Gary Eblen
Summer camps have been an important business in Western North Carolina since Camp Keystone first opened in 1915. Greystone followed in 1920. Mondamin in 1921.
A study from a few years ago estimated that the summer camps generated about $9 million for the local economy.
Summer camps and outdoors programs offer children the opportunity to explore and learn in the great outdoors, the world's “oldest classroom.”
Hiking, camping, canoeing and working together outside with others can be a most positive and unforgettable experience.
Maybe the song sparrow is early, but summer will surely come, and when it does the woods and rivers will be full of kids, hiking, camping, paddling, roasting marshmallows and just messing around.
Gary Eblen is community outreach director at Diamond Brand Outdoors in Arden. Contact him at geblen@diamondbrand.com.
ARDEN – From 1-5 p.m. Feb. 8, Diamond Brand Outdoors in Arden will host a Summer Camp Fair.
The event is free and open to the public.
