Camp Don Lee Retreat: Growth, Connection, and Hospitality


Experience warm Christian hospitality from our dedicated team, including college-aged staff and full-time team members available to assist throughout your stay. A Retreat Host will be on-site to ensure a smooth experience.For all Retreat Program general inquiries, custom quotes and booking, please contact Retreat Coordinator, Charlie Johnson, at charlie@donleecenter.org

Don Lee - Fall 2020 Retreats 1

Availability

Retreats are held on weekends from February to mid-May and mid-August to November. Events are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.  To ensure that as many groups as possible can enjoy Camp Don Lee, we may host multiple groups simultaneously. However, for those seeking exclusive use of the entire camp, we offer All-Camp bookings at a premium rate.

 

Facilities

Lodging
Choose from climate-controlled cabins with private bathrooms or open-air Vesper Dell cabins. Bathhouses are on both sides of camp for retreat group use.  We sanitized these before and after the weekend but do not enter cabin residents for cleaning during guest stay.  We do provide cleaning supplies in the cabin for guest use if a need arises. View lodging options.

Dining
Enjoy made-from-scratch, family-style meals in our dining hall.  We are able to accommodate most dietary needs or restrictions.  Make sure to let the Retreat Coordinator know of any dietary needs at least 2 weeks in advance

Common Areas
Connect with others in outdoor spaces like Vesper Dale or indoor facilities such as the Community Life Center and Fellowship Hall. Explore facilities.

 

Retreat Activities

Plan fun activities facilitated by our staff. The Retreat Coordinator will work with you to customize your schedule.  Activities available:

Sailing: Sailing is available from August through November and March through May (weather permitting). Activities are conducted on larger Flying Scots under the guidance of qualified Don Lee staff.

Swimming: Our chlorinated pool, equipped with docks and diving boards, is open from mid-May  through mid September. Trained lifeguards are provided.

Canoeing/Kayaking: Enjoy a peaceful paddle on Gatlin Creek using one of our canoes. Don Lee staff assist with instruction and safety.

Challenge Course: Our team-building challenge course combines physical and mental activities to promote cooperation and community. Activities are led by trained staff.

Additional Activities: We offer fishing, crabbing, group sing-alongs, campfires with s'mores, hayrides, ice cream parties, and snow cones for an additional fee. Facilities also include two lighted basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, and a field for games. Let us know how we can make your retreat special!

Equipment available- 

Projector, sound system, keyboard, guitar, copier, sports equipment

Pricing

Our basic packages include lodging, meals, meeting spaces, and activities. Rates are based on the number of nights, lodging options, and meals. Our most popular package includes 2 nights of lodging and 4 meals, with the following rates:

Open-Air Cabins: $138/person
Climate-Controlled Cabins: $148/person
Additional nights and meals can be added to any retreat for an extra cost to suit your group’s needs.

 

Booking Process

Contact us to inquire about your preferred retreat date. Once confirmed, we will gather details on lodging nights, options, and meal plans. After finalizing these, we will send you a Retreat Program Agreement (RPA) and an invoice. Please follow the outlined steps once you receive these documents.

Retreat Program Agreement & Deposit

To proceed, return the signed agreement along with a $500 deposit. Payment options:

  • Mail a check to: 315 Camp Don Lee Road, Arapahoe, NC 28510
  • Call to pay by card: 252-249-1106 ext. 21 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM)

Payments

  • 30 Days Before: Update participant numbers and submit a 50% deposit.
  • 2 Weeks Before: Confirm final participant count, and we will send the final invoice. You will be financially responsible for the confirmed number at this time.
  • Arrival Day: Final balance is due.

Next Steps: Programming

  • Scheduling & Facilities: Collaborate with Charlie on your schedule, facility requirements, and program needs (e.g., small group spaces, worship equipment).
  • Housing Assignments: We will provide your house assignment and breakdown of rooms at least 2 weeks before your arrival.  Work with Charlie to complete this process before arrival

Updates

  • 30 Days Before: Update participant numbers.
  • 2 Weeks Before: Confirm final participant count and provide any dietary restrictions or special dietary needs.

We provide support with planning and programming. However, most retreat groups manage their own programming, including large group sessions, small group sessions, and worship, allowing you the flexibility to tailor the experience to your needs.

Additional Information 

Provided by Don Lee Center

  • Screened and trained staff to host your event
  • Facilities for lodging, food service, and activities
  • Leadership and support staff for all activity programs
  • Nutritious family-style meals as per agreement (additional fees for extra meals)

Camp-Wide Regulations

  • Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times (except in the pool and bed).
  • Please respect quiet hours and meeting times
  • Please do not enter buildings or activity areas without staff permission
  • Water activities can only be used under the supervision of lifeguards or staff
  • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn and secured on all water vessels
  • Recycle and treat the environment with care please

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations more than 12 weeks prior: Loss of $500 deposit.
  • Cancellations within 4 weeks: Payment of 80% of the total bill.
  • Cancellations within 7 days: Full payment required.
  • Refunds will be issued for programs canceled by Don Lee Center due to storms, natural disasters, or emergency directives.

Retreat Packing List

What to Bring:

  • Casual clothing
  • Sweatshirt/Jacket - check weather conditions
  • Closed-toed shoes for team-building activities
  • Bed linens or a sleeping bag for a single bed
  • Water bottle
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Pillow
  • Personal toiletry items
  • Sunscreen and bug sprayBathing suit (for warm weather
  • Water shoes for canoeing and sailing
  • Small flashlight

Optional Items:

  • Notebooks and pens
  • Bible
  • Resources or books for the retreat
  • Personal fishing gear
  • Folding camp or lawn chairs
  • Personal fans (for hot weather)
  • Reusable coffee cup
  • Money for the camp store