Don Lee Center
Don Lee Center Welcomes You!
Join us and experience “a place that God has blessed.”
Dear Families and Friends,
While Christian youth camping goes back decades, it is somehow more relevant than ever for families in the present. 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 2025 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 2025 will begin at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 8. 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 $4) The camp experience makes a great gift!
The ministry of Camp Don Lee has touched thousands of lives over its 76 years. Come join us and experience “a place God has blessed.”
ing new people, learning to sail, and learning more about God. I can’t wait to go back!”
—One Week Camper
>> “Camp has always been so special to me and it always helps me feel closer to God.”
—Two Week Camper
Kate Cooper Metts, Director
>> “As a parent, the most important aspect about this camp is the care that is taken to create a welcoming and nurturing environment. My one son went to this camp not knowing anyone, but was welcomed with open arms and carefully planned getting to know your activities and structure experiences to develop friends. The focus on creating an environment of care and respect is so very much appreciated. Please continue to hold yourselves to high standards. You did an amazing job. Thank you!”
— 2024 One Week Camper Parent
Camp Registration Begins Online at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. 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, 2025 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. 20 ($500) and March 1 ($1000).
All camp fees for ALL summer camp programs are due April 1, 2025. 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 (left) and Head Counselor Jackson Carter (right)
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 allcamp 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!
ONE WEEK YOUNGER ELEMENTARY CAMP
DATES:
Week 2: June 15 - June 20
Elementary:
Completed Grades 3 – 5
Middle School:
Completed Grades 6 - 8
Older Youth:
Completed Grades 9 - 11
PARTICIPANT FEE: $950
DATES:
Elementary and Middle School
Week 1: June 8 - June 13
Week 2: June 15 - June 20
Week 3: June 22 - June 27
Week 4: June 29 - July 4
Week 5: July 6 - July 11
Week 6: July 13 - July 18
Week 7: July 20 - July 25
Week 8: July 27 - August 1
Week 9: August 3 - August 8
Older Youth:
Week 4: June 29 - July 4
Week 6: July 13 - July 18
Younger Elementary: Completed Grades 1 - 2
PARTICIPANT FEE: $950
Week 3: June 22- June 27
Week 5: July 6 - July 11
Week 8: July 27 - August 1
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
Completed Grades 5 – 11
PARTICIPANT FEE: $1,100
DATES:
Week 6: July 13 - July 18 Grades Completed 5 - 8
Week 8: July 27 - August 1 Grades Completed 9 - 11
SCIENCE
Completed Grades 3 – 8
PARTICIPANT FEE: $1,100
DATES:
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!
Week 5: July 6 - July 11 Grades Completed 3-5
Week 8: July 27 - August 1 Grades Completed 6-8
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: $2,375 Completed Grades 7 - 11
DATES:
Tweeker I - Weeks 1 - 2: June 8 - June 20
Tweeker II - Weeks 3 - 4: June 22 - July 4
Tweeker III - Weeks 5 - 6: July 6 - July 18
Tweeker IV - Weeks 7 - 8: July 20 - August 1
TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR YOUTH
PARTICIPANT FEE: $2,250 Completed Grades 6 - 8
DATES:
Weeks 3 - 4: June 22 - July 4
Week 8 - 9: July 27 - August 8
TRADITIONAL TWO WEEK CAMP FOR ELEMENTARY
PARTICIPANT FEE: $2,250 Completed Grades 3 - 5
DATES:
Weeks 2 - 3: June 15 - June 27
Weeks 6 - 7: July 13 - July 25
CAMP EXPERIENCES FOR OLDER YOUTH
These programs are by application. The sessions below are for the 2025 season. Information and applications for our 2026 summer season will be released Fall 2025. The schedule will follow a similar pattern. If your camper is interested in the 2025 season, they can submit a late application that could possibly be accepted due to a camper cancellation.
Completed Grades 10 - 11
PARTICIPANT FEE: $4,250
DATES:
Session I : June 8 - July 4
Session II : July 6 - August 1
● Must be 15 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
Completed Grades 9 - 11
PARTICIPANT FEE: $3,500
DATES:
Weeks 1 - 3: June 8 - June 27
Weeks 4 - 6: June 29 - July 18
Weeks 7 - 9: July 20 - August 8
NAVIGATORS
Completed Grades 9 - 11
PARTICIPANT FEE: $3,400
DATES:
Weeks 2 - 4 : June 15 - July 4
Make new friends while partici pating 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. 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)
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 charlie@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: $145 ADULT VOLUNTEERS: $70
DATES: January 24 - 26, 2025
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
CONFIRMANDS: $80
ADULTS: $65
CLERGY: $30
DATES: March 7 - 8, 2025
If these dates don’t work for your group, contact us about scheduling this event for your group at a different date.
SPRING & 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.
SPRING FAMILY RETREAT WEEKEND
PARTICIPANT FEE
ADULT: $145
CHILDREN: $80 (ages 3 - 17)
Ages 2 and under: FREE
DATES: May 2 - 4, 2025
FALL FAMILY RETREAT WEEKEND
PARTICIPANT FEE
ADULT: $165
CHILDREN: $80 (ages 3 - 17)
Ages 2 and under: FREE
DATES: August 15 - 17, 2025
Camp Don Lee
315 Camp Don Lee Road
Arapahoe, NC 28510
You are invited to join us for Summer Camp 2025.
Registration begins 4 p.m., Sunday, December 8, 2024 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 13 have the option to receive a free gift ($4 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 2025. 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:
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.
Joey Anderson, Sarah Fulp, Grace Wilson, Aynsleigh Penland, Kate Metts and Kathryn Wynne.