Camp High Rocks is a family-owned, traditional boys summer camp located in the mountains of North Carolina. Founded in 1958, we have been creating long-term partnerships with parents by providing opportunities for boys to develop friendships, independence, and resilience in a supportive, nurturing community.
We challenge our campers by allowing them to select their own activities and by helping them set personal goals for the summer. The sense of accomplishment instilled in our campers, whether fostered by improvement in activities or from being away from home for the first time, is something that we believe can be life-changing.
Get to know us better! From camp size to session offerings, learn more about our camp program though the Quick Facts page.
“High Rocks goes above and beyond to help Campers and their Families feel welcome and comfortable. When I received a copy of my son’s activity schedule I was thrilled to see everything he hoped for. I could see his confidence and joy growing with each batch of daily photos that were posted. I am so glad that he had his first sleep-away camp experience with High Rocks, and he can’t wait to return next summer!”
We believe in the power of the camp experience. Our philosophy is the cornerstone of our program. Learn what is important to us and to our camp families.
Founded in 1958, Jane and Sumner Williams built and directed Camp High Rocks through 1987. Jane grew up at her father’s camp, Camp Mondamin, and met Sumner there. They married in 1948 and shared many camp-based interests, primary among them was a passion for working with children and young adults in an outdoor setting. The dream to direct their own camp was born, and High Rocks opened for its first summer in 1958.
Townsend, Jane and Sumner’s youngest daughter, took over the camp in 1988 with her husband Hank Birdsong. Both understood the importance of continuing the mission and traditions that Jane and Sumner created. Under their leadership, camp grew in our ability to offer advanced adventure programming and in the number of campers we could serve. Townsend and Hank also brought on a host of smart, caring full time staff.
In the Fall of 2022, Townsend and Hank passed the torch onto the next generation of High Rocks leaders. Don Gentle, Zoob Gentle, and Woody Noland have continued in their role as Camp Directors and now Camp Owners. Mark Birdsong, Benjamin Birdsong, and Nathan Noland have become Camp Owners as well. Don and Zoob have both been at High Rocks for 30 years. Woody, Mark, Nathan, and Benjamin are grandchildren of camp founders Jane and Sumner Williams, and all have grown up at High Rocks.
High Rocks is an authorized Special Use Permit Holder by the Pisgah, Nantahala, and Sumter National Forests. • Privacy • Site Map • Camp High Rocks © 2024
