Camp Home

Frequently Asked Questions

DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?

No. We will teach you all the skills that you'll need. Just bring your eagerness to learn and try new adventures, and committment to attend the course!

HOW HARD IS THE COURSE?

Adventure camp is new and challenging to most campers, which makes it exciting, interesting and worthwhile! We're outside in the mountains all the time. Activities and intensity are age appropriate. It can be physically demanding, but average active teens will be ready for the physical nature of camp. We're in and around water al ot! Improve your swimming skills prior to camp if necessary. Camp is not appropriate for fragile, overly dependent, high maintenance kids.

WHAT WILL I LEARN

Most of all, you will learn about yourself. You will grow more confident, self-reliant and independent. Through living and working with others, you'll learn the value of teamwork. And you'll learn a lot about the outdoors, nature and outdoor adventure skills. We cook our meals together every night so you will learn to cook!

WHAT WILL BE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AT CAMP?

You'll be responsible for being an active, involved member of an all outdoors adventure expedition! Good expedition behavior is expected! Your unique qualities and experiences, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, ability to compromise, and respect and consideration for others will be most welcome! Campers are responsible for keeping up with and taking care of personal belongings. Supervised by our trip leaders and guides, our daily, revolving camper duty roster includes trip leader, assistant trip leader, navigator, chef, and medic.

WHERE DO MOST CAMPERS COME FROM? WHAT ARE THEY LIKE? 

Most campers come from NC, GA, FL and the southeast, but we've had campers from all over the country and a few international kids, too!  Our campers are college bound kids, who are active and involved at school and in their communities. Many play team sports. Their common interest is making new friends, while having fun trying new adventures outdoor. Many lasting friendships have been made at camp!

WHAT IS THE RATIO OF BOYS to GIRLS?

Every group is different. We do not allow cliques or groups of boys or girls to dominate the dynamics of the group. Everyone has an equal chance to participate and we encourage everyone to interact with different team members regardless of gender. There are both male and female guides on every program. In the event that there is only one boy or girl on a program we will call and discuss options with you.

WILL I BE SAFE?

Your safety is our number one priority. Our instructor guides are well qualified to lead all aspects of your program and we have an excellent safety record.

WHERE DO I SLEEP?

We will be camping most every night in tents and in tarps for backpacking trips. Typically the first few nights we camp in tents in National Forest Service Campgrounds, and then in the high mountains near program activities.

WHAT ABOUT SHOWERS?

Showers and/or swimming are available most nights except when backpacking.

WHAT DO WE EAT?

We hear over and over that our food is delicious, healthy and kid friendly. Examples: Breakfast: pancakes, eggs & omelets, fruit danish, assorted berry muffins, oatmeal, assorted cold cereals, Pop Tarts, granola, assorted fresh fruit. Lunch: PB & jelly, bagels, cheese, tuna, cold cuts, hummus, cheese, crackers, summer sausage, assorted fresh fruit, chips, cookies. Dinner: pita pizzas, pasta and rice dishes, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers, chicken burritos, loaded cheese quesadillas, jambalaya, fried chicken, fresh fruit, vegetables and salad. Dessert: fruit, cheese cake, cookies and chocolate. Snacks: trail mix, gorp, cookies, granola bars and fruit. Vegetarian alternatives are available.

WHAT CLOTHES AND GEAR SHOULD I BRING?

We provide major gear. Packing List.

WILL I BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY DURING CAMP?

We will be "unplugged" while at camp, so no phones or Facebook! We encourage you to drop friends or family a letter or post card! In an emergency, parents can contact camp anytime 24/7.

HOW LONG HAS MAG BEEN DOING THIS?

Camp is owned and personally managed by Richard and Jeanne Dulworth. Richard first experienced outdoor adventure in the NC mountains at Camp Sequoyah in 1977 and later Camp Chosatonga in Brevard, NC. An expert whitewater boater, climber and backpacker by his mid- teens, Richard enjoyed backpacking and climbing throughout the southeast, CO, WY, and AK. He first guided professionally in 1983. A graduate of St. Francis HS in Louisville and Hampden-Sydney College in VA, Richard has worked as an ACA Certified Whitewater Instructor, as well as a whitewater rafting, rock climbing, backpacking & wilderness guide, trip leader, instructor trainer, camp program director (Chosatonga) and river manager. He founded MAG in 1999 with Jeanne and with owns USA Raft on the French Broad, Nolichucky and Nantahala River, which have a 35+ year outfitter history in the NC/TN mountains. Jeanne is a native of Brevard, NC and grew up enjoying the outdoors here. She trains camp guides and manages camp each summer with Richard. In 2003, she was recognized as one of the top ten outdoors persons of the year by "Hooked on the Outdoors Magazine!" In her "off season" Jeanne is Program Director, Undergraduate Social Work at Western Carolina University, where she was awarded the Chancellor’s Meritorious Award for Engaged Teaching in 2007. This year Jeanne is one of five faculty finalists for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, one of the highest teaching honors bestowed by WCU. Jeanne loves people and everything outdoors. You just might spot her fly fishing in an area mountain stream or rafting with Richard!

CAN I BRING A FRIEND?

Most campers will not know anyone before the course begins. If you bring a friend, we insist that you both put effort into building new relationships with the rest of the group or you'll miss out on one of the best parts of camp - making new friends! Groups of three or more friends may not attend camp together.

WHAT IS THE CAMPER TO GUIDE RATIO

There are always at least two guides with a group. Our camper to staff ratio is about 4:1.

IS MAG ACCREDITED?

Mountain Adventure Guides is a professional outfitter and guide service. MAG guide standards exceed standards set by the leading camp accreditation association. MAG routinely guides "accredited camps", "Y" camps and "scout camps" each season. MAG is fully insured and holds guide/outfitter permits and licenses with the U.S. Forest Service.

camp home

MAG Summer Adventure Camp
If you have any questions for the owners/directors, please contact us at any time via email: camp@mtnadventureguides.com  
Winter and Mailing Address: 11044 Highway 19 West • Bryson City, NC 28713. Tel: 828-488-3316
Summer, Outpost on the Nolichucky River: 2 Jones Branch Road, Erwin, TN 37650. Tel: 423-743-7111