Grow
Hearing from God's Word
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
— 1 Corinthians 1:18
Each camp includes consistent, purposefully scheduled opportunities for the preaching of the Word. Services usually begin with music, including singing by the campers and special music prepared by The Wilds staff. During the summer, most evening services finish with an invitation for campers to talk to a counselor and receive specific encouragement on how to take their next step.
God & I Time
Each day, the camp schedule reserves approximately 30 minutes for Bible study. During this special time, campers have the opportunity to focus on God’s Word in a place that’s free from the noise and distractions of routine life.
For our teen and junior camps, the counselor reviews what was studied to encourage cabin discussion and to help campers apply what they’ve learned.
Counselors
For teen and junior camps, each camper, along with five to eight other campers, will have the opportunity to develop a relationship with a counselor. The small camper-counselor ratio allows counselors to have a focused time of spiritual discussion with each of their campers. During this time, the counselor asks specific questions to help the camper see what areas of their life need to change to be more like Christ.
Throughout the week, the counselor shares nightly devotionals and encourages biblical cabin discussions. After each service, and whenever needed, the camper’s counselor is available to help them take the next step in their walk with God.
Have Fun
Games
Providing a fun atmosphere helps break down barriers and encourage relationship building that can be used to share Christ’s love. Our games are a big part of that atmosphere. The Wilds is known for our creative games – many are invented right here on the campsite. Whatever game you play, you are sure to enjoy the energy and fun of our unique games
Archery & Slingshot
The Wilds archery and slingshot ranges offer tremendous fun for each camper who chooses to visit them. Two archery ranges are located on the campsite–one exclusively for Junior Boot Camp and the other for teen and adult campers. Both ranges are outfitted with state-of-the art compound bows sized to fit each individual camper. The campsite also has two slingshot ranges, again one exclusively for Junior Boot Camp. The other is located adjacent to the teen archery range, and offers a wide variety of targets and a limitless supply of ammunition (small pebbles) for campers to enjoy.
Courtside
Grab a drink and relax in the shade while watching your friends ride the Giant Swing or play a round at The Links. Bows and arrows for the Archery Range, putters and balls for The Links, and Disc Golf discs can be obtained at the Courtside checkout counter.
Disc Golf
Disc Golf (or Frisbee® golf) is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying disc, or Frisbee. The Wilds features a 9-hole course that winds its way through the lower part of the campsite. From the first hole beside the Dorm to the last hole next to Courtside, The Wilds Disc Golf course is an easy, relaxing adventure for the entire family!
Fort Fun
Built exclusively for Junior Boot Campers, Fort Fun is a one-of-a-kind oversized playground, featuring an obstacle course with ropes, ladders, swings, and a climbing wall. Climb up to the Crow’s Nest 30 feet above Fort Fun for a view like none other! A counselor or other qualified adult supervises all the activities at Fort Fun.
Funtime
We have two main goals for our campers. We want them to grow closer to the Lord, and we want them to have lots of fun! From the youngest to the oldest camper, everyone likes to laugh! Funtime has been a tradition at The Wilds since the camp’s beginning in 1969, regardless of the time of year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some crazy skits, never-before-seen inventions, and wacky songs!
The Giant Swing
Get ready for the ride of your life! This 65′ swing will send chills down the heartiest of spines. The crowd counts down as you rise higher and higher…3, 2, 1… Flying through the air above The Wilds Links, the Giant Swing offers a one-of-a-kind view of the Ballfield, Basketball Courts, Courtside, and many other attractions. Be sure to take your youth pastor on a ride while you’re here at camp!
Hiking
With over 1,000 acres, The Wilds features many hiking trails for campers to enjoy. Some of the trails end at our beautiful waterfalls, while others offer spectacular views of nearby Lake Jocassee and the surrounding area. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation!
Laser Tag
A high-quality game experience for our teen and adult campers, Laser Tag offers a variation of game modes in a unique, safe setting. High-powered blasters and quality sensors allow for both daytime and evening games from close range or long-distance, and no additional gear is needed. Come check it out for yourself!
The Wilds Links
Added in 2008, The Wilds Links features an 18-hole lighted miniature golf course. It has become the favorite of campers of all ages. The Wilds Links is situated among beautifully landscaped grounds next to the Giant Swing. The course is challenging enough for the experienced golfer, but simple enough for the smallest child to enjoy.
Superslide
One of the original activities at The Wilds, the Superslide is a favorite of many campers on a hot summer afternoon. Enjoy the thrill, the chill of the hill as you hit speeds close to 30 miles per hour. The Superslide is sure to cool you off after a busy day of taking part in all the other activities!
Swimming
Our swimming area is full of great activities. You may choose to be daring and jump from the 20′ Jump-off Tower or get catapulted from The Blob. Maybe you would prefer to be challenged by the Lake Climbing Wall or to just relax on a tube. All are available with certified lifeguard supervision.
Tubing
Nothing is more enjoyable than the relaxing sound of a rippling mountain creek. So grab your tube and listen to the peaceful sounds of Toxaway Creek as you ride along its path. But once the “Last Chance Landing” sign is seen, tubers must decide to vacate the creek or endure the gauntlet of Water Wars!
Waterfalls
Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Transylvania County, North Carolina (home to The Wilds) features more waterfalls than any other locale in the United States. Many people are surprised to learn that The Wilds has many of our own waterfalls. After Toxaway Creek makes its way through the campsite, it continues on over 4 significant drops in elevation, creating our 4 more prominent waterfalls plus our 30′ Shoals. Downstream from the Shoals is the 25′ 1st Falls, followed by the 35′ 2nd Falls. The 45′ 3rd Falls is a short distance further downstream, followed by the crown jewel, the 125′ 4th Falls. Junior Campers have the choice to visit either the Shoals or 1st Falls, while the Teen Campers have the option of visiting either 2nd Falls or 4th Falls during their visit.
*Please note that hiking on The Wilds property is for our paying campers only. Please call our camp office if you have further questions.
Water Wars
Located just behind the Climbing Wall and Giant Swing, twelve Water Cannons are positioned on the banks and on the bridge of the creek, and the gunners are blasting one another (and unsuspecting tubers!) with 48 bursts a minute of cool, crisp, mountain water. Anyone willing to blast it out with others is in for a refreshing water fight to the finish!
Zipline
Our zipline has 2 sections with a combined length of 1,400′. The Zip gives the rider an awesome view of 3rd Falls and the Jocassee River Gorge.
If you can’t quite stomach the 250′ height, no worries! We also have a 2-story observation deck overlooking the waterfall and both ziplines so you can participate in the action from a distance and still get a beautiful view of this rarely seen waterfall.
Shop
General Store
The Wilds General Store features the latest music releases from The Wilds, t-shirts, hats, books, as well as things you might have left at home (like toothpaste!) The General Store, located between the Dining Hall and the Lodge, opened for business in May 2010 and is a wonderful tool to help us provide resources to our campers.
If you run out of money at camp, don’t worry. Our Online Store sells many of the same items.
Eat
Dining Hall
We hear all the time that our food is awesome! We promise that you will not go hungry. Our kitchen staff does a wonderful job of serving balanced meals that are sure to fill you up. While some of our meals are served outside, most are served family style in the Dining Hall which means you get to sit down and enjoy the meal while your smiling waitress brings the food to your table (no waiting in line or getting back in line for seconds). You can imagine that a table full of senior high guys can keep a waitress pretty busy bringing back thirds and fourths!
