Ridgecrest Conference Center hosting all-inclusive family getaways

Photos from the Ridgecrest Instagram account show a variety of activities available through family getaway packages at the conference center in the mountains of western North Carolina. RIDGECRESTNC/Instagram

By Aaron Wilson

RIDGECREST, N.C. — Families who have grown restless during nationwide shelter-at-home orders will have an opportunity to stretch their legs this summer by registering for a Family Getaway at Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps.

The Family Getaway experience replaces traditional Ridgecrest summer camp programming for individual campers. The all-inclusive Family Getaway experience enables families to create memories together through overnight stays in the Blue Ridge Mountains and activities such as horseback rides, a high-challenge course, mountain biking, canoeing, crafts, and much more.

“Once it became clear our traditional summer camp experience would not be possible, our goal has been to provide an experience that allows as many families to be here as possible,” said Ron Springs, director of Ridgecrest Summer Camps.

While hosting families, Ridgecrest will follow all North Carolina and Buncombe County COVID-19 guidelines including social distancing. There will be multiple cleanings of common areas each day along with regular cleaning of equipment used during camp activities. Additionally, Ridgecrest will observe a 24-hour waiting period after a family leaves a cabin or hotel room before it’s cleaned and ready to use by the next family.

Families can register now at RidgecrestConferenceCenter.com for Family Getaway reservations that began on June 17 and will extend through Aug. 2. There is a three-night minimum, but families can choose to stay for any additional number of days. Families who book for six nights will get the seventh night free.

All families will have the option of reserving cabins at Camp Ridgecrest, Camp Crestridge, or rooms at Ridgecrest Conference Center.

“Most conference center guests have never seen our boys and girls camp properties," said Art Snead, executive director at Ridgecrest. “This all-inclusive Family Getaway experience will allow families to enjoy the benefits of all three sites. We have plenty of clean mountain air, fun activity options, and beautiful, wide-open spaces where families can ensure summer 2020 is one to remember for all the right reasons.”

Ridgecrest’s all-inclusive Family Getaway provides a flexible experience with optional activities. Families can enjoy camp at their own pace and partake in as much, or as little, of the program as desired.

Activities include:

• Breakfast and coffee served on-site each morning or private family breakfast cooked over an open fire by “real cowboys”
• Morning Watch devotion times around camp with guided materials for families
• Open Camp for most of the morning with activities such as swimming in the lake or mountain view pool, archery, riflery, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, zip line, axe throwing, trap shooting, the Giant Swing, frisbee golf, fishing and more
• Multiple lunch options across the three properties
• Open Camp for the afternoon, just like the morning but with additional options including horseback rides, training puppies, laser tag, high-challenge courses, mountain biking, putt-putt, adventure recreation, and craft activities
• Dinner meal options including gourmet dinners, cookouts by the lake, or the freedom to explore Asheville’s great restaurant scene
• Themed evening activities including family luau by the pool, camp-wide games designed for family fun, family raft races, bonfires, and s’mores by the lake
• Outdoor movies, guided sunset hikes, and late-night waterslides

Families will also have options such as family portraits, private tent camping, and parent date night with provided childcare.

More details can be found at RidgecrestConferenceCenter.com.

“Not having our traditional program was a hard decision,” said Sharon Aylestock, director of Camp Crestridge. “But the Family Getaway is a great alternative and still allows us to continue building relationships with our campers and their whole family. We have been encouraged by the response and how thankful families are to still have the opportunity to come to camp.”

Aaron Wilson is a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources.