Program Spotlight: Waterfront!
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 forged, confidence is built, and new adventures begin. Whether it’s a camper’s first time dipping their toes into the water or they’re a true waterbug, the Waterfront has something for everyone. With temperatures reaching the mid-eighties this week, it’s a perfect time to highlight some of the exciting activities waiting at the Gwynn Valley Waterfront.
Gwynn Valley’s Waterfront offers a plethora of refreshing water activities for campers of all interests and experience levels, from our lake, to our creeks and even the waterfall on site! After reviewing the lake rules, zipping up their PFDs, and completing a safety check with one of our lifeguards, campers are ready to dive into the fun! They can choose from five exciting waterfront activities: lounging and playing on the watermat, soaring into the lake on the zip-line, taking a thrilling leap from the rope swing, testing their balance on the traverse line, or simply enjoying some free swim time. Sometimes, campers even have the chance to create friendship bracelets while floating in tubes on the lake!
Campers can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), sit-on-top kayaks, and Jackson Kayaks as a fun way to build balance and explore the lake at a slower pace. For campers eager to take on more responsibility and build their skills, we offer the Gwynn Valley Jr. Lifeguarding course—a program that introduces campers to essential lifeguard techniques, water safety practices, and leadership at the Waterfront. For those craving a little more adventure, campers can embark on a hike to Connestee Falls, a stunning waterfall located right on Gwynn Valley’s property. After a 45-minute trek through the woods, they’re rewarded with a dip in the natural swimming hole at the base of the falls. We also offer creek hiking for campers who want to explore the five streams that flow through camp. These hikes are hands-on (three points of contact at a time!), muddy, and completely unforgettable—especially when you spot a salamander or crawdad along the way! Our Mountainside and Riverside campers start their adventures off by paddling on our Lake, gaining basic skill through training days and mini adventures to familiarize themselves with the vessels before going on larger, faster waters.
There’s always something exciting happening at the Waterfront! From kayaking and zip-lining to creek hikes and friendship bracelets, campers are constantly learning, laughing, and having fun. It’s the perfect place to stay cool and soak up the best parts of summer. We can’t wait for more campers to experience what the Gwynn Valley Waterfront has to offer!
-Kati Tanner, Communications Coordinator, Summer Leadership
