YMCA Camp Watia

09/01/2026

Summer 2027 registration is now open!

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer filled with fun, adventure, and new friends.

Sign up today and secure your spot! bit.ly/49grVDH

08/31/2026

It's almost time! Summer 2027 registration opens tomorrow on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.

Learn more here: bit.ly/49grVDH

08/30/2026

Two days to go! Registration for summer 2027 opens in 2 days on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.

Learn more here: bit.ly/49grVDH

08/29/2026

We can’t wait to meet our new camp families!!!

Mark your calendars! YMCA Camp Watia summer 2027 registration opens in 3 days on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.

Learn more here: bit.ly/49grVDH

08/29/2026

Mark your calendars! Summer 2027 registration opens in 3 days on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.

Learn more here: bit.ly/49grVDH

08/26/2026

It was a beautiful day yesterday for a groundbreaking! We are very excited to share our plans for the new Frederick Airnasium, opening in time for summer 2027. Think open air basketball gymnasium with a camp twist. This will be a gamechanger on rainy days.

Thank you so much to Charles and Sandy Frederick for their immense generosity and continued support, to Paul and Vicki Vest for their many years of collective leadership and vision, and to every donor, staff member, volunteer, camper, and parent that continues to dare, discover, and dream!

08/18/2026

So proud to see Fenix Taylor making history as the first member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to participate in the YMCA Camp Watia Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program!

After seven years at Camp Watia and completing our Leader-in-Training program last year, Fenix took the next step in a leadership journey that builds confidence, responsibility, and the skills to become a future camp counselor.

Fenix’s story is exactly what Camp Watia is all about: helping young people discover who they are, find their voice, and grow into leaders. We’re honored to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see what’s next!

Thank you to the Cherokee One Feather for highlighting this incredible milestone and for our continued partnership!

THE GOOD STUFF:
Fenix Taylor is the first member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to participate in the YMCA Camp Watia Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program. Camp Watia is an overnight YMCA camp in the Great Smoky Mountains that focuses on youth development, leadership, character building, and outdoor education. Taylor has attended Camp Watia for seven years and completed the camp's two-week Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program last year, which serves as the prerequisite leadership course for admission into the CIT program. The three-week CIT program is the final step in Camp Watia's leadership development pathway for youth interested in becoming future camp counselors. Through hands-on experiences assisting counselors, mentoring younger campers and participating in camp operations, CIT participants are entrusted with greater levels of responsibility while developing leadership and problem-solving skills. The program helps prepare young adults for future counselor roles while fostering personal growth, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. (Photo courtesy of YMCA Camp Watia)

08/14/2026

Dear Watia Families, Campers, and Staff,

Thank you for an incredible summer. Thank you for laughing and smiling with us and showing us what summer camp is all about. Thank you for trying new things and making new friends.

Thank you to our staff for being the wonderful amazing staff they are. Thank you for being with our campers through every triumph and misstep. Thank you for putting your campers before yourselves and still being the best at what you do.

Watia is a family and we love our family so much❤️

We can’t wait to see you all next summer!

08/13/2026

And with that Mock Rock has had its final curtain call for 2026! Can’t wait to see what they do next year!

08/12/2026

From cabin activities to choice to Carnival. We have it all.