Staff Report

Now in its 4th year of curating epic summer camp adventures for kids ages 8-13, Camp Caverns has opened registration for its two summer sessions: July 13-19 and July 20-26, 2025.

Nestled in beautiful Payne’s Cove in Grundy County, Tennessee, camp life revolves around The Caverns, celebrated for its dual allure as a vibrant live music venue and captivating caving destination. With concerts above and below ground, as well as daily guided and adventure tours, The Caverns offers a unique experience for visitors, and especially for the Camp Caverns kids who call it home for two weeks in the summertime.

“We truly have become a family at Camp Caverns over the years with so many returning campers,” says Jen Mayo, Camp Caverns director, “We look forward to welcoming new faces into our family this summer!

Campers stay in The Caverns secluded yurt village with climate-controlled yurts which are configured to sleep four campers along with a counselor. These accommodations foster close connections and a supportive atmosphere.

The kids explore not only The Caverns, but also the surrounding Cumberland Plateau. During a week at camp, kids discover secret underground passages, soar through the trees on ziplines, practice axe throwing, and hike through majestic forests, paddleboard on serene mountaintop lake, to name just a few of the camper’s favorite activities.

To help parents give the gift of camp, Camp Caverns has payment plans! After a $150 non-refundable registration fee to reserve a camper’s spot and a down payment, parents can spread out the cost of camp by setting up a monthly payment schedule. From now through Christmas Day, parents can save 10% on the balance of camp registration with the promo code: CAMP4XMAS.

Camp Caverns is intentionally small to create a nurturing environment with only 40 kids per session, so registering early is highly recommended. Last year’s camp sold out well in advance of the summer sessions.

Applications are also open for Camp Caverns’ Counselors-In-Training (CIT) program. Kids 14-15 may apply for a Junior CIT position and kids 16-17 can apply to be CITs. In both roles, kids will gain leadership experience, assist counselors with daily activities, and mentor younger campers. They’ll learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while enjoying the adventure and camaraderie of camp life. Both roles offer a unique opportunity to grow as leaders and prepare for future counselor positions.

To learn more about the Camp Caverns activities, including a day-by-day program, and to register, visit CampCaverns.com today!