NEW LOCATION - OCTOBER 2026
Wilderness & Wellness
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Four days of outdoor adventure, mindful wellness, and real connection — in America's most visited mountain range. Earn 6 credits while hiking, zip lining, and unwinding in nature.
Oct 15–18, 2026
60/72 Hours · 6 Credits
All fitness levels
Near Asheville, NC
What's Included
Covers housing, meals, transportation, all course activities, and 6 educational credits accredited through Bunker Hill Community College.
3 nights housing
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
8 meals included
Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast
Airport shuttle
Charter bus to & from Asheville Airport
6 educational credits
Accredited through Bunker Hill CC
Not just a class - an adventure!
The Experience
Nature is our classroom! Hike to inspiring views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unwind through yoga and meditation. Connect with au pairs from around the world — and leave with memories, friendships, and 6 educational credits.
Designed for all fitness levels ✓
Ropes Course
Challenge yourself on the high ropes
Mountain Hiking
Trails with inspiring Blue Ridge views
Yoga & Meditation
Mindful practices in nature
Camp Experiences
Campfires, team building & connection
Experiential Learning
interactive classes + outdoor skills training
Wellness Practices
Self-care techniques & balance
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
The Location
Nestled in the mountains of Black Mountain, North Carolina, just outside Asheville, the Blue Ridge Assembly has been gathering people in these mountains since 1906. Historic lodge buildings sit surrounded by dense hardwood forest and Blue Ridge ridgelines.
You'll stay in rooms sleeping 2–4 with bunk beds and en suite bathrooms. Common areas in the lodge are perfect for gathering, relaxing, and making the friendships that make APW weekends unforgettable.
The Schedule
Thu
Check-in at airport 12:30 PM
Bus Travel 1:00 → 1:45pm
Check-in at camp: 1:45→ 2:30
Classes 2:30 → 9:30 PM
Airport pickup, bus to camp, settle in, first sessions
Sat
9:00 AM → 9:30 PM
Full day of classes, adventures & wellness
Fri
9:00 AM → 9:30 PM
Full day of classes, adventures & wellness
Sun
9:00 AM → 1:00 PM
Bus Travel 1:15 → 1:45pm
Final sessions, bus back to airport by 1:45 PM
Travel & Accomodation
Airport Shuttle
Meet our staff at Asheville Airport (AVL) on Thursday at 12:30 PM. A charter bus departs at 1:00 PM and takes you directly to camp. On Sunday, the bus returns you to the airport by 1:45 PM.
Housing
Three nights (Thu–Sat) at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly lodge. Rooms sleep 2–4 in bunk beds with en suite bathrooms. Common areas for gathering and relaxing.
Flight Timing
Arrive at Asheville Airport no later than 11:30 AM (noon) on Thursday. Depart no earlier than 3:30 PM on Sunday. The bus cannot wait for late arrivals — please plan accordingly.
Meals
8 meals are included in your course price — from Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast. Eat together, share stories, make friends.
$1,099
Price
Includes housing, 8 meals, transportation, activities & 6 credits
Courses offered in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College
✈️ Flight note: Please schedule your flight to arrive at Asheville Airport (AVL) no later than 12:00 PM (noon) on Thursday, October 15. Schedule your return flight to depart no earlier than 3:30 PM on Sunday, October 18.
Courses are offered in collaboration with
How It Works
North Carolina isn't just 4 days — it's a complete course with online work before and after your trip.
Your Learning Journey
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BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Online Preparation
4 weeks before • ~20 hours
Complete from home before you fly to North Carolina:
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Meet your classmates
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Online discussions
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Complete pre-weekend assignments
📅 Due:
1 week before your trip
YOUR NORTH CAROLINA ADVENTURE
4 Days In-Person
36 hours In-Person
The exciting part! In North Carolina you will:
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Attend classes and workshops
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Experience nature's creative connection
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Make friends from around the world
AFTER YOUR TRIP
Online Completion
4 Weeks to Complete • ~16 hours
Finish your course from home:
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Write reflections on your experience
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Complete final assignments
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Complete your course evaluation
📜 Completion Letter:
Receive 5-7 business days after all assigments completed.
Waitlist
Registration opens May 2026.
Travel Between Airport & Campus
Students may meet our staff at the Asheville Airport on Thursday at 12:30pm. They will board a charter bus at 1:00 that will take them from the airport to the camp. The bus cannot wait for late students, even in the case of delayed flights, and any students who are not on the bus at departure time will have to arrange for their own transportation to the camp. Attendance is required at the camp starting at check-in, Thursday at 1:45pm.
On Sunday, buses will return students to the Asheville airport by 1:45 p.m.
Au Pair Weekend Gives Back
When you join a course, you're part of something bigger. Au Pair Weekend donates to organizations that reflect the values woven into every weekend — environment, community, and culture.
Earth Island Institute
Environmental action & emerging leaders
National Art
Education Association
Equitable access to arts education
Water 1st International
Clean water & sanitation worldwide
North Carolina Staff
Coming soon.