Jan Wyatt Symposium: Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina

Description

The Cashiers Historical Society is proud to present the 2025 Jan Wyatt Symposium: Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Chimney Pond Farm. 

This engaging program explores the many ways summer camps have influenced the social, economic, and cultural fabric of western North Carolina. The day will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers and presentations, interactive panel discussions, activities, and a catered lunch.

Event Schedule:

9:15–10:00am
CHECK IN
Coffee & pastries available while you make a camp name tag for the day!

10:00–10:40am
OPENING KEYNOTE
Dr. Chris Thurber

10:50–11:30am
THE HISTORY OF SUMMER CAMPS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Lindsay Garner Hostetler will give an overview of how western North Carolina became the center of the American camping movement in the Southeast.

11:45am–12:45pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: CAMP IS A MULTIGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE
A roundtable discussion with Helen Harmon, Cate Harmon, Sallie Orr Peterkin, and Teed Poe about the intergenerational camp experience.
Moderated by Dr. Chris Thurber

12:45–1:30pm
LUNCH

1:30–2:30pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: CAMP FROM THE COUNSELOR & STAFF EXPERIENCE
A roundtable discussion with Ruby Compton, Betsy Helms, and Shawn Marler about the camp experience through the lens of camp counselors.
Moderated by Sara Huffman Schmidt

2:45–3:30pm
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Dan Davis

An accompanying museum exhibit will be on view at the Cashiers Historical Society campus from June 16 – October 31, 2025. This special exhibition will highlight the history of overnight camps in western North Carolina founded before 1970.c

Tickets to the Symposium are $75.00 and available for purchase at CashiersHistory.org or in person at the Cashiers Historical Society.