Developing more confident and grounded youth through an adventure-based summer program

Summer Camp

WYN’s six week summer camp gives youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to have a fun and enriching summer experience. Through WYN’s camp, youth have a safe and healthy place to spend their out-of-school hours while making summer memories that every young person deserves.

Our educational and adventure-based program takes campers outside of their comfort zones and introduces them to new concepts and activities. Over the course of the summer, WYN campers build a strong and uplifting community. In an environment with appropriate challenges and empowering support systems, youth develop critical confidence and character they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. With the help of the Sonny Sweet Scholarship Fund, we can ensure that finances never prevent a child from participating. Email Heather (canipeh@westernyouthnetwork.org) to learn more about the Sonny Sweet Scholarship Fund.

Please click on your county below for more specific information.

Ashe Alleghany Watauga

If you are interested in our summer camp then go to the Enroll Youth Tab and fill out the

Summer Program Enrollment Form.

Information for Parents & Guardians

Summer Camp Hours:

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:30pm

Location:

Campers will meet each morning at Summer Camp Home Base. WYN staff will then take campers on trips weekly and adventures across the local community. A schedule of summer trips and events will be provided for parents and guardians at the start of the summer program.

Program Fees:

$125 per week Standard Fee | $100 per week (if eligible for reduced school lunch)

$75 per week (if eligible for free school lunch) | Full Scholarships Available

Statistics

114

students served in 2023

5350

miles transporting youth to and from WYN and our adventure sites

4500

hours of physical activity

80%

attended on full or partial scholarship

Summer Adventures

Why WYN?

John’s Story

John (name changed) is a student on the Autism spectrum who has been coming to WYN for about 1 year. For several months after starting the program, John struggled to adjust. It’s loud and overstimulating at after school, and sometimes there are boundaries and rules that John didn’t want to follow. He preferred to move on his own schedule. When things upset him, he would react passionately and refuse to interact with WYN students or staff. He was most comfortable in front of a computer screen and would never go on trips with WYN.

It was over the summer that we really began to see changes in John’s behavior. During summer camp, WYN challenged him to safely face many of his fears with a support system present to encourage him. Though he still struggled at times with WYN’s rules (particularly the restrictions on his i-pad usage), he loved his summer experience. At the summer’s end, he shared that the high ropes course was his favorite memory!

Now that he has accepted WYN’s structure and has had the chance to build his self-confidence, things have really turned around. We are all celebrating John and his new behaviors and self-control. He is making eye contact. He is carrying on great conversations and making clever jokes. He carries himself more confidently and has grown into a thriving young man.

Balancing logical consequences and structure with compassion and a trauma-informed approach, “WYN’s Way” has helped this young man develop the social and behavioral skills he needs to succeed in school and life. He is brilliant and we are delighted to have him bringing joy to our programs!

Give a child a summer they will always remember

Donate

At WYN, we value what makes you unique, in fact, we celebrate it. We believe that when people feel respected, it provides space for them to thrive. Inclusion and acceptance fosters a safe environment for everyone. WYN is committed to providing a safe space for all, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. Together, we explore diverse perspectives to propel our initiatives forward and transform the High Country community. Everyone is welcome here, authentically and holistically.

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