest child to enjoy.
This activity is available to all campers.
Disc Golf
The Wilds features a 9-hole course that winds its way through the lower part of the campsite. From the first hole beside the Dorm to the last hole up the hill near the Lodge, The Wilds Disc Golf course is an easy, relaxing adventure for the entire family!
This activity is available to all campers.
3rd Falls Zip
Our zipline has 2 sections with a combined length of 1,400′. The Zip gives the rider an awesome view of 3rd Falls and the Jocassee River Gorge.
If you can’t quite stomach the 250′ height, no worries! We also have a 2-story observation deck overlooking the waterfall and both ziplines so you can participate in the action from a distance and still get a beautiful view of this rarely seen waterfall.
This activity is available to campers 7th grade (at least 11 years old) and above and between 70 and 250 pounds.
Giant Swing
Get ready for the ride of your life! This 65′ swing will send chills down the heartiest of spines. The crowd counts down as you rise higher and higher…3-2-1…scream! Flying through the air above Mini-Golf, the Giant Swing offers a one-of-a-kind view of the Ballfield and surrounding activities. Be sure to grab a friend for a ride while you’re here at camp!
This activity is available to campers 7th grade (at least 11 years old).
Land Trolley
Pick up your equipment at the base of the trolley and then head up the hill for your smooth 425′ glide back to the landing pad. Cruise over the basketball courts and enjoy a one-of-a-kind view from the Land Trolley!
This activity is available to campers 5 years old and older.
Archery
Outfitted with a range of state-of-the-art compound bows, the Archery Range offers tremendous fun for campers of all ages! Enjoy some friendly competition and see who can hit the most bullseyes!
This activity is supervised by a member of The Wilds staff and is available during teen and adult camps.
Junior Adventures
The Junior Boot Camp General Headquarters (GHQ) is a hub of action and fun! Some of its outdoor activities include tetherball, basketball, and 2 v. 2 soccer. Brave the Dodge ‘em Pit for some fast-paced dodgeball or check out some of our larger-than-life games like Connect-4, checkers, and Jenga. Find out if you are ready for your professional racing debut at the RC Track where you can race remote control cars with other campers. Ready for some more extreme adventures? Climb, slide, balance, and swing your way through Basic Training, our junior-sized obstacle course, or run the Commando Trails with your counselor and cabin. Or gear up for Gellyball where you race to be the first to shoot all the targets and change them to your team’s color!
Inside the GHQ, campers can get out of the sun and enjoy cool air-conditioning as they play air hockey, carpet ball, or foosball, scale the bouldering wall, or shoot hoops in our arcade-styled booth. Hungry? Pop over to the Canteen for a tasty treat!
These activities are available to Junior Boot Camp campers.
Waterfalls
Located in Transylvania County, “The Land of the Waterfalls,” The Wilds of North Carolina property surrounds four beautiful waterfalls, running from the main campsite down to Lake Jocassee. Well-marked hiking trails give our campers access to these glorious expressions of God’s power and creativity. From swimming in a cold mountain pool, to viewing from a nearby deck or one of our distant overlooks, this natural feature makes our campsite truly one-of-a-kind.
This activity is available to all campers. Please note that hiking on The Wilds property is for our paying campers only. Please call our camp office if you have further questions.
Hiking
With over 1,000 acres, The Wilds features many hiking trails for campers to enjoy. Some of the trails end at our beautiful waterfalls, while others offer spectacular views of nearby Lake Jocassee and the surrounding area. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation!
This activity is available to all campers.
Overlooks
Strategically placed along our trails are two Overlooks that give campers a birds-eye view of three of our four waterfalls. The 1st and 2nd Falls Overlook offers a peaceful, shaded respite under a beautiful pagoda right off the main trail. Our 3rd Falls Overlook is a few stair flights off the beaten trail and showcases sweeping views of the majestic 3rd Falls, beautiful Lake Jocassee, surrounding mountain scenery, and the ZIP.
Funtime
We have two main goals for our campers. We want them to grow closer to the Lord, and we want them to have lots of fun! From the youngest to the oldest camper, everyone likes to laugh! Funtime has been a tradition at The Wilds since the camp’s beginning in 1969, regardless of the time of year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some crazy skits, never-before-seen inventions, and wacky songs!
This activity is available during all camps
Our people make all the difference
Our dedicated staff build lasting relationships with campers through nightly devotions, cabin discussions, and one-on-one mentoring. With a focus on spiritual growth and personal development, our promising young counselors ensure every camper receives the support they need to grow in their faith and thrive.
Resources & souvenirs
General Store
The Wilds General Store features the latest music releases from The Wilds, T-shirts, hats, books, as well as things you might have left at home (like toothpaste!). Located between the Dining Hall and the Lodge for easy access, The General Store serves our campers by reminding them of their refreshing time at camp!
Craft Shop
Our Craft Shop is full of many finished and unfinished products, including leather work, painting, jewelry-making, and more. Create a masterpiece to give to someone you love or design a memorable keepsake of your own. You can also support your team with team-themed accessories of all kinds!
Canteen & JBC Store
Unique to Junior Boot Camp, the Canteen is a child’s dream come true! Fully stocked with novelty candy, unique ice cream flavors, salty snacks, and more, it’s the perfect in-between-meals stop.
The JBC Store offers team gear, stuffed animals, and fun toys designed for juniors. Cheerful cashiers are on hand to help campers with their purchases.
Hearty meals
& sweet treats
Dining Hall
We hear all the time that our food is awesome! We promise that you will not go hungry at The Wilds. Our kitchen staff works hard to prepare balanced meals that our campers will enjoy. While some of our summer camp meals are served outside buffet-style, most happen in the Dining Hall, sitting down with a smiling waitress bringing food to your table. That means no waiting in line for seconds (or thirds or fourths!)
The Snack
True, our ice cream scoop portions are legendary, but ice cream is just the beginning! Two Snack locations offer all kinds of sweet and salty delights: popcorn, pretzels, pizza, nachos, hand-made milkshakes, fountain drinks, and much, much more—all at a reasonable price. Campers who work up an appetite from our 30-plus activities know where to go to satisfy those cravings!
Cool Beans
Hide away at Cool Beans to enjoy a great cup of coffee and conversation with friends. Choose from a wide selection of great tasting coffee, tea, Italian crème sodas, freezes, boba tea, and other treats.
Are you a junior camper unable to visit Cool Beans? Never fear! Our mobile Cool Beans Express comes to you, fully stocked with boba tea, Italian crème sodas, and IZZE® drinks. Look for it outside the GHQ!
There’s a camp
for everyone
Whether you’re eager for a thrilling summer adventure or a refreshing escape, The Wilds of North Carolina has a camp just for you! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and embark on an unforgettable journey. Don’t miss out—sign up for The Wilds today!