
About Joe Camp & Hike 2025
2025 Dates TBD | Camp Cherokee | Kings Mountain State Park, SC
Overview
Joe's Camp & Hike is a free weekend hike designed to give teens, ages 14-17, the chance to have fun, explore brand-new activities, and talk about ALS with other teens who understand.
Joined and guided by the YMCA Camp Cherokee’s Bold & Gold program counselors, our Joe Martin ALS Foundation counselors, volunteers and teens will be led through a weekend of activities including overnight camping and hiking up to 8 miles on Saturday and Sunday. This weekend adventure is designed to combine different personalities and skills by using critical thinking and problem-solving to address our group's uniqueness and help everyone decide how to face challenges together.
All camping gear will be provided by the camp! A suggested packing list of toiletries and essentials will be provided by Joe's Camp & Hike prior to camp.
Ages 14-17
A camp for TEENS whose family has been touched by ALS.
When & Where
Joe's Camp & Hike is [2025 Dates TBD] at Camp Cherokee in Kings Mountain State Park, SC.

Frequently Asked Questions
There is no cost to attend Joe's Camp & Hike. The weekend includes lodging, meals, and all the fun for free! This is made possible by our generous supporters.
Joe's Camp & Hike is for teens ages 14-17.
Participants must provide their own transportation to and from camp.*
*Joe's Camp & Hike Scholarships may be applied for to help cover transportation costs.
Campers will need to bring linens, towels and personal items. A full packing list will be provided closer to the time of camp.
Our camp will be led by Joe's Camp & Hike Director Lizz Updegraff, our camp counselors, camp nurse and the wonderful staff at Camp Cherokee. All staff, leadership and counselors will be fully vetted and interviewed by Joe Martin ALS Foundation staff with references and criminal background checks performed.
If you have questions or would like to speak to someone about Joe's Camp & Hike, please call The Joe Martin ALS Foundation office at (704) 332-1929 or send an email to Joe's Camp Director Lizz Updegraff at [email protected].

Camp Sponsorship Opportunities
Joe's Camp & Hike Overnight Program is free for teens to attend. Sponsors are needed to help offset the costs of providing this camp. If you are interested in supporting our camp, read through the needs below and make a contribution to The Joe Martin ALS Foundation on our Donate page. Be sure to indicate in the comment box that you would like your donation to go towards camp.
We appreciate your support in helping us make this a great weekend for our campers and their families! Our mission is to help families face the challenge of living actively with ALS by providing free home care services, and children are an important part of the families we serve. We are excited to offer this camp for these brave caregivers.
To request a scholarship for your camper, please email our Camp Director Lizz Updegraff at [email protected] or click the button below.
Our Mission
The Joe Martin ALS Foundation's mission is to empower families as they face the challenge of living actively with ALS by providing home care and other services at no cost.
We Believe
We believe a strong support net can help people living with ALS (PALS) and their families obtain the best caregiving techniques, equipment, and bolster their will to fight this disease.