Summer Camp Directory
Summer Camp Directory
40
Camp Ton-A-Wandah
What we're all about...
Ton-A-Wandah was founded upon the idea of women inspiring and encouraging other women. Our vision is to create an environment of opportunity for young women to come and grow in their community, creativity, and curiosity. We surround our campers with role models of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate strong character, compassion, and leadership.
Our camp address
Camp Ton-A-Wandah
300 West Ton-A-Wandah Road
Hendersonville
NC
28739
Founded:
1933
Type:
Overnight
Age Range:
5-16
Campers:
Girls
Lodging:
Open Air Cabins
Capacity:
200 per session
Accreditation
ACA
What we offer...
Activities
It's always a great day at Camp Ton-A-Wandah! Campers are in control of how they spend their time here at Ton-A-Wandah. They choose up to 12 activities (6 for Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 6 for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). We want every camper to have the opportunity to choose what they love and to try something new. No schedule need be the same. After the first week of camp, campers are allowed to change up to 2 activities on their schedule for the final weeks of camp.
What Are My Options?
Archery
Riflery
Basketball
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Canoeing
Paddleboarding
Swim
Glass Making
Copper Making
Arts & Crafts
Ceramics/Pottery
Beadweaving
The Play
Drama
Dance - Jazz
Dance - Hip Hop
Interpretive Dance
Music
Crazy Cardio
Zumba
Kick Boxing
Karate
Running
Soccer
Ladies of TAW
Softball
Flag Football
Rock Climbing
Ropes Course
Cooking
Photography
Woodburning
Nature
Mountaineering
Bookclub
Gymnastics
Knitting
Horsemanship
Horseback Riding
Kayak
Newsletter
Secret Agent
Yoga
Cost & Sessions
1st Session (2 weeks): $3850 - June 5 - June 18, 2022
1st Session (3 weeks): $4850 - June 5 - June 24, 2022
2nd Session (2 weeks): $3850 - June 26 - July 9, 2022
2nd Session (3 weeks): $4850 - June 26 - July 15, 2022
3rd Session (2 weeks): $3850 - July 17 - July 30, 2022
3rd Session (3 weeks): $4850 - July 17 - August 5, 2022
Starter Session: $1750 - August 7 - August 12, 2022
Camp Q&A
How do we screen staff?
Our team is staffed by well-trained, dynamic young women, who act as positive motivating role models. The high level of knowledge and skill of our staff allows them to excel in their roles as cabin counselors and activity instructors, and creates an atmosphere that fosters and increases self-confidence and resilience in our campers. These women are selected after a rigious application and interview process. Additionally, these women undergo a criminal background and presummer course focusing on childhood development, risk managment, and camp culture.
Ratio of campers to staff?
Overall - 4 campers to 1 staff
Cabins - 2 to 3 counselors per 10-12 campers (depending on age)
Activities - varies based on activity, but typically 2 counselors per 12 campers
What are our safety & security policies?
How do we handle disciplinary issues?
Camp Ton-A-Wandah is a community based upon friendships, respect, and responsibility. Every Camper signs a pledge to abide by the Ton-A-Wandah Code of Conduct.
Guiding Principles:
* To create a community that encourages friendship and sisterhood that fosters our campers to become women of substance.
* To establish the safest and best learning environment for all campers.
* To ensure that breaches of the Camp Ton-A-Wandah rules and code of conduct are treated in a fair and consistent manner.
Camp Pledge: We commit to promoting a community of support and kindness. We recognize we are doing our best and will treat everyone with diginity and respect. We believe it's important to take an interest in each other and recognize our differences with an open mind. We will offer support and encouragement to each other and ask for help when we can. We promise to be open to teaching and truly listening without judgement. We will listen to hear over listening to respond. My actions will reflect this commitment. We promise to foster a space where everyone can grow to the best of their ability.
Expectations:
* All parents and campers have the responsibility to treat one another, staff and property with dignity and respect.
* All parents and campers have the responsibility to act and behave in a way that does not endanger, intimidate, discourage or interfere with the participation of others.
* Campers have the responsibility to adhere to camp rules and follow instructions given by camp staff.
* All parents and campers have the responsibility to behave in accordance with this Code of Conduct.
* Using or possession of cigarettes, JUULs, alcohol, nicotine, CBD, vapor e-cigarettes or any tobacco products, prescriptions for which the camper does not have a prescription, unauthorized medications or weapons of any type.
* Using language, symbols or signs, which are offensive or racist.
* Fighting, bullying or any forms of aggressive behavior.
* Stealing or intentionally destroying the personal property of another camper or staff member or
Camp Ton-A-Wandah Rules:
* Leaving Camp Ton-A-Wandah boundaries without permission.
* Behaving in a manner which is potentially dangerous to self and others.
* Repeated violations of any Camp Ton-A-Wandah rules.
* Using or possessing any technology in violation of Camp Ton-A-Wandah's technology free atmosphere.
Any breach of the Code of Conduct will initiate disciplinary action by Camp Ton-A-Wandah. Camp Ton-A-Wandah reserves the right to immediately suspend a camper's participation in camp activities or dismiss a camper, without tuition refund, if in its sole determination, such disciplinary action is required. If a camper is dismissed from Camp Ton-A-Wandah, the camper's parent or guardian must arrange pick-up of the camper within 36 hours of being informed of the dismissal.
What medical resources are available?
TAW hopes that your camper will never need to experience our Infirmary, but if she needs us, we are here to help her get back on her feet!
Camp Ton-A-Wandah employs at least two resident Registered Nurses each session and has a dedicated Medical Director which allows TAW to have 24/7 on call physician support. TAW will also have a dedicated physician ran clinic two times a week for sick visits and follow up care and a telehealth machine. Our primary goal is to make professional medical care available around the clock for our camp community. Camp medical staff is available on opening and closing days and by phone to discuss any medical concerns. Should an accident or illness be untreatable at our camp, we have arrangements for professional services (pediatric clinics, dentist, hospitals and specialty offices) in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Every effort will be made to contact parents before treatment is administered.
TAW is committed to calling our families if there is ever an issue that affects a camper’s camp experience. This would include the following circumstances:
If a camper needs to spend more than one night at the Infirmary.
If a camper needs prescription medication.
If a camper needs to visit a doctor in town, get x-rays, or lab work.
If a camper has encountered an injury or illness that impacts her situation at camp.
Please note, the camp lead nurse and/or the medical director will be responsible for calling parents regarding a health issue. After the initial phone call, if further information is required or additional input is needed, please call our Camp Director to discuss.
What's our typical daily schedule?
Every summer is full of excitement and new adventures for campers at Ton-A-Wandah. Each camper designs her very own activity schedule on the first day of camp. She can choose up to twelve activities varying from waterfront activities to the arts. She has a set of six classes for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and another selection for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We encourage our ladies to sign up for things they love along with activites they have never tried before. We want to help them to create the camp experience that they have always dreamed of.
Mornings
The day begins with the Reveille sounding throughout camp at 7:45AM. As the girls begin to get ready, our kitchen staff is busy away preparing breakfast in our Dinning Hall along the lake. We operate on a three bell system that allows the campers and staff know when it is time for meals. At 8:00AM it signals to the campers that they need to wrap up what they are doing and begin heading down to the Dinning Hall. At 8:10AM the bell signals that everyone should be outside the Dinning Hall and on the Bridge. At 8:15AM the doors are open and the campers and staff find their seats. We all remain standing as we sing the Breakfast Blessing before we take our seats.
At Camp Ton-A-Wandah, we have family style seating. This means that the campers and staff sit together at tables with the meal already on the table. Along with the meal provided on the tabel we aslo have a buffet option for vegetarians and to give an alternate option so that all dietary needs are met. During the first week we sit with our cabins. The second week seating is done randomly to have the campers and staff meet other members of camp they may have never met before, and to integrate younger and older girls. For the final week of camp, the table assignments are arranged by tribes in celebration of tribe week. Once everyone at the table is finished with the meal, the table works as a team to clean up the dishes, taking them to the kitchen window, and wiping down the table.
After clean up, the CITs (Counselors In Training) lead everyone in traditional camp songs. We remain standing to face the flag to say the serenity prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Announcements are made after every meal to inform all campers about any trips going out, activity specifics for the day, and any other general information.
The most anticipated part of the morning is the Ms. Judy Hershey Bar Game. How the game works is everyone stands up and listens to Ms. Judy's questions for them. If they did what she asked, then they remain standing and if not, they sit down. Whoever is the last one standing comes forward and is faced with the final question. "Will it be the Hershey Bar, what is in the mystery bag, or what is on my mind?" Once she has chosen she is crowned the Hershey Bar Queen of the Day.
Cabin Cleanup
Breakfast is followed by the campers and counselors returning to their cabins for Cabin Cleanup. We believe in the importance of learning to be considerate of everyone's space and working together as a team to keep a cohesive living enviroment. After Cabin Cleanup when the campers have left for their first three activities, our Head Staff inspects each cabin and scores the cabin on specific cleanup standards. Each day the cabin is given a score along with goals for tomorrow or affirmation of what they are doing well. Every week, Head Staff from each cabin area select an 'Honor Cabin', who have exhibited an exceptional and consistent standard of tidiness and cleanliness and these three cabins receive a special surprise. On the Wednesday of the final week, the overall Honor Cabins winners are presented with the prize of Dolly's Ice Cream. The ice cream truck comes to camp for an afternoon of ice cream and lawn games!
General Swim
Everyday besides Sunday, at 12:20PM General Swim begins. This is a general free time at camp for the cabins to have bonding time. Campers are able to go swimming in the lake, jump on the blob, play on the trampoline or go paddelboardng. They also have the opportunity to go shopping at our camp store, Camper Cargo. We encourage the ladies to be outside, enjoying the lake or simply playing and bonding with their cabin mates.
Happy Nappy
After lunch we provide a rest hour called Happy Nappy. During this hour, the campers return to the cabins and are encouraged to do things that recharge and refreshes them. Many cabins create a spa time where they do face masks, braid hair, and do each others nails. Other cabins take the time to teach new card games to each other or take time to themselves. Many campers utilize this hour to take some personal time by reading, resting , making friendship braclets, or writing letters home. This hour is created to help everyone to recharge from the morning and gear up for another three acitivity periods of fun!
Shower Time
At 5:25PM, the girls return back to their cabins to get ready for shower time. We have two shower houses for campers. Hillside and Lakeside share one shower house while Hilltop has their own shower house nestled amongst their cabins on the hill.The cabins come down together to the shower houses with everything they need including their shower caddies, shower shoes, and wraps. Once they have gone through the shower line and finisned they return back to their cabin to change for dinner.
Evening Program
At the end dinner, our Evening Program Coordinator announces that night's Evening Program. Each program is kept secret from the campers until the big reveal. Our Evening Programs fall under three main categories; Active/Outside, Creative, and Tribe Events. Our Active/Outside events could be an all over camp Counselor Hunt or a search for gold to release our kidnapped Program Staff member. Creative programs include Counselor Runway where each cabin is given duct tape and trash bags in order to create a stunning outfit for their pageant contestant. Finally an evening could consist of a Tribe Event, such as Tribe Basketball and Volleyball. The campers sign up ahead of time if they wish to play for their tribe, while the rest of camp cheers on their tribe while sporting their tribal colors. As tradition continues, at the end of our Evening Programs we gather in a circle with the chiefs, co-chiefs, and head cheerleaders of each tribe in the centre. These ladies recite the Ton-A-Wandah creed and lead the rest of camp in singing taps to conclude the night.
How do we help campers with homesickness?
As sure as the sun rises and sets over the mountains that encircle Camp Ton-A-Wandah, homesickness and camp go hand in hand. For many of our girls, camp represents an important life step - an adventure in independence and a sign of maturity. It's important for you and your camper to accept - well before opening day - that homesickness happens and, more importantly, that it goes away!
Homesickness is a natural, normal and inevitable part of camp life. As such, it's also one of our fields of expertise! Over the years, we have learned how to best address the problem and help each girl make the transition to being the proverbial happy camper! With the passing of each day and making new friends, the fun of camp activities and heavy doses of TLC, Ton-A-Wandah campers work through the homesickness to fully participate in their camp experience.
Encourage your camper to move beyond the homesickness. And keep a stiff upper lip yourselves! Bear in mind the reasons why you decided to pursue a camp experience - and TAW in particular - for your camper. Rely on us to do the very best job to make each and every camper fell safe, significant and loved.
Remember - forewarned is forearmed! Talk openly with your camper about homesickness BEFORE she leaves for camp. Put your hands together and brainstorm ways to beat any blues she may (or may not) experience.
What percentage of campers return to camp?
Camp Ton-A-Wandah is proud to boast a 75-80% return rate amongst our camp population. And we contribute our success to our camp families. Word of mouth is by far our greatest resource!
What kind of food is served?
At Camp Ton-A-Wandah, we focus on family-style dining, where a balanced meal of protein, vegetables, and starch are provided at each table. “Family-style dining” teaches patience, respect, cooperation, and dining room etiquette. A communal table creates both an enhanced social atmosphere and powerful conversations. Campers share a table with their cabin the first week, randomly selected tables for the second week and with their nations the third week.
In addition to having a family style meal on the table, we provide options on our buffet for those campers and staff that may want to delve into foods a little more fancy than what is on the table or have special dietary needs (gluten and/or vegetarians) . A salad bar filled with lots of veggies is also available!
One question that gets raised every year by parents is “What do I do if I have a child that is a picky eater or may have food allergies and intolerances? We totally get why this issue concerns you. Food is what keeps our kids from running on empty. It fuels their day and can dramatically affect energy levels and moods. The novelty of eating with others at camp expands a child’s awareness of eating itself; learning about one another’s food quirks throws your own fears into perspective. It can help a camper overcome preconceived notions. Our counselors help guide each camper to try new options to help expand their food world. And if that doesn't work - there is always the standard peanut butter and jelly =)
And speaking of peanut butter - some campers may have peanut allergies. Our camp kitchen does not cook with peanut based products but we do potentially serve peanut butter at our meals. It is important that you share any peanut allergies on your camper's medical form so that we are aware of a potential allergy while at meals and when a camper at your camper's table requests peanut butter at meal times, we can appropriately distance campers with allergies for that particular meal as well as ensure hand-washing when the meal is complete!
We keep a variety of gluten and lactose free options on hand. The kitchen also tries to provide vegetarian options with each meal. Fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, and oranges are available. Special medical dietary needs can be met with prior arrangements.
Can parents visit camp?
Visitation day is considered opening day of the camp session. At that time, parents are encouraged to meet staff and enjoy the facility. A camp experience provides an opportunity for campers to gain independence, self reliance and self confidence, which are all essential to a young girl’s development. Our experience has shown that visitation by parents and relatives during camp creates interruption of the camp program, and we appreciate support of this policy by parents.
How do campers communicate with parents?
Letter writing to and from camp is much more involved than this golden-oldie title suggests: its serious business. Each day, mail from family and friends offers your camper an all-important touch from home - a tangible reminder that she is loved. In return, your camper's letters will give you a glimpse into her new world. Mail is distributed once a day during rest hour.
Are references available?
Comfort levels of sending your camper to camp for the first time always increases when you have someone that has "been there, done that". We have a large database of parents, campers, staff and alumni that would love to share their camp stories with you! If you would like to connect with a family in your area, talk with a member of our TAW team (other than the directors!), learn the traditions that are so special to our alumni, let us know. We can make that happen! Call us at (828) 692-4251 or email Kim at kim@camptonawandah.com
What's our policy regarding phones and digital devices?
Part of the joy of camp is leaving behind the technology of modern life - phones, televisions, laptops, mp3 players, etc. For this reason, and especially because calls to or from home can be disruptive to a camper's acclimation to camp, the use of telephones, traditional or cellular, is not allowed. Camper cell phones will be collected, safely stored and returned to the camper's parents on closing days. Even our counselors share the joy of unplugging from technology and plug into the campers and the beauty of camp, as they are required to stash away their technology as well!
Is tuition assistance available?