Adventure Camp Programs
Camp Greenville’s Adventure Trips are specific sessions that take camp on the road! This program allows campers the opportunity to travel all over the Upstate of South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee. Our specific trips offer opportunities to raft through whitewater rapids, explore hidden caves, discover cascading waterfalls, and hike miles of scenic trails. Along the way, they’ll camp in tents or under tarps at established campsites across the region’s extensive State and National public lands.
Every trip is designed to spark Connection, inspire Confidence, and instill Character. These are the big benefits of Camp Greenville.
Connection
Campers spend their first days preparing by learning new skills, packing gear, and forming a supportive community through team building exercises. These skills help guide them through an exciting week of being on trails, around a campfire, or in a raft.
Confidence
Adventure trips challenge campers to step outside their comfort zones in a safe and supportive environment. Whether they’re setting up camp, cooking a meal, or paddling through whitewater, each challenge builds courage and self-belief. By the end of the week, campers often surprise themselves with just how much they can do!
Character
Relying on one another teaches responsibility, resilience, and respect. Through the Adventure program, campers learn to persevere when it’s hard, celebrate when it’s joyful, and reflect on who they are becoming—lessons that strengthen their character for life beyond camp.
On an Adventure trip, your camper will learn practical outdoor skills like pitching tents, cooking on stoves, building campfires, and tying knots. But even more importantly, they will come home with deeper friendships, newfound confidence, and stories of growth that reflect the very best of Camp Greenville’s mission.
Let’s Chat!
Our Adventure Program Team is eager to connect with you to answer any questions you have, and help you feel confident going into your camper’s summer outdoor experience.
Mark Moseley, Director of Adventure Camp and Trip Programs
Jarrett “Bobo” Blair, Adventure Program Manager
Adventure Divisions
D2 Adventure: Rising 5th and 6th grades
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Sunday: Arrival day! Check in, meet your leaders, and start building friendships with your fellow adventurers. After settling in at camp, the evening kicks off with our Opening Campfire—full of laughter, stories, songs, and the beginning of a week you’ll never forget.
Monday: Head to Dupont State Forest for a day of hiking and discovery. You’ll visit three of the region’s most iconic waterfalls—Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls—famous for their beauty and even featured in The Hunger Games. Enjoy a picnic by the river, play field games, and cool off with a swim in one of the lakes. In the evening, we gather at ourbreathtaking Pretty Place Chapel to sing, reflect, and share camp traditions.
Tuesday: Venture into Pisgah National Forest for a hike with a picnic lunch at Fryingpan Mountain lookout Tower and a swim in some of the best swimming holes in the southeast. After hiking and games, cap the day with a sweet stop at Dolly’s Dairy Bar for a well-earned ice cream.
Wednesday: Venture into Pisgah National Forest and explore the Cradle of Forestry,take a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and swim in some of the best swimming holes in the southeast. After hiking and games, cap the day with a sweet stop at Dolly’s Dairy Barfor a well-earned ice cream.
Thursday: Experience a tubing adventure down the Saluda River with the Saluda Outdoor Center. Spend the day swimming, floating, and relaxing by the water. Back at camp, enjoy dinner and gear up for an unforgettable evening rappelling experience at a remote site on our property.
Friday: After breakfast, return to camp and wrap up your campsite gear. The afternoon is all about waterfront fun at Lake Sudie—canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. That night, join the entire camp for our Themed Dinner, Camper Show, and Closing Campfire, celebrating the friendships and adventures you’ve shared all week.
Saturday: End your adventure with a Pajama Jam breakfast filled with music, dancing, and a slideshow of the week’s highlights before saying goodbye and checking out.
This is the perfect introduction to Camp Greenville’s Adventure Program! The trip will set up camp right on our beautiful property, staying together at our campsite locations while venturing out each day for exciting trips into the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Throughout the week, campers explore local rivers by tube, discover breathtaking waterfalls, rappel and climb natural rock formations, and hike through the forests of nearby State and National Parks. Each day offers a new adventure, giving campers the chance to try different outdoor activities while returning to support of our property each night.
This experience is designed to build teamwork, confidence, and outdoor skills in a fun and supportive environment. Campers learn how to set up tents, cook outdoors, and work together as a group, while laughing, sharing stories around the fire, and making lasting friendships.
D2 Adventure is all about growing through adventure, connecting with others, and discovering the joy of the outdoors. By the end of the week, campers head home with new skills, great memories, and the confidence to take on even bigger adventures in the future!
Trip Details
Division 3 campers’ step into a true adventure experience, choosing from a variety of one-week trips that blend on-camp life with exciting off-camp expeditions. Each session is built around a three-day, three-night off-camp adventure, where campers travel to incredible destinations across the Southeast. From Tuesday through Thursday, nights are spent camping at different off-site locations, giving campers the chance to experience new places, build outdoor skills, and bond with their group around the campfire.
The week begins and ends at Camp Greenville. Sunday, Monday, and Friday nights are spent in the cabin, allowing campers to connect with the larger camp community and take part in camp traditions.
Different D3 trips are offered multiple times throughout the summer, each with its own unique theme and itinerary—whether that’s rafting whitewater rivers, exploring caves, or paddling pristine lakes. No matter which trip they choose, campers will gain confidence, independence, and lasting friendships as they step outside their comfort zones in a safe, supportive environment led by highly trained staff.
Check out our Dates & Rates page to explore which D3 Adventure trips are offered each session and find the right one for your camper..
D3 Adventure: Rising 7th-9th grades
Trip Details
For our oldest campers, D4 Adventure Trips are the pinnacle of the Adventure Program at YMCA Camp Greenville. These trips are designed for high school–aged adventurers who are ready to take on bigger challenges and dive deeper into the outdoors.
D4 trips push campers beyond the familiar as they explore the rivers, peaks, forests, and coastlines of the Southeast and beyond. Whether it’s rafting Class III–IV whitewater, backpacking rugged mountain trails, seeing the sunrise on the beach, or camping in unique wilderness settings, these trips are crafted to balance challenge and reward in unforgettable ways.
D4 Adventure Trips aren’t just about the week away—they’re about preparing campers for life after camp. Participants return with new skills, lasting friendships, and the confidence to embrace challenges in every area of life.
Trip Details
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Get ready for a week full of splash, teamwork, and fun! On this trip, campers dive into the excitement of rafting two of the Southeast’s most popular rivers—the Nantahala and the French Broad. Each day is filled with thrilling rapids, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to also hike nearby peaks like Black Balsam off the Blue Ridge Parkway. At night, campers set up camp nearby, share meals, and relax around the campfire after unforgettable days on the river. With the guidance of skilled staff and trusted river outfitters, campers can simply enjoy the adventure and build confidence while paddling as a team.
At a Glance:
• Activities: Whitewater rafting, campfires, group bonding, hiking
• Destinations: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), French Broad River, Blue Ridge Parkway
• Skills Learned: Paddling as a team, water safety, outdoor living, group cooperation
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Discover a whole new world underground! Campers explore incredible cave systems and even spend a night in the Lost Sea Cave. There is also a full day at Worley’s Cave (you will get muddy!), with plenty of time to explore with day hikes and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway along the way. Campers learn how to pack smart, camp in rugged spaces, and embrace the thrill of adventure in places most people never see.
At a Glance:
• Activities: Cave exploration, hiking, overnight cave camping.
• Destinations: Lost Sea Cave, Appalachian Trail, Worley’s Cave, Blue Ridge Parkway
• Skills Learned: Packing & planning, rugged camping, teamwork in challenging environments
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This water-filled week blends paddling and floating fun with camping and exploration. Campers canoe on Lake Jocassee, float lazily down the Saluda River, and finish the week canoeing the French Broad River. Nights are spent at lakeside campsites with time for swimming, cooking outdoors, and campfire bonding. By week’s end, campers return with stronger paddling skills, new confidence on the water, and memories of splashing, laughter, and teamwork.
At a Glance:
• Activities: Canoeing, tubing, lakeside camping, swimming
• Destinations: Lake Jocassee, Saluda River, French Broad River
• Skills Learned: Paddling techniques, water safety, camp cooking
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Immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking waters and views in the southeast. Over three days, campers hike to cascading falls tucked deep in the national forests, swim in the crystal-clear pools below, and rappel in the roar and beauty of rushing water.
The trip also takes to the skies with an unforgettable zipline canopy tour. Soar high above the treetops, gliding from platform to platform, and feel the thrill of flight as you take in panoramic views of the blue ridge mountains and lush forest canopy.
With a perfect mix of hiking, swimming, and zipping through the treetops, this adventure is all about fun, discovery, and unforgettable memories.
At a Glance:
• Activities: Waterfall hikes and rappelling, swimming in natural pools, treetop zipline canopy tour, camping
• Destinations: Pisgah National Forest, The Gorge Zip Line, Green River Adventures
• Skills Learned: Hiking, outdoor cooking, camping basics, teamwork & group bonding
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This trip blends the best of the mountains into one unforgettable week. Campers take on real outdoor rock climbing with professional guides, tackle the trails on a mountain biking adventure, and challenge themselves on a high ropes course and zipline. Between activities, the group camps together in the Nantahala National Forest, enjoying campfires, meals outdoors, and time to relax in beautiful places.
The balance of high-energy adventure and quiet moments in nature creates an experience full of fun, growth, and teamwork. Campers come away with new skills, confidence in themselves, and lasting friendships—all while exploring some of the Southeast’s most exciting landscapes.
At a Glance:
• Activities: Rock climbing, mountain biking, high ropes, ziplining, camping, hiking, swimming
• Destinations: Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
• Skills Learned: Outdoor adventure basics, teamwork, resilience, confidence in new challenges
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Looking for a challenge and an unforgettable two-week journey? D3 Outback is the ultimate opportunity for campers to level up their outdoor skills and dive deeper into wilderness living. Over the course of two weeks, campers stay in our unique Outback Village and take part in both onsite and offsite adventures that blend backpacking, camping, canoeing, and team-building experiences.
This trip emphasizes learning and growth in outdoor living—whether it’s carrying a pack on the trail for 3 nights, camping and paddling down a river, or cooking over a fire. Campers will explore while developing resilience, independence, and a strong sense of community. Nights are spent camping under the stars, sharing meals, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
More immersive than a one-week adventure, D3 Outback gives campers time to truly bond with their group, strengthen their confidence, and grow in leadership. By the end of two weeks, they’ll return with new skills, lifelong friendships, and stories of adventure that will stay with them forever.
At a Glance:
• Activities: Backpacking, overnight canoeing, camping in remote settings, group challenges, campfires
• Destinations: Outback Village at Camp Greenville, Black Balsam, Blue Ridge Parkway, French Broad River, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
• Skills Learned: Backpacking and camping basics, canoeing and paddling, outdoor living, teamwork, leadership, resilience
D4 Adventure: Rising 10th-12th grades
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For campers ready to take on the challenge of fast-moving rivers, Whitewater Adventure offers an unforgettable week of paddling, camping, and bonding. This trip takes campers to some of the Southeast’s most famous rivers, including the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Ocoee, each offering its own mix of scenery, rapids, and fun. With the support of skilled staff and trusted guides, campers raft, paddle, and play their way down the rivers—experiencing both the thrill of the rapids and the joy of working together as a team.
In between river runs, campers set up camp in beautiful national and state parks, cook meals together, and relax around the campfire. From evenings under the stars to swims in mountain lakes and rivers, this adventure blends high-energy fun with classic camp traditions. It’s the perfect capstone trip for those ready to embrace challenge, laughter, and the unforgettable experience of whitewater rafting.
At a Glance:
Activities: Whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, camping, swimming, campfires
Destinations: Nantahala River, Chattooga River, Ocoee River, regional national/state parks
Skills Learned: Whitewater safety, teamwork, paddling skills, camping & outdoor living, resilience
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New for 2026, New River Gorge Adventure takes campers to America’s newest national park to explore one of the oldest rivers in the world. This trip is packed with adventure and discovery, blending high-energy activities with incredible views of West Virginia’s most iconic landscapes.
Starting at the famous New River Gorge Bridge, campers experience the gorge from every angle. They’ll walk the 3,030-foot-long bridge catwalk with Bridge Walk LLC, explore the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, and learn about the rich history of the gorge. Hikes along the Endless Wall Trail reveal panoramic overlooks, while a half-day zipline canopy tour at ACE Adventure Resort adds a thrilling twist high in the treetops.
The highlight of the week comes with a full day of whitewater rafting on the New River, known for some of the best rapids in the Southeast. Evenings are spent camping, cooking meals together, and reflecting around the fire. By the end of the trip, campers return with new stories, stronger friendships, and the confidence that comes from exploring one of the country’s most exciting national parks.
At a Glance:
Activities: Bridge walk, hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, camping, campfires
Destinations: New River Gorge National Park, Endless Wall Trail, ACE Adventure Resort, Canyon Rim Visitors Center
Skills Learned: Outdoor exploration, rafting skills, teamwork, camping & outdoor living, adaptability
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For campers looking for the ultimate mix of adventure, travel, and exploration, Monk’s Ultimate is an unforgettable two-week journey. This road trip heads south to Florida, where campers discover sandy beaches, crystal-clear natural springs, and unique coastal ecosystems. Along the way, they’ll tube and swim in refreshing rivers, explore world-famous sites like the Kennedy Space Center, and even have the chance to spot manatees in their natural habitat.
Traveling and camping together, campers learn the joy of shared discovery and the fun of life on the road. Days are filled with new activities and adventures, while evenings bring campfires, laughter, and plenty of time to relax under the stars.
After two weeks, campers not only return with incredible stories and new skills but also with stronger friendships, lasting memories, and the confidence that comes from exploring far from home. Monk’s Ultimate truly lives up to its name—a capstone adventure like no other.
At a Glance:
Activities: Tubing, swimming, camping, beach exploration, Kennedy Space Center visit
Destinations: Florida natural springs, coastal beaches, Kennedy Space Center
Skills Learned: Travel and camp living, outdoor recreation skills, adaptability, teamwork, curiosity about new environments
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For campers eager to dive deeper into a more wilderness experience, Outback Adventure offers two weeks of exploration, challenge, and community. Based out of Camp Greenville’s rustic Outback Village, campers head into the field for multi-day expeditions that include backpacking along mountain trails and paddling stretches of the French Broad River.
Each day is filled with opportunities to learn hands-on outdoor skills—like backcountry cooking, campsite setup, and Leave No Trace practices—while building resilience and trust within the group. Nights are spent under the stars, sharing meals and campfires, and reflecting on the day’s adventures.
By the end of the trip, campers return with a deeper sense of independence, teamwork, and connection to the natural world. Outback Adventure challenges participants to push their limits while celebrating the rewards of the outdoors.
At a Glance:
Activities: Backpacking, overnight canoeing, camping, campfires
Destinations: Mountains-to-Sea Trail, French Broad River, Pisgah National Forest, Blueridge Parkway
Skills Learned: Backpacking techniques, navigation, outdoor cooking, canoeing, teamwork & leadership
