Gwynn Valley nurtures each child by building character and relationships in a community that fosters personal challenge, a connection to nature, and the simple joys of childhood. Situated on 400 acres in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Brevard, NC, Gwynn Valley has been a summer camp for boys and girls since 1935.
We offer a farm, wilderness, and traditional program where we foster community building, lifelong friendships, and a connection with the land. Our founder, Mary Gwynn created a camp based on the values of simplicity, acceptance, a non-competitive program, and an appreciation of the natural world. These core values continue to be embraced at Gwynn Valley today.
We offer a farm, wilderness, and traditional program where we foster community building, lifelong friendships, and a connection with the land. Our founder, Mary Gwynn created a camp based on the values of simplicity, acceptance, a non-competitive program, and an appreciation of the natural world. These core values continue to be embraced at Gwynn Valley today.
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Acceptance, simplicity, an appreciation of the natural world, and a non-competitive program. From our farm to table philosophy, to the activities we offer, to our site management practices, our values are the foundation of everything we do at camp. We strive to create a community where diversity is celebrated and campers can be themselves.
At Gwynn Valley, learning about and participating in our food production is an integral part of camp life. Since the 1980's Gwynn Valley has created a hands on environment where children learn where their food comes from. As family farms are decreasing, children have less investment or knowledge of food production beyond the grocery store.
Mary Gwynn, the camp's founder, envisioned a special, nurturing environment where younger boys and girls could thrive at a non-competitive camp that emphasized individual as well as group achievement. Miss Mary started her residential camp for boys and girls or her "child's world" in 1935. Hiking and pioneering were combined with fine arts, creative writing, and crafts to create a unique art and outdoor-living-skills experience.
Each summer, we record a lot of the fun we're having at camp by filming all sorts of activities, camp-outs, Special Days, and evening programs. We use this footage to create our promotional and You Rock videos, and to put together short highlight clips of each session for our campers and families to enjoy.
Our cove in the French Broad River valley is a wonderful place to explore, play, learn, and gain an appreciation of the natural world and a connection to the land. The property has open fields, forests, trails, creeks, mountain views, and farm land. Gwynn Valley is a second home to many of our campers and alumni who have established a connection to our land and our community.
Reviews (12)
Ella Madden
Jan 16, 2021
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This has been the most amazing part of my childhood; you could try to find a better camp but you just wouldn't find one. Gwynn Valley is in the most amazing location, and has so much land for you to be free and live a great childhood on. When we grow, we are not going to be separated by gender, so that's why I think its important for it to be a boys and girls camp.
Kim D.
Aug 10, 2019
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I worked as a cabin counselor two summers at this camp. I have worked at other camps also and this is by far the very best one! The values of the owners and the experience for everyone involved is highly valued for generations to come. The connections campers and staff make here are long lasting and everyone looks forward all year long to returning for their summer camp time here.
Doug Eulberg
Dec 07, 2018
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Laura Lewin
Jul 08, 2018
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My children absolutely loved their experience at Gwynn Valley for a combined ten sessions!! I never had one complaint and only had positive things to say. The counselors were stellar and sweet, the food delicious and healthy (and much of it from the organic farm!), the activities were fun and wholesome. Both my son and my daughter came back from GV refreshed, relaxed, and happy. It truly is their "happy place".
Colleen Alexis
Sep 27, 2017
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My son stayed at this camp for 3 weeks in the Mountain Side program. He said it was very memorable and they taught him how to survive in the wild. For 4 of his days there his group camped in the beautiful Pisgah Forest. The rest of the time was spent at the camp. Even though we are spoiled with our native New Orleans cooking, he rated the food at the camp a 4 out of 5, which is pretty good coming from him. The camp taught him greater independence and he came back with even better manners than before. The camp counselors were professional and trustworthy, which means a lot coming from someone with
Robin Wharton
Jun 12, 2017
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John Skandamis
Aug 22, 2016
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Diana Jaffe
Jun 26, 2016
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One week at Gwynn Valley made such a wonderful difference in my young mans life. We dropped off a scared little boy and picked up a confident young man. He couldn't wait to show us the beautiful camp. The horses, archery, swimming and of course the farm with calfs, baby chicks, goats, piglets and Sam, the cat. I can't say enough about the staff. They are caring, nurturing, and somehow turned a homesick child into a child who didn't want to leave and can't wait to return. Not to mention the food. The great food was mentioned often. This camp is extraordinary!!!
Barnes Family
Dec 01, 2015
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This summer will be our third year attending. It is truly the awesome and the best by far. We have sent our children to other local camps even highly sought YMCA and none compare to Gwynn Valley! The Staff is wonderful and take great care of the children. ALL kids are treated with compassion and counselors are so nurturing. They encouraged the kids to try new things and the activities are awesome. The kids love every waking moment.
Amber Groat
Jun 09, 2015
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Mac H.
Sep 10, 2013
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I was neither a camper or a parent, but considering the enormous role Gwynn Valley has played in my life as a counselor I had to share my own experience. I have previously worked at Gwynn Valley for three summers between 2010 and 2012 as a cabin counselor and as the Fine Arts cluster leader. I have always looked forward to my summers there, because I love the gorgeous scenery, the incredible campers, and the excellent community of truly exceptional counselors and staff. When I am at camp, I truly feel I am the best version of myself. It is a privilege to work with so many motivated, capable, and
Jackie R.
Sep 10, 2013
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