The full outdoor summer day camp experience - and then some!
Buncombe County Explorer Camp taps into the landscape of western North Carolina and embraces the diversity of our campers. It's a safe environment to explore outdoors and discover what campers can achieve.
While developing skills in wilderness, gardening, and adventure recreation, campers grow in self-confidence and strengthen the community. Kids leave every day with dirt on their hands, a smile on their face, and the spirit of camp in their hearts.
Activities
- Archery
- High and low ropes
- Gardening
- Forestry
- Field trips
- And more!
Dates
In 2025, Explorer Camp runs June 16-Aug. 15. (Closed on June 19 and July 4).
Hours
7:30am-5:30pm
Location
Explorer Camp takes place at YMCA Youth Services Center at Beaverdam.
Why parents and kids love Explorer Camp
See what families say about our program.
Info for parents
As a parent, you need to be comfortable leaving your child in our care. See our Parent Handbook to learn about our protocols and policies.
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Explorer Day Camp FAQ
Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Click here to apply.
- The amount of financial assistance that can be provided will be dependent on income and other factors. Please have financial documents ready before you apply.
- You must apply with the DSS’s [Department of Social Services] state subsidy program before you can qualify for financial assistance through the YMCA. Call the DSS at 828-250-5500.
Explorer Summer Day Camp is for children ages 4-12.
Age groups are broken into different ranges for different activities that are facilitated by our expert childcare staff.
Your child will be able to learn, play, and connect with other children their age while they enjoy exploring.
Explorer Camp starts on a different date every year depending on a variety of factors. In 2025, Explorer Camp runs June 16-Aug. 15. (Closed on June 19 and July 4).
Daily schedules vary greatly, but a typical day looks like:
| Sample Schedule - Field Trip Days |
|
|---|---|
| 7:30am |
Child drop-off & pre-camp |
| 9:00am | Group gathering |
| 9:30am | Garden or field time |
| 10am | Lounge |
| 11am | Lunch |
| 12pm | Field Trip |
| 3pm | Snack |
| 4-5:30pm | Post camp & child pickup |
| Sample Schedule - Non-field Trip Days | |
|---|---|
| 7:30am | Child Drop-off & pre-camp |
| 9am | Group gathering |
| 9:30am | Garden or field time |
| 10am | Lounge |
| 11am | Lunch |
| 12pm | Activity |
| 1pm | Playground |
| 2pm | Siesta |
| 3pm | Snack |
| 4pm | Post camp & child pickup |
Parents typically provide lunch, but the Y can provide it if required. Ask the camp director if you would like lunches provided for your child at summer day camp.
Learn more about our packed-lunch policy and guidelines, click here.
Your child should come to Explorer Camp with:
- Backpack
- Active clothes that are OK to get dirty
- Active sneakers
- Sunblock
- Brimmed hat
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
- Any medications they will need through the day
- Allergy medicine, including an EpiPen if prescribed
If your child will need anything besides what is listed here, a YMCA staff member will let you know.