If there’s one activity that defines the Don Lee Experience, it’s Sailing. Everyone, even the youngest ½ week elementary campers gets a chance to learn to sail at Camp Don Lee. Our location, on the 3 mile wide lower Neuse river, provides some of the finest sailing anywhere. And our extensive fleet of Sunfish, Aquafinns, Flying Scots and Hobies assures that everyone gets plenty of time on the water.
At Don Lee, we have a progressive approach to teaching sailing. Our youngest campers will be taught safe boating practices, and learn to rig and launch an Aquafinn or Sunfish under the direction of our experienced sailing staff. By the end of the first day, they will be on the river, tacking, jibing, reaching and running. As the week goes on, their skills will be documented on the US Sailing ‘Red Book’. And the daily experience of sailing, with staff and on their own, will give them the confidence to continue this rewarding sport. Returning campers can continue their sailing education in our one week advanced sailing program, our two week sailing program, and ultimately our three week Mariner program. Advanced sailors will learn to handle Flying Scots and Hobies in a variety of weather conditions, learn the fundamentals of racing, and get an opportunity to safely navigate their vessels to various destinations in the Neuse River and Outer Banks.
Through sailing, our campers learn teamwork, patience, a respect for the natural world, and confidence in their own abilities. They will learn the skills necessary to become safe and competent sailors throughout their lives.
They will also grow in faith, and become closer to God.