The camp offers a variety of options for kids interested in the great outdoors. In addition to traditional wilderness camps — Wilderness 101 includes backpacking, rock climbing and whitewater paddling — OMC will hold camps focused on art and photography, survival and skills-based interests such as water sports. Camp Ability reaches out to students with disabilities, La Adventura targets Spanish-speaking youth, and kids who excel as leaders might try Wilderness Instruction for Leadership Development, or WILD. 

The money was raised through an auction held last year in Waynesville. Joe Sam Queen lent his auctioneering skills and generous donations from artists, businesses and private donors made the $25,000 scholarship pot possible. 

Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who couldn’t otherwise afford to come to camp. Applications are online at www.outdoormissioncamp.org. Those who can’t pay the application fee can request assistance at 828.926.3253.