History

Our History

A Legacy of Faith, Adventure, and Transformation Since 1948

Camp Don Lee was founded in 1948 by the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church as a visionary response to the growing desire for intentional Christian ministry for youth. Set on the picturesque north shore of the Neuse River in Arapahoe, North Carolina, the camp began with a bold mission: to create a sacred space where young people could encounter God, build lifelong friendships, and experience personal growth in a community rooted in faith and creation.

The camp was named in honor of Don Lee, a beloved young man whose commitment to Christian values and service deeply influenced those around him. His memory continues to inspire the camp's mission to nurture lives of purpose and faith.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

In its first decades, Camp Don Lee focused on summer residential programs, offering youth the opportunity to live in Christian community, study scripture, and explore the outdoors. Campers participated in Bible study, worship, crafts, swimming, and sailing—activities designed to foster spiritual growth, leadership, and joyful connection to the natural world.

The camp quickly became a cherished destination across the state, where children and youth returned year after year—and many later served as counselors and leaders.

Leadership and Growth: The John Farmer Era

A significant chapter in Camp Don Lee’s history began in 1977 with the arrival of Reverend John A. Farmer as Camp Director. Over his nearly four decades of leadership, Rev. Farmer led the camp into a period of unprecedented growth and program innovation. He emphasized the transformative power of adventure-based learning, leading to the creation of Don Lee’s now-signature sailing program, including multi-day Hobie catamaran expeditions that combined coastal navigation with teamwork, leadership, and spiritual reflection.

During this era, the camp’s infrastructure also grew, with improved cabin facilities, dining and meeting spaces, and a growing team of year-round and seasonal staff who helped elevate Don Lee’s ministry and operations.

Environmental Education and Expanded Mission

In the 1980s and 1990s, Camp Don Lee expanded its mission beyond summer camp. Partnering with schools and educators, it launched a pioneering Environmental Education Program that now serves thousands of students annually.

Two hallmark programs emerged:

• Common Ground: A team-building and group dynamics curriculum designed to promote cooperation, communication, and leadership among students.

• Coastal Communities: An immersive science and ecology experience that explores North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems and fosters environmental stewardship through kayaking, marsh exploration, and hands-on marine biology.

These programs reflect Don Lee’s deep commitment to environmental awareness and Christian responsibility to care for creation.

A Ministry for All Ages

Today, Camp Don Lee is a year-round ministry center serving people of all ages. In addition to its acclaimed summer camps and school-year environmental education, it hosts:

• Church retreats

• Clergy gatherings

• College and civic group leadership events

• Family camps and intergenerational weekends

Its heated cabins, riverside worship spaces, and home-style dining hall support a welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited into spiritual renewal, reflection, and joyful community.

Legacy and Impact

More than just a camp, Camp Don Lee is a spiritual home for generations. Many families have multi-generational ties to the camp—where parents met, children were baptized, and lifelong friendships began. Alumni often return to volunteer, work on staff, or send their children to experience the same transformative summers that shaped their own lives.

Through 75+ years of service, Camp Don Lee remains faithful to its original call: to be a place of Christian hospitality, adventure, and transformation, where all who come are invited to grow in faith, love creation, and discover their role in God’s world.