Welcome to Camp Cherokee!



	Kings Mountain State Park and Camp Cherokee were built in 1937 as a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp.) Project during president Franklin Roosevelt's economic recovery program. In 1946, under director Chester Francis, the Rock Hill YMCA began using Camp Cherokee. Franics was visiting Camp York (across the lake ) and decided "This is a good thing." Since then many traditions have been created, including a positive and enthusiastic attitude by campers and staff.

	Past camp directors include: Chester Francis, Francis Jefferies, Robert Hope, Harry Emerson, Frank Moe Bell, Joe Eason, Brown Simpson and Jay Thompson. Under the leadership of these directors and the enthusiasm of our current staff, the camp has grown to 7 sessions over eight weeks with children from many cities, states and countries.

	Camp Cherokee is nestled among 6884 acres in Kings Mountain State Park. These are the same grounds that the Cherokee Indians once inhabited. The beautiful surrounding area provides a chance for individuals to become closer to the outdoors. The many plant and animal species - including deer, turkeys, foxes ,owls, fish, beavers, snakes and egrets - give campers the opportunity to enhance and enrich their respect for nature.

	Each child has the opportunity to experience many adventures and exciting activities while in a safe environment. Supervision is provided through a staff-to-camper ratio of 1 to 4. Campers select four daily activities that give them the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends and interact with one another in a positive environment. After dinner, excitement grows as the campers participate in the highlighted evening activity. Devotions, a thought for the day, and vespers are conducted daily and contribute to the character development program.

	Summer resident camping is one of the most important formative experiences that a child can receive! At Camp Cherokee, kids gain self-confident while their social skills and independence are develop. They also begin building a great moral foundation while establishing friendships that will last a lifetime. These ideals, along with the YMCA's four character building traits - responsibility, honesty, caring and respect - devise the values taught and learned Camp Cherokee and help compries the Cherokee Philosophy.

Business Address:
Upper Palmetto YMCA
402 Charlotte Ave.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (803) 329-YMCA
Fax: (803) 327-YMCA

Camp Address:
(June & July only)
1299 Camp Cherokee Rd.
Kings Mountain State Park
Blacksburg, SC 29702

Contact:
Chet Tucker (803) 329-9622 x230
Email Address: ctucker@upymca.org