Camp · Specialty · Ages 18–21 · $2,470/week
Directory · United States · Wyoming · Dubois
▌ Specialty · Ages 18–21

SOAR - NC First Ascent

SOAR - NC First Ascent · $2,470/week

Wilderness adventure programs for youth with ADHD and learning differences.

▌ Editor's read The SOAR website loads successfully and details their programs for youth with ADHD and learning differences, emphasizing adventure and social skill development. SOAR is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with their accreditation expiring in 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards. The camp was founded by Don Riddle and has been operating for over 45 years, establishing a long history in specialized camping. They explicitly state a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:2 and mention that all staff undergo background checks. SOAR is a non-profit organization. Google reviews for 'SOAR ADHD Camp' show a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 100+ reviews, with parents frequently praising the positive impact on their children's confidence and social skills. The camp offers overnight programs across various locations, including Wyoming, as indicated by the provided URL.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 198145+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 18–21

SOAR - NC First Ascent serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in specialty, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1981 (45 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Published by camp see camp site →

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 18–21
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 226 SOAR Lane, Balsam, NC 28707, USA & 184 Uphill Road, Dubois, WY 82513, USA
  • Phone: (828) 456-3435
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Financial aid is available.

Runs 24-hour residential, 1 session (0 one-week, 1 multi-week block), from Jun 14 to Jun 30.

Sessions ⛓

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

  • Session 1 Jun 14 – 30, 2026 · 3 weeks · $6,000

↗ What parents like

  • Focus on self-confidence
  • Develops social and life skills

↘ Watch for

  • Not a traditional summer camp

Logistics

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

Frequently asked about SOAR - NC First Ascent

What ages does SOAR - NC First Ascent accept?
SOAR - NC First Ascent is open to children ages 18–21. 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 SOAR - NC First Ascent cost?
SOAR - NC First Ascent publishes $2,470/week for the standard session. That sits close to the $2,471 median for specialty camps in Dubois. Financial aid is available. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are SOAR - NC First Ascent's hours?
SOAR - NC First Ascent 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 SOAR - NC First Ascent accredited?
Yes — SOAR - NC First Ascent is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 45 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 SOAR - NC First Ascent?
SOAR - NC First Ascent is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 45 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 SOAR - NC First Ascent provide lunch?
SOAR - NC First Ascent 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 SOAR - NC First Ascent compare to other specialty camps in Dubois?
SOAR - NC First Ascent is one of 16 specialty camps in Dubois 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 SOAR - NC First Ascent with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside SOAR - NC First Ascent.