Sailing Through the Years
Learning the Ropes
Since its beginning in 1948, the Don Lee ministry has been impacting the lives of children and youth for Jesus Christ through the wind and the water at our beautiful location on the Neuse River Estuary. What started as a summer camp ministry for Methodist youth in NC has grown to 9 weeks of residential summer camp serving more than 1,000 campers each summer from many Christian denominations, including a number of campers who do not have a church home. In addition, Camp Don Lee operates robust “shoulder seasons” with environmental education field trips for students across NC and weekend retreats for churches and other groups. About 10,000 young people are welcomed to our site annually.
Don Lee Ministry Impact
From Stem to Stern
Don Lee has been creating life-changing experiences every summer as youth practice living in Christian community. Our staff facilitates a setting that helps campers experience personal growth through sailing, many outdoor activities, friendships, faith formation and more. Three months following camp, 95 percent of our campers reported learning more about God at camp, and 85% said camp helped them grow in independence, according to a 2022 independent survey by Sacred Playgrounds. For many of our thousands of school and retreat guests, it is the first time they have experienced a setting like Camp Don Lee and learned to greatly appreciate our natural world.
The Need
In the Wake
The past 10 years have been challenging at Camp Don Lee. Hurricane Florence left a major impact on our facilities across camp. A world-wide pandemic had considerable repercussions on attendance for all programs. Economic challenges, including food and fuel pricing, employee pay, employee shortages and more have significantly riveted the budgeting process. Through all these issues, Camp Don Lee has persevered and in some areas, thrived. Even under these challenging circumstances, the staff has been committed to resourcefulness in maintaining equipment, implementing safety precautions, continuing our mission, and extending Christian hospitality.
The Camp Don Lee Annual Fund
Ready About
Though our world is more “connected” than ever, increased rates of depression, anxiety and aggression are being reported across the country indicating people are actually feeling more isolated and lonely. Young people need the camp experience now more than ever. Camp is a place of belonging, a home away from home, a place to experience the awe and wonder of God’s creation, and a place to feel comfortable and safe as God’s children. Through the Annual Fund campaign, you can choose to support any of the following program areas: waterfront; facilities and maintenance; faith formation; and creation care. Your support means we can continue to upgrade and expand our programs and facilities to meet the needs of the ongoing ministry, now and for future generations to come.
Call to Action
Don’t Miss the Boat
The Don Lee experience is a legacy of love and faithfulness. Have you taken the time lately to give thanks and to consider how these camp experiences and relationships have contributed to the person you’ve become? For 75 years, spaces have been created where campers are encouraged to move beyond limited understandings of self, others and God, to discover that their talents and those of fellow campers are gifts from God to impact the world for Jesus Christ. The goal for the Annual Fund campaign is $100,000. Please join us with a gift today to help offer an experience that changes lives through the ministry at Camp Don Lee.