West Asheville families have access to an exceptional variety of summer day camps right in their neighborhood, combining the convenience of local programming with the quality and diversity that make this area such a special place to raise children. From arts-focused camps that celebrate our community's creative spirit to outdoor adventure programs that take advantage of our proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, West Asheville offers summer experiences that reflect the unique character of our neighborhood.
Our community's commitment to creativity, outdoor living, and family-friendly values creates the perfect environment for summer programming that goes beyond traditional childcare to provide meaningful learning experiences, skill development, and lasting friendships for children throughout West Asheville and the greater Asheville area.
Local West Asheville Summer Camp Options
West Asheville's vibrant community supports several locally-based summer programs that reflect the area's commitment to creativity, outdoor exploration, and community connection.
Community-Based Programs:
- Carrier Park programs: Buncombe County Parks and Recreation offers seasonal activities at this popular West Asheville location
- West Asheville Library: Summer reading programs, STEM activities, and educational workshops
- Local church camps: Several West Asheville churches offer vacation Bible school and day camp programs
- Neighborhood sports leagues: Youth soccer, baseball, and recreational athletics
- Art studio workshops: Local artists offer specialized camps and classes throughout the summer
Arts and Creative Programs: West Asheville's reputation as an arts community extends naturally into summer programming, with several local organizations offering creative camps:
- River Arts District programs: Camps focused on various artistic disciplines
- Community theater workshops: Acting, stagecraft, and performance opportunities
- Music instruction camps: Individual and group lessons with local musicians
- Craft and maker programs: Hands-on projects that develop creativity and practical skills
Emmanuel Lutheran School's Summer Rocks Program
As West Asheville's premier comprehensive summer day camp program, our Summer Rocks program at Emmanuel Lutheran School has served local families for years with high-quality programming that combines educational enrichment, character development, and pure summer fun. Located at 51 Wilburn Place, we're perfectly positioned to serve families throughout West Asheville and surrounding neighborhoods.
Our Program Details:
- Ages served: Rising first grade through rising sixth grade students
- Open enrollment: We welcome children from all schools, not just our own students
- Flexible scheduling: Half-day (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) and full-day (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) options
- Professional leadership: Our program is directed by Assistant Principal Denise Ball, with experienced counselors including Mackenzie Knapp and Annie Suter
What We Provide:
- Morning snacks: Included for all campers
- Lunch service: Provided for our full-day campers (home lunches welcome, no glass containers)
- All materials: Camp supplies and specialized equipment included
- Professional supervision: Experienced educators who understand child development
- Safe environment: Secure campus with clear pickup and drop-off procedures
Our Summer Rocks Camp Specialties
We offer nine different specialty camps throughout the summer, each designed to provide focused learning experiences while maintaining the fun and community atmosphere that makes summer special.
Creative and Artistic Camps:
- Art Camp: We take creativity outdoors with tie-dye projects, bubble painting, chalk art, and nature-based crafts that celebrate West Asheville's artistic spirit
- Acting Camp: Partnership with Asheville Community Theatre brings professional theater instruction to our campus, helping children develop confidence and creative expression
Physical Development and Sports:
- Tae Kwon Do: Led by Tony Morris, a 7th-degree black belt with over 20 years of experience, focusing on respect, integrity, and self-control
- Basketball Skills Camp: Fundamental skill development with age-appropriate groupings for optimal learning
- Sports of All Sorts: Our PE teacher and athletic director leads multi-sport experiences that develop various athletic skills
STEAM and Educational Programming:
- Engineering Adventures: High Touch-High Tech programming brings robotics, building challenges, and aviation exploration to our campus
- LEGO Camp: Museum-themed building experiences that combine creativity with engineering concepts (limited to 16 campers for optimal attention)
- Cooking Camp: Hands-on culinary education teaching kitchen safety, measurement, ingredient identification, and recipe following
Nearby Attractions and Field Trip Opportunities
Our West Asheville location provides easy access to numerous attractions that enhance our summer programming and offer families additional exploration opportunities.
Within Walking Distance:
- French Broad River: Opportunities for environmental education and nature observation
- West Asheville Parks: Green spaces perfect for outdoor games and nature study
- Local businesses: Community connections that help children understand their neighborhood
Short Drive Adventures:
- North Carolina Arboretum: Botanical gardens with educational programming and hiking trails
- Blue Ridge Parkway access: Multiple entry points for scenic drives and mountain exploration
- Carrier Park: Large recreational facility with diverse activity options
- River Arts District: Studios and galleries showcasing local creativity
Educational Destinations:
- Western North Carolina Nature Center: Native wildlife exhibits and conservation education
- Asheville museums: Cultural and scientific learning opportunities
- Historic sites: Local history education and community heritage exploration
- Biltmore Estate: America's largest private residence and extensive grounds
Why Families Choose Our Summer Rocks Program
Our program has earned the trust of West Asheville families because we understand the unique needs of our community while maintaining the highest standards for summer programming.
Our Advantages:
- Local convenience: Easy drop-off and pickup right in West Asheville
- Experienced staff: Professional educators who work with children year-round
- Values-based programming: Character development integrated naturally into all activities
- Flexible options: Half-day and full-day schedules to accommodate working families
- Comprehensive approach: Academic enrichment balanced with recreation and creativity
Our Community Connections:
- West Asheville partnerships: Relationships with local businesses and organizations
- Neighborhood familiarity: Staff members who understand and appreciate our community
- Family-friendly policies: Reasonable rates and flexible payment options
- Open communication: Regular updates and easy access for parent questions
Daily Structure and Activities
Our typical camp day balances structured programming with free exploration, ensuring children experience both focused learning and the joy of summer discovery.
Morning Programming:
- Specialty camp activities: Focused instruction and skill development in the week's theme
- Outdoor exploration: Taking advantage of our location and beautiful weather
- Creative projects: Hands-on activities that encourage imagination and problem-solving
Afternoon Activities (Full-Day Campers):
- Outdoor play: Playground time and active games including dodgeball, Gaga ball, and tag variations
- Gym activities: Indoor sports and games for variety and weather flexibility
- Craft projects: Homemade crafts that develop fine motor skills and creativity
- Team building: Activities that encourage cooperation and friendship development
Registration and Practical Information
We make it easy for West Asheville families to access our programming through straightforward registration and clear policies.
Enrollment Process:
- Online registration: Convenient system with payment due at registration
- Flexible scheduling: Choose individual weeks based on your family's needs and interests
- Early planning recommended: Popular camps fill quickly, especially specialty programs like LEGO camp
Our Policies:
- Attendance flexibility: We understand that summer plans can change
- Safety protocols: Professional supervision with clear emergency procedures
- Communication systems: Regular updates and easy parent contact
- Late pickup procedures: Clear policies with reasonable fees for family convenience
West Asheville's Summer Advantage
Living in West Asheville provides families with unique advantages for summer programming—walkable neighborhoods, strong community connections, easy access to both urban amenities and natural areas, and a culture that values creativity and outdoor exploration.
Our Summer Rocks program builds on these community strengths while providing the structure and professional oversight that gives parents confidence and children opportunities for growth and discovery. We're proud to be part of the West Asheville community and committed to serving families who share our values of education, creativity, and character development.
Planning Your West Asheville Summer
For families considering our Summer Rocks program, we recommend early exploration of our offerings and registration to ensure access to preferred camps. Our flexible scheduling allows families to combine our programming with other summer activities, family trips, and the spontaneous adventures that make summer special.
We invite West Asheville families to visit our campus, meet our staff, and learn more about how our Summer Rocks program can provide your child with an exceptional summer experience right here in our neighborhood. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our deep roots in the West Asheville community, makes us the ideal choice for families seeking quality summer programming close to home.
To learn more about our Summer Rocks program and register for summer 2025, visit our summer camp page or contact our office to speak with our staff about which camps might be perfect for your child.