I have fallen in love with this camp from the moment I contacted them. I received an information…read morepacket and follow up; all of my questions were answered and I felt like a priority from day one. My children have always attended camp where I worked so it was a stretch for me to send them to camp without mama. Camp chatuga made it a breeze; the little touches are fantastic. Weekly emails and a countdown calendar explaining to the campers what to expect at camp. I loved the online activity sign up; I was able to sit and work with my children to help have a fun day filled with new experiences and some do their favorites. Everything the camp does it top notch. My children came home and haven't stopped speaking about the fun they had, the people they met and asking me when they can go back next summer!

My son has been going to this camp for five years and loves every minute of it. The staff and…read morecounselors are nothing short of amazing. This literally is the quintessential definition of a traditional fun summer camp. Wood cabins, camp fires, lake swimming, lots of activities, children running around barefoot & fancy free... living their best life!

Longview Ranch was such a treat to visit with our youth group!…read more The venue is the perfect size for groups under 125. It is located in a much forgotten about area of beautiful East Tennessee, tucked away just a few miles off the interstate. Multiple times on the drive there (about 1:15 from Knoxville) my breath was taken away at the scenery and gorgeousness of the farm land and mountains. The staff at the retreat was TOP NOTCH. It was clear they train and plan very effectively to meet the needs of the groups they are serving. The cabins we used were spacious and very clean. There were 8 bunk beds in each room with a full bathroom. I did not see them, but I understand they have very nice housing quarters for people like guest speakers, etc. The food was fantastic and exceeding all of my expectations for "camp food." I hope we are able to return here for many more years to come!

From the owner: Long View Ranch is a non-denominational Christian summer camp in the foothills of the Smoky…read moreMountains. Horses, Paintball, Water Skiing, Fishing, canoeing, and tons more! Our program is designed to provide an absolute blast, while also being a fun and safe place that earns us the opportunity to challenge campers with Biblical truth. Our property is made up of beautiful open fields surrounded by deep rich forest. The woods provide a wonderful playground for trail rides, our team-building challenge course, paintball, and more. There are several trickling streams and an Old Fashioned Swimmin' Hole located on our 130-acre property that sits parallel to the Nolichucky River. We have four air conditioned and heated, log-siding bunkhouses that accommodate over 100 guests with wooden bunks and comfortable mattresses to rest your head. Our 3000 square foot dining hall/multipurpose meeting room has a large wrap around porch facing the Smoky Mountains. You will enjoy amazing home cooked meals wh

This is my daughter's fourth year as a camper at Skyland. It is her favorite place on Earth. The…read morecamp is staffed by caring and professional women and lovely, enthusiastic counselors that make the place a nurturing and idyllic place for girls to get away from their phones and enjoy a simpler existence for a few weeks each summer. Send your daughter-- you won't regret it!

An amazing experience with a genuine and enthusiastic staff. Such a joy to be there and the food…read morewas beyond wonderful.

I've only been here for LEAF but the land is absolutely beautiful. I would have loved to go to…read morecamp here as a kid. Cabins, a lake to swim in, a waterslide, diving boards, etc...... Plus beautiful land to roam, this place is perfect. Give it a visit sometime and see what all they have to offer.

Let me just say was so fun so many new adventures so much nice people so many laughs but the only…read morething about it is I missed my mom a lot but it was amazing

I am pleased to add this school to Yelp. JVE is a Title I school, which means that it receives…read moregrants in order to provide a great education for kids from all walks of life so that they meet "challenging state academic standards"*. Which means that when my daughter, Ronni, was struggling with reading, she got the extra help, and she is now reading above her expected reading level. Plus, in 2013, JVE received the honor of being named a "National Title I Distinguished School". Which means that they did what they set out to do- got kids the education that they needed. Which means that they were one of the schools in the top one percent- yes, one percent- in the nation to do so. JVE teachers do not mess around. So, education is great in general at this school. The Pre-K is super. Those rugrats can get bussed if you ask, and they get dismissed at three p.m. Ronni loved it. Ditto for Kindergarten and on up. Kids are challenged and become math freaks and history buffs. Ronni gives me daily math quizzes. She has been doing small science experiments that create huge messes. Yep, she's trucking! This school has free breakfast, and a reduced or free lunch if you qualify. They have services for "Exceptional Children" (autism, visual and hearing problems, emotional or intellectual disabilities, speech problems, and traumatic brain injuries). They got ELL ("English Language Learners"), which is big in my book. (My dad came to the United States speaking not one word of English. He does now, and became an electrical engineer along the way.) AIG ("Academically or Intellectually Gifted) is offered, too. And after-school care and summer camp to boot. They do come attached with a reasonable price tag, but, as a parent, you can work harder or play harder when your kids are still at school. Sometimes special math, science, and reading nights are held in the evenings. Musicals every year. Ronni has stopped lip syncing and has graduated to almost-fainting at the musicals. In third grade, the kids start playing recorders. Art, and I am proud to say that Ronni's art has been shown in the county art show for the past several years. P.E. is much loved, errant basketballs and all. Guidance classes take place, as well as book swaps. And don't forget library! I always catch Ronni reading her library books. There is an on-site therapist, which is excellent, and a school psychologist. Every year, the fifth graders go to Washington D.C. They come back more mature and exuberant for even more learning. JVE's principal is simply amazing. Our kids's education is her passion, and she does a fine job with our future. Most of the teachers are terrific. You can reach out to them, and they help. When I thought that Ronni had a learning disability, they got right on the investigation. When Ronni had an illness that resulted in a lot of missed school days, they understood, and made sure that she reached milestones at a crucial time in her schooling. Reported bullying is dealt with swiftly and justly. I have to hold back sadness and anger when I think about what some kids- what my kids- have to go through and went through. It is reality, but one that I will always try to effect with wisdom, humor, and slipped slang. Like: I am happy that some bullies are out of my kids' lives and are on on the road to juvie. ("Juvie" in that statement is purposeful slang.) Yeah, some teachers are tough. Some can mostly be wonderful, but have an irrational moment from time to time. Some don't get high-functioning autism and find it hard to connect with kids like that. Some teachers forge across that chasm, and try to make things easier. I am glad that the teacher that made my daughter sit on the floor is gone. Some of these aforementioned facts are not abnormal or isolated. They happen in public schools across the country. You want a kid who knows that Abraham Lincoln had a tough childhood? Or one that knows the "new math" that leaves my mind reeling? Then put 'em in JVE. They will come out with so much knowledge that you will feel, like, well, not smarter than a fifth grader. If you need tips on dealing with autism in schools (e.g. how to communicate with teachers, how to make a communication booklet, IEP**s) or requesting learning disabilities services, just message me. *Quoted from the U.S. Department of Education. **Individualized Education Program

I have been a camper at Camp Ridgecrest since 2013. After a decade of living on every hill,…read morespending a total of 22 weeks in the cabins, I can proudly say that this is my home away from home and the best place for any kid from all ages to spend their summer. The lack of technology helps limit distractions, strengthening the overarching goal to put Christ above all else. In my time at camp, there have been many changes, however the constant was that this is a place devoted to outreach in a safe place and spread the good news of the gospel. Living Conditions: the living conditions at Ridgecrest are fairly bare bones. Ten to twelve kids are in each cabin, with two or three counselors. There is a routine that is consistent throughout the session, consisting of cabin cleanup (specifics are later mentioned), and devotionals. These "devos" are typically in the style of open conversation guided by scripture. It is a great way to end the day. The bathhouses are also simple, with simple stalls and showers. Although there are sometimes mechanical issues (which happens in all settings similar to ridgecrest), some of my best memories are getting to know kids from different cabins while waiting for my favorite shower. Cabin Inspection: the cabin inspection system is always a lot of fun. It is only twenty or so minutes of making beds, cleaning the floors and organizing trunks, followed by the creation of a skit to perform for the Tribal Leader (age group leader). The TL will check to see whether or not everything is clean after a skit is performed, which all contribute to the honor cabin award. Skills: skills are one of the best parts of camp. It is basically like going to a class, where you hang out with your friends and have fun. They have all sorts of skills, from Bible Study to Archery, and from Rocketry to Spike Ball. My favorites have always been Bible Study, Outdoor Living, Crafts, and Trap Shooting. Free Time: at Ridgecrest you always have one or two free times throughout the day. At these times, the lake is open, you can play four square and two square, and skills are sometimes available! It is the best time to get to know kids from all sorts of age groups. Other Activities: there are regularly scheduled activities for all age groups, and a couple where it is all of camp playing one massive game. There are also night alone's, where one age group has the entire camp to themselves for a few hours to play one giant game. There are campouts and day hikes, none of which are too difficult. I can confidently say that anyone can make it through these hikes, and the views are incredible. Pisgah Program: the pisgah program has a special place in my heart. I have spent the summer of 2023 going all four sessions of pisgah. In pisgah, you leave camp on Monday and return on Thursday from a long camping trip. I cannot truly express how amazing this program is. The places you go are fantastic. My favorite spots I've been are Mount Mitchell and the Pisgah National Forest swimming holes. You live on the trail for days at a time, cooking your own food, setting up where you will sleep, and hiking beautiful trails. There is truly nothing else like it. Ridgecrest has so many more opportunities that I haven't mentioned, but everything we get to do is an experience designed to help you grow in faith and as a man.

Amazing. Spent many years here as a kid and made friendships that will last a lifetime. The lord…read morewas able to shine through me here! So thankful for the memories

love the camp! kids have the best time being a kid. away from TV and phones! they run, play outdoor…read moregames, swim in a lake, ride a zip line, tube down the river, climb a rock wall, rappel and more! all while learning the the creator of the universe LOVES them and they are unique and special. they spend time in the Bible and at live worship music! I wish every child 7-17 could experience the camp!

An AMAZING Christian adventure camp for children of all ages! From the moment you pull into the…read moreproperty you will be in awe of the beauty. The children are immediately excited seeing the huge log cabins, the lake and water activities, etc. I'm on my 4th child whom I drive from Chicago to TN for this camp, it's seriously THAT amazing!

As a teenager back in mid 1960's I had the awesome experience to be a month long camper at this…read morebeautiful location. The Sharp family owned and operated it for many years to help develop mature youth. Sometimes I have flashbacks of swimming, riding horses and campfires singing,

Great summer camp! The counselors were amazing and there was a lot of games and activity's to keep…read morethe kids busy! The food was amazing for being camp food. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to have fun!

From the owner: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the scenic and spacious Ridge Haven Camp and…read moreRetreat Center is the ideal setting for camps, weekend retreats, family vacations, seminars, and more. From motel rooms, lodges, and apartments to a wide variety of recreational activities, Ridge Haven can fulfill your specific needs to get away from the daily stresses of life.

Super fun horseback ride! Mrs. Mary is so kind, and the…read morehorses are well behaved and responsive. We rode in the trees and down beside a beautiful river. Highly recommended! She also offers lessons.

Very nice lady!! She gives trail rides and lessons!! All the horses are very well trained, and on…read morerides she lets each person "ride/control" their own horse. This is not your regular boring line of horses that do nothing more than plod along. This is an eventful, beautiful ride that is very fun!!! The horses are very well taken care of, and love to be ridden. I will never go anywhere else! The lessons are also very safety oriented, and a whole lot of fun!!! Definitely come here!!!!!