Wilderness & Wellness
North Carolina
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.
What's Included
Covers housing, 8 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 credits
equal to 60 or 72 hours
Accredited through Bunker Hill CC
October 15 - 18, 2026
Registration closes October 9, but may sell out sooner
$1,099
Equivalent to 6 Credits (72 Hours)
Included in our four-day course:
3 nights of housing, 8 meals, and transportation to all course excursions!
Not just a class - an adventure!
The Experience
Nature is our classroom! Hike to inspiring views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unwind through mindfulness and meditation. Connect with au pairs from around the world — and leave with memories, friendships, and 6 credits equal to 60 or 72 hours.
Designed for all fitness levels ✓
Ropes Course
Challenge yourself on the high ropes
Hiking
Trails with inspiring Blue Ridge views
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 within beautiful Black Mountain, North Carolina, just outside Asheville, the Blue Ridge Assembly has been gathering people to 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
October 15 - 18
Thu
Check-in at airport 1:15 pm
Bus Travel 1:45 → 2:30 pm
Explore Black Mountain: 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Check-in at camp: 3:45→ 4:30 pm
Classes 4:30 → 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 1:15 PM. A charter bus departs at 1:45 and takes you to the camp, with a stop at the quaint town of Black Mountain. On Sunday, the bus returns you to the airport by 1:45 PM. If you are not taking the shuttle or do not wish to visit Black Mountain, you can arrive directly to the camp at 3:45 for Check-in.
Flight Timing
Arrive at Asheville Airport no later than 12:30 PM on Thursday. Depart no earlier than 3:30 PM on Sunday. The bus cannot wait for late arrivals - please plan accordingly. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you are struggling to book flights that work with this schedule.
Housing
Registration includes three nights (Thu-Sat) at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Lodge. Rooms sleep 2-4 in bunk beds with en suite bathrooms. The lodge also offers common areas for gathering and relaxing.
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 equal to 60 or 72 hours. Courses offered in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College
✈️ Flight note: Please schedule your flight to arrive at Asheville Airport (AVL) no later than 12:30 PM on Thursday. Schedule your return flight to depart no earlier than 3:30 PM on Sunday. If you are struggling to find flights that meet these requirements, please reach out to your Program Coordinator for guidance.
If your flight arrives later than this, or you do not wish to visit Black Mountain, you can arrive directly to the camp at 3:45 PM on Thursday for Check-in.
Courses are offered in collaboration with
North Carolina isn't just 4 days — it's a complete course with online work before and after your trip.
Your Learning Journey
HOW IT WORKS
1
3
2
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.
Travel Between Airport & Campus
Students may meet our staff at the Asheville Airport on Thursday at 1:15 pm. They will board a charter bus at 1:45 that will take them from the airport to the quaint village of Black Mountain, where students will have time to explore and shop, and then board the bus again to travel to the YMCA property. Although the bus cannot wait for students who arrive after the bus departs, the town is not too far from the airport and it should be possible for students to take an Uber to the camp at the students' own expense. Attendance is required at the camp starting at check-in on Thursday at 3:45pm. If students are struggling to book a flight that meets these requirements, they should reach out to the Program Coordinator.
On Sunday, buses will return students to the Asheville airport by 1:45pm.
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
Click on a staff member's photo to read their bio.
Zanny
City Director
Kim
Program Coordinator
Robert
Instructor
Caitlin
Instructor
