Clubs Helping the Club: Local Country Clubs Provide Unforgettable Summer Experiences for Plateau Youth

The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau (BGCP) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Chattooga Club, The Club at High Hampton, The Country Club of Sapphire Valley, Wade Hampton Golf Club, Highlands Country Club, and Mountain Top Golf & Lake Club. This summer, each of which created experiences that many local children might never have had, truly embodying the theme “Clubs helping the Club.”

The season began on June 17, when the Chattooga Club welcomed 6th grade BGCP summer campers for an unforgettable day of outdoor adventure and fun. The children spent the morning swimming in the club’s pool, followed by a hike through the scenic trails, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. They also tried their hands at pickleball, enjoying friendly competition with both Chattooga staff and volunteers. The day was capped off with a delicious lunch.

Anita Ivanova, a High Hampton staff member from Bulgaria, visited the Abell Teen Club to share a special piece of her heritage—a traditional family recipe of chicken and rice. She guided the teens as they chopped, stirred, and cooked together. When the meal was ready, they gathered around the kitchen island, sharing not just food, but laughter, stories, and a sense of family.

On August 6, the Country Club of Sapphire Valley (CCSV) was scheduled to partner with the WNC Chapter of First Tee to introduce BGCP campers to the game of golf. First Tee uses the sport as a way to help kids discover their strengths and build confidence, both on and off the course. While weather forced the event to be rescheduled for the school year, CCSV still collected over 150 golf balls, which will be donated to the First Tee program.

As summer drew to a close and the new school year approached, Mountain Top welcomed 60 campers in grades 1st through 4th for a day filled with fun and adventure. Two buses carried the excited children to the Mountain Top activity center, where they explored the playground—including an exhilarating zipline—and enjoyed golf-themed games on the croquet court. As the day ended, Mountain Top members surprised each child with a backpack brimming with school supplies, from binders and paper to pencils, lunch boxes, and colorful markers, sending them home not just prepared for school but feeling valued, supported, and celebrated by their community.

The support extended beyond the campers. Wade Hampton Golf Club, in partnership with BGCP, hosted a teacher appreciation breakfast for the dedicated staff of Blue Ridge School and Early College and Summit Charter School. Similarly, Highlands Country Club honored Highlands School teachers with an elegant breakfast to celebrate their role in shaping young lives.

We are deeply grateful to all of the Clubs that supported BGCP this summer. It is truly inspiring to see our Plateau community come together to lift up children and honor the educators who shape their lives. Thanks to their generosity, our campers experienced a summer filled with joy, discovery, and lasting memories. BGCP remains committed to providing programs and opportunities that help youth reach their full potential, and this summer’s partnerships serve as a powerful reminder of what a caring, united community can accomplish for its children.