Best summer camps & academy!!! People who genuinely care about kids & their overall well being…read more From the directors down everyone is super supportive & very helpful. The kids come away with a better understanding of who they are & what they can do. Things they never thought they would do ever become things they do on a regular basis. I have experienced this miracle first hand. So check them out if your child needs a different kinda of summer camp or school experience.

Dear Camp Soar, Thank you for helping my daughter Mykayla…read morework on steps towards fulfilling a valuable learning experience at Camp Soar. The way that your agency provides guidance towards leadership, personal goals, life skills, and skills to help promote people skills has been very helpful. Every time my daughter comes home from camp, she is so personable, displays leadership, self-love, and better life skills towards being independent. The way that your camp help provides tools to help with decision-making and building confidence is wonderful. As we know children on the spectrum struggle with confidence and self-love which is hard to take on as a parent. All I can do is continue to help her with the understanding that she is wonderful and a gift that I am so grateful for. Your staff always has an open heart and mind. Which helps my daughter embrace new things that she would typically fear such as jumping in the deep end, petting, and riding horses. This helps her further enhance her knowledge and capabilities in life because of your amazing staff and program. Thank you Camp Soar for helping Mykayla believe in herself. We are hoping that she is able to attend camp this year. We appreciate you all so much! Love, Mykayla and Yolanda

I used to take lessons here and I learned so much more than your typical boring, sit up straight…read moreand kick to go. The lady was so kind, and she has very well trained horses. One thing I loved about taking lessons here was the ability to actually learn how to somewhat train a horse and know how to stay safe and keep the horse having fun too!! Also, she boards horses here, and there is a nice large pasture with a barn and a nice stall for each horse! Every horse here is super happy and relaxed!

Super fun horseback ride! Mrs. Mary is so kind, and the…read morehorses are well behaved and responsive. We rode in the trees and down beside a beautiful river. Highly recommended! She also offers lessons.

I've only been here for LEAF but the land is absolutely beautiful. I would have loved to go to…read morecamp here as a kid. Cabins, a lake to swim in, a waterslide, diving boards, etc...... Plus beautiful land to roam, this place is perfect. Give it a visit sometime and see what all they have to offer.

Let me just say was so fun so many new adventures so much nice people so many laughs but the only…read morething about it is I missed my mom a lot but it was amazing

I am pleased to add this school to Yelp. JVE is a Title I school, which means that it receives…read moregrants in order to provide a great education for kids from all walks of life so that they meet "challenging state academic standards"*. Which means that when my daughter, Ronni, was struggling with reading, she got the extra help, and she is now reading above her expected reading level. Plus, in 2013, JVE received the honor of being named a "National Title I Distinguished School". Which means that they did what they set out to do- got kids the education that they needed. Which means that they were one of the schools in the top one percent- yes, one percent- in the nation to do so. JVE teachers do not mess around. So, education is great in general at this school. The Pre-K is super. Those rugrats can get bussed if you ask, and they get dismissed at three p.m. Ronni loved it. Ditto for Kindergarten and on up. Kids are challenged and become math freaks and history buffs. Ronni gives me daily math quizzes. She has been doing small science experiments that create huge messes. Yep, she's trucking! This school has free breakfast, and a reduced or free lunch if you qualify. They have services for "Exceptional Children" (autism, visual and hearing problems, emotional or intellectual disabilities, speech problems, and traumatic brain injuries). They got ELL ("English Language Learners"), which is big in my book. (My dad came to the United States speaking not one word of English. He does now, and became an electrical engineer along the way.) AIG ("Academically or Intellectually Gifted) is offered, too. And after-school care and summer camp to boot. They do come attached with a reasonable price tag, but, as a parent, you can work harder or play harder when your kids are still at school. Sometimes special math, science, and reading nights are held in the evenings. Musicals every year. Ronni has stopped lip syncing and has graduated to almost-fainting at the musicals. In third grade, the kids start playing recorders. Art, and I am proud to say that Ronni's art has been shown in the county art show for the past several years. P.E. is much loved, errant basketballs and all. Guidance classes take place, as well as book swaps. And don't forget library! I always catch Ronni reading her library books. There is an on-site therapist, which is excellent, and a school psychologist. Every year, the fifth graders go to Washington D.C. They come back more mature and exuberant for even more learning. JVE's principal is simply amazing. Our kids's education is her passion, and she does a fine job with our future. Most of the teachers are terrific. You can reach out to them, and they help. When I thought that Ronni had a learning disability, they got right on the investigation. When Ronni had an illness that resulted in a lot of missed school days, they understood, and made sure that she reached milestones at a crucial time in her schooling. Reported bullying is dealt with swiftly and justly. I have to hold back sadness and anger when I think about what some kids- what my kids- have to go through and went through. It is reality, but one that I will always try to effect with wisdom, humor, and slipped slang. Like: I am happy that some bullies are out of my kids' lives and are on on the road to juvie. ("Juvie" in that statement is purposeful slang.) Yeah, some teachers are tough. Some can mostly be wonderful, but have an irrational moment from time to time. Some don't get high-functioning autism and find it hard to connect with kids like that. Some teachers forge across that chasm, and try to make things easier. I am glad that the teacher that made my daughter sit on the floor is gone. Some of these aforementioned facts are not abnormal or isolated. They happen in public schools across the country. You want a kid who knows that Abraham Lincoln had a tough childhood? Or one that knows the "new math" that leaves my mind reeling? Then put 'em in JVE. They will come out with so much knowledge that you will feel, like, well, not smarter than a fifth grader. If you need tips on dealing with autism in schools (e.g. how to communicate with teachers, how to make a communication booklet, IEP**s) or requesting learning disabilities services, just message me. *Quoted from the U.S. Department of Education. **Individualized Education Program

I LOVE this place. This place is what I consider my home away from home. I've met so many new…read morefriends from this place, and the counselors are so nice you can always talk to one of them about something on your mind. The campgrounds are amazing, from Huckleberry to the airsoft pit, it all around is a great and safe place for kids to stay. The tribal games that the Golden eagles and Black bears play are amazing. If I could have given it more than 5 stars I would've. John Menendez is the greatest counselor this place could have ever had. -Davis McGee 3/19/2025

My two boys and my husband have done the Father- Son weekend and absolutely love Camp Timberlake…read more They raved about it after the first time, and I knew it would become a yearly tradition. Great bonding experience for boys and their fathers. Everything is top notch, high energy, and fun! Thankful to have found this gem of a camp where my boys and husband can disconnect from the world, and connect with each other. They laughed and had inside jokes and stories from that weekend for months. I can't recommend Camp Timberlake enough.

I have been a camper at Camp Ridgecrest since 2013. After a decade of living on every hill,…read morespending a total of 22 weeks in the cabins, I can proudly say that this is my home away from home and the best place for any kid from all ages to spend their summer. The lack of technology helps limit distractions, strengthening the overarching goal to put Christ above all else. In my time at camp, there have been many changes, however the constant was that this is a place devoted to outreach in a safe place and spread the good news of the gospel. Living Conditions: the living conditions at Ridgecrest are fairly bare bones. Ten to twelve kids are in each cabin, with two or three counselors. There is a routine that is consistent throughout the session, consisting of cabin cleanup (specifics are later mentioned), and devotionals. These "devos" are typically in the style of open conversation guided by scripture. It is a great way to end the day. The bathhouses are also simple, with simple stalls and showers. Although there are sometimes mechanical issues (which happens in all settings similar to ridgecrest), some of my best memories are getting to know kids from different cabins while waiting for my favorite shower. Cabin Inspection: the cabin inspection system is always a lot of fun. It is only twenty or so minutes of making beds, cleaning the floors and organizing trunks, followed by the creation of a skit to perform for the Tribal Leader (age group leader). The TL will check to see whether or not everything is clean after a skit is performed, which all contribute to the honor cabin award. Skills: skills are one of the best parts of camp. It is basically like going to a class, where you hang out with your friends and have fun. They have all sorts of skills, from Bible Study to Archery, and from Rocketry to Spike Ball. My favorites have always been Bible Study, Outdoor Living, Crafts, and Trap Shooting. Free Time: at Ridgecrest you always have one or two free times throughout the day. At these times, the lake is open, you can play four square and two square, and skills are sometimes available! It is the best time to get to know kids from all sorts of age groups. Other Activities: there are regularly scheduled activities for all age groups, and a couple where it is all of camp playing one massive game. There are also night alone's, where one age group has the entire camp to themselves for a few hours to play one giant game. There are campouts and day hikes, none of which are too difficult. I can confidently say that anyone can make it through these hikes, and the views are incredible. Pisgah Program: the pisgah program has a special place in my heart. I have spent the summer of 2023 going all four sessions of pisgah. In pisgah, you leave camp on Monday and return on Thursday from a long camping trip. I cannot truly express how amazing this program is. The places you go are fantastic. My favorite spots I've been are Mount Mitchell and the Pisgah National Forest swimming holes. You live on the trail for days at a time, cooking your own food, setting up where you will sleep, and hiking beautiful trails. There is truly nothing else like it. Ridgecrest has so many more opportunities that I haven't mentioned, but everything we get to do is an experience designed to help you grow in faith and as a man.

Camp Ridgecrest for Boys is the best gift any parent can give their son! Adventurous fun embedded…read morewith Truth about God's love for all of us...and led by an unbelievable team of college kids who my son can look up to and emulate. Our son grows in his faith, in his physical strength, and in his independence with each passing summer. The land and facilities are top-notch, very safe and clean (considering it's on a mountain side and most buildings are strictly for summer use and not winterized) while maintaining a wonderful rustic element...our son truly feels like he's completely away from his regular life while he's there...including all of the stresses of school, social media, etc...it's Utopia! Cannot recommend it more!

Longview Ranch was such a treat to visit with our youth group!…read more The venue is the perfect size for groups under 125. It is located in a much forgotten about area of beautiful East Tennessee, tucked away just a few miles off the interstate. Multiple times on the drive there (about 1:15 from Knoxville) my breath was taken away at the scenery and gorgeousness of the farm land and mountains. The staff at the retreat was TOP NOTCH. It was clear they train and plan very effectively to meet the needs of the groups they are serving. The cabins we used were spacious and very clean. There were 8 bunk beds in each room with a full bathroom. I did not see them, but I understand they have very nice housing quarters for people like guest speakers, etc. The food was fantastic and exceeding all of my expectations for "camp food." I hope we are able to return here for many more years to come!

From the owner: Long View Ranch is a non-denominational Christian summer camp in the foothills of the Smoky…read moreMountains. Horses, Paintball, Water Skiing, Fishing, canoeing, and tons more! Our program is designed to provide an absolute blast, while also being a fun and safe place that earns us the opportunity to challenge campers with Biblical truth. Our property is made up of beautiful open fields surrounded by deep rich forest. The woods provide a wonderful playground for trail rides, our team-building challenge course, paintball, and more. There are several trickling streams and an Old Fashioned Swimmin' Hole located on our 130-acre property that sits parallel to the Nolichucky River. We have four air conditioned and heated, log-siding bunkhouses that accommodate over 100 guests with wooden bunks and comfortable mattresses to rest your head. Our 3000 square foot dining hall/multipurpose meeting room has a large wrap around porch facing the Smoky Mountains. You will enjoy amazing home cooked meals wh