Find Childcare

for Families

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Childcare

Resource & Referral

Your child deserves high quality early education!

The Children’s Council helps to address the issue of quality, affordable childcare for families in Watauga County by contributing funding to the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department of Social Services to support children in 4- and 5-star centers. Working families can apply for a subsidy to help cover the cost of childcare in a 4- or 5-star setting. In addition, we administer the county NC Pre-K program and provide funding for eligible families to have free preschool for 4-year-olds.

Choosing a childcare program is one of the most important decisions that families can make.

Finding quality childcare can be challenging. Region 9 Child Care Resource and Referral offers free referral services to our region. You know your child’s needs and the kind of care most appropriate for your child. Taking the time to find quality childcare will result in peace of mind while you are away from your child.

To talk to a referral specialist about options in our county, you can call 1-877-670-8735 or 704-380-3872. They can help you know who has openings, explain the star rating system, and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, you can visit the website for more childcare resources.

Do you know your childcare facility’s Star Rating?

Every parent wants what is best for their child, and that includes high-quality childcare. Licensed childcare centers and homes in North Carolina are rated on a One to Five Star scale to accurately reflect their overall quality. Four and Five Star childcare centers and family homes have increased program quality, higher staff education levels, and high compliance histories.

You can search for a childcare facility and learn more about their star rating, quality standards, and compliance history by visiting DCDEE Child Care Search. Additionally, you can file a complaint about a facility by visiting DCDEE Complaints.

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D.U.A.L. School

D.U.A.L. School is a half-day preschool at The Children’s Council of Watauga County serving children and families from 8:30am-12:30pm Monday through Thursday. The DUAL School Program prepares children ages 3 and 4 years old for kindergarten. Our mission is to immerse children in a developmentally appropriate curriculum that involves hands-on learning. Our school focuses on providing an intentional learning space that supports and encourages children’s language development. A fundamental part of our program includes viewing children as capable and giving children open-ended opportunities to think, create, explore, and imagine. We believe that this is done through nurturing relationships and encouraging and support play and curiosity.

If you would like to apply to enroll your child in our school, please fill out the application for enrollment and tuition assistance form. You may email these forms to info@thechildrenscouncil.org or visit The Children’s Council to hand in forms or complete an application in person. You can also reach out to our office to meet our teachers and set up a tour of DUAL School.

Apply Here

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NC Pre-Kindergarten

English 2026-2027 NC Pre-K application

Spanish 2026-2027 NC Pre-K application

The Children's Council of Watauga County is the contract administrator for the NC Pre-K program and accepts applications to determine eligibility for enrollment. If you have any questions, need more information or need assistance completing the application, feel free to contact Miranda Vaughan at (828)262-5424 ext. 218.

*There are still spots available at select sites for the 2025-2026 school year. Please contact our office for an application.*

The North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program provides high quality educational experiences for eligible four-year-olds in order to enhance their kindergarten readiness. In Watauga County, we have classrooms in the following schools:

Bethel Elementary
Blowing Rock Elementary – Lucy Brock Collaborative Classroom
Cove Creek Elementary – Lucy Brock Collaborative Classroom
Green Valley Elementary
Hardin Park Elementary
Mabel Elementary
Parkway Elementary – Lucy Brock Collaborative Classroom
Valle Crucis Elementary

Eligibility:

To be eligible:

Child must be four-years old on or before August 31st, 2026, for upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
Child is from a family whose gross income is at or below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI).
Children of certain military families are also eligible without regard to income.
20% of age eligible children enrolled may have family incomes in excess of 75% SMI if they have a documented risk factor in the following specific categories including:
Developmental Disability, Limited English Proficiency, Educational Need, Chronic Health Condition

Although a child may meet one or more eligibility factors, placement is not guaranteed in an NC Pre-K classroom.

For All Applicants:

Blank applications may be picked up at our office or at the Blue Ridge Pediatrics office. Families are encouraged to bring in their completed NC Pre-K applications and required documents. You may also complete the application by mail, email or place in the drop box outside of our office located at 225 Birch Street, Suite 3 Boone, NC 28607.

Mail applications:
225 Birch Street, Suite 3, ATTN: Miranda Vaughan, Boone, NC 28607
Email all applications to-
miranda@thechildrenscouncil.org
(828) 262-5424 ext. 218

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Area Summer Camps

General Camps:

Western Youth Network- Watauga County

Dates: June 9-12, June 16-19, June 23-26, July 7-10, July 14-17, July 21-24
Daily Operating Times: M-TH 8 am-5:30 pm
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $125/week standard fee, $75/week (if eligible for free school lunch), $100/week (if eligible for reduced school lunch)
Scholarships available: Yes
Location: Watauga WYN Facility
Ages Served: Rising 6th grade-rising 9th grade
Six-week summer camp introducing new concepts and activities for a fun summer experience. Helps kids build critical confidence and character in an empowering and supportive environment.
Camp Contact: (828) 264-5174
Link to Website: https://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/our-work/summer-camp/watauga-summer-camp/

Western Youth Network- Ashe County

Dates: June 9-12, June 16-19, June 23-26, July 7-10, July 14-17, July 21-24
Daily Operating Times: M-TH 7:45 am-5:30 pm
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $125/week standard fee, $75/week (if eligible for free school lunch), $100/week (if eligible for reduced school lunch)
Scholarships available: Yes
Location: Ashe County Family Central
Ages Served: Rising 1st grade-rising 7th grade
Six-week summer camp introducing new concepts and activities for a fun summer experience. Helps kids build critical confidence and character in an empowering and supportive environment.
Camp Contact: (828) 264-5174
Link to Website: https://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/our-work/summer-camp/ashe-summer-camp/

Watauga Parks and Recreation
*please check their website for updated information here: https://rec.watgov.org

Summer Adventure Camp

Summer Adventure Camp is a seven-week, day camp program for children ages 5-13 that have completed kindergarten. Camp is centrally located at Watauga High School and is Monday – Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.
Camp structure provides themed weeks with activities, field trips, arts, and games related to the week’s theme. In addition to the activities around campus and the weekly field trip, campers also go to the Watauga Community Recreation Center once each week.
Campers pay a “per week” registration fee and space is limited. Camp traditionally fills up fast and registration opens in early May.

Fun in the Sun Camp

Fun in the Sun Camp is a seven-week, day camp program for children ages 5-13 that must be a rising 1st – 7th grader. Camp location varies between Hardin Park and the Watauga Community Recreation Center and is Monday – Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.
Camp structure provides activities, field trips, arts, and games. In addition to activities around campus and the weekly field trip, campers will also go to the Watauga Community Recreation Center once a week.
Campers pay a “per week” registration fee and space is limited. Camp traditionally fills up fast and registration opens in early May.

Teen Extreme Camp

Teen Extreme Camp is a five-week, day camp for rising 7th-9th graders. Camp is located at the Watauga Community Recreation Center and is Monday – Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.
Camp structure provides activities for teens to engage in field trips, arts, and games. In addition to activities around the WCRC, campers will go on a weekly field trip and will go swimming at the WCRC once a week.
Campers pay a “per week” registration fee and space is limited. Camp traditionally fills up fast and registration opens in early May.

Extreme Dance Camp

Extreme Dance Camp is a one-week camp during the summer for girls and boys ages 6-14. The camp focuses on clogging, hip-hop, and cheerleading.
Camp meets at Watauga High School from 8:00am-3:00pm. Campers will perform in a special, end of camp program.

Music:

Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University

Dates: June 20th-July 11th
Daily Operating Times: All Day
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: Tuition and fees for all of camp = $3,150
Scholarships available: Yes; applicants may submit an audition video or audition in person. https://cannon.appstate.edu/scholarships
Location: ASU Campus
Ages Served: Rising 9th graders-graduating high school seniors
For dedicated musicians to learn music theory, perform in an ensemble, and get an early college experience. Campers will eat in the dining hall, stay in the dorm rooms, and attend music classes, lessons, and rehearsals taught by Hayes School of Music professors. There is an initial $150 payment ($100 deposit + $50 nonrefundable application fee).
Camp Contact: (828) 262-4091
Link to Website: https://cannon.appstate.edu/about

Outdoor/Nature:

High Country Forest Wild

Dates: June 1st-August 14th
Daily Operating Times: M-F, 9am-3pm
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $250/week, siblings get 10% = $225/week
Scholarships available: Financial Aid available
Location: Vilas and West Jefferson
Ages Served: 4-14 years old
There is a one-time registration fee of $40/family, which covers administrative costs.
Camp Contact: (336) 977-9250
Link to Website: https://www.highcountryforestwild.com/register

De La Cruz Farm

Dates: June 8-11 Age 6-10, June 15-18. Age 10-14, June 22-25 Age 6-10, June 29-July 2 Age 10-14, July 6-9 Age 6-10, July 13-16 Age 10-14, July 20-23 Age 6-10, July 27-30 Age 10-14, August 3-6 Age 6-10, August 10-13 Age 6-10
Daily Operating Times: 9:30-2:30 Monday through Thursday.
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Scholarships available: Unknown
Location: Deep Gap
Ages Served: 6-14 years old
Fun & Creative Outdoor Activities including storytelling/Bible truth, games, drawing & painting, horsemanship, and farm fun.
Camp Contact: director@delacruzfarms.com
Website: https://delacruzfarms.com/events/
Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeU6F5shQs8HhFCtbSvX4gN-uA4Lsyrgb1MuGvq2HPX8IkTfQ/viewform

Holston Camp & Retreat Center

Dates: Each camp has different weeks of operation
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: Boomers Day Camp: $249/week; Other camps: Half week= $399, Full week= $759, Two weeks= $1499
Scholarships available: Yes, there is a scholarship application on their website. You can request the % of services needed: 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 10%.
Location: 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Rd. Banner Elk, NC 28604
Ages Served: Grades 1-12
Offers an outdoor Christian community and the opportunity to make new friends. Campers will learn new skills and activities.
Camp Contact: (844) 465-7866
Link to Website: https://holstoncenter.org/summer-camp/

Lutherock Camps

Dates: Each camp has different weeks of operation
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $175 deposit per program per child. Each camp varies in pricing.
Scholarships available: Yes, call 828-209-6302 or go to
novusway.org/scholarship for more info.
Location: 84 Camp Luther Rd, Newland, NC 28657
Ages Served: Ages 3-12th grade
The camp’s goal is for each camper to have fun, grow in skills and self-esteem, make new friends, and draw a closer relationship with Jesus.
Camp Contact: (828) 209-6302
Link to Website: https://lutherock.org/summer-camps/

Camp Gray Rock

Dates: June 21-27, June 28-July 4, July 5-11, July 12-18, July 19-25, July 26-August 1 (The first four dates shown are girls camp, the last two dates are boys camp.)
Daily Operating Times: Check-in is 1 pm-3 pm on Sunday, pickup Saturday from 9 am-11 am.
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN- registration packet due by May 31 (mailed to Gloria Scott, 806 Woodard Drive, Whitsett, NC 27377)
Cost per week per camper: $450/week
Scholarships available: Contact (828) 963-4680 for any additional information.
Location: 337 Camp Rainbow Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Ages Served: Campers usually aged between 11 and 15
Camp activities include swimming, arts & crafts, field games, mini golf, Gaga ball, four square, basketball, and more! Spending money on sacks is suggested.
Camp Contact: (828) 963-4680
Link to Website: https://www.campgrayrock.com/summer-camp

Girl Scouts Camp Ginger Cascades

Dates: Dates vary per program between June 21 and July 31
Daily Operating Times: 7:30 am-9 pm schedules (overnight camp)
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: All overnight summer camp programs are $350 for a mini session and $650 for a full week session.
Scholarships available: Yes, submit an online financial aid application. First come first serve basis.
Location: 2090 Scout Road, Lenoir, NC 28645
Ages Served: Rising grades 2-12.
Camp Contact: (800) 672-2148
Link to Website: https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/summer-camp.html

Special Needs Based:

Camp Jean Rankin

Dates: July 19-July 24
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN- Fill out an interest form online.
For Cost & Scholarships available: Contact hanleyhb@appstate.edu for any additional information
Location: ASU Campus
Ages Served: 11-16 years old
The camp is designed to work on managing moments of stuttering, increasing fluency, decreasing negative feelings about stuttering, and increasing campers’ participation.
Camp Contact: hanleyhb@appstate.edu
Link to Website: https://cdclinic.appstate.edu/programs/summer-stuttering-camp

SOAR ADHD Summer Camp

Dates: Overnight and Varies on camp
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: Cost varies by camp, from $3,800 to $6,000 altogether
Scholarships available: Financial Aid available
Location: Balsam, NC
Ages Served: 8-25 years old
An outdoor adventure summer camp assisting youth with ADHD and learning disabilities develop self-confidence, social, and life skills.
Camp Contact: (828) 456-3435
Link to Website: https://soarnc.org/adhd-camp

Theater/Dance:

App Theater

Dates: June 22-26 & June 29-July 3
Daily Operating Times: June 22-26 & June 29-July 2 from 9 am-4 pm, ALL DAY July 3
Registration Opening Date: SOLD OUT- Can be added to waiting list
Cost per week per camper: $375 for 2 weeks, with a $25 discount if paid in full. Includes a $50 non-refundable deposit. Lunch options are an additional fee.
Scholarships available: Contact (828) 865-3000 for any additional information.
Location: Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 King Street, Boone, NC 28607
Ages Served: Entering grades 4-9 at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Participants develop intermediate musical theatre performance abilities by singing, dancing, and acting, as well as solo and ensemble skills. Will perform a production of Disney’s Newsies Jr. On-site auditions are on May 17th, and video auditions by May 18th.
Camp Contact: (828) 865-3000
Link to Website: https://www.apptheatre.org/musicaltheatrecamp

Sports/Athletics:

ZRC Ramp Camp

Dates: June 1-4, June 8-11, June 15-18, June 29-July 2, July 6-9, July 13-July 16, July 27-July 30, August 3-6, August 10-13
Daily Operating Times: 8 am-4 pm
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $399/week (deposit per week $100); if campers need an early dropoff/pickup, this can be arranged for $20/hour.
Scholarships available: Contact ashley@zrcskate.com for any additional information.
Location: Halfway between Boone, NC, and Mountain City, TN, in the heart of Trade, TN, at 11878 Highway 421 South.
Ages Served: 7+ years old
Children will get the chance to learn new skateboard skills and progress their skills. There will also be ramp building, environmental education, hiking, field trips, and skate-related crafts.
Camp Contact: ashley@zrcskate.com
Link to Website: https://www.zrcskate.com/camp

Deer Valley Athletic Club

Dates: June 1st-August 10th
Daily Operating Times: Varies by Camp
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $275 for a full day, $200 for a half day, nonmembers pay an additional $50/week.
Scholarships available: Contact (828) 262-3337 for any additional information.
Location: 507 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607
Ages Served: Rising 1st grade-rising 6th grade, Ages 4-6
Campers will be immersed in activities such as tennis, gymnastics, outside play, swimming, and pickleball.
Camp Contact: (828) 262-3337
Link to Website: https://deervalleyathletic.club/kids/

Camp Girls on the Run

Dates: Girls have Heart Camp- June 15-19, July 6-9, Girls have Power Camp- June 22-26
Daily Operating Times: 9 am-5 pm
Registration Opening Date: Join the waitlist for the June 15-19 dates. Remaining camps are NOW OPEN.
Cost per week per camper: Per week: $100 (includes t-shirt, water bottle, and afternoon snacks).
Scholarships available: Contact (828) 262-7557 for any additional information.
Location: Levine Hall of Health Sciences, 1179 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Ages Served: Any girl in 3rd-5th grade
Girls will spend a week building friendships, exploring their creativity, and playing fun games.
Camp Contact: (828) 262-7557
Link to Website: https://appwell.appstate.edu/outreach/exercise-nutrition/gotr/camp-gotr/

Rock Dimensions Climbing Adventure Camp

Dates: June 8-12 / June 22-26 / July 6-10 / July 20-24 / July 27-31
Daily Operating Times: Monday-Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Registration Opening Date: Contact (828) 265-3544 for any additional information.
Cost per week per camper: $725/person for 5-day camp. Includes a Rock Dimensions t-shirt. (Call if looking for less than 5 days.)
Scholarships available: Contact (828) 265-3544 for any additional information.
Location: Participants will meet Rock Dimensions guides at the location at Footsloggers in Boone.
Ages Served: 8+ years old
Provides land-based outdoor activities that include Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Caving, Ropes/Challenge Course, and Climbing Tower. The climbing days are suitable for beginning climbers and those who have some basic experience in a gym or outdoors. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunch. There are registration/medical forms, liability agreements, clothing/equipment lists, and directions in registration packets. There will be different locations that the group will go to, located on the website.
Camp Contact: (828) 265-3544
Link to Website: https://www.rockdimensions.com/climbing-adventure-camp/

Mountaineer Soccer Camps

Dates: 07/06-07/09 & 07/20-07/23
Daily Operating Times: Full day or half day.
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $175 – $280 with a $30 discount for siblings, depending on the camp.
Scholarships available: Visit the website for any additional information.
Location: Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex
Ages Served: 6-12th grade
Learn different levels of soccer with App State coaches and players. Along with other fun activities.
Link to Website: https://www.mountaineerssoccercamps.com/

Educational:

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Cobra Youth Camps

Dates: July 21-24 for Fun with Baking program, and July 28-31 for Healthy Eating the Mediterranean Way.
Daily Operating Times: Monday-Thursday from 8:30 am-1:30 pm.
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN
Cost per week per camper: $220 for each session
Scholarships available: Contact (828) 297-8120 for any additional information.
Location: Watauga Campus
Ages Served: 9-18 years old
Fun with Baking Program: Designed for those who enjoy baking (ages 9-13). Learn to make amazing desserts. Healthy Eating the Mediterranean Way: Learn how to make Mediterranean meals! Snack and drinks will be provided, but welcome to bring your own snacks (no peanuts).
Camp Contact: (828) 297-8120
Link to Website: https://cccti.edu/programs/all-programs/summer-camps-and-programs/cobra-super-summer-camps/

Church Camps:

Camp Carmel

Dates: Dates vary with each camp.
Registration Opening Date: NOW OPEN- Complete online packet and submit in person or by email.
Cost per week per camper: Price varies per camp
Scholarships available: Yes, reach out to campcarmel1952@gmail.com for information.
Location: 1676 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657
Ages Served: Kindergarten-18+
Offers a range of camp sessions with activities and programming tailored to the needs and interests of the different age groups.
Camp Contact: (828) 733-2480
Link to Website: https://campcarmel.org/dates/

**Disclaimer – Community Summer Camp Resource List**

The summer camp information provided on this page is intended as a resource for families in our community. The camps listed are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by our organization unless explicitly stated.

All camp descriptions, dates, pricing, and program details were compiled from publicly available advertisements, websites, or promotional materials provided by the camps themselves. While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Families are encouraged to contact each camp directly to confirm current details, availability, registration requirements, and policies.

Our organization is not responsible for any errors, omissions, schedule changes, cancellations, or other inaccuracies that may appear in the information provided. Participation in any camp listed is solely at the discretion of families, and our organization is not responsible for the operation, supervision, safety practices, or experiences at any of the listed camps.

If you represent a camp that is not currently included on this list, or if you notice information that needs to be updated or corrected, please reach out to us. We would be happy to review the information and add or update the listing as appropriate. Click here to email us.

This resource is provided for informational purposes only and is intended to help families explore summer opportunities available in our area.