Kidvoyage Kidvoyage contact@kidvoyage.com
The Mountain Retreat Learning Centers, Inc

The Mountain Retreat Learning Centers, Inc

Highlands, NC, USA

Overview

MountainCamp serves youth ages approximately 9–17 and offers a wide variety of residential summer programs tailored to different age groups, interests, and maturity levels. The camp emphasizes a non-competitive, supportive environment where respect, kindness, and personal growth are core values. With trained staff, small cabin groups, and highly interactive daily schedules, campers stay fully engaged from morning until evening.

MountainCamp stands out for its balanced blend of wilderness adventure, water activities, and creative arts. Campers can choose from options such as whitewater rafting, canoeing, swimming, hiking, challenge-course experiences, drama, music, arts and crafts, and nature-based learning. Older campers can participate in leadership programs that encourage independence, responsibility, and community service.

This camp is an intense match for children and teens who enjoy nature, love hands-on activities, or want new experiences in a supportive environment. It is especially appealing for kids seeking variety — whether they are adventurous, artistic, introverted, or somewhere in between. MountainCamp supports self-expression and teamwork while offering plenty of fun and active play.

Why We Love It

  • Huge variety of outdoor, creative, and nature-based activities so kids can discover new passions.
  • Warm, inclusive community that focuses on kindness, teamwork, and personal growth.
  • Strong safety and health oversight with experienced staff and on-site medical support.

Best for

  • Kids and teens who enjoy outdoor adventures and hands-on learning.
  • Campers looking for a welcoming, low-pressure environment to build confidence and friendships.
  • Youth who want a classic overnight-camp experience with both adventure and creative expression.

Camp Info

Ages:
9–17
Type:
Day
Month:
Summer
Lodging:
Cabin
Setting:
Mountains
Gender:
Co-Ed
Sports:
Sports, Team Sports, Soccer, Volleyball
Water Activities:
Water Activities, Canoeing, Rafting
Adventure:
Nature & Exploration, Hiking
Academics:
Academics, Learning, General Academics
Arts:
Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts, Painting, Pottery, Dance, Music
Health:
Special Needs, ADHD

Contact details

Address: P.O. Box 1299 3872 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC, 28741
Highlands
USA

Reserve a Spot

Specific session dates aren’t available right now.

You can still send an quick application to express your interest in The Mountain Retreat Learning Centers, Inc.

You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.

How It Works

  • Step 1: Fill out a quick form to let the camp know you're interested. No commitment — just an inquiry.
  • Step 2: The camp team will reach out to answer questions, confirm availability, and walk you through the next steps.
  • Step 3: Work directly with the camp to finalize dates, handle payment, and take care of any details.

Got Questions?

Not sure yet?

  • Email us anytime at camp@kidvoyage.com — we’ll gladly share any details we’ve got.
  • Want to talk with the camp directly? Submit an application, and the camp team will reach out with details.

Need to Cancel? No Problem

  • Just send us a quick email, and we’ll take care of it for you.

Paying for Camp

  • All payments are handled directly with the camp after you apply. They’ll guide you through their process.

Who Do I Pay?

  • You’ll pay The Mountain Retreat Learning Centers, Inc directly. After you apply, their team will walk you through the payment steps.

Payment Confirmation

  • The camp will provide any receipts or documents you need once registration is finalized. Just ask!

Other summer camps with available session dates

Age

0-5
years
6-11
years
12-14
years
15-18
years

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation

MountainCamp provides overnight accommodations in rustic-style cabins designed to give children a traditional summer-camp experience. Cabins typically house 4–7 campers of the same age group, creating a cozy and social environment ideal for bonding and building friendships. Each cabin also includes one or two counselors, who stay in a separate room within the cabin, ensuring 24-hour supervision and providing campers with guidance, emotional support, and a trusted adult presence.

Cabins are simple but comfortable, equipped with basic furnishings suitable for active summer living. The camp environment encourages children to focus on shared experiences, outdoor adventure, and interpersonal connection rather than modern conveniences. For older campers or those enrolled in multi-week programs, laundry access is available to support extended stays. Overall, accommodations are intentionally designed to foster community, independence, and cabin-group cooperation.

Meals

MountainCamp provides three meals a day in a communal dining hall. Meals are prepared to give campers the energy they need for full days of outdoor activity, and the menu typically includes a balanced mix of proteins, vegetables, fruits, and kid-friendly favorites. The camp prioritizes providing nutritious, satisfying meals so children stay healthy and energized throughout the session.

Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated. Families are encouraged to notify the camp in advance of any allergies, restrictions, or medical nutritional requirements so that staff can plan accordingly. Mealtimes are also an essential part of the camp’s community-building approach — campers sit together, participate in shared routines, and engage in supportive cabin-group traditions.

Safety

Safety is a central focus at MountainCamp. All activities — from hiking and paddling to challenge courses and cabin time — are supervised by trained staff who follow established safety protocols. Counselors live with campers in the cabins, providing overnight supervision and ensuring that someone responsible is always nearby.

For high-adventure activities, such as whitewater rafting or ropes courses, the camp uses experienced instructors who are trained in equipment management, group supervision, and emergency response. The camp maintains a structured environment with clear guidelines that help children stay safe while still enjoying adventurous activities. Communication procedures are in place to notify parents promptly in case of illness, injury, or significant behavioral concerns.

Health & Medicine

MountainCamp operates an on-site Health Center staffed by certified medical professionals. The Health Center manages all prescription and over-the-counter medications, which must be turned in at check-in for secure storage and scheduled administration. Medical staff maintain detailed logs to ensure accurate and consistent medication handling.

Common camp-related issues such as minor injuries, stomach discomfort, dehydration, or allergies can be treated on-site. If more advanced care is needed, the Health Center coordinates evaluation at nearby medical facilities. Parents or guardians are contacted promptly in the event of any significant medical concern. The camp’s health procedures aim to provide a safe and supportive environment so children can participate in activities confidently.

Camp traditions

MountainCamp fosters a warm, inclusive culture built on community, respect, and shared experiences. Campers look forward to evening campfires filled with singing, storytelling, and reflection. Creative expression is woven into the culture, with drama, music, nature art, and skits often becoming memorable highlights of the session.

Bonding traditions include cabin-group rituals, leadership roles within the group, special celebration nights, and team-building activities that help create a sense of belonging. Older campers may participate in programs focused on leadership development and community-building, strengthening inter-age mentorship, and reinforcing the camp’s core values. These traditions create lasting memories and help returning campers feel like they are coming “home” each summer.

Facilities and services

    • Rustic cabins for overnight housing
    • Dining hall serving daily meals
    • River and lake access for swimming and boating
    • Equipment for rafting, canoeing, and water activities
    • Challenge course elements (low and high ropes)
    • Hiking trails and nature-exploration areas
    • Arts and crafts spaces and materials
    • Drama and music activity spaces
    • Farm or garden learning areas
    • Outdoor recreation fields and open spaces
    • On-site Health Center with trained medical staff
    • 24/7 counselor supervision
    • Age-based group programming
    • Optional transportation services and add-ons

Activities Program

MountainCamp’s activity program offers an intentionally broad selection so campers can explore new interests and revisit long-time favorites. The week typically includes a mix of water activities, outdoor adventure, creative arts, environmental exploration, team games, and evening community time. Campers often choose activities based on their personal interests, which gives them a sense of autonomy and helps them develop confidence.

Days are structured but varied, allowing time for active play, hands-on learning, and creative expression. Evening activities such as campfires, music, and cabin programs bring the community together and end the day on a reflective, fun, and social note. The program’s goal is to help youth grow socially, emotionally, and physically while having a fulfilling and exciting summer experience.

    • Whitewater rafting
    • Canoeing
    • Swimming and waterfront games
    • Hiking and trail exploration
    • High and low ropes challenge course
    • Arts and crafts
    • Nature-based art and environmental studies
    • Drama and music
    • Team sports and recreational games
    • Farm/garden learning activities
    • Personal-growth and community-building workshops
    • Cabin-group activities
    • Evening campfires and special events
    • Leadership programs for older campers

Terms and Payments

Price includes

    • Lodging in cabins
    • All meals
    • Standard daily activities
    • 24/7 supervision
    • Access to all general camp facilities
    • Standard program materials

For an additional charge

    • Airport shuttle or transportation services
    • Special activity add-ons (such as rock climbing for specific sessions)

All medications must be checked in at arrival and managed by the Health Center.

Authorized adults with photo ID must pick up campers on departure day.

Refund or deposit policies vary by program type.


What Parents Are Saying

No reviews yet, but we’d love to hear from you!

Share your The Mountain Retreat Learning Centers, Inc experience to help other parents make the perfect choice for their kids!