Camp · Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 7–15 · $1,660/week
Directory · United States · North Carolina · Glade Valley
▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 7–15

Camp Cheerio

North Carolina · $1,660/week · ★ 4.8 (171 reviews)

YMCA overnight camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains offering traditional camp activities.

▌ Editor's read Camp Cheerio's website loads successfully and provides information about its overnight camp programs. The camp is ACA accredited, with its accreditation valid through August 2025, as confirmed by the ACA directory. The camp, founded by Dr. Ralph Johnson, has been operating for 75 years, establishing a long history in youth development. It is a non-profit organization. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and drug screenings, demonstrating a commitment to camper safety. Google reviews average 4.9 stars from over 200 reviews, with common themes praising the positive impact on children and the variety of activities. The camp offers a wide range of activities including horseback riding, swimming, and various sports. Social media handles are @campcheerio on Instagram and 'campcheerio' on Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 195175+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 7–15

Camp Cheerio sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right overnight/sleepaway fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1951 (75 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
  • Ages: 7–15
  • Address: 1430 Camp Cheerio Rd, Glade Valley, NC 28627, USA
  • Phone: 336-363-7860
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Session 1G is $1660 for one week.

9 sessions (7 one-week, 2 multi-week blocks), from May 31 to Aug 14.

1 open · 8 waitlist

Sessions ⛓

Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.

  • Session 1 May 31 – Jun 5, 2026 · 1 week · $1,660
  • Session 2 Jun 7 – 13, 2026 · 1 week · $1,760 Waitlist
  • Session 3 Jun 14 – 20, 2026 · 1 week · $1,760 Waitlist
  • Session 4 Jun 21 – Jul 3, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,520 Waitlist
  • Session 5 Jul 5 – 11, 2026 · 1 week · $1,760 Waitlist
  • Session 6 Jul 12 – 24, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,520 Waitlist
  • Session 7 Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2026 · 1 week · $1,760 Waitlist
  • Session 8 Aug 2 – 8, 2026 · 1 week · $1,760 Waitlist
  • Session 9 Aug 9 – 14, 2026 · 1 week · $1,660 Waitlist

↗ What parents like

  • Traditional camp activities
  • Christian atmosphere

↘ Watch for

  • Some sessions are waitlisted

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Camp Cheerio

What ages does Camp Cheerio accept?
Camp Cheerio is open to children ages 7–15. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Camp Cheerio cost?
Camp Cheerio publishes $1,660/week for the standard session. Session 1G is $1660 for one week. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
Is Camp Cheerio accredited?
Yes — Camp Cheerio is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 75 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Camp Cheerio?
Camp Cheerio is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 75 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Camp Cheerio provide lunch?
Yes — Camp Cheerio includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
How does Camp Cheerio compare to other overnight/sleepaway camps in Glade Valley?
Camp Cheerio is one of 9 overnight/sleepaway camps in Glade Valley that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Cheerio with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Cheerio.