We invite you to click the link and relive your Gwynn Valley memories from 2025—we hope they bring a smile and a spark of joy! One of my favorite things about summer at Gwynn Valley is the imagination and spirit campers bring on Opening Day. From spontaneous cabin sing-alongs on the Pavilion to paddling around […]
In this year’s Millwheel News, we reflect on a wonderful milestone—our 90th summer of adventure, growth, and pure camp magic. This edition highlights the sounds of our programs, where simplicity still shapes the best memories: quiet moments by the lake, laughter echoing through the trees, and the timeless experiences of summer that define camp life. […]
Nestled inside a mountain cove, Gwynn Valley Camp has been a place for development, connection and exploration for children for over 90 years. Our history connects us regionally, culturally and societally to the greater movement of summer camps dating back to the 1800’s. This summer, Gwynn Valley was a representative of that movement through a […]
Our 90th Reunion Celebration this August was the most magical and memorable way to end a summer at Gwynn Valley Camp. During the reunion weekend we welcomed over 300 alumni members ranging from former campers, former staff members, active and former board members, former directors and a few future campers! Attendees traveled far and wide […]
Another warm and fun filled summer has closed at Gwynn Valley! This summer left the impression that new friendships were formed, skills were honed and whimsy invigorated our staff and campers through each day of camp. It’s always bittersweet to close out the summer as we say goodbye or see you next year to staff […]
Camp has been filled with joy, sunshine and new experiences this week for our campers old and new. As we begin to close our 90th summer, it’s been an amazing week of camp traditions; rainy afternoons, International Day, ice cream at the Mill, roasting marshmallows by the fire with cabin mates and a celebration of […]
While the calendar may be inching toward August’s end, the energy here at Gwynn Valley says otherwise—summer is still in full swing! Sunday, we welcomed our E Session campers with big smiles and all the familiar joy that comes with Opening Day. E Session is our shortest session of the summer, lasting just seven days—and […]
Wow, what an exciting week it has been in the beautiful mountains of Brevard! As evening thunderstorms rolled through, they brought with them a refreshing cool breeze, filling the air with the energy of summer camp! There’s been a buzz of excitement in every corner—as we’ve packed this week with some of the most memorable […]
Sundays are busy days here at camp, filled with pancakes for breakfast, Special Day fun, and our Vespers service. Vespers is a time for all of camp to gather and reflect on the week; campers and staff are encouraged to share songs and readings for all to enjoy. Last night’s Vespers theme was simplicity, one […]
The magic of Gwynn Valley has been alive and thriving, reaching new heights when we welcomed our D session campers this past Sunday! While a few storms rolled through—delaying swim assessments by two days—they didn’t damper the campers’ spirits. From trying brand-new activities to forming fast friendships, the energy and enthusiasm has been contagious. Now […]
This summer, the Cashiers Historical Society opened an exhibit on the history of summer camps in Western North Carolina. Lindsay Hostetler, the curator of “Campfires and the Embers of Youth,” welcomed our Young Leaders campers to Cashiers on Friday to see the exhibit and discuss Gwynn Valley’s place in the legacy of camping. Summer camp […]
One of our most beloved traditions at camp is our Special Days—days where the usual camp schedule is set aside and replaced with themed activities, skits, games and surprises that bring the whole camp together in a unique way. Special days are all about creating memories, connecting with friends and experiencing the magic of camp […]
At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive, but some of the most peaceful moments in life can come from the wildest places—like camp. The phrase “the peace of wild things” comes from a poem by Wendell Berry, in which he reflects on the restorative power of nature. He suggests that when the world feels overwhelming, […]
As the sun dips behind the Blue Ridge Mountains and the fireflies leave their foliage shelters to glisten in the crisp, evening air, something truly magical begins at Gwynn Valley: Evening Program! With campers’ stomachs full of home-grown, farm-to-table food, they set out for ASA’s (After Supper Activities) where they can choose an activity to […]
As the sun sets on another unforgettable session at Gwynn Valley, we’re filled with gratitude and many incredible memories. Today marks Closing Day — a moment that’s always bittersweet. While we wave goodbye (for now) to our campers, we also take a moment to celebrate the joyous moments that defined our time together. From the […]
When the summer sun is high and the mountain air warms up, there’s no better place to be than the Waterfront at Gwynn Valley. It’s been a warm week at camp and we’re excited to share all things waterfront with you. More than just a spot to cool off, the Waterfront is where friendships are […]
Today is the Summer Solstice! What better way to enjoy summer than being nestled into 400+ acres of dense woods in the cove of Gwynn Valley? Today our campers had more time to romp, explore and create lasting summer memories. The bounty of summer has also welcomed new baby goats and vegetables sprung from the […]
The drive through Brevard is quiet and peaceful, but butterflies flutter in first-time campers’ bellies as the Gwynn Valley sign appears through the trees. As families make their way down Gwynn Valley Trail, they’re met with a warm greeting from staff who hold thrilling news: cabin assignments! After parking, families gather their camper’s luggage and […]
The hills of Gwynn Valley are alive with laughter, song, and the joyful rhythm of camp life this week. As we settle into the final days of A Session and Mountainside-1A, our campers are basking in all that Gwynn Valley has to offer. From bottle-feeding calves to returning from multi-day off-camp adventures, the days have […]
After months of planning, weeks of training and days of anticipation, we are SO excited summer has arrived at Gwynn Valley! Yesterday’s Opening Day kicked off our 90th summer of simple joys and we welcomed around 200 campers to what some call a home away from home. Greeted by horses on one side of the […]
Dear 7 Year Old Mary Kathryn, You’re about to enter a world full of wonder, growth and opportunity that will become a pillar of your person. A place where you will only spend a few weeks each summer but will slowly become a safe haven for you to be yourself and feel comfortable to try […]
One of the most important tasks for the Year Round Team is the hiring and training of our seasonal staff at Gwynn Valley. We are beyond grateful for the dedicated and adaptable people who spend summer growing inside while guiding children’s play outside. Camp will always have its cultural history, beloved traditions and mission of […]
One thing I love most about summer is the whimsy, creativity and fun the campers bring with them to Gwynn Valley. Whether it’s having a horse wedding or making up games with their cabin mates on a campout, I look forward to the fun stories and experiences campers share with me during their meals. A […]
Stillness sets in with a pensiveness for the year round team, as we lean into reflection and reminisce on the summer past while writing the Millwheel News for our community. We hope our words remind you of warmer days, the simple joys of nature, and friendships far and wide. While the natural world slows around […]
The ongoing camaraderie that surrounds our Alumni community and future generations of campers is a proud tradition here at Gwynn Valley. Throughout the enrollment process this Fall, it has brought a smile to my face to speak with former campers and staff who look forward to their campers’ upcoming summer here. I imagine it’s a […]
Before Hurricane Helene hit land, I was writing about the value of stillness for the GV Blog. The soft rustle of leaves falling, quiet grounds around us and appreciating a slower time to digest a fast-paced few months. Little did I know that stillness would soon be replaced by chaotic weather, uprooting of homes, […]
The cabins have been sealed shut, the program areas packed away and a loud silence fills the air at Gwynn Valley; we say our final goodnights to another sensational summer at camp. As the dust of Summer 2024 settles here, I’m left reflecting on warmer and longer days behind me. The sound of children’s laughter […]
Another sun shining day here at Gwynn Valley! We’ve been so lucky to have great weather, great food and great memories to wind down our summer days at camp. It feels like this session has flown by as we head into our last day of Discoveries, all of Mountainside and Riverside return from Adventures and […]
It’s hard to believe we’ve had our last Opening Day of this summer here at Gwynn Valley. It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming our first session of campers in the heat of June, anticipating the arrival of baby animals on the farm, admiring the glimmering blue lightning bugs and awaiting huge stalks of […]
As the heat of summer moves through the valley, I reminisce in the shade about how quickly the last three and even last six weeks have gone by! As we like to say, the days are long and the weeks are short at camp. The white hydrangeas have started to bloom early along the path […]
As we journey through the 89th summer at Gwynn Valley, we’ve reached C session which brings forth a longer session for most campers, with a change of some main campers in between. Yesterday, we welcomed new campers on Hillside and Brookside. It’s amazing to see how our older campers support the C2 campers incoming this […]
If you’ve ever visited Gwynn Valley, you can attest to the pure, natural beauty that consumes you here. The rolling green hills envelope you as you come up the driveway, greeted by horses or cows on either side. As you continue on, a thick canopy of trees shade you from the sun, then you are […]
A joyful first session of camp has set the tone for summer here at Gwynn Valley. With programs dialed in, PFDs still damp from Adventures and campers staying in between sessions; life on camp is buzzing with collaboration and curiosity. Many firsts occur during A Session; first time at camp for some, first time riding […]
The morning light always shines brighter on Opening Day at Gwynn Valley Camp as counselors wake in anticipation for a cabin full of laughter, new friendships and many pairs of shoes on the porch. The birds help greet the day as Nala and staff ready this graceful ground for eager campers with their family and […]
Spring has brought new beginnings, fresh greenery and staff to Gwynn Valley this month! The mill wheel turns, the baby goats bleat and the vegetables grow on the Farm inch by inch, row by row. The valley is filled with kitchen staff, adventure staff, lifeguard staff, international staff, medical staff and farm staff all eager […]