New Heights: Au Pair Weekend Brings Wilderness & Wellness to North Carolina

The United States is a country of staggering natural variety, from the Pacific coast to the ancient ridgelines of the Appalachians. For au pairs living in the eastern US, those mountains are right at your doorstep, and Au Pair Weekend is heading there this fall. We're excited to announce that our Wilderness & Wellness course is coming to the mountains of North Carolina - a brand-new location for much-loved program.

Wilderness & Wellness was born in Colorado, where au pairs can explore the Rocky Mountains, learn outdoor skills, and reconnect with themselves through nature-based education in Estes Park. That course struck a chord. Time in wild, open spaces has a way of resetting perspective. Studies consistently show that exposure to natural environments reduces stress, improves mood, and fosters a sense of place and belonging. For au pairs navigating the particular demands of cross-cultural living, that kind of reset is genuinely valuable.

The North Carolina version brings that same spirit east. Set at a YMCA camp nestled in the North Carolina mountains, the four-day program immerses au pairs in activities that develop outdoor skills, environmental stewardship, and personal wellness. Classroom sessions explore local history and ecology, while outdoor activities (hiking, ziplines, nature mandalas, and more) make the landscape itself part of the curriculum. No prior outdoor experience is needed; the course is designed for all fitness levels.

Practically speaking, one course fee covers housing, most meals, and transportation between the camp and the airport, so au pairs can focus entirely on the experience. The course is worth the equivalent of 6 credits (60/72 hours), making it one of the most credit-efficient offerings in APW's catalog.

If you've been waiting for a Wilderness & Wellness option closer to home, the wait is over. Learn more and register at aupairclasses.org/north-carolina.