Founded in 1945, Camp Green Cove is a traditional and unique summer camp for girls, ages 6 to 17. Located in the Mountains of Western North Carolina for 78 years, we emphasize outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. 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 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!
Services
Our brother camp, Mondamin, was founded in 1922 by Frank Bell, Sr. (usually known as "Chief"). 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.
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 - Green Cove for girls and Mondamin for boys. 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.
There is a strong tradition of wilderness tripping at Green Cove. Ever since our founding, we have felt that spending time in nature is vitally important to a young girl's education. Our tripping program has drawn strength from the expertise of our staff over the years, and we have loved watching it grow!
Reviews (10)
Lindsay Thompson
Mar 31, 2021
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Our oldest daughter was apprehensive about her first sleep away camp. At the conclusion of her two weeks, she was all smiles and did not want to leave. She set goals, worked toward them, made friends, increased her self-confidence. We can’t say enough about the supportive, FUN, safe, nurturing environment. Great communication with parents, too. Her younger sister will join her this summer, and they both cannot wait!
Missy Sutherlin
Mar 25, 2021
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My oldest daughter LOVES Camp Green Cove! She loved how she was able to choose her activities and once she fell in love with climbing, she loved that she was able to grow and gain knowledge in that activity. As a parent, I loved how she was able to connect with new friends, and grow in self confidence and independence. Little sister can't wait to join this summer!
Nina English
Nov 23, 2020
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I went there as a camper, was a counselor and so far two of my three daughters have attended and absolutely loved it. They learn real skills -- mountain biking, canoeing, camping. They've made fabulous friends from wonderful families. They grew in independence and confidence and had a wonderful time!
Ivey Patton
Sep 17, 2019
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My daughter is a camper and my son is a counselor! (at Camp Mondamin) We love this beautiful 'old school' camp! Tucked away in a quiet and beautiful cove, this camp delivers on every front....my daughter loved every minute of her 5 weeks and chats with her camp friends as much as her 'home' friends! The activities are top drawer, she loved the food, her counselors, the deep traditions, the adventure and the camaraderie! Time in nature, away from screens, should be an essential element of a childhood summer well spent...Green Cove delivers!
Diego Guinea
Jul 23, 2018
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This is a great camp and a fantastic place for my children. They have a such a good time that they ask me to return every year, but above all I think is a great experience for their development and personal growth. The camp is fantastically managed, oriented at making the kids enjoy nature, learn new skills and go out of their boundaries …. learning responsibly how to manage themselves in the wilderness supervised by excellent counselors who are experts in each of the different sports and activities. The camp is noncompetitive, but focused at having kids making friends and enjoying activities
Richard
Jul 22, 2018
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My 13 year old daughter attended Green Cove for the first time this summer for main camp and had a magical time. She chose Green Cove on the recommendation of a friend and can not wait to go back. This was far from her first overnight camp experience, in fact it was her 5th summer (two years at each of 2 camps). Green Cove was a wonderful, growing experience for her and we highly recommend.
2018 Update: Great experience again. Thanks Greencove!
2018 Update: Great experience again. Thanks Greencove!
Heather
Feb 01, 2018
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Our family loves Camp Green Cove! We are from Chicago and I was nervous sending my daughter to camp for the first time as she didn't know anyone who would be there, but this all dissipated within a few letters home. She is now signed up for her third summer- she has made amazing friends, deepened her appreciation for the outdoors, and has gained so many new skills, all of which will influence her life down the road. We couldn't be happier with the programs and the amount of time that children are given the opportunity to spend out of camp in the wilderness if they choose to do so.
Tim Hamick
Dec 06, 2016
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Our daughter has attending GC for 3 years, the first 2 years at 3 week camp and the summer of 2016 at 5 week camp. She absolutely loves the experience! We like that the camp focuses on skills building - our daughter chose horseback riding and rowing. Sailing, climbing, canoeing, mountain biking and other activities are also available fro the girls to choose. Once skill levels are achieved the girls head out on 3 or 6 night adventures related to the skills they are working to master. My daughter went on a 6 night horseback riding trip that she absolutely loved. Certainly a unique experience for
Tom K.
Sep 02, 2016
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My daughter has been attending Camp Green Cove for the past 3 years and has signed up again for 2016. She enjoys camp so much and talks about it constantly year round. She loves the independence it provides her and also all of the challenges. She comes back a more mature person every year. She has really bonded with many other girls and counselors each year. The experiences she has had at Camp will be memories that will last her a lifetime. The price is extremely reasonable when you consider all of the experience, independence and life lessons they receive. Plus they don't touch electronics for
Jenny Dargavell
Jul 31, 2016
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Our daughter has been a "Green Cove Girl" for the past 5 years, our son was at the "brother camp", Mondamin, from age 9 through being a counselor in college. Both camps are owned by the same wonderful family, The Bells. The staff is fantastic, and we love that there are campers and staff from not only the United States, but other countries- broadening the children's horizons, not to mention the friendships formed through the years. It is a special place for children to spend a wonderful summer full of great experiences, fun, and make memories for a life time. One summer at Green Cove and your daughter
