Camp Don Lee 2023 Program Guide

Don Lee Center

Don Lee Center Welcomes You!

Join us and experience “a place that God has blessed.”

Dear Families and Friends,

This upcoming year will mark 75 years of ministry at Camp Don Lee. As we reflect on the transformative impact the ministry has had on thousands of people, we renew our commitment to providing quality programming that allows us to share the love of Jesus Christ through the wind and the water at our beautiful location on the Neuse River Estuary.

We are excited to present our summer camp offerings for 2023 along with information on our Environmental Education program, Retreat programs for families and church groups and several special events in the spring and fall. We are grateful to returning to offering one week summer camp sessions for elementary and middle school students every week of the camp.

Camp Don Lee has been serving campers since 1948, sharing the love of Jesus Christ with children and youth in a small group Christian program. Our campers make new friends, grow more confident and independent as they learn new skills like sailing, canoeing, archery and outdoor cooking, all while learning more about God and His creation.

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

As we move forward from devastating hurricane impacts and a global pandemic, I am thankful for the full time team, summer camp staff and seasonal staff who have poured much energy, love and talent in providing this vital ministry during this challenging time. If you know them, please extend your gratitude to them as we cannot operate without them.

Registration for summer 2023 will begin at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 4. We strongly encour age everyone to register early to secure the session you want for your camper. We were completely enrolled by the end of February last year.

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 75 years. Come join us and experience “a place God has blessed.”

Kate Cooper Metts Director

Here are some responses from parents and campers about summer 2022.

Parent Review:

● “The connection our son made this year with other campers was amazing.”

● “Love that they get a great camp experience and without cell phones. It is so nice to get an experience where they talk to each other and get to know others. They are excited about next year.”

● “My kids loved it and want to come back for two weeks next year!”

● “My boys said their time at Don Lee was the best week of the whole summer! See you next year!!”

● “Thank you for such an incredible first overnight camp experience for our daughter! She can’t wait for next year!”

Camper Testimony:

● “I love leading worship with all my friends in my group.”

—Tweeker Camper

● “Camp is so important to me. I’m counting down the days until I can come back!”

—One Week Camper

Camp Registration begins online at 4 p.m. on December 4, 2022 and will continue until spaces are filled. We have programs for children completing first grade to age 17. We encourage you to register early and add your camper to the waitlist if your desired session is filled.

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, 2023 for one week programs and prior to April 1, 2023 for 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 camp fees for multi-week programs are due April 1, 2023. For one week programs, all fees are due May 1, 2023. All payments become non-refundable after these dates 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 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, right front, with Don Lee Full Time team

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. Swim ming 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: $885

DATES: Elementary and Middle School

Week 1: June 11 - June 16

Week 2: June 18 - June 23

Week 3: June 25 - June 30

Week 4: July 2 - July 7

Week 5: July 9 - July 14

Week 6: July 16 - July 21

Week 7: July 23 - July 28

Week 8: July 30 - August 4

Week 9: August 6 - August 11

Older Youth:

Week 4: July 2 - July 7

Week 5: July 9 - July 14 Week 6: July 16 - July 21

YOUNGER ELEMENTARY CAMP

PARTICIPANT FEE: $885

DATES: Week 2: June 18 - June 22 Week 3: June 25- June 30 Week 5: July 9 - July 14 Week 8: July 30 - August 4

Younger Elementary: Completed Grades 1 - 2

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 partici pate 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 rela tionship with God, all under the guidance of our experienced counselors and program staff.

Elementary:

Completed Grades 3 – 5

Middle School: Completed Grades 6 - 8

Older Youth: Completed Grades 9 - 11

Camp Don Lee wants every child to have the opportunity to experience camp! Financial support through our camperships are available to families to help with the cost of camp for children and youth with financial need. We generally request a 3-way split between the ministry, the camper family, and your local church or faith community.

See our website for more details.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $1015

DATES: Week 5: July 9 - July 14

Completed Grades 5 – 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. 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!

ONE WEEK ADVANCED SAILING MARINE SCIENCE

PARTICIPANT FEE: $1015

DATES: Week 5: July 9 - July 14

Completed Grades 3 – 8

Marine Science Camp is the camp for those who want to explore and learn about Earth’s natural wonders. Throughout the week camp ers expand their knowledge about our coast while participating in a variety of activities, such as col lecting 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, kayaking, 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 experience. Each two week group will have the opportunity to plan and lead worship (morning watch for elementary) for camp as part of their experience.

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR ELEMENTARY

PARTICIPANT FEE: $ 2,160 Completed Grades 3 - 5

DATES: Weeks 6 - 7: July 16 - July 28

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR YOUTH

DATES: PARTICIPANT FEE: $2,160 Completed Grades 6 - 8

Traditional Two Week - Weeks 3 - 4: June 25 - July 7

Traditional Two Week - Week 8 - 9: July 30 - August 11

SAILING TWO WEEK CAMP “TWEEKERS”

DATES: PARTICIPANT FEE: $2,185 Completed Grades 7 - 11

Tweeker I - Weeks 1 - 2: June 11 - June 23

Tweeker II - Weeks 3 - 4: June 25 - July 7

Tweeker III - Weeks 6 - 7: July 16 - July 28

Tweeker IV - Weeks 8 - 9: July 30 - August 11

CAMP EXPERIENCES FOR OLDER YOUTH

These programs are by application only. The sessions below are for the 2023 season. Information and applications for our 2024 summer season will be released Fall 2023. The schedule will follow a similar pattern. If your camper is interested in the 2023 season, they can submit a late application that could possibly be accepted due to a camper cancellation.

MARINERS

LEADER IN TRAINING (LIT)

PARTICIPANT FEE: $4,055

DATES:

Session I : June 11 - July 7

Session II : July 9 - August 5

Completed Grades 10 - 12

DATES:

Weeks 1 - 3: June 11 - June 30

Weeks 4 - 6: July 2 - July 21

Weeks 7 - 9: July 23 - August 11

PARTICIPANT FEE: $3,300 Completed Grades 9 - 11

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

NAVIGATORS

PARTICIPANT FEE: $3,225 Completed Grades 9 - 11

DATES: Weeks 2 - 4 : June 18 - July 7

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, 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 underrepresented in the LIT 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:

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS RETREAT:

The Middle School Girls Retreat at Camp Don Lee is designed specifically for 6th to 8th grade girls to bond with friends, worship God and grow in faith in the beauty of creation. This retreat will help kick off the New Year with a deeper connection to girls in your church group and to Christ. Girls may come with their church group or as individuals.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $135

DATES: February 3 - 5, 2023

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!

PARTICIPANT FEE

FOR CONFIRMANDS: $70 FOR ADULTS: $55 FOR CLERGY: $30

DATES: March 3 - 4, 2023

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

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

FOR FATHER FIGURES: $135

FOR CHILDREN: $90

DATES: April 28 - 30, 2023

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 2023.

Registration begins at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 4, 2022 and will continue until all spaces are filled. 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 before December 15 may opt for a free camp t-shirt ($7.50 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 staff gain skills at camp that are assets to future employers such as communication, team work, initiative taking, and problem solving. Camp Don Lee is hiring NOW for Summer 2023. Please visit our website to apply

252-249-1106

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: Grace Ledford, Adria Foreman, Anna Drew Regan, and Kathryn Eberdt