7 Ways Our Camps Encourage Fitness and Friendships

At Deer Valley Athletic Club in Boone, NC, our kids’ camps are designed with a simple goal: to keep kids moving, learning, and forming friendships that last. Through tennis lessons, swim time, games, and group activities, every camper gets the chance to build healthy habits while having fun. It’s a space where confidence grows naturally and kids feel like they belong. From first-timers to returning campers, our programs help children feel stronger — inside and out — and come home full of stories.

Deer Valley Athletic Club is a family-friendly – and focused – environment with fitness classes, a full gym, pools, tennis, pickleball, and much more for all ages. Join today or learn more.

1. Social Connection is Part of the Plan

Making friends can be tough for kids in new environments, so we build social moments into the day. Icebreaker games help kids ease into group settings, and team activities throughout the week allow them to bond over shared goals.

Our staff pays close attention to group dynamics so no one feels left out. Campers get to know each other through tennis matches, relay races, and casual pool games. What starts as a high-five after a win often becomes a new friendship by the end of the week.

2. Movement That Feels Natural

Camps at Deer Valley are full of motion — but it’s the kind kids look forward to. Instead of forcing structured workouts, we keep the day fun with a mix of play-based movement, games, and sports.

They might kick off the morning with a group yoga stretch, burn energy in a pool game, or try their hand at racquetball. These activities help kids improve balance, agility, and strength without feeling like they’re stuck in drills.

3. Tennis, Swimming, and Sports Skill Building

Our campers get to learn real skills in a low-pressure, encouraging setting. With access to both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and open play areas, they can try a little bit of everything.

Activities include:

  • Introductory and intermediate tennis with trained instructors
  • Swim lessons and water games for all levels
  • Pickleball and racquetball for older kids
  • Creative games that teach teamwork and coordination

By the end of the week, campers often surprise themselves with how much they’ve learned — and how much fun they had doing it.

4. Camps Designed for Specific Age Groups

We group kids by age so the activities stay developmentally appropriate, fun, and safe. This structure helps kids feel confident and engaged, and ensures that no one is left behind or bored.

Our current groupings include:

  • Mini Movers (Ages 3–5): Crafts, games, and beginner swim or movement
  • Active Kids (Ages 6–9): Tennis basics, relay races, pool play, group games
  • Fit & Fun (Ages 10–13): Intro to racquet sports, team building, strength challenges

Each group gets personalized attention, so your child is never just another face in the crowd.

5. Time That Actually Holds Their Attention

It’s not easy to find activities that keep kids engaged, but our camp days are packed with options that keep them involved from start to finish.

Each session includes:

  • Group games like obstacle courses or scavenger hunts
  • Water activities and swim time
  • Skill-based classes and sports instruction
  • Creative downtime (but still screen-free)

They’ll come home ready for dinner — and full of stories from the day.

6. Confidence Through Trying New Things

Growth happens when kids get to try something new and succeed. At camp, they have the support of kind, experienced staff and peers cheering them on.

From hitting their first backhand in tennis to completing a team challenge in the pool, each small win adds up. Over the week, those wins lead to better self-esteem, stronger group skills, and a sense of pride they carry with them.

7. A Place for Families to Stay Connected Year-Round

When it comes to finding a club that fits the whole family, Deer Valley has more than just camp. Many families choose to extend their involvement with our full membership offerings, which include:

  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Tennis lessons and leagues for all ages
  • Kids’ gymnastics
  • Yoga, Pilates, and spin classes for adults
  • On-site childcare during parent workouts
  • Massage and esthetician services
  • Social events, dining, and seasonal programming

Camps often serve as a fun introduction to all that Deer Valley offers — and many of our campers return for other activities throughout the year.

Sign Up for a Spot

Our camps are popular with both full-time residents and seasonal families in the Boone area. At Deer Valley Athletic Club, we keep group sizes small to make sure every child gets the attention they need.

Spots fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. For a full schedule, pricing, or to speak with a staff member about which camp fits your child best, give us a call or stop by the front desk.

Let your kids move, grow, and build friendships in a place where families feel at home.

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