Johns River Valley Camp & Retreat Center · Est. 1936 Talk to us 828-387-5736
Campers paddling a raft on the lake at Johns River Valley Camp
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Summer 2027

Find your kind
of summer.

Join us June 13 through July 31, 2027 for Adult Camp, Valleywide, Drama, Family Camp, and Paddle Camps. Find your people, try something new, and make memories in the valley.

Seven weeks. So many ways to belong.

A summer for every
chapter of life.

From a first camp adventure to a well-earned week by the river. Explore camps for youth, adults, and the people you call family.

All grades are rising grades. Graduating seniors are welcome in Valleywide, Drama, and Senior High Paddle. Rising ninth graders may choose either paddle camp. No paddling experience required.

Campers resting in hammocks inside Abele Lodge
Rest. Play. Repeat.

01 / SUMMER 2027

Adults only

Adult Camp

June 13–19, 2027

Who says camp is just for kids?

Rediscover the joy of summer camp—with the freedom to enjoy it your way. Join in scheduled activities, share laughter and conversation, or settle beside the river with a good book. Whether you’re looking for adventure, connection, or a little breathing room, Adult Camp offers traditional camp fun at your own pace. Come ready to play, rest, and make room for joy.

From $99 / adult / night · See stays & rates

$99 per adult, per night with double occupancy; $125 per adult, per night with single occupancy. Rates include lodging, meals, and camp activities.

Adult Camp 2027 stay options — all totals are per adult
StayNightsDouble occupancySingle occupancy
Sunday, June 13–Wednesday, June 163$297$375
Wednesday, June 16–Saturday, June 193$297$375
Full week: Sunday, June 13–Saturday, June 196$594$750
The JRVC community gathered outside Ratz Dining Hall
A place to belong.

02 / SUMMER 2027

Rising grades 3–12 and graduating seniors

Valleywide 1

June 20–26, 2027

$475per camper / session

One valley. A whole camp community. A week to belong.

Valleywide brings campers of different ages together for the friendships, outdoor adventures, and shared faith that make JRVC special. Activities tailored to different ages and interests give everyone room to explore, build confidence, and try something new. Shared experiences connect the whole community, from first-time campers to graduating seniors. Wherever you are in your camp journey, there’s a place for you in the valley.

The timber-framed lodge at JRVC
Create something together.

03 / SUMMER 2027

Rising grades 6–12 and graduating seniors

Drama Camp

June 27–July 3, 2027

$560per camper / session

Find your voice. Bring a story to life.

Join fellow campers for a week of imagination, rehearsals, and teamwork as you create a production together. Whether you love the spotlight or are stepping onto the stage for the first time, you’ll have opportunities to build confidence, stretch your creativity, and discover the joy of making something bigger than yourself. The week culminates in a Saturday-morning performance for families at pickup—a chance to share the story and celebrate everything you’ve created.

A counselor sharing a story with campers
Time together matters.

04 / SUMMER 2027

Children and the adults who call them family

Family Camp

July 4–10, 2027

Your family. Your adventure. Time together that matters.

Bring the children in your life to JRVC for a week with room for both togetherness and independence. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, guardians, foster families, and multigenerational groups are welcome—children and the adults who call them family. Enjoy activities as a family, let kids connect with other kids, and take advantage of time just for adults. With opportunities to choose your own adventure, you can find the balance of exploration, play, and rest that fits your family. Make new friends, share in the camp community, and head home with stories you’ll keep telling long after summer ends.

Adults $75 / night · See family rates & stays

Rates are per person, per night and include lodging, meals, and camp activities. Adults (18+): $75; teens (12–17): $50; children (4–11): $30; children 3 and under: free.

  • First half: Sunday, July 4–Wednesday, July 7, 2027 (3 nights)
  • Second half: Wednesday, July 7–Saturday, July 10, 2027 (3 nights)
  • Full week: Sunday, July 4–Saturday, July 10, 2027 (6 nights)
Family Camp 2027 — all rates and stay totals are per person
Age groupPer nightEither 3-night stayFull week (6 nights)
Adults (18+)$75$225$450
Teens (12–17)$50$150$300
Children (4–11)$30$90$180
Children 3 and underFreeFreeFree
Campers paddling together on the river
Follow the river.

05 / SUMMER 2027

Rising grades 9–12 and graduating seniors

Senior High Paddle Camp

July 11–17, 2027

$560per camper / session

Adventure is waiting around the next bend.

Explore area rivers, learn paddling skills, and take on new challenges alongside fellow campers—no previous paddling experience required. An overnight trip extends the adventure, giving you more time outdoors and opportunities to build friendships and discover what you can accomplish together. Add in traditional JRVC camp activities, and you have a week of adventure, community, and faith—on and off the water.

Campers practicing archery in the woods
Make it a summer tradition.

06 / SUMMER 2027

Rising grades 3–12 and graduating seniors

Valleywide 2

July 18–24, 2027

$475per camper / session

One valley. A whole camp community. A week to belong.

Valleywide brings campers of different ages together for the friendships, outdoor adventures, and shared faith that make JRVC special. Activities tailored to different ages and interests give everyone room to explore, build confidence, and try something new. Shared experiences connect the whole community, from first-time campers to graduating seniors. Wherever you are in your camp journey, there’s a place for you in the valley.

Campers enjoying the Johns River swimming hole
Adventure starts here.

07 / SUMMER 2027

Rising grades 6–9

Middle High Paddle Camp

July 25–31, 2027

$560per camper / session

Grab a paddle and discover what’s around the bend.

Explore area rivers, practice new skills, and grow in confidence as you share an adventure with fellow campers. No previous paddling experience is required—just a willingness to learn and try something new. An overnight trip adds to the adventure, while traditional JRVC activities round out a week of outdoor exploration, friendship, and camp fun.

Also for older campers

Counselor in Training

A leadership program for 16-year-olds who are done being campers but not done with camp.

CITs work alongside counselors for the full length of a session, learning group management, activity leadership, and how a camp day actually runs. It is unpaid, and room and board are provided.

  • Minimum age 16 at the start of the session
  • At least two years older than the campers in their group
  • One reference from a teacher, mentor, or former camp staff member
  • Full session commitment, including training and feedback meetings

Summer staff opportunities

We hire four to six resident leaders each summer, plus activity specialists in archery, lifeguarding, climbing, and paddling. Housing and meals included.

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