Tree Houses Attract Young Campers in the Carolinas

When camping comes to mind, many adults have memories of canoeing, hiking, mountain climbing, and roasting marshmallows in indoor fireplaces or outdoor bonfires. Most commonly, each day of camp began and ended in a grounded log cabin or tent. Nowadays, camp experiences for children have evolved to more adventurous activities and refuge - tree climbing and tree houses. Tree houses exist in backyards and camps all over the world, ranging from basic to luxurious and offering a number of benefits. A wide selection of camps in the Carolinas provides some amazing tree houses.

Features of Tree Houses

The first aspect to review is the features of tree houses. While tree houses include a range of designs with one or two stories, those at camps are generally of a basic nature. In addition to a roof and windows, tree houses may go as far to include the luxuries of electricity, plumbing, air conditioning, solar lighting, and internet access. Tree houses are stabilized with sturdy metal braces and include ladders, circular staircases, or rope pulley systems (for quadriplegic campers); and bridges or rope walkways to connect one tree house to the next.

Advantages of Tree Houses

It is important to note the advantages of tree houses. Unlike with other forms of shelter including grounded log cabins, tree houses are built without the sacrifice of trees having to be cut down to make room for them. Another environmental benefit is their ability to provide shade without the need for air conditioners, allowing energy to be saved. Then, of course, is the most obvious perk - a source of adventure, especially for youth.

Tree House Camps in the Carolinas

Some notable tree house camps in the Carolinas include the following:

∙ Bethelwoods Presbytery Camp & Conference Center - Located in York, SC, this is a year-round Christian camp for youth of all denominations. It is occupied by a number of screened tree houses for third graders and up.

∙ Asbury Hills Summer Camp and Retreat Center - Located in Cleveland, SC, this is a residential Christian camp and retreat center sponsored by the SC United Methodist Church and designed for youth from elementary to high school ages as well as families. It hosts various tree houses at an altitude of 50 ft. to sleep in and for tree climbing activities.

∙ The Homestead Girl Scout Camp - Located in Franklin County, NC, this camp offers Girl Scout campers nine tree houses. The activities include a high rope course, wall climbing, and archery.

∙ Camp Rockfish - Located in Parkton, NC, this is a Christian camp, for grades first through twelfth, that features tree houses for lodging.

As indicated above, tree houses not only serve the purpose of refuge at the start and end of a day, but also provide great outdoor recreation. Rope tree-climbing is a favorite activity among campers with the supervision of trained staff. Even more, tree house teach campers to appreciate living trees and to observe the environment from a higher perspective.

Sources

www.bethelwoods.org/index.php?p=summer_camp

www.nccoastalpines.org/home/camps.asp

www.rockfishoutdoorcenter.org

www.sewee.org/asbury-hills-jr-high-camp.php