600 Gap Creek Rd. Marietta, SC 29661 Office Phone (864)836-3956 Fax # (864)836-2650
WHEN TO BOOK?
SPRING - is great for midweek trips or weekends.
SUMMER- offers many choices!! The warm months allow for great fun at the lakefront or book a white water rafting retreat.
FALL - Awanita has it all! Beautiful majestic scenery, bonfires, hayrides and more.
WINTER-brings on the great Awanita Ski Camps. Play and stay at Awanita and ski at Cataloochee Ski Area in beautiful Maggie Valley, NC.
Our affordable pricing and easy payment plan makes it a breeze for your group to enjoy an incredible camp experience. Awanita allows each group to lead in its own Bible study and worship. Our hummers, ropes course, horses, and waterfront are open year round, as long as weather permits. All lodging is heated and air conditioned for year round comfort.
Check out our many different camps available and current specials. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!!
Incredible Year Round
Opportunities!
Looking for a great place to hold your group's next retreat? Awanita Valley has it ALL!! Comfortable, modern lodging, fantastic food, amazing recreation and friendly staff. When you book your camp at Awanita, your group will receive lodging, a private meeting room, meals, recreations, and a bonfire pit all for one low price.
Attention Pastors, Youth Leaders, Children and Education Directors, and School Administrators.....
Week-Long Camps
5 nights and 13meals minimum - $360.00
Monday breakfast through Friday Breakfast.
$50.00 deposit per person required
We do have some limited 3 and 4 night camp packages still available. Please call for availability.
Weekend Camps
2 nights and 4 meals minimum - $144.00
Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast.
Awanita is perfect in every season! From the awesome fall colors, to the winter fireside chats and from the flowers and new birth of spring, to the mountain lake in summer, each season brings with it new opportunities. Your group can enjoy hayrides, bonfires and mud pits. Let us help you plan spring and summer rafting trips and skiing/snow-boarding adventures in the winter. We allow you to create your own programming, your own Bible studies, your own preaching times, your own decision time, your own philosophy. You are free to communicate God's principles as you see fit for your group. We will take care of your practical, physical needs. You will have comfortable lodging, delicious and wholesome meals, and fantastic recreation. By taking care of the lodging, food, and fun, we free you up to focus on training and teaching your people Your Way!
Among our full schedules, we must find the time to communicate to those that we are responsible for, and you know you sometimes need a special place to clearly present the gospel message. Camping and retreats provide an ideal setting for real communication. The distractions of life, with sports, music, television and games ~ are set aside. Retreats give everyone an opportunity to stop to "be still" as the Bible commands. When Elijah was still, he heard the Lord. It is our desire for Awanita to be a place where each and every camper can experience the Lord changing lives. At Awanita Valley, we make it easy for your group to enjoy themselves in a safe, Christian environment free from the distractions of the world. You can enjoy the beauty of Awanita and have a chance to effectively communicate with your group.
Singles Retreats
Come to Awanita Valley and take full advantage of the facilities with your singles. You can plan your weekend full of devotions and time of growth while leaving all the recreation and meals to us.
Ski Camps
Awanita and Cataloochee Ski Area have teamed up to provide an awesome ski experience. Wondering what to do with your kids in the dead of winter? Are they "burnt out" on school and looking for a getaway? Then take advantage of the ski packages we offer with Cataloochee Ski Area. Awanita will make all of your ski reservations, reserve your lift tickets and ski rentals before you arrive! We will provide you with a personal Ski Host to meet your group at the slopes, assist with putting on ski boots, as well as provide and serve your meals and hot beverages. Your Ski Host will even stay on the beginner slopes with your new skiers so you can hit the slopes with the more experienced skiers. You can eat, rest and store personal belongings in this area. An Awanita staff member will remain at the eating/seating area to provide admittance so you can ski worry-free! Let us provide the lodging and meals and let Cataloochee provide the skiing fun. Call now for camp reservations and get ready for a really cool time!
Rafting Camps
Interested in some really wild whitewater rafting? Come for a weekend excursion and enjoy the package deal we have arranged with area rafting companies. Raft down the Nantahala or Pigeon Rivers. Whitewater rafting is a great way to build teamwork in your group through a fun challenging experience. The Nantahala River is the perfect introduction to guided whitewater rafting with constant waves and swift clear currents. The Pigeon River carves a deep gorge through the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Pigeon River is a rush of excitement from beginning to end, with a lot of quick turns and a combination of large waves and continuous whitewater rafting. Enjoy the rush! Visit Wildwater Ltd. or Appalachian Rivers or call the camp office for more information.
Fall and Spring Breaks
Take advantage of special seasonal breaks and come to Awanita. We'll make sure you get the most out of your Fall and Spring Breaks. Enjoy the picture-perfect colors in the fall as you are riding the hummer to the top of Hummer Hill in the daylight. Then to wrap up a gorgeous day, have your church sponsor a Night Hummer Ride and enjoy the stars and bonfire on top of Hummer Hill. In the springtime you can see God's handywork as new life comes to the mountains; it is as if you can see forever as three states are at your fingertips on top of Hummer Hill.
Men and Ladies Retreats
Retreats are designed to provide you with the opportunity to renew friendship and faith. On a retreat at Awanita Valley, your group can receive a spiritual refreshment and it can build and reaquaint your group as you are having fun. One way to bring your group together is by participating in a team building exercise such as paddle boat races or the low-ropes challenge course. There is no better time than the fall! From September through November the brilliant colors of orange, gold and red create a spectacular view. Use your cozy meeting room or the breath-taking scenery to engage in powerful times of worship and growth. The whole church can benefit from the fruit when a group takes time out for spiritual refreshment.
Winter/Spring 2012
Off Season Rates 2012
January and February 2012
2day/4 meals $144.00 $110.00/camper. $50.00/per camper deposit required at booking.
March and April 2012
2day/4 meals $144.00 $120.00/camper. $50.00/per camper deposit required at booking.
We are here to help you. Below are some rental companies that groups have used to help make their retreat a sucess. If you have any other needs please call our office and we'll see what we can find out for you .
Audio/Visual Supplies-Audio Solutions - Greenville, SC - (864) 250-7942 www.audiosolutionsusa.com
Multi Media Services - Greenville, SC - (864) 297-8533 or (800) 297-8533 www.mmsav.com
Generators, lifts, etc.-Hertz Equipment Rental - Greer, SC - (864) 697-877-1806
Affordable Equipment Rental - Hendersonville, NC - (828) 697-9100
Golf Carts - used for handicap campers etc.
Garretts Discount Golf Carts - Fountain Inn, SC - (864) 862-7709
Golf Car Depot - (864) 845-5757 or (864) 907-0740 golfcardepot.net
AreaAttractions
Table Rock State Park
Hwy 11 - Pickens, SC
Great for hiking, picnicking, swimming and fishing
16.15 Miles / 27min.
Biltmore House and Gardens
I-40 Exit 50, Asheville, NC
41.29Miles /48min.
Caesars Head State Park
Hwy 276- Cleveland,SC
Great for hiking, picnicking,
10.79Miles /29min.
Jones Gap State Park
Marietta,SC
Great for long hiking, picnicking,
3.92Miles /10min.
Chimney Rock State Park/Lake Lure
Hwy 64 Chimney Rock,NC
Great hiking, swiming, water park, history, and photography.
46.22miles/ 1hr.4min.
Photography and History
The Christian Camp and Conference Association printed an article titled "Seven Steps for Effective Retreats" which is loaded with valuable information when planning your retreat. Brochures are available on their website (click on their icon in the left border). You can click on the link below for a sample of the information given in this article.
Seven Steps for Effectiv Retreats
Image0003.pdf
Image0004.pdf
Image0002.pdf
Image0001.pdf
The ground floor houses our Welcome Center, camp offices, and meeting rooms. The upper floor has 2 large meeting rooms and can sleep up to 194. This building boasts 2 large fireplaces as well. It's incredible view from the front deck allows campers to see the entire camp. It's lakefront location is ideal and the lighted volleyball and basketball courts are a hit with groups of all ages.
The camp general store is also located in the
downstairs area of this lodge.
The Safari House is located across the road from the Riviera Guest House. It can be used for small groups or
as a guest house in the same capacity as the Riviera.
The Safari House was the first lodge used by campers in 1955 and has been renovated many times. There is a fireplace, a small meeting room, 5 bedrooms, and 2 baths.
Grandmother's Place (The Dining Hall) is the newest addition to Awanita Valley. Named Grandmother's Placein honor of grandmothers everywhere, was built in 2002. It houses up to 700 campers at one time. A built-in
stage and sound system help make dinner hour more than just your average dining experience. Large plate-glass windows overlooking the lake add a serene setting to every meal. Bathrooms, laundry facilities, vendingmachines, and a covered picnic area make the dining hall a comfortable place to wait for hummer rides, watche horses, or just enjoy the scenery.
"God's Special Place" also known as the Awanita Recreation Building was completed in 2001. This building has the capacity to house 700 + in ONE building! A built in stage, projector for day or night use, movie screen,
and more make God's Special Place perfect for large events. Many concerts from groups such as Casting Crowns, Building 429, Chasen Callahan, and more have performed here. Eight basketball goals, ping pong tables, indoor volleyball and more make this building a great rainy day alternative.
The Riviera Guest House is primarily used for guest group speakers, band members, bus drivers, etc. This lodge has 3 separate bedrooms and 2 baths. Each room can be reserved for an additional cost above the regular per camper price. The Riviera Guest House has a small sitting area, linens, towels, and coffee. It is centrally located, providing a
full view of the camp from the front porch swing. The Riviera is available on a first come first served basis. Charges are per room per night. Reservations must be made through our camp office.
The Tudor Lodge houses 154 campers with 10 to 20 bunks in each dorm room. The lodge has 2 small upstairs meeting rooms and 1 large meeting room downstairs. A built in stage, pull down screen, and amphitheater-style flooring provide a unique and inviting atmosphere for worship. The location of the
lodge is in the middle of the camp with easy access to the waterfront, dining hall, and recreation areas. Its lighted basketball and volleyball courts are a plus as well as 2 indoor ping pong rooms. This is a great lodge for groups of 80 or more! Ask fordetails when you book your camp.
The Williamsburg Lodge houses up to 288 campers with dorm rooms that hold 16 to 18 beds each. There are 3 large meeting rooms, each holding 100 to 150 campers. A beautiful deck overlooks the lighted basketball and volleyball courts. Sand volleyball courts are also located here. The seclusion and easy access to the dining hall make the Williamsburg a favorite among campers. Bonfire pits and walking trails are within a just a few feet of the lodge.
Experience the "CRAZE" of the Hummer! Sit back and hold on as you climb up the rugged "Hummer Hill" in the back of the nation's most popular 4x4. It's a memory you will never forget! The final destination is "God's Awesome Place" located at the top of the mountain. The view of the camp below as well as the panoramic view of 3 states is breathtaking! Don't forget your camera!
Have a great day riding one of our many horses through the beautiful landscape of Awanita. Our wranglers take you through wooded trails, across babbling brooks, and over a secluded mountain trail. You will receive safety instructions and a demonstration of proper horsemanship. It's great for beginners and experienced riders alike!
Team building is the main focus of Awanita's 10 element Low Ropes Challenge Course. Groups are encouraged to work as a unit while using problem solving skills to get through each element. Facilitators are available in June and July. This is a great way to bond your group!
Zip-Line
WOW! This is incredible fun! Grab hold of the pulley straps, run down the platform, hold on and zip down into the lake. It's an exhilarating way to spend an afternoon at Camp Awanita! The zip-line has double cords so you can go down with your buddy!
Waterslide
Get "WACKY" on the Awanita Waterslide! It's 150 feet of slippery fun. Located near the zip-line, the waterslide offers even more water fun during the warmer months.
Paddle Boats/ Canoes
Enjoy a ride around our 8 acre plus lake in one of the many paddle boats or try your skill in one of our canoes.
Are you ready for some "OOEY GOOEY" fun? What a great way to spend a day at camp! Jump and roll in the mud, slip down the bank, share lots of laughs, then run to the lake to wash it all away!
This challenging, yet fun, course will take you through dogleg corners, around wooded pines, and alongside a riverbank. The location of the 18 hole course is in a quiet meadow just past the zip-line and waterslide. Discs and score cards are provided. All are welcome to play at any time during the year.
Our popular and memorable Awanita hoedown is offered during our summer camps and upon special requests. A fun filled evening of square dancing, line dancing and cricket spitting contest. Try your hand at some cowboy roping or some fun photo opportunities. You definitely don't want to miss this fun filled evening while at Awanita.
Awanita's goal is to reach and disciple young people and adults for Jesus Christ. We provide the facilities, meals and recreation while you provide the Bible study and worship experience for your group. We strive to provide a place of refuge and solitude so that people can hear the "quiet whisper' of God. We are here to serve you and will do all within our means to help you with whatever needs you may have.
Enjoy the crisp night air and the crackling of the fire While having an end of the night Bible study. it creates the perfect settings for reflection and decision making. maybe make some S,mores over the campfire and relax after a full day of activities and worship sessions. it's just something about a campfire that brings people together and opens up an opportunity for connecting with one another.
There are numerous things around each lodge to keep campers close by. sometimes you only have a window of time to fill before the next activity. stay busy by playing a quick game of basketball, volleyball, ping-pong or foosball. We provide a recreation bag at check-in or bring your own with you.
awanita valley camp and christian retreat center
600 Gap Creek Road,
Marietta, South Carolina 29661
office Phone (864) 836-3956
Fax (864) 836-2650
awanita kitchen 864 836-3606
The founders of Awanita Valley and dedicated their lives to the ministry since 1955. Their love for children and reaching them for Christ was a life long passion and God blessed them with the capabilites to provide youth and adult groups a peaceful place to reach them for the Kingdom of God. Don went home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2009 and Chloe Baltz joined her husband October 13, 2010. This precious couple dedicated their lives to their family and reaching children and adults for the Kingdom of God.
Ryan is a part of the full-time staff who resides at camp. Ryan helps in a variety of areas of the camp from the horse program, housekeeping, grading/construction projects to grounds to assisting with recreation and kitchen.
Trip is part of the full-time staff and helps in many areas of the camp from lifeguarding to maintenance to working ond construction projects.
Larry and Sharon are also a part of the full-time staff at Awanita. Larry works with maintenance of facilities, recreation and grounds. Sharon is the food serveice director/kitchen manager.
Rev. Benny and Debbie are full-time staff who reside on campus. They have been serving as Youth Pastors for numerous years and have a sincere love for young people. Benny and Debbie are the Administrative Directors, Staff Parents and oversee the Volunterr and Summer Staff Program. Benny is also the Camp Pastor and helps with maintenance and grounds as needed. Debbie is also the Office Manager and assist in the kitchen as needed.
Roger and Lela are also a part of the full-time staff at Awanita. Roger works with maintenance of facilities, vehicles and equipment. Lela helps with the office, housekeeping and running camp store.
While We Live, We Serve... Awanita Work and Witness...
Be a part of Awanita Valley
Since 1955, Awanita Valley has relied upon dedicated volunteers to minister throughout the camp year-round. Our "Work and Witness" team members give of their time to help Awanitaserve our campers In the best way possible.
AWANITA WORKCREW: is comprised of middle school and high school youth who volunteer for 1 weekend during the off-season or 1 to 2 weeks in the summer. This program is designed to help youth develop a servant's heart. During their stay at Awanita, they will serve where needed then have a scheduled Bible study. Don't forget about the games and fun to be had after the camp work is done!
SUMMER STAFF: commit to serve an 8 to 10 week summer. The positions to be filled each summer are: lifeguards, wranglers, kitchen assistants, ropes course facilitators, office/store clerk, nanny, grounds, and workcrew boss. Summer staff mentor and spiritually work one-on-one with the younger workcrew through Bible studies and friendships.
GROUP MISSION CAMPS: are for groups of 15 or less who would love to serve others for a weekend. It's a great way to teach leadership through service to the "cream of the crop" students
in your youth group.
Volunteer Workcrew Applications.doc
Summer Staff Application.doc
"Awanita is a great place to begin spiritual conversations with students. The atmosphere and the beauty are almost overwhelming!"
"The Awanita staff is great to work with!... You keep us well fed! Variety and choices of food is great!"
"Plenty of recreation areas, zip-line, hummer rides, and horses were all A+"
"God moved in our group in a very big way! God bless Awanita!"
"We had a great time! The staff went out of their way to make us comfortable and make sure we had everything we needed. Our kids really bonded here and came to trust one another. We had kids try some activities they'd not done before and it really built up their confidence."
We get lots of questions about Awanita Valley! Listed below are a few of the most often asked questions.
1. Can I drive the Hummer?
Sorry, for your safety we can't let you do that.
2. Can my pastor and his family come for free?
All guests must pay the full price for camp if they are over the age of 5.
3. Can I visit my child at camp and eat a meal with them?
Yes! You must first stop by our camp office and we will get the leader of your child's group. You may alsoshare a meal with your child. Reservations must be made by calling the camp office at
864-836-3956.
Meal Prices: Breakfast $5.00, Lunch $5.00, Supper $7.00
4. Special diet and allergies?
No problem. Please contact the office by email or phone.
5. Can I bring my group up to ride horses just for the day?
Sorry, but we only do overnights!
6. Do you allow any age to book a camp?
YES! Young and old...We love 'em!
7. Can my group book out the entire camp?
Yes, as long as you book for 600 or more.
8. Do you provide linens?
No we do not. Be sure to bring all of your own bedding, towels, etc.
9. Do you have a camp nurse?
No. Each group should provide their own.
10. Does it cost extra to ride the hummers or horses?
No, it's an all inclusive package! However, there is an additional fee for night hummer rides and hayrides in the fall when these are offered.
11. Do you have a camp store?
YES! We have items from shirts to cosmetics to phone cards (there is no cel services in the valley) incase you forget something.
Short sleeve shirts are $12.00
Long sleeve shirts are $17.00
Hoodies are $23.00
Bring a little $$$ to shop!
Our camp store accepts cash or checks. No credit or debit cards.
12. Is your lake water tested on a regular basis?
Yes! The lake water is tested twice a month.
For more info on questions 1-12 or any others please call our office at (864)836-3956...
