SPRING 2026 DATE: MARCH 3
Don Lee Center is excited to welcome Home School families for a full day of hands-on learning and adventure at camp!
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(Check-in begins at 9:30 am at the Fellowship Hall. Please arrive no later than 9:50 am.) - Price: $15.00 per student (ages 5–17) You are welcome to bring younger sibling but please have parent or guardian chaperone to be with them at all times
- Lunch: Don Lee Fried Chicken Lunch is available for purchase upon registration at $14.00 per person. You may also choose to bring your own picnic lunch that can be eaten around the grounds.
- Registration: Online registration is required. Space is limited, sign up today!
Morning Activities
Students will be divided into groups by age for engaging, hands-on learning sessions which will be of a historical theme:
- Younger Ages: Herpetology and Creeping Crawlers
- Herpetology: Learn the basics of reptile and amphibian biology; handle and observe live specimen such as turtles, snakes, lizards and frogs
- Creeping Crawlers: Discover the diversity of insects and arachnids using nets and creature catchers
- Middle Ages: Creatures of the Neuse and Forest Ecology
- Creatures of the Neuse: Explore the interconnectedness of coastal animals, track the wildlife and “pull” plaster casts of river fauna
- Forest Ecology: Explore the biodiversity of coastal woodlands, forest succession and the importance of decaying matter; learn basic plant taxonomy and tree i.d.
- Older Ages: Plankton and Soil Ecology
- Plankton Study: Use microscopes and plankton collection tows to learn the vital role of plankton in aquatic systems
- Coastal Soil Ecology: Sample, analyze, compare and contrast soil types from the areas around the river, creek and forest
Afternoon Open Activities
Families can enjoy self-paced activities together:
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Archery
- Fossil Pit
What to Bring
- Bag lunch if not purchasing Don Lee lunch
- Water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Water shoes or a change of shoes for activities involving water
Lunch: At Camp Don Lee we eat family style, meaning right at the time of lunch, all food will be on your tables on serving platters. You will pass the food around the table, and probably sit with new families! Please note any dietary restrictions when registering.
The Camp Store will be open from 1:00 – 3:00 pm with snacks, drinks, clothing, and souvenirs (cash and credit cards accepted).
Registration
- Registration is required and payment is due at the time of registering.
- Create or log in to your Don Lee Ultracamp account to register your family.
- Please register each family member attending.
Cancellation Policy: Contact Heidi at fieldtrips@donleecenter.org by February 27th if you need to cancel. If the event must be canceled due to weather, you will be notified 24 hours in advance.
We look forward to seeing you for an exciting day of learning and adventure at Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center!
For questions, please contact Heidi at fieldtrips@donleecenter.org.