Summer Camp FAQ's

To help parents and kids prepare for a summer of fun, we offer answers to some of the most common questions we get about our summer camping program at Cheerio Adventures:

Does my child really need hiking boots?
We highly recommend that participants do have hiking shoes for all hiking and backpacking trips. A high ankle boot is best for the support. The best thing about having a hiking boot is the support of the ankle and the ridged sole they have that protects the feet. The trails that participants are on are rocky and uneven. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a boot. There are many out there that adequate and inexpensive.

Does my child need any specialized gear?
Participants are welcome to bring their own gear (backpacks, bike, climbing harness, etc). What ever gear that is brought will be check for to be sure that it is adequate for the activity they doing. If not or they did not bring their own gear Cheerio Adventures will supply the gear at no additional cost. You can check your child's packing list for the items they will need to bring. The only exception to this is occasional trips that go far a field and the need to bring your own gear will be noted.

Will cotton thermals be adequate rather than polypropylene or other synthetic underwear?
NO. We highly recommend that campers bring synthetic or wool underwear. Cotton, while being nice and comfortable, retains water that will then draw heat out of the body rather than help keep it warm. Synthetic or wool will not hold water and will help keep the body warm even while wet.

What time is check in?
Campers should arrive between 2:00 and 3:00 PM on opening day.
Allegheny Passage, Ocean Odyssey and Parent/Child programs check-in and check-out times will be different. Your itinerary will list the times. We cannot accommodate campers prior to opening or after closing times.
Cheerio Extreme campers are brought to Cheerio Adventures at the New River Outdoor Center (NROC) in Mouth of Wilson, VA and picked up at the end of the session at Camp Cheerio in Glade Valley, NC.

What time is pickup?
Closing day departure is between 9:00 and 10:30 AM.
Allegheny Passage, Ocean Odyssey and Parent/Child programs check-in and check-out times will be different. Your itinerary will list the times. We cannot accommodate campers prior to opening or after closing times.
Cheerio Extreme campers are brought to Cheerio Adventures at the New River Outdoor Center (NROC) in Mouth of Wilson, VA and picked up at the end of the session at Camp Cheerio in Glade Valley, NC.

Can I get pictures or video of my child's session?
YES. Pictures are taken of all the sessions and can be purchased either at time of registration or at the camp store when you drop off or pick up your child. A short slide show of the session will be shown in the store at the end of the trip.

Where do you suggest I go to find boots and clothes?
You can find the things you looking for at places such as REI, Great Outdoor Provision Company, or catalogs like Sierra Trading Post, Campmor, and web sites of the above.

Are flip flops OK for water shoes?
NO! They don’t stay on the person’s feet when in the water. You want something like “Teva’s” or “Chaco’s”.

Will a rain poncho work for rain gear?
Yes, but we would recommend a rain suit since it will keep a person dryer, warmer and can be used simply as a jacket.

How can I reduce the amount of clothing I pack?
To reduce the amount of clothing you need try to find things that can be used for more than one thing. For example: Socks used as gloves, rain jacket also a windbreaker, fleece as a pillow.

Can my child bring a cell phone?
NO. We don't want children to bring cell phones. They are here to get away from the everyday traps at home. Also when campers are calling out they are more focused on the outside rather than what they are doing here. It also tends to create “home sickness” if not in the camper with the phone then with others in there group wishing they could call out.

Can my child bring an iPod or other music device?
We do not recommend campers to bring “iPods” or other electronic devices. We only allow their use in the camper's tent while at NROC. Also because the nature of camp the devices can be lost or broken.

Can my child bring his or her own backpack or other gear?
Yes. When anyone brings their own gear the NROC staff will check it to make sure that it will be sufficient for the activity they are participating in. If it is not sufficient then we will provide the gear. Unless it is a program that requires the participant to bring their own gear.

Does my child need a pocket knife?
They do not need a pocket knife, but they are useful. However we do not let anyone carry a sheath knife. No Rambos here.

Does my child need any eating utensils?
Yes. Everyone should bring their own utensils and bowl. Cheerio Adventures will provide a cup and water bottle. Items can also be purchased at the camp store.

Can my child fly into the airport and be picked up?
Yes. There is a charge of $50 per immediate family for pickup and return; $40 for one way. The business office needs arrangements and payment at least two weeks prior to the session enrolled. Please no flights before 9:30 AM or after noon. Flights must be through Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC.

Which airport should my child fly into?
Greensboro, NC (GSO) - Piedmont Triad International Airport.

What kind of sleeping accommodations will there be?
While at NROC campers stay in large platform tents with bunk beds. While on the trail campers stay in 4 or 2 person tents.

Do you have showers?
Yes, yes, yes. There are hot showers at NROC in the bathhouse.

Are the sessions Co-ed?
All of our programs are Co-ed with the exception or Extreme 1, which is all girls.

Where will their personal items be kept?
Campers' personal items are kept in their tents at the NROC.

What should I pack my child's things in?
It is recommended that campers bring their things in soft luggage such as duffel bags since it is easier to load and put under bunks.

What are the directions to Cheerio Adventures & the New River Outdoor Center (NROC)?
Please see our directions page.