Camp Don Lee 2024 Program

Don Lee Center 2024 Program Guide

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

Why send your child to camp? 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 in this post-pandemic era of missed social and emotional learning and mental health challenges. Learning how to talk to someone new, manage conflict respectfully, how to function without your cell phone and be present in ChrisKate Metts, second from right, with tian community are valuable 21st century skills summer staffers, from left, Battle, Maggie and Henry Nichols. 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.

As we mark 75 years of ministry at Camp Don Lee, we reflect on the transformative impact the ministry has had on thousands of people and 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 2024 along with information on our Environmental Education program, Retreat programs for families and church groups and several special events in the spring and fall.

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. Camp Don Lee is fully accredited by the American Camp Association. In 2016, our camp 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.

Registration for summer 2024 will begin at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 3. 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. 13, 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 that God has blessed.”

Kate Cooper Metts, Director

Here are some responses from parents and campers about summer 2023.

Parent Review: ● “We absolutely LOVE CDL! Our boys were tweekers last year and wanted to do it again this year.

They love sailing and making new friends. Camp is the highlight of their summer. They’ve had awesome counselors and support staff. They want to be Mariners or Navigators next year. :)” ● “Staff is amazing!!! Love all the people and their interactions with our children. Best camp ever.” ● “It was so wonderful to send my child to a place where she got to spend time outside, build a new skill (sailing), and not be on her phone!” ● “What sets Don Lee apart for us is the quality and interaction of the counselors. We also love that it has a simple, less-is-more, almost ‘throwback’ approach to summer camp. And being able to pick up the skills to sail has been a thrill for our daughter.”

Camper Testimony: ● “This week at Camp Don Lee has been my favorite week this summer. I really enjoyed being outside in nature and being completely separated from my devices.” —Middle School Camper ● “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 School Camper

Camp Registration begins online at 4 p.m. on December 3, 2023. We have programs for children completing first grade to age 17. We strongly recommend 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 May 1, 2024 for one week programs and prior to April 1, 2024 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, 2024. For one week programs, all fees are due May 1, 2024. 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 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.

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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. 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: $910 DATES: Elementary and Middle School Week 1: June 9 - June 14 Week 2: June 16 - June 21 Week 3: June 23 - June 28 Week 4: June 30 - July 5 Week 5: July 7 - July 12 Week 6: July 14 - July 19 Week 7: July 21 - July 26 Week 8: July 28 - August 2 Week 9: August 4 - August 9

Elementary: Completed Grades 3 – 5 Middle School: Completed Grades 6 - 8 Older Youth: Completed Grades 9 - 11

Older Youth: Week 4: June 30 - July 5 Week 5: July 7 - July 12 Week 6: July 14 - July 19

ONE WEEK YOUNGER ELEMENTARY CAMP Younger Elementary: Completed Grades 1 - 2 PARTICIPANT FEE: $910

DATES: Week 2: June 16 - June 21 Week 3: June 23- June 28 Week 5: July 7 - July 12 Week 8: July 28 - August 2

This program is perfect for 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.

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ONE WEEK ADVANCED SAILING Completed Grades 4 – 10 PARTICIPANT FEE: $1050 DATES: Week 5: July 7 - July 12 Grades Completed 4-6 Week 8: July 28 - August 2 Grades Completed 7-10

Scan the QR code to learn more about Advanced Sailing.

MARINE SCIENCE Completed Grades 3 – 8 PARTICIPANT FEE: $1050 DATES: Week 3: June 23 - June 28 Grades Completed 3-5 Week 7: July 28 - August 2 Grades Completed 6-8

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 classroom 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!

Marine Science Camp is the camp for those who want to explore and learn about Earth’s natural coastal 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!

Scan the QR code to learn more about Marine Science.

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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 sleeping in tents. 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.

SAILING TWO WEEK CAMP “TWEEKERS” PARTICIPANT FEE: $2285

Completed Grades 7 - 11

DATES: Tweeker I - Weeks 1 - 2: June 9 - June 21 Tweeker II - Weeks 3 - 4: June 23 - July 5 Tweeker III - Weeks 6 - 7: July 7 - July 19 Tweeker IV - Weeks 8 - 9: July 21 - August 2

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR YOUTH PARTICIPANT FEE: $2200

Completed Grades 6 - 8

DATES: Traditional Two Week - Weeks 3 - 4: June 23 - July 5 Traditional Two Week - Week 8 - 9: July 28 - August 9

TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR ELEMENTARY Scan the QR code to learn more about Elementary Tweekers.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $2200

Completed Grades 3 - 5

DATES: Weeks 6 - 7: July 14 - July 26

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CAMP EXPERIENCES FOR OLDER YOUTH These programs are by application. The sessions below are for the 2024 season. Information and applications for our 2025 summer season will be released Fall 2024. The schedule will follow a similar pattern. If your camper is interested in the 2024 season, they can submit a late application via our website that could possibly be accepted due to a camper cancellation.

MARINERS

DATES: Weeks 1 - 3: June 9 - June 28 Weeks 4 - 6: June 30 - July 19 Weeks 7 - 9: July 21 - August 9

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.

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.

Completed Grades 9 - 11 PARTICIPANT FEE: $3400

Scan the QR code to learn more about Mariners.

Completed Grades 9 - 11

Scan the QR code to learn more about Navigators.

PARTICIPANT FEE: $3300 DATES: Weeks 2 - 4 : June 16 - July 5

LEADER IN TRAINING (LIT) Completed Grades 10 - 12 PARTICIPANT FEE: $4150 DATES: Session I : June 9 - July 5 Session II : July 7 - August 2

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. ● 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

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Scan the QR code to see LITs leading activities at Voyages Day Camp

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 sky@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: $140 DATES: February 2 - 4, 2024

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: $75 FOR ADULTS: $60 FOR CLERGY: $30 DATES: March 8 - 9, 2024 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, having fun together, and enjoying being in God’s creation with your little ones. The weekend begins Friday evening through Sunday. Days will be full of games and fun activities including sailing (weather dependent), 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: $140 FOR CHILDREN: $95 DATES: May 6 - 8, 2024

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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 2024.

Registration begins 4 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023 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. The first 600 families to register will receive a free gift ($7 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 2024. 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 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.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Adria Foreman, Sarah Fulp, Grace Wilson, Aynsleigh Penland and Kathryn Wynne.

Illustrations by Lyndsey Bass.

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