Camp Don Lee 2022 Program Guide

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Don Lee Center 2022 Program Guide

Don Lee Center Welcomes You! Join us and experience “a place that God has blessed.”

Dear Families,

As we close out another unprecedented year, we are thankful for God’s abundant and abiding love and grace for this ministry and the transformative impact it has had on thousands of children and youth throughout its 70-year-history.

We are especially grateful that we were able to operate 12 weeks of residential summer camp at Don Lee, all without a known incidence of Covid-19 in campers or summer staff. This success is due to the combined cooperation and diligence of parents, campers and staff with regard to vaccinations, testing, and cleaning, all while asking for God’s protection and provision over the ministry.

We are excited about the summer camp schedule for 2022. Our offerings begin with one week of early camp, June 5-10, for elementary and middle school age campers.

Kate Cooper Metts, Camp Director with Early Camp will be followed by 9 weeks of residential Camper Bradley W. summer camp beginning June 12 at about 75 percent of our total capacity. We anticipate that all sessions will fill quickly, so we strongly encourage you to register early and add your camper to the waiting list if the desired session is filled.

Like most employers, we are anticipating that we may have staffing challenges this summer as more opportunities open up for college students to study abroad and gain internships. However, we do expect to add additional camp sessions based on the waiting lists and our ability to staff them. If you know a young person with a heart for Christ and children and youth, please encourage them to complete an application for summer.

We will conclude all sessions Friday evening. Pick up will occur from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday in order for campers to have a full day and to allow parents time to arrive following the bulk of the workday. We are aiming to balance parent desires for a later pick up and staff needs for additional time off for rest.

Summer 2021 was a special blessing to campers and staff as we had the chance to be together to share the love of Jesus Christ, make new friends and try new experiences during the second pandemic summer. We anticipate updated guidance in the spring from the CDC, the state of NC and other health officials and will post that information on our website and communicate it with our registered families.

Camp Don Lee is fully accredited by the American Camp Association and in 2018 was voted best sleep away camp by the readers of Wilmington Parent Magazine. In 2016, camp was recognized as a “Summer Camp that Changes the World,” by the Center for Faith and Service, McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. It includes camps across the country that,“embody the joy, hope and power of the summer camp experience.”

When you register before Dec. 15, you will have the opportunity to receive a free gift for your camper to put under the tree while they last. (Shipping cost $7.50) The camp experience makes a great gift!

The ministry of Camp Don Lee has touched thousands of lives over its many years. Come join us and experience “a place God has blessed.”

Kate Cooper Metts Director

Camp Registration begins online at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

We expect programs will fill up quickly. If you don’t get into the camper session you desire, please add your camper to the waitlist.

We will add more sessions in the spring based on the waitlist and staffing availability. Shelter mate requests will be honored to those campers who request each other.

We have programs for children who have completed first grade to age 17.

Summer 2021 was awesome!

—Camper Parent

Here are some responses from parents and campers about summer 2021.

“We’ve sent you all a thank you letter in the mail but there aren’t enough words to say how thankful we are for all of you and the camp.

When your children get in the car crying, “I don’t want to leave” and then after a while talk nonstop the whole 2 hour car ride home, a parents heart is completely full.”

—Camper Parent “God sent me to camp to be surrounded by people of faith. Messages from pastors seemed to speak directly to my situation. Being at camp has helped reaffirm my belief that there is a God.” —Camper “The relationships and spiritual growth are unmatchable anywhere else. My daughter is her best self at CDL. I miss her when she is gone, but would send her back today. I wish there were a way to help her prepare for the adjustment back to her life at home.” —Camper Parent

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 May 1, 2022 for one week programs and prior to April 1, 2022 for multi-week programs, less the applicable processing fees, which are non-refundable. These non-refundable fees help to cover some of the costs for the preparation of camp, which must take place months prior to the start of camp. The fees are: $75 for one week programs; $150 for two week programs; $225 for three week programs; and $300 for LIT. All camp fees for multi-week programs are due April 1, 2022. For one week programs, all fees are due May 1, 2022. All payments become non-refundable after these dates for any reason. Fees not paid by the applicable deadline will open the camper space for another person to use if needed.

There can be unforeseen changes for your camper, so we strongly encourage you to look at purchasing low cost camp cancellation insurance. It is available only when you register and is highly recommended for multi-week programs, which can be a significant expense for many families. If your camper has injury or illness that prevents them from attending camp, the insurance will refund your camp payments. See more details in Ultracamp when you register.

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LOTS OF ACTIVITIES

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, kayaking, 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.

Swimming in the pool, hayrides, campfires, 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: $850 Elementary: Completed Grades 3 - 5 Middle School: Completed Grades 6 - 8 Older Youth: Completed Grades 9 - 11

DATES Elementary & Middle School - Early Camp: June 5 - June 10 Elementary & Middle School - Week 2: June 19 - June 24 Elementary & Middle School - Week 3: June 26 - July 1 Elementary & Middle School - Week 4: July 3 - July 8 Elementary, Middle & Older Youth - Week 5: July 10 - July 15 Elementary, Middle & Older Youth - Week 6: July 17 - July 22 Elementary & Middle School - Week 7: July 24 - July 29 Elementary & Middle School - Week 8: July 31 - August 5 Elementary & Middle School - Week 9: August 7 - August 12

ONE WEEK YOUNGER ELEMENTARY CAMP MAKE NEW FRIENDS

This program is perfect for the younger campers who have completed first and second grades and are ready for a whole week of adventure 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.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 850 Elementary: Completed Grades 1 - 2 DATES Early Camp: June 5 - June 10 Week 2: June 19 - June 24 Week 3: June 26 - July 1 Week 8: July 31 - August 5

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.

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ADVANCE YOUR SAILING EXPERIENCE

ONE WEEK ADVANCED SAILING 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. This program is best for campers who have some previous experience with sailing. 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!

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 975 Completed Grades 5 - 11 DATES: Week 5: July 10 - July 15

MARINE SCIENCE Marine Science Camp is the camp for those who want to explore and learn about God’s marvelous creation.

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!

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 975 Completed Grades 3 - 8 DATES: Week 5: July 10 - July 15

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EXPLORE AND LEARN

AMAZING FUN FOR TWO WEEKS

TWO WEEK CAMP PROGRAMS What’s better than one week of summer camp?

Two weeks of summer camp! During their two weeks, campers will spend their time enjoying all regular camp activities and honing their skills in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead by participating in Leave No Trace programs and outdoor classrooms. They will form a community through team building and nightly vespers. Sailing Tweekers will set sail for an overnight trip at a destination along the Neuse River (we utilize state and national campgrounds) where they will set up camp, prepare meals over a fire, and experience creation away from everyday distractions. Traditional two week campers will also participate in an off site overnight trip. All trips are weather dependent and subject to change. Each two week group will have the opportunity to plan and lead worship (morning watch for elementary) for camp as part of their experience.

SAILING TWO WEEK CAMP “TWEEKERS” Completed Grades 6 - 11

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 2100 DATES: Tweeker I - Week 1 - 2: June 12 - June 24 Tweeker II - Week 3 - 4: June 26 - July 8 Tweeker III - Week 6 - 7: July 17 - July 29 Tweeker IV - Week 8 - 9: July 31 - August 12

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL Completed Grades 6 - 8

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 2075 DATES: Traditional Two Week - Week 3 - 4: June 26 - July 8 Traditional Two Week - Week 8 - 9: July 31 - August 12

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR OLDER YOUTH Completed Grades 9 - 11

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 2075 DATES: Week 6 - 7: July 17 - July 29

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR ELEMENTARY Completed Grades 3 - 5

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 2075 DATES: Week 6 - 7: July 17 - July 29

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These programs are by application only. The sessions below are for the 2022 season.

Information and applications for our 2023 summer season will be released Fall 2022.

The schedule will follow a similar pattern. If your camper is interested in the 2022 season, they can submit an application on our website that could possibly be accepted.

MARINERS Make new friends while participating in multi-day sailing trips on Sunfish, Flying Scots, and Hobie Cats. 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.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $3175 Completed Grades 9 - 11 DATES: Weeks 1 - 3: June 12 - July 1 Week 4 - 6: July 3 - July 22 Week 7 - 9: July 24 - August 12

NAVIGATORS 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.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $3100 Completed Grades 9 - 11 DATES: Weeks 2 - 4: June 19 - July 8

LEADER IN TRAINING (LIT) 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, US Sailing Counselor, 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.

• 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

PARTICIPANT FEE: $3900 Completed Grades10 -12 DATES: Session I: June 12 - July 8 Session II: July 10 - August 5

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CAMP EXPERIENCES FOR OLDER YOUTH

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.

We have procedures in place to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 including all climate controlled buildings with UV filters to reduce the spread of the virus, most activities are outdoors, assigned restrooms, and revised dining procedures. We will work with your group to meet your needs.

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:

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS RETREAT: Bring your mom or a special mentor for this special annual retreat!

PARTICIPANT FEE: $128 DATES: January 28 - 30

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!

If these dates don’t work for your group, contact us about scheduling this event for your group at a different date.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $65 for confirmands, $50 for adults $ 25 for clergy persons DATES: March 4 - 5

FATHER/CHILD WEEKEND: Father Child Weekend is a time to share experiences and build relationships between fathers or father figures for children (ages 5 and up). This weekend is perfect for them to spend quality time making memories and having fun together. The weekend begins Friday evening with dinner and lasts through lunch on Sunday. Days will be full of games and fun activities including sailing, canoeing, fishing and archery, and at night, campfires, hayrides and special events, including vespers.

Come for a great weekend you won’t soon forget. This is a special way for fathers to spend devoted time with sons and daughters and to get a taste of the Don Lee experience.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $125 for adults $ 85 for children DATES: May 6 - 8

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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 2022.

Registration begins at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 5, 2021 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. When you register before December 15, you will have the opportunity to receive a free gift for your camper to put under the tree while they last.

(Shipping cost $7.50) 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 2022. 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.

Don Lee Center • 252-249-1106 • www.donleecenter.org

Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center is affiliated by faith with the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church and is operated by NC United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Inc. Don Lee is accredited by the American Camp Association. It has two sister camps, Camp Chestnut Ridge, Efland,and Camp Rockfish, Parkton.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Anna Blount, Virginia Felton, Kathryn Eberdt and David Daly

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