SMAC 2010 Activities

The following is a list of adventures that are enjoyed by SMAC campers. We pack a lot of adventure into each session, and each camper will have the opportunity to participate in many of the adventure camp activities listed below. The specific adventures change weekly.

Backpacking

is an adventure camp activity enjoyed by campers of all ages and all ability levels. Backpacking is simply hiking through the woods for an overnight stay, carrying everything you will need in a pack on your back. All the necessary gear is provided. Campers will learn what items they will need, how to pack, how to purify water, how to be safe in the woods, and how to enjoy and preserve the beauty of the great outdoors. One of the best ways to enjoy the Smokies is by backpacking. Walking from low to high, overnight hikers can enjoy much of the same flora and fauna variation as a backpacker hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. The treks we choose are not strenuous and campers are well prepared before starting the trek. Campers are divided into crews based upon their physical ability and experience. The crews are limited to small numbers and experienced guides lead each crew. Campers see parts of the Smokies few people ever get to enjoy and they gain extensive self confidence on these backpacking treks.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is a favorite among the SMAC campers. We are minutes away from the Pigeon River, one of the most popular rivers for rafting in the southeast. The Pigeon River is an intermediate river with 3 Class IV rapids and several Class III rapids. Our campers enjoy the finest and longest trip on The Pigeon River. The outfitter we use for this adventure is dedicated to providing you a quality whitewater experience with lots of fun and professional service. Your guides enjoy what they do and look forward to sharing their enthusiasm, knowledge and love of the river with you

Horseback Riding

Ride with us on beautiful mountain trails through the trees, up hills and down to valleys. Our campers ride trails on a private ranch property bordering the Cherokee National Forest. They enjoy the peace and relaxation of riding along the serene mountain trails combined with the fun summer adventure of horseback riding. This adventure camp activity is tailored for campers that have never been on a horse as well as experienced equestrians. Experienced wranglers hand-select the best horse for each camper based on the level of experience. .

River Tubing

Another fun water adventure SMAC campers experience is River Tubing. Campers float down a refreshing Smoky Mountain river in a tube and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh mountain water of the Smoky Mountains. It is a great way to refresh after an exhilarating day of fun-filled adventure activities.

Rock Climbing \ Rappelling

Rock climbing is an adventure camp activity in which campers climb up and

across natural rock formations. Rock climbing is a physically and mentally challenging adventure, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility, and balance along with his or her mental control. Rappelling is the controlled descent down a rope. Campers are outfitted in some of the best and safest equipment gear available and experience counselors use technical gear to belay the climbers.

Ropes \ Challenge Courses and Climbing Towers

At SMAC we contract with several organizations in the area that provide safe and challenging ropes courses adventures. These venues maintain climbing walls as well as team building, and problem solving stations. Each challenge offers various levels of difficulty and campers work together to accomplish tasks. This adventure camp activity is always a favorite!

Canoeing \ Kayaking

One of the many water adventures we do at SMAC is canoeing and kayaking. The campers learn how to maneuver their canoe or kayak in rivers or in a lake environment. Campers enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Smokies and surrounding areas while canoeing and having fun on the rivers and lakes in the nearby national forest.

Ice Skating

Ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg marks the end celebration of another great adventure camp season. Each camper spends the final evening in Gatlinburg. Enjoying a meal together, ice skating, and visiting the tourist shops are a few of the favorite parts of the evening

Hiking

The best way to enjoy the Smokies and the surrounding area is to take short hikes to places that few people ever go. SMAC campers get the rare occasion to enjoy beautiful waterfalls, vistas, and scenery as they hike on some of the best trails in the Smokies. Along the way they also learn about different plants, sometimes see unexpected wildlife, and make memories with new friends.

Caving

Another great adventure that SMAC summer campers get to experience is the opportunity to explore a cave. Campers learn about caving and the history and uses of caves by the early settlers of the area as they venture into the dark underground world of spelunking. Campers wear helmets and protective clothing as they have fun crawling and slithering through underground passages as they experience the fun of caving.