In response to the significant impact of the recent hurricane, Partners Aligned Toward Health (PATH) organized a Pop-Up Day Camp—Friday Fun Day—held on November 8th. This initiative was born out of an immediate need to support local families during their ongoing recovery. With a focus on providing children with a safe, engaging environment, this camp was designed to help young minds process the emotional aftermath of the storm, while offering parents a much-needed opportunity for rest and recovery.
The hurricane has left many in our community facing considerable challenges, and PATH identified the need for an emergency response that would offer youth a sense of normalcy and joy. In collaboration with local schools, Yancey County 4-H, Mountain Community Health Partnership, and the NC Cooperative Extension, PATH provided the Friday Fun Day as a free event aimed at alleviating some of the burdens on families while fostering healing, connection, and community support.
On November 8th, trained staff led 38 campers through a series of thoughtfully planned activities designed to promote emotional expression, resilience, and teamwork. Highlights included arts and crafts, time spent in nature, team-building games, and mindfulness exercises—all carefully chosen to help students process their experiences in the wake of the hurricane. The day culminated in a lighthearted afternoon screening of the Disney movie Encanto, where campers had the chance to sing along to their favorite tunes—a reminder of the joy that can still be found even in times of hardship.
In addition to the pop-up camp for younger children, PATH also hosted a special Movie Night for High Schoolers later that afternoon, offering a chance for older students to unwind, connect, and take a brief respite from the stresses of recovery.
We are incredibly grateful to Hog Hollow, who provided meals for both events. Their generous support was vital to the success of this community-driven initiative, and we could not have done it without their partnership.
As recovery efforts continue, PATH remains dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families through programs that foster healing, resilience, and community spirit. For more information about future events or to learn more about PATH’s work in the community, please visit www.pathwnc.org.
