Love spending time outdoors? Is science your favorite subject in school? If so, then Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District has an opportunity for you this summer. Our Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) Camp is an one week day camp for rising 8th and 9th graders who are passionate about the environment. Each day, campers will participate in hands-on activities that will enrich their understanding of water and air quality, conservation, sustainability, climate, wildlife, soils and more. Check out some of the things campers will be doing this summer in the “Camp Highlights” section below. 

We are looking for a diverse group of campers to join us on July 25-29,2022. Camp Headquarters will be at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, NC. Drop-off is 8:30 a.m. and pick-up is at 4:30 p.m. The camp fee is $50, but scholarships are available. Please be advised that campers will be exposed to outdoor elements including moving water, insects and the changing weather.  

Most camp activities will take place outdoors, including field trips away from Camp Headquarters. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are taking all safety precautions possible including, but not limited to, temperature checks and camper screenings each morning, capping the number of participants, socially distancing whenever possible, and regularly cleaning and sanitizing.  

Registration is due May 31, 2022. We will be in touch with campers by June 9, 2022 with more information regarding the camp. If you have any questions, please contact dana.miller@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828-452-2741 ext. 3. We look forward to meeting you this summer for camp!

Camp Highlights

• Hike the Waynesville Watershed
• Tour the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute 
• Explore the Cradle of Forestry
• Meet wildlife ambassadors
• Snorkel in the Pigeon River
• And many more!