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Camp Field Day Celebrates 15 Years

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the 15th Annual Camp Field Day at Camp Ton-A-Wandah, with a full day of team competitions, outdoor activities, and community building. After a pause in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, the tradition returned stronger than ever, uniting businesses, camps, and community partners for a uniquely local experience. The event was made possible with our Presenting Sponsors: United Community Bank, Horizon Heating & Air and Jabil, with host: Camp Ton-A-Wandah and Supporting Sponsors: Cano Wealth Strategies.

Camp Field Day is a one-of-a-kind event where area businesses step out of the office and onto campgrounds to compete, connect, and collaborate. This year’s event featured a new challenge: a .7-mile trail run that tested participants with an uphill climb before rewarding them with a downhill finish and a breathtaking view of the lake.

Attendees also enjoyed lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse and a special information session from Falling Creek Camp, led by Yates Pharr. Yates shared a bit of information about the impact of the camp industry.

NCYCA Stats Shared:

  • Almost 17 years ago, the North Carolina Youth Camp Association was founded to increase public awareness of North Carolina summer camps and to advocate for their interests with local, state, and federal policymakers.
  • The association has achieved significant success by promoting collaboration among camps, leading efforts for camp-specific research, and partnering with industry members to strengthen relationships with policymakers who represent their communities.
  • Henderson County continues to be a prime example of how the camp industry and local businesses can work together to boost a strong economy and provide a high quality of life for residents and visitors.
  • In the most recent economic impact study by NCYCA shows that overnight camps in our region add $416 million to the local economy.
  • Additionally, the American Camp Association recently released its financial report, indicating that the overnight camping industry in North Carolina contributes $1.7 billion to the statewide economy.
  • This evidence, along with NCYCA’s research, demonstrates that the summer camp industry in NC is vital for the state’s economy, serving as an employer, a revenue generator, and a key part of North Carolina's outdoor economy.

Competing Teams

This year’s teams represented a wide range of local businesses and organizations, including:
AdventHealth, AgSouth, BluAxis Realty, Brevard Chamber, Cano Wealth Strategies, Champion Credit Union, City of Hendersonville (2 teams), Flat Rock Playhouse, Horizon Heating & Air, Housing Assistance Corporation, Jabil (2 teams), Leads East, Looking Glass Realty, Morrow Insurance, Optimum, Park National Bank, Rock Creek Containers, Stuller Power Solutions (2 teams), Summey Plumbing, United Community Bank, We Sell WNC, and Young Professionals of Henderson County.

Activity Sponsors included:
Southern Appalachian Brewery (Beverage), Bold Rock (Beverage), Pepsi (Beverage), Hampton Inn (S’mores), Poppy Popcorn (Snack), Hitch & Tap (Beverage Transport), Michael Fawcett (Sports Massage), PT Solutions (Medic Tent), Looking Glass Realty (Archery), Henderson Co. Parks & Recreation (Arts & Crafts), Boyd Automotive/Movement Mortgage (Basketball/Free Throw), H20/Valley Hill Fire Department (Climbing Wall), United Community Bank/Hampton Inn (Cornhole Boards), Mast General Store (Disc Golf), Scouts – Camp Daniel Boone (Fire Building), Green River Adventures (Waterfront), Camp Falling Creek (Orienteering), Sheriff’s Department (Riflery), Hendersonville Racquet Club (Pickleball).

More Than Just Fun and Games

While Camp Field Day is filled with energy, laughter, and plenty of camp spirit, it also serves a deeper purpose. The event raises awareness of Henderson County’s thriving camp industry, which plays a vital role in the local economy. It also provides businesses with an opportunity for team building, networking, and client development in a relaxed outdoor setting—something that sets Camp Field Day apart from more traditional fundraisers like golf tournaments or 5Ks.

As the Chamber reflects on 15 successful years of Camp Field Day, it continues to serve as a model for other communities looking to combine business development with industry awareness and a healthy dose of camp-style fun.

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