Don Lee Center
2026 Program Guide
Don Lee Center Welcomes You!
Join us and experience “a place that God has blessed.”
Dear Families and Friends,
While Camp Don Lee is approaching 80 years in ministry to children and youth, its mission seems more relevant than ever for families now. In this age of screens and social media, children and youth urgently need opportunites where they can simply enjoy being kids, learning and growing through outdoor experiences, playing and having fun with others their age, away from devices.
Typical camp outcomes such as increased independence and confidence, new outdoor skills, friendships, resilience and teamwork take on additional value for our children and youth amidst growing mental health challenges for young people. Learning how to talk to someone new, manage conflict respectfully, how to function without your cell phone and be present in Christian community are valuable 21st century skills enhanced during the camp experience. Layer on top of all the FUN activities—swimming, sailing, canoeing, archery, crafts and more—the love of Jesus Christ in God’s creation and the many faith formation opportunities that meet campers where they are in order to facilitate personal growth and discipleship, you get an amazing experience that children need now more than ever. We are excited to present our summer camp offerings for 2026 along with information on our Environmental Education program, Retreat programs for families and church groups and several special events in the spring and fall.
Registration for summer 2026 will begin at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 7. We strongly encourage everyone to register early to secure the session you want for your camper. We expect sessions to fill quickly. When you register before Dec. 17, you will have the opportunity to receive a free gift for your camper to put under the tree while they last. (Shipping cost $10) The camp experience makes a great gift!
The ministry of Camp Don Lee has touched thousands of lives over its long history of ministry along the banks of the Neuse River Estuary. Come join us and experience “a place God has blessed.”
Kate Cooper Metts, Director
“Thank you so much for all you do to give campers such a great experience!! We are SO grateful!”
— First Time Camper Family
“Thank you for continuing to be a place my kids look forward to coming every summer!”
— Returning Camper Parent
“Both children absolutely love their week at Camp Don Lee!!!! It is the most organized, friendly and fun of all their camps. They look forward each year and next year want to do two weeks. Love the vespers and they said the food is outstanding! Thank you.”
— Returning Camper Parent
“I feel like God was with us each time we did worship. My favorite part about camp was the pool.”
— Tweeker Camper
“I was thankful for all the friends and the fun moments with my counselors and group, best first summer camp ever!”
— Elementary Camper
Camp Registration Begins Online at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. We have programs for children completed first grade to age 17. We strongly encourage families to register early.
Cancellation, and Refund Policy, and Final Payment Dates:
Cancellations and requests for refunds should be made in writing or via email from the person responsible for the account. Refunds will be issued for cancellations prior to April 1, 2026 for all camp programs, one week and multi-week programs, less the applicable processing fees, which are non-refundable. The fees are: $100 for one week programs; $200 for two week programs; $300 for three week programs and $400 for LIT. All multi-week camp programs have staggered payments due Jan. 19 ($500) and March 1 ($1000).
All camp fees for ALL summer camp programs are due April 1, 2026. All payments become non-refundable after this date for any reason. Fees not paid by the applicable deadline will open the camper slot for another person to use if needed. Any other credit balance remaining on an account after a year of inactivity will be considered a donation to our camping ministry. At the end of the camper’s session, any remaining store balance is added to our campership fund. There can be unforeseen changes for your camper, so we strongly encourage you to purchase third party, low cost camp cancellation insurance. It is available when you register and is highly recommended for multi-week programs, which can be a significant expense for many families. If your camper falls ill, breaks a bone or other emergency incidents, the insurance will refund your camp payments. See more details in Ultracamp when you register.
Kate Metts (Middle) with campers Michael and Abbi
Camper & Parent Comments
ONE-WEEK TRADITIONAL CAMP
Our One Week Traditional Camp is the classic Camp Don Lee experience. Whether campers are coming with a friend or on their own, they will become a part of a “small group” family that is truly special to Camp Don Lee. Campers will get to try fun activities and learn new skills such as archery, canoeing, sailing, cooking over a fire, fishing, and more. Campers will form a community through team building on the low ropes Challenge Course and through nightly devotions during Vespers. Swimmingin the pool, hayrides, camp-fires, field or pool games and all-camp programs like worship, dance and talent show will be highlights for every camper during their week. This week of camp will include faith formation and friendships that campers will talk about until they come back again next summer!
PARTICIPANT FEE: $1,126
Elementary:
Completed Grades 3 – 5
Middle School:
Completed Grades 6 - 8
Older Youth:
Completed Grades 9 - 11
DATES:
Elementary and Middle School:
Week 1: June 7 - June 12
Week 2: June 14 - June 19
Week 3: June 21 - June 26
Week 4: June 28 - July 3
Week 5: July 5 - July 10
Week 6: July 12 - July 17
Week 7: July 19 - July 24
Week 8: July 26 - July 31
Week 9: August 2 - August 7
Older Youth:
Week 4: June 28 - July 3
Week 5: July 5 - July 10
Week 6: July 12 - July 17
HALF ONE-WEEK YOUNGER ELEMENTARY CAMP
PARTICIPANT FEE: $507
Younger Elementary:
Completed Grades 1 - 2
DATES:
Week 1: June 10 - June 12
This three day/two night program is just the right amount of time for campers to grow in their confidence, meet new friends, and learn about God through creation, and participate in all types of fun activities. They will be alongside a counselor throughout the whole experience, but this is also an opportunity that allows them to grow in their confidence and independence and experience a bright beginning to their Camp Don Lee adventure.
ONE-WEEK YOUNGER ELEMENTARY CAMP
PARTICIPANT FEE: $1,126
Younger Elementary:
Completed Grades 1 - 2
DATES:
Week 3: June 21 - June 26
Week 5: July 5 - July 10
Week 8: July 26 - July 31
This program is perfect for the younger campers who have completed first or second grades and are ready for a whole week of adventure and fun at Camp Don Lee. Campers will have an opportunity to participate in every activity at camp including sailing, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, and more! During their time, campers will build confidence, experience being part of a group, make new friends and learn about their relationship with God, all under the guidance of our highly experienced counselors and program staff.
Financial support camperships for most camp programs are available to families to help cover the cost of camp for children and youth with financial need. See our website for more details.
ONE WEEK ADVANCED SAILING
PARTICIPANT FEE: $1,271
Completed Grades 5 – 11
DATES:
Week 6: July 12 - July 17
(Grades Completed 5 - 8)
Week 8: July 26 - July 31
(Grades Completed 9 - 11)
This one week sailing intensive program is designed to cultivate a better understanding and hands-on practical application of skills necessary to sail. Boats utilized in the program include Sunfish, Flying Scot and Hobie Cat 16 sailboats, depending on camper skill level. Campers will spend three or more hours a day with sailing instruction and on the water with the goal of being able to sail without a staff member by the end of the week. Even though this is a sailing intensive program, campers will also be able to participate in other aspects of camp. If your camper wants more sailing in their camp experience, this is the right camp for them!
MARINE SCIENCE
PARTICIPANT FEE: $1,271
Completed Grades 3 – 8
DATES:
Week 5: July 5 - July 10
(Grades Completed 3-5)
Week 8: July 26 - July 31
(Grades Completed 6-8)
Marine Science Camp is the camp for those who want to explore and learn about Earth’s natural wonders. Throughout the week campers expand their knowledge about our coast while participating in a variety of activities, such as collecting organisms, fishing, dissecting squid and other marine creatures as well as participating in traditional camp activities. Campers will take a trip to the Aurora Fossil Museum to learn about the animals that once inhabited our coast and a trip to the coast where they learn about the importance of protecting our beaches. Campers will also get to create a one of a kind craft they can wear on their way home. Marine Science Camp is a time for discovery and amazing encounters!
TWO-WEEK CAMP PROGRAMS
Whether campers are coming with a friend or on their own, they will become a part of a “small group” family that is truly special to Camp Don Lee. Campers will get to participate in camp activities and learn new skills like archery, canoeing, sailing, outdoor living skills including Leave No Trace programs, fishing and more. They will also form a community through team building on the low element Challenge Course and through nightly devotions at Vespers. During their time at camp, all campers will go off site for an outdoor, overnight camping experience. Sailing Tweekers will sail to their camp out location, weather permitting. Swimming in the pool, hayrides, campfires, field games, dances, talent shows and more will be the highlight of their two-week time of learning and growing. Each two week group will have the opportunity to plan and lead worship (morning watch for elementary) for the entire camp community as part of their experience. It is recommended that campers complete one week of camp before registering for two weeks of camp.
SAILING TWO-WEEK CAMP “TWEEKERS”
PARTICIPANT FEE: $2,627
DATES:
Completed Grades 7 - 11
Tweeker I - Weeks 1 - 2: June 7 - June 19
Tweeker II - Weeks 3 - 4: June 21 - July 3
Tweeker III - Weeks 5 - 6: July 5 - July 17
Tweeker IV - Weeks 7 - 8: July 19 - July 31
TRADITIONAL TWO-WEEK CAMPS
PARTICIPANT FEE: $2,513
TRADITIONAL TWO-WEEK CAMP FOR YOUTH
Completed Grades 6 - 8
DATES:
Weeks 3 - 4: June 21 - July 3 Week 8 - 9: July 26 - August 7
TRADITIONAL TWO-WEEK CAMP FOR ELEMENTARY
Completed Grades 3 - 5
DATES:
Weeks 2 - 3: June 14 - June 21
Weeks 7 - 8: July 19 - July 31
Camper Experiences for Older Youth
These programs are by application. The sessions below are for the 2026 season. Information and applications for our 2027 summer season will be released Fall 2026. The schedule will follow a similar pattern. If your camper is interested in the 2026 season, they can submit a late application that could possibly be accepted due to a camper cancellation.
LEADER IN TRAINING (LIT)
Completed Grades 10 - 11
PARTICIPANT FEE: $4,686
DATES:
Session I : June 7 - July 3
Session II : July 5 - July 31
• Must be 16 years old by course completion date
• Hannah Viall Memorial scholarship is available for students with financial need from populations under represented in the LIT program
MARINERS
PARTICIPANT FEE: $3,835
Completed Grades 9 - 11
DATES:
Weeks 1 - 3: June 7 - June 26
Weeks 4 - 6: June 28 - July 17
Weeks 7 - 9: July 19 - August 7
NAVIGATORS
PARTICIPANT FEE: $3,758
Completed Grades 9 - 11
DATES:
Weeks 2 - 4 : June 14 - July 3
Make new friends while participating in multi-day sailing trips on Sunfish, Flying Scots, and Hobie Catamarans. Campers will also have the opportunity to take part in camp activities such as bible studies, arts and crafts, swimming in the pool, canoeing, fishing, archery, and leading a worship service together.
This three-week high adventure camp will challenge experienced sailors with an exciting trip across the Pamlico Sound to Portsmouth Island. This session will begin with a week of sailing drills, trip preparation and other traditional Don Lee activities. Prior sailing experience is required.
Leader In Training (LIT) is a four-week, intensive leadership program for high school aged youth who are ready for a highly challenging and deeply rewarding experience. Objectives of the program include personal faith development, leadership growth and experience, and a deeper knowledge of outdoor skills. Certification opportunities include Red Cross CPR and Lifeguarding, Camp Don Lee sailing training, Advanced Counseling skills and Leave No Trace awareness training. In addition, LITs will develop a greater understanding of worship, leading creative arts and childhood development. LITs will also begin to take on leadership roles at camp and in the community through faith formation and implementing the Voyages Day Camp program at area churches. Prior experience sailing or as a camper at Don Lee is not required for this program.
Retreats and Outdoor Education
Don Lee Center operates as a year-round retreat and environmental education center. Day and overnight groups are welcome, whether it be your school field trip, small group or church family retreat this winter, spring or fall.
School groups should email fieldtrips@donleecenter.org to check availability and pricing. Retreat inquiries may be made by completing the form on our website or emailing info@donleecenter.org.
Or, join us for a Don Lee programmed event:
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
Youth leaders, bring your group to Don Lee for the annual Confirmation Retreat as we grow in our faith, create stoles to symbolize our commitment to Christ, and spend time together on the Neuse River!
CONFIRMANDS: $90
ADULTS: $70
CLERGY: $35
DATES: March 6 - 7, 2026
If these dates don’t work for your group, contact us about scheduling this event for your group at a different date.
FALL FAMILY RETREAT WEEKEND
A taste of summer camp for the entire family! Take a break from school and work and come have a weekend you will never forget! Swim, sail, play, worship and enjoy some great food and quality time together in our beautiful setting along the Neuse River. Space will be limited. Many of our cabins offer air conditioning and bathrooms inside the cabin, available on a first-come basis.
ADULT: $170
CHILDREN: $85 (ages 3 - 17)
AGE 2 AND UNDER: Free
DATES: August 14 - 16, 2026
2026 OPEN HOUSE
Join us for Open House from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at camp! This is a FREE opportunity for family and friends of Camp Don Lee to come walk around camp, tour cabins, enjoy open activities, and much more! This is the perfect chance for summer camp families, new and returning, to explore camp as we do not allow this during summer camp check-in.
A picnic lunch on the grounds will be provided at no charge (donations accepted). Questions? Visit our website or email info@donleecenter.org
DATE: April 25, 2026
FEES: Free
NC United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc.
Camp Don Lee
315 Camp Don Lee Road
Arapahoe, NC 28510
You are invited to join us for Summer Camp 2026.
Registration begins 4 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2025 and will continue into the spring. You may go ahead and establish your account prior to registration by visiting www.donleecenter.org. Camp makes a great Christmas present. Families who register by December 17 have the option to receive a free gift ($10 shipping) to put under the tree to announce your gift.
We are open for retreat and school groups. Check out our website for more details or call us. Do you know someone who is a Christian role model, enjoys working with children and youth, and wants to spend their summer making lifelong friendships? Camp Don Lee is hiring NOW for Summer 2026. Please visit our website to apply.
Spend your summer on the Neuse River sharing God’s love and building your resume! Camp staff gain skills at camp that are assets to future employers such as communication, team work, initiative taking, and problem solving.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Sarah Fulp,
and
Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center is affiliated by faith with the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church and is operated by the NC United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Inc. Don Lee Center is accredited by the American Camp Association. It has two sister camps, Camp Chestnut Ridge, Efland, and Camp Rockfish, Parkton.
Reilly Boone, Kate Metts
Kathryn Wynne.