Noontime Notions – The History of Summer Camps in Transylvania County

The Noontime Notions series continues.  The program will begin at noon in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library. Noontime Notions programs feature authors, performers, and presenters providing engaging notions for consideration, enjoyment, and discovery.   The program is made possible by the Friends of the Library and will last approximately one hour.

Transylvania County has one of the highest concentrations of summer camps in the entire nation. Our mountains, forests, and rivers are ideal for introducing children of all ages to the great outdoors, fostering their sense of independence, and providing transformative experiences for campers. Page Lemel, whose family has owned Keystone Camp for generations, will offer an overview of the camps in Transylvania County and provide insights into the fascinating history of camps and the camp experience from the early 1900s to the present.

Page Lemel is a graduate of Duke University and began leading camp in 1984. Her father, Bill Ives, ran Keystone Camp from 1961 until 1984. Page grew up at Keystone and spent her summers as a camper, counselor, and Head Counselor before taking over the director’s position. She is an avid gardener, and can often be found tending to the landscape around camp. She also serves on various community boards in Brevard and Transylvania County.