Growing Well
Growing Well is an expansive and nurturing umbrella of programs designed to foster the holistic development of youth and families. Committed to creating a supportive environment for children in the High Country, Growing Well encompasses a range of empowering initiatives that inspire growth, resilience, and well-being.
By embracing the uniqueness of each individual and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion, Growing Well endeavors to help nurture a generation of resilient, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to their communities.
Growing Well Program Overview
Growing Well Conference
The annual Growing Well Conference offers inspiration, education, and connection for those working to support children and youth with special healthcare needs in rural western North Carolina. The conference features a dynamic mix of individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be led by healthcare providers, researchers, government leaders, educators, and individuals with lived experience—offering a wide range of perspectives.
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Girls on the Run of the High Country
At Girls on the Run (GOTR) we inspire girls in grades 3rd-6th to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. GOTR offers a 10-week program in the Fall and Spring, as well as Camp GOTR in the summer.
Home School PE
Home School PE is a part of the App State Health and Physical Education (HPE) Program, housed in the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education. Classes are offered at three developmental levels: Cadets (5-6 years-old), Juniors (7-8 years), and Seniors (9+ years).
Fuel Your Game Watauga
Fuel Your Game Watauga is a nutrition education program designed to enhance performance and reduce injuries among middle school and high school student-athletes.
Camps
Camp GOTR
Camp GOTR is a one of a kind camp where girls in 3rd-5th grade spend a week during the summer building friendships, exploring their creativity and playing fun games that keep them moving.
Camp Crinkleroot
Everyone can go to camp!
Camp Crinkleroot is a free day camp for kids ages 8-14 (spring) and ages 8-18 (fall) with autism spectrum disorders.
Camp Jean Rankin
Empowering Children and Teens Who Stutter
Camp Jean Rankin is a week-long residential, intensive summer camp for adolescents aged 11 to 16 who stutter. This camp is intended to give campers a positive experience with speaking, stuttering and communicating.
College and Career Readiness
Camp Med
Camp Med Summer Program is a fun and rewarding experience for high school students that exposes them to the world of possibilities in health careers. Students will acquire knowledge and skills to help them make informed decisions on their future careers in healthcare, and allow them to reflect on the social impacts of health.
GEAR UP
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded college access program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education immediately after high school.
Professions and Access to Health Careers
Professions and Access to Health Careers (PATH) is designed to spark interest in the health sciences among middle and high school students. Through partnerships with programs like Camp Med and GEAR UP, students gain hands-on experience and insight into a wide range of health professions.
Neurodiversity and Family Support
Hub for Autism and Neurodiversity (HANd)
HANd is an innovative program and resource center that provides community-wide education, connects families and individuals to services and resources, and advocates for acceptance and understanding of autism and neurodiversity.
Camp Crinkleroot
Everyone can go to camp!
Camp Crinkleroot is a free day camp for kids ages 8-14 (spring) and ages 8-18 (fall) with autism spectrum disorders.
Parent to Parent Family Support Network
Parent to Parent Family Support Network provides free support, caring connections, information and hope to families who have a premature baby, a child with a disability, an emotional or behavioral challenge, a mental illness, a chronic health condition or to families who are grieving the death of a child.
