Camp FAQ

Camp is an exciting time and we understand that you might have questions about what your child’s experience will entail and what they should bring. We’ve tried to answer all your questions here, but if not, please feel free to email us at info@muddysneakers.org.

The safety and well-being of our staff and campers are most important. We will continue to monitor recommendations from the  ACA, CDC, and NCDHHS  on best practices for running summer camp during the current pandemic.

* Please note that Camp Muddy Sneakers will be on hiatus for the summer of 2022. 

When, why and where was Camp Muddy Sneakers started?

Camp Muddy Sneakers was a natural outgrowth of the Brevard, NC-based, nonprofit Muddy Sneakers and its highly successful and rapidly growing school-year science education program. With an ever-growing list of partnering elementary schools across Western North Carolina, a tremendous amount of interest for expanded programming led the organization to offer its first summer day camp in 2013 in hopes of reaching even more youth. The idea behind Camp Muddy Sneakers, much like the organization’s school-year program, is to take campers to different protected lands that surround their community in an effort to introduce them to the ‘living classroom’ that is their nearby natural world. The first camp sessions were offered in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest for their rich biodiversity and incredible natural beauty.

Does Camp Muddy Sneakers have a campus?

Due to the ever-changing nature of private land ownership in this region, the unfortunate news of the imminent sale of Everett Farms was presented to the organization in the fall of 2021. After an unsuccessful search for another comparable site where the program could also receive some guarantee of greater stability through a multi-year lease, the organization ultimately decided to pause programming for summer 2022.

Is there a way to support Camp Muddy Sneakers at this time?

Yes! Your donations can be put to work supporting our camp scholarships or can be utilized to help support our school year programming with 5th grade public school students across the state.

Check out the “Support” page of our website to learn more about ways to give.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, we have a limited amount of scholarship funding available for children who attend Camp Muddy Sneakers. There is a maximum of 45% scholarship that can be awarded to each camper that applies.

Scholarships are first-come, first-serve, and are need-based on the following:


  • 1) There is a demonstrated need for assistance without which the student would not be able to attend.
  • 2) The student would contribute to and benefit from the program.

What sessions are offered?

Traditionally, Muddy Sneakers has offered sessions for the following age groups:

  • Curious Critters: Ages 4-6
  • Nature Explorers: Ages 6-8
  • Trail Blazers: Ages 9-11

What if my camper's age is on the cusp?

There is a three-month grace period for the youngest camper in an age group. If the camper has a birthday within three months after the registered camp session date, they can register for that camp.

What should my child bring?

Trail Blazers

  • Backpack
  • 2 bottles of water
  • Healthy Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Extra change of water shoes and clothes
  • Rain jacket
  • A positive attitude!
  • Sunscreen
  • Optional: Bug spray

*Please note that it will be your child’s responsibility to carry his or her backpack each day while hiking. Make sure to pack the necessary items for the day (‘What to Bring’) but please be mindful not to overpack to ensure that your child has a successful and comfortable day!

Nature Explorers and Curious Critters

  • 2 bottles of water (we will have the opportunity to refill at base-camp)
  • Healthy lunch and 2 snacks (Curious Critters do not need a lunch for the half day, just snacks)
  • Comfortable hiking/playing/running shoes
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Extra change of water shoes and clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Optional: Bug spray

What should my child not bring?

  • Electronics
  • Knives
  • Anything that might be a distraction from enjoying time outdoors

What is your registration privacy policy?

Camp Muddy Sneakers will not share any private information with any party who is not employed by the organization. Medical information is only shared with camp staff on a need-to-know basis.

What new policies have you put in place to safeguard children from Covid-19?

We follow all CDC, NCHHS, and ACA guidelines regarding running a summer camp. We will continue to updated policies and procedures surrounding Covid-19 to best safeguard campers, their families and our staff.

other ways to give »

Donate to Muddy Sneakers

Each $50 donation sponsors one student’s participation in Muddy Sneakers for a full school year! Learn more »

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