Member Testimonials
My grandson loves going and the counselors make it fun!
You always keep the kids busy!
I like that it gives my child (13) something to do over the summer. I would like to see the CILT program a little cheaper since they are not campers but helpers and I'd also like to see that program go the full summer as well.
Very pleased with the staff on duty at the Oakley site. The are very attentive and friendly to my child. Especially miss Kettner.
My son liked the trips to the lakes to swim and the horseback riding adventure the most. The staff were all fun and engaging.
I appreciated how easy the drop off and pickup is. Also the staff responded quickly to my questions in person and online.
Very hand on and supportive workers. They understand my child disability and willing to help him figure himself out along with figuring out a better way to solve problems
Always keep kids engaged and learning something new. Great staff and great for the kids.
With both parents working full time, It's great that the program does after-school during the school year and summer camp when schools out for the summer. It's great that our family gets YMCA memberships, we like to go to the indoor pool in the winter. And the summer camp has awesome field trips and activities.
Love how much there is to do. The field trips are great. Love all the outdoor time.
There is a weekly field trip plus a swim day… the other days are full of water activities and crafts on site!
Well organized, good communication with parents, no tolerance for poor behavior or bullying.
We were visitors to the Ashevill area and needed a camp for our seven-year-old. Beaver Dam was a huge hit! Thanks!
Great program, I child enjoys it , staff are very nice ,responsible
Summer camp is wonderful for my kids. Counselors are great, activities are age appropriate and fun, it is a really well run program.
They foster kids learning and play. My daughters love it
My kids had a great time at camp. They couldn’t wait to go back every day.
The team really tries to create a fun-filled camp experience with weekly themes and events. The field trips are a bonus! My kiddo has had a blast so far this summer! Another bonus, my kiddo has never been sunburned at camp. I’ve had other camp experiences (not the Y) with very different results. Love the adventures!
Is very good
Love summer camp! The staff is wonderful!
The friendly counselors, field trips, and activities.
I liked that the kids were outside and engaged in activities like building forts. My kid really enjoyed the field trips to parks and pools. My son was in the CILT program and I wish there was a way to have him to one week at a time instead of having to buy three weeks at a time.
The pool and field trip
Beaverdam
The camp is well organized with great communication. The activities have been fun. Thank you for another great summer!
Lots of activities, outdoor time. Counselors were great.
We loved the counselors and love that there were a handful of folks from the UK! Our daughter has attended day camps run by the Y for several years, and in the past few years, the counselors have not appeared equip to handle stress or support the kids in a positive manner. They often turn to negative reinforcement. Our daughter expressed that they counselors at Watia were all kind, provided structure, and appeared to know what they were doing even when situations were unexpected. Our daughter also loved the variety of programs and and emphasis on connecting. This is so needed and we're grateful that you provide a space for that type of interaction. We're already signed up for next year, this time for 2 weeks at the request of a very happy camper!
We were so thrilled with Camp Watia this summer! It was our son's first time attending a stay away camp and he had an absolute blast! He came home with lots of great stories. They did a great job of planning all of the activities and making it fun for the kiddos. All of the camp counselors and the director were absolutely amazing as well.
Remy had a blast!
My son had a great time at camp this year and last year. The only negative feedback that he gave was that he was unable to get enough sleep. He was in the Panther Creek cabin and said they didn't go to sleep until around 11am and had to get up at 7am. He needs more sleep than that and he was very tired when he came home. So putting the kids to sleep earlier or letting them sleep in a bit would be our feedback. thanks!
The high ropes course, hammocks, giant slide, and arts and crafts were highlights for my kids.

My child loved it. The counselors were awesome, especially the director we had, Lily Elder. She was extremely attentive and professional and reassuring with my child’s life threatening food allergy. We felt safe and as though he was in great hands which means everything.
The activities and themes each day were fun and kept it exciting! The price point for all of this was absolutely awesome. Would recommend this camp to everyone!! Wish we would have signed up for more weeks.