Camp · Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 6–8 · $1,775/week
Directory · United States · North Carolina · Ridgecrest
▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 6–8

Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw

Ridgecrest, NC · $1,775/week · ★ 4.7 (98 reviews)

A Christian summer camp for boys in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a traditional camp experience with a focus on...

▌ Editor's read Camp Ridgecrest for Boys operates as a Christian-based overnight camp, emphasizing spiritual growth and character development alongside traditional camp activities. The website, boys.ridgecrestcamps.com, loads successfully and provides extensive information. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with accreditation valid through 2025, confirming adherence to industry standards. Founded by Dr. L.L. Gwaltney, the camp has been operating for over 100 years, indicating a rich history and established program. They explicitly state a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4 and mention that all staff undergo background checks, highlighting a focus on safety and supervision. The camp has a strong online presence, with a 4.9-star rating from over 200 Google reviews, where parents frequently praise the positive impact on their sons' spiritual and personal growth. Social media handles include @ridgecrestcamps on Instagram and 'ridgecrestcamps' on Facebook, showcasing camp life and activities.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 1926100+ years operating
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 6–8

Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw is well suited to lower-elementary campers who can sit through a 30-minute activity block but still need movement breaks every hour. overnight/sleepaway content lands when it's framed as play first, instruction second; this age responds to friend-group continuity more than to specific skill outcomes.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1926 (100 years)
Operator
Faith-based organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Published by camp see camp site →

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
  • Ages: 6–8
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 290 Yates Ave, Ridgecrest, NC 28770
  • Phone: (828) 669-8051
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Tuition: $3550 per two-week session.

Runs 24-hour residential, 4 sessions (0 one-week, 4 multi-week blocks), from Jun 7 to Jul 31.

Sessions ⛓

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

  • Session 1 Jun 7 – 19, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,550
  • Session 2 Jun 21 – Jul 3, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,550
  • Session 3 Jul 5 – 17, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,550
  • Session 4 Jul 19 – 31, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,550

↗ What parents like

  • Christian summer camp
  • Sister camp nearby

↘ Watch for

  • Campers cannot stay between sessions

Logistics

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

Frequently asked about Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw

What ages does Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw accept?
Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw is open to children ages 6–8. 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 Ridgecrest - Bear Paw cost?
Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw publishes $1,775/week for the standard session. Tuition: $3550 per two-week session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw's hours?
Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw accredited?
Yes — Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 100 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 Ridgecrest - Bear Paw?
Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw is operated by a faith-based organization, with 100 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 Ridgecrest - Bear Paw provide lunch?
Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
How does Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw compare to other overnight/sleepaway camps in Ridgecrest?
Camp Ridgecrest - Bear Paw is one of 11 overnight/sleepaway camps in Ridgecrest 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

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