Rockbrook is a sleepaway summer camp for girls located in the "heart of a wooded mountain" in western North Carolina. Founded 100 years ago in 1921, our summer camp continues to provide an exciting and enriching, fun and formative, camp experience for girls and teens ages 6 - 16. Rockbrook provides a unique overnight summer camp program of recreation, adventure, creativity and fun.
From horseback riding, whitewater rafting, pottery, and swimming to camp fires and exploring a chilly mountain stream, each day at camp is filled with new experiences and great opportunities to develop lasting friendships.
From horseback riding, whitewater rafting, pottery, and swimming to camp fires and exploring a chilly mountain stream, each day at camp is filled with new experiences and great opportunities to develop lasting friendships.
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Rockbrook is an overnight summer camp for girls located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Established in 1921, it is one of the area's best and oldest sleepaway summer camps. Rockbrook provides multi-week overnight camp sessions for girls ages 6 through 16. Each session accommodates 200 campers.
Nancy Barnum Clarke was born in South Carolina, and moved to the mountains of North Carolina with her father in 1898 when she was a little girl. Later in 1921, after marrying Henry Carrier, Nancy established a summer girls camp on her mountain estate. She called this camp Rockbrook.
From the very beginning, the camp program was based on the notion that girls gain independence by learning to make decisions themselves and by living away from home in an outdoor environment.The Carriers believed those attending their girls camp would become more confident, more skilled, and more socially adept as they tried new activities.
From the very beginning, the camp program was based on the notion that girls gain independence by learning to make decisions themselves and by living away from home in an outdoor environment.The Carriers believed those attending their girls camp would become more confident, more skilled, and more socially adept as they tried new activities.
Take a tour of Rockbrook! It's a great way to see the camp facilities, visit with us (sample one of our famous muffins!) and have all your questions answered in person. We recommend visiting during the summer so you can see camp in action, but we would be happy to arrange almost anytime. Attend a Rockbrook party!
Girls thrive when encouraged to make decisions for themselves, to try new things, and to develop meaningful friendships. Camp is a place for girls to explore nature, to learn new skills, and to develop a more confident sense of self. Rockbrook is a friendly and welcoming community infused by a culture that applauds diversity, creativity, self-expression, and positive relationships.
Sarah began working at RBC in 1985 as a counselor and has served full-time as the Assistant Director. She holds a master's degree in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University, and has many years experience working with children and parents, both as a teacher and as an administrator. Jeff attended Davidson College, earned a master's from Harvard University, and holds a Ph.
Reviews (14)
Richard Carter
Nov 28, 2021
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Kimberley Austin
Sep 02, 2021
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I have so many wonderful things to say about how much I appreciate this session’s experience for Leah! I think this was her favorite year yet and it has so much to do with the quality of her counselors but also of the other various levels of older campers and staff that she encountered. Leah asked me the morning of drop off whether I thought her cabin mates would “like her“. This typical fear of so many young women and girls can be so overwhelming and inhibiting. Having a safe space to express herself, to learn more about herself and others is priceless and the gratitude that I feel is immense
Anne Burkin
Jul 20, 2021
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Emma Bunnell
Dec 27, 2019
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I have attended Rockbrook for eight years. There are absolutely no words to describe how amazing my experiences have been there. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for all girls and enables them to make friendships that I can honestly say last forever. I am an international kid and move often and regardless of where I am in the world I know I always have one of my "sisters" from Rockbrook there to lean on. I would absolutely recommend Rockbrook to anybody who asked me about it.
Lysa F.
Sep 14, 2019
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I went to Rockbrook camp for 6 years as a camper, and worked there for 4 years as a counselor. RBC is absolutely magical in every way. I can't say enough good things about the people, the facilities, and the beautiful sense of connection you experience here. Rockbrook welcomes every girl with open arms and gives her a home to return to every summer. From the camp songs to the spirit fire, the outdoor activities to the arts/theater offerings, there is literally everything a child could ever hope for and more! I miss RBC and go back for every reunion. When I have kids, I will definitely send
Jen C.
Sep 06, 2019
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Most amazing summer camp for girls out there! The women in my family have attended RBC for many generations- cousins, aunts, grandmothers, myself, and now my daughters. I truly attribute my daughters' maturity, independence, and adventurous spirit to the many summers she's spent hiking-swimming-riding-canoeing-performing-and now serving her fellow Rockbrook girls. From waking up to the bell, to polar bear swims, hiking challenges, dressing up like super hero's, and dancing your heart out at the surprise dances. Each day is always filled with unexpected moments awaiting just around
Lizzy Fizzy
Aug 06, 2019
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Having our daughter attend Rockbrook for her 1st time last year was exciting & a little nerve-wracking, for both of us. “Letting her go” was much easier the 2nd year. The life lessons, activities, and building new friendships are absolutely priceless & can really only come from a sleep away camp like Rockbrook. The surroundings are stunning! There is a lot of variety here in nature with the most pristine forest surrounding the camp. This makes the experience even more memorable for the families. My daughter has left both years in tears over having to leave camp and her friends. This is a magical
Amy Hesse
Jun 29, 2019
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3rd Year attending Camp!
All I have to say is every time my daughter goes to camp she comes back a better person. She's more confident and a better daughter, person and friend. I don't know what the counselors do here, but I love that there is such a noticeable amount of growth she would never get at home or a local day camp. Love this place!! Love the area and the people!
All I have to say is every time my daughter goes to camp she comes back a better person. She's more confident and a better daughter, person and friend. I don't know what the counselors do here, but I love that there is such a noticeable amount of growth she would never get at home or a local day camp. Love this place!! Love the area and the people!
Demelza Hays
Jun 09, 2019
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I went in 2001 and 2002 (I am almost 30 now). When I attended Rockbrook, my mother had just died, and I was very sad 11 y.o. However, Rockbrook really made me feel confident and happy. I learned so much during my two summers there including proper canoeing technique, archery, galloping, and more more. I really appreciate those two summers, and I hope to send my daughters there once they are old enough and if we can afford it.
Janet Carter
Nov 08, 2017
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When our quiet and reserved 6 year old daughter insisted she was ready for two weeks at Rockbrook, I was surprised. However, the confidence she gained was remarkable and the friendships she made long lasting. Five years later she eagerly looks forward to spending part of each summer with her friends and counselors at camp - many of whom return summer after summer. The counselors strike the perfect balance between fostering independence in each camper while providing a nurturing environment in which campers feel safe and loved. Counselors are truly attentive to the needs of each girl while also
Teresa Murphy
Sep 18, 2017
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My daughter loves Rockbrook and would go year 'round if possible! We wanted a summer camp that did not focus on a particular sport, academic discipline, or religion. We wanted a camp where our child could enjoy outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and have a couple of weeks each year to reconnect with camp buddies, play, and enjoy the beautiful NC mountains. Rockbrook definitely meets all those requirements and more!
The owners, staff, and counselors are amazing. The communication with parents and family of campers is great - they even provide a camp checklist!
The owners, staff, and counselors are amazing. The communication with parents and family of campers is great - they even provide a camp checklist!
Teresa M.
Apr 22, 2017
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My daughter cannot say enough good things about this camp...and I love how the staff communicates with the parents prior to the camp season and during the session if need be. The food is amazing (they always have coffee and muffins for the parents on drop-off day), the medical staff is well-qualified, and everyone there is caring.
Tammie K.
Jan 14, 2015
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Betsy Appleby
Dec 27, 2012
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Rockbrook Camp is amazing! I have a 10-year-old daughter who went to Rockbrook for a two-week session the year before last, and for a month last summer. In 2013 she will be returning for another month, and I am certain that will continue for years to come. She has enjoyed herself to the fullest, built her independence and made so many new friends. She experienced new activities like archery, repelling and horseback riding. She continues to learn how to make all kinds of new bracelets, and enjoys a never-ending list of activities and crafts! She even went to a riflery tournament at a nearby boys
