Located in the Mountains of Western North Carolina for 101 years, we emphasize outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. We believe in fun, adventure, safety, and great instruction. Our program is non-competitive, which encourages experimentation, and non-regimented, which fosters self-direction.
Our strengths lie in the quality of our staff and the depth of our program. We value diversity, attracting campers from all 50 states and several other countries. We recommend that you explore the "Program" section of our website first, followed by the "Parents" section, and on from there! Our Program at Mondamin Our goal is to build self-esteem while teaching community living skills, respect for the environment, and a love for the outdoors.
Our strengths lie in the quality of our staff and the depth of our program. We value diversity, attracting campers from all 50 states and several other countries. We recommend that you explore the "Program" section of our website first, followed by the "Parents" section, and on from there! Our Program at Mondamin Our goal is to build self-esteem while teaching community living skills, respect for the environment, and a love for the outdoors.
Services
The idea first dawned in Chief's mind in March of '22, and construction started on the dining room in April. Camp opened about the end of June with a very inexperienced director and an equally inexperienced staff of about six. There were 31 campers. Activities were hiking, riding, swimming, and canoeing.
Our goal is to build self-esteem while teaching community living skills, respect for the environment, and a love for the outdoors. We work hard on cooperation, and don't spend much time on competition, so there aren't any cups or ribbons or medals. We believe effort and reward are related, and the reward is sweeter when it's earned.
For over 95 years, the Bell family has operated summer camps for young people - Mondamin for boys and Green Cove for girls. We believe that a big part of a child's education occurs outside the classroom. We also believe that young people need roots as well as wings, and that neither is much good without the other.
On the water side, we do a lot with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. In the woods, we travel by foot, mountain bike, and horse. We also love to rock climb. These are the major activities. There's also a tennis program, nature, and of course, crafts. Age is not a requirement for any activity or trip.
Back in the 1920's, Mondamin's horseback and hiking trips explored the mountain trails with only primitive gear and keen judgment. Paddlers explored rivers by wooden canoe. In 1933, a group of campers and staff trucked canoes just four miles from camp, across the eastern Continental Divide, to put in on Mud Creek in Hendersonville.
Reviews (10)
Kelly Mattingly
Dec 29, 2021
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My boys, ages 8 and 11 went to this camp last summer. It was their first sleep away summer camp so we didn't know what to expect. I picked it even though it was out of state because they did a lot of outdoor activities that the boys liked. They did go on the last 2 weeks that camp was open. I suggest not doing that. I got the feeling there wasn't a lot of personal attention paid to the kids even though the boys said there were less than 50 kids there. I only say this because one of my sons ended up wearing the same outfit most of camp. My older son had to be taken to urgent care the day after camp
Neima
Jun 23, 2021
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We love Camp Mondamin! This was our son's first summer and he had a blast! He is already making goals to hit for next summer. He enjoyed every moment of camp and gained so much confidence. He learned so much, like how to set up a tent on his own and how to change a mountain bike tire. And his counselor was great! We loved our weekly letters from the counselor to keep us up to date on all the activities our son was doing. They hire real roll models. We highly suggest this camp.
Kristin Rickards
Jun 20, 2021
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Camp Mondamin helped my son in so many ways. He learned so much while he was there and came home with more confidence and motivation. He had so much fun and can’t wait to go back next year. He loved all the staff and especially his cabin counselor. I can’t say enough good things about Camp Mondamin!
Day Shelmire
Apr 03, 2021
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I count at least 14 members and three generations of my family that have gone to both Mondamin and Green Cove including my mother, sister, cousins and my three sons. Mondamin is a magical, character building place where boys learn life and living skills from great counselors and mentors. It is one of the last places where boys can let loose and be boys.
Jeff B.
Mar 27, 2021
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This is for Camp Green Cove!) My daughter has been going to the summer-long camp for the past 4 years (not 2020, (Covid) but she wanted to go). She'll be going this years and it will be her last year because of age/college. She has made at least 2 great friends who live states away, but they talk all time (thank the good Lord that a long distance call is no longer a cost!!). They have even gotten together between camp seasons. The people running the camp are the best.
Holly Morey
Mar 26, 2021
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My son began going to Camp Mondamin after 5th grade. It was great for him to try all sorts of new activities without committing to a full season of something. The counselors are quite experienced and always willing to share their expertise and love of whatever activity they teach. He rode horses, rock climbed, sailed, canoed and ultimately fell in love with kayaking. The sense of comradery created the first summer continues as many campers return year after year. My son has now returned to Mondamin as a counselor during summer break from college as have many of his old camp friends. This is and
Melissa Deas
Mar 18, 2021
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Mondamin has been the very best experience for my son. He started with the 1 week starter camp at 6 years old and we are now on year 11! I cannot even begin to describe the incredible impact Mondamin has had on him. He has developed valuable life long hobbies, habits, and friends. There is no place he'd rather be every summer.
Alex Ezell
Mar 13, 2021
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This will be the second summer our son is attending Camp Mondamin. We were impressed two years ago when we first dropped him off. When we picked him up, he said, "Can I come back next summer?" Well, COVID had other plans but he'll be there in 2021. From the location to the programs to most importantly, the people, Camp Mondamin is a place so rare these days. The deliver on the promise of a chance for our kids to be kids and to grow in ways they might never have experienced. It's a timeless and priceless gift.
Alexia Griffin
Dec 24, 2019
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This is the most amazing camp! My husband and his brother were campers and now my 2 boys are. My oldest (a 12 year old) has been a camper the last 5 years. My youngest (a 8 year old) son started last summer in the 5 day camp and will attend the 3 week camp this summer. Camp teaches them so much independence and self confidence. They have made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime! We’ve had multiple friends’ children attend as well and I love to see that they have the same feelings as our family. The staff and counselors are great role models! They truly bond with the campers. This place
Matthew Brock
Dec 14, 2019
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My son, currently age 8, has been to Camp Mondamin 2 Summers now & is returning for his 3rd this Summer. He has really enjoyed his time learning some independence over his time there. Every time we have picked him up he has been more compassionate, aware of his surrounding and capable of doing things for himself. Camp Mondamin is truly teaching him some valuable life skills.
