Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Mooresville, North Carolina, Camp Wesley stands as a beacon of adventure and growth for young minds. Strategically located in this vibrant region, their camp is easily accessible and close to notable landmarks such as the beautiful Lake Norman, providing a perfect backdrop for unforgettable camp experiences.

Camp Wesley was established with a vision to foster a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and character development in young individuals. Their mission is rooted in the belief that every child possesses unique talents and potential, and it is their goal to cultivate these qualities through engaging activities and meaningful interactions.

As a dedicated youth camp, they cater to both boys and girls across various age groups. Their programs are thoughtfully designed to accommodate the developmental needs of children from early childhood through adolescence. At Camp Wesley, they strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where every camper feels valued and empowered to explore their interests and talents.

Join us at Camp Wesley, where adventures await and lifelong friendships are made!

Programs Offered by Camp Wesley

At Camp Wesley, they offer a diverse range of programs tailored to inspire, challenge, and develop young minds. Each session is crafted to provide a comprehensive experience that balances structured activities with ample time for personal exploration and relaxation.

Program Descriptions

1. Explorer Series: Their core program, designed for younger campers, focuses on introducing them to the joys of outdoor activities and team-building exercises. These sessions usually run for one week and are perfect for first-time campers.

2. Adventure Camp: For the more adventurous spirits, these two-week sessions include advanced outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and wilderness survival skills. It’s ideal for campers who are ready to challenge themselves and engage deeply with nature.

3. Leadership Development: Aimed at older campers, this program runs throughout the summer and focuses on developing leadership skills through community service projects, team management tasks, and problem-solving challenges.

Specialty Programs

Arts Immersion: Dive into creativity with their arts program, which includes activities like painting, sculpture, and performance arts. This one-week session encourages self-expression and artistic exploration.

Sports Clinic: Designed for sports enthusiasts, this program offers coaching in various sports like soccer, basketball, and swimming. Each clinic lasts for two weeks, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.

Science Explorers: For the curious and budding scientists, their one-week science program offers hands-on experiments and projects ranging from robotics to environmental science.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 AM: Wake-up call
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities (varies by program)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Rest period
2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (specialty workshops or free choice)
5:00 PM: Free time
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (campfires, group games)
9:00 PM: Lights out for younger campers
10:00 PM: Lights out for older campers

Each day at Camp Wesley is designed to be enriching, engaging, and fun, ensuring that every camper goes to bed with new experiences and stories to tell. Whether your child is joining us for a week or the full summer, they are sure to leave with new skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

Accommodations in Camp Wesley

At Camp Wesley, they prioritize comfort and safety in their accommodations to ensure that every camper feels at home while they explore and learn in their enriching environment.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation type consists of well-maintained cabins that house 8-10 campers each, along with one or two counselors to supervise and assist campers. These cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings, ensuring a cozy and communal living experience.

Tents: For specific adventure programs, they offer camping experiences where campers can sleep in tents. This option is typically part of their wilderness exploration activities, providing a real hands-on approach to learning about nature.

Dorms: Available primarily for their leadership development sessions, the dormitories provide a slightly more individualized accommodation, with rooms shared by 4-6 campers, fostering independence while maintaining a supportive community atmosphere.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: They provide three nutritious meals per day, served in their communal dining hall. Each meal is prepared on-site by their skilled kitchen staff, with menus designed to be balanced and energizing for active campers.

Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp Wesley offers options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and lactose-free diets. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary needs with us before the camp session begins to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Their camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities that are conveniently located near all sleeping accommodations. Bathrooms are segregated by gender and are regularly cleaned and maintained by their staff to ensure hygiene and comfort. Showers offer privacy and are designed to accommodate multiple users at once, reducing wait times and ensuring that everyone can prepare for their day comfortably and efficiently.

At Camp Wesley, they aim to make the camp experience as comfortable and inclusive as possible, ensuring that every camper can enjoy their time without worrying about the basics of living comfortably. Whether it’s a restful night in a cabin, a satisfying meal, or a refreshing shower, they’ve got it all covered.

Activities in Camp Wesley

Camp Wesley offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. From outdoor adventures to creative arts and sports, their programs are crafted to provide fun, learning, and personal growth.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Their aquatic activities include both instructional swimming for beginners and free swim periods for all levels.
Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Lake Norman and learn about local flora and fauna through guided hikes.
Crafts: Their arts and crafts sessions allow campers to express their creativity with projects like pottery, beadwork, and painting.
Sports: They offer a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and archery, catering to different interests and promoting physical fitness.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Campers can learn paddling techniques and enjoy the waterways in a safe environment.
Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, their controlled rock climbing setup teaches basic climbing and safety skills.
Nature Workshops: These include educational sessions on environmental science and sustainability practices.
Theater Arts: Summer camps can participate in drama workshops, culminating in performances at the camp’s open stage.
Music and Dance: Explore musical instruments and different dance styles in their music and dance sessions.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings where stories are shared, songs are sung, and marshmallows are roasted, fostering a sense of community and tradition.
End-of-Camp Gala: A festive event where campers showcase their talents and achievements from various workshops and activities throughout their stay.
Color Wars: An exciting team competition that spans various activities, promoting sportsmanship and team spirit.
International Day: A celebration of various cultures where campers can share their heritage and learn about others through food, dance, and storytelling.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Wesley is committed to providing not just fun, but also meaningful skill development. Each activity is designed to enhance physical, creative, and intellectual skills, including:

Leadership Skills: Through team sports and group activities, campers learn to lead, cooperate, and resolve conflicts.
Creative Skills: Arts and crafts, as well as music and theater arts, stimulate creativity and improve problem-solving abilities.
Physical Fitness: Sports and outdoor activities enhance physical health and teach the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.
Environmental Awareness: Nature workshops and outdoor explorations foster respect for the environment and encourage sustainable practices.

At Camp Wesley, their activities are more than just pastimes; they are stepping stones to building stronger, more confident, and capable young individuals. Whether it’s through forging friendships over a campfire or learning a new skill on the sports field, every camper finds a place to shine at Camp Wesley.

The staff of Camp Wesley

At Camp Wesley, their dedicated staff plays a crucial role in making the camp experience safe, educational, and enjoyable. They are committed to maintaining a high standard of care and professionalism through a rigorous hiring process, comprehensive training, and adherence to best practices in youth development and safety.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and supervision. Their general ratio is 1 staff member to every 8 campers, but for activities requiring closer supervision, such as swimming and rock climbing, the ratio is adjusted to 1:5. This ratio helps ensure safety and provides a supportive and nurturing environment for all campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: Potential staff members undergo a thorough selection process that includes background checks, reference checks, and multiple interviews. This process helps us assess their suitability for working with children, their ability to handle responsibility, and their enthusiasm for fostering a positive camp environment.

Qualifications: Their staff is typically comprised of individuals with a background in education, child psychology, recreation, or related fields. Many are pursuing or have completed higher education in these areas. Additionally, they look for staff with prior experience in camping, teaching, or child care to ensure they bring practical skills and knowledge to their roles.

Training and Certifications

Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff members undergo extensive training that covers:

Child safety and emergency procedures
Effective communication techniques with children
Conflict resolution and behavior management strategies
Program-specific training (e.g., sports, arts, outdoor activities)

Certifications: All their staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Staff involved in specific activities, such as aquatic sports or rock climbing, hold additional certifications relevant to their roles (e.g., Lifeguard Certification, Climbing Instructor Certification).

They also encourage continuous development and provide opportunities for staff to attend workshops and seminars during and outside of the camp season, ensuring they stay current on the best practices in youth development and camp management.

At Camp Wesley, they believe that their staff’s expertise and dedication are key to delivering a high-quality camp experience. They are not just supervisors or instructors; they are role models and mentors who inspire and encourage campers to grow in confidence and capability.

Safety and Health in Camp Wesley

Ensuring the safety and health of their campers and staff is a top priority at Camp Wesley. They have established comprehensive safety protocols and procedures, and they are equipped with the necessary facilities and trained personnel to manage health concerns and emergencies efficiently.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Preventative Measures: At Camp Wesley, they take proactive steps to ensure safety, including regular safety drills and detailed risk assessments for all activities. All equipment used in activities, such as sports gear and climbing apparatus, is routinely inspected and maintained.

Activity Supervision: Each activity is supervised by staff members who are specifically trained for that activity, ensuring that safety guidelines are always followed. For activities like swimming and climbing, stricter supervision and safety measures are enforced.

Secure Environment: The camp is designed to be secure, with controlled access points and staff trained to ensure only authorized personnel and campers are on site. Nighttime security measures include a staff curfew and checks to ensure all campers are accounted for.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Wesley has an on-site health center staffed by qualified health professionals, including a registered nurse available 24/7. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses, and it is stocked with necessary medical supplies.

Health Staff: Their health staff are trained to manage a range of medical situations that might occur, from allergies and asthma to injuries and infections. All health staff are CPR and First Aid certified, and some have advanced training in emergency medical response.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: They have a detailed emergency response plan that includes procedures for various scenarios, such as severe weather, fire, injuries, and other critical incidents. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with the latest safety standards and practices.

Communication: In case of an emergency, they have a clear communication plan to inform parents, staff, and local authorities. This ensures that everyone is kept informed and that coordinated efforts are made to manage the situation effectively.

Evacuation Procedures: Evacuation routes and procedures are clearly established and communicated to all campers and staff. Regular drills are conducted to ensure that everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.

Local Medical Facilities: For emergencies requiring more advanced care than can be provided on-site, they have arrangements with nearby medical facilities. Transportation is always available to ensure rapid transfer to these facilities if needed.

At Camp Wesley, the safety and well-being of their campers and staff are their utmost concern. Their comprehensive safety protocols and health facilities reflect their commitment to providing a secure and healthy camp environment where parents can feel confident about their children’s safety, and where campers can focus on enjoying their camp experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Wesley

Understanding the financial considerations for families is important, and they strive to make Camp Wesley accessible while providing a high-quality camp experience. Below are the details on costs, registration, payment plans, and financial assistance options.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending Camp Wesley varies depending on the type of program and the length of the session. Generally, fees include all lodging, meals, activities, supervision, and equipment use. Specific costs with typical one-week sessions ranging from $500 to $700, and two-week sessions ranging from $900 to $1,200.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Process: Registration for Camp Wesley can be completed online. Families need to fill out the registration form, which includes camper information, session selection, and any medical or dietary information required.

Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January for the summer sessions, and they encourage early registration as spaces fill up quickly. Deadlines for registration are usually set for the end of April, but late registrations may be accepted based on availability.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: To accommodate different family needs, they offer structured payment plans that allow families to pay in installments leading up to the start of the session.

Refunds: In case of cancellation, full refunds are available until one month before the start of the session. After this point, partial refunds may be granted under certain circumstances, such as medical issues, with appropriate documentation.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made less than two weeks before the session starts are generally not eligible for a refund unless due to extraordinary circumstances, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

They believe every child should have the opportunity to experience Camp Wesley, regardless of financial background. To support this:

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available each year based on financial need. These scholarships can cover up to 50% of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available through their “Campership” fund, which is supported by donations. Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply early, as funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

They provide detailed information on all aspects of costs, payments, and financial aid in their registration materials to ensure transparency and help families plan their summer effectively. At Camp Wesley, they are committed to making their camp experience accessible and enjoyable for all children.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Wesley

Ensuring that both parents and campers are well-prepared for the camp experience is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get ready for an amazing time at Camp Wesley.

Packing List

Essential Items:

Clothing for all weather conditions (include layers for cooler evenings)
Rain gear (raincoat, waterproof footwear)
Sturdy shoes for hiking and general outdoor activities
Bathing suits and beach towels (for swimming and water activities)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Water bottle
Bedding (sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket, pillow)
Flashlight or headlamp
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Optional Items:

Camera (disposable or digital)
Books and magazines
Writing materials (notebook, pens)

Do Not Bring:

Valuable items (jewelry, excessive cash)
Electronics (tablets, laptops)
Non-prescription drugs

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Wesley encourages a break from electronic devices to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and peers. Therefore, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted to certain times and areas, if allowed at all.

Visitation: For the safety and security of their campers and to foster independence, visitation is generally limited to specific visiting days which are communicated in advance. Parents are encouraged to respect these guidelines to enhance the camp experience for all participants.

Behavioral Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is expected at all times. Campers are taught to follow the camp’s code of conduct, which includes rules on bullying, the use of respectful language, and adherence to safety guidelines.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:

Be open to new experiences and making new friends.
Participate actively and try out different activities to discover new interests.
Communicate with your counselors; they are there to help you have the best possible experience.

For Parents:

Discuss what camp will be like well before departure to help manage expectations and alleviate any anxiety.
Pack together with your child to ensure they are involved in the process and understand what they are bringing.
Write letters or send care packages to your camper to encourage and support them during their stay.

Encouragement and Reassurance: It’s common for both first-time campers and their parents to feel a bit anxious about the separation. Parents can encourage campers to stay the entire session to fully experience all that camp has to offer. Staying in touch through letters and the occasional phone call (if permitted) can help bridge the gap until the camp session ends.

Preparing well and understanding the camp’s rules and expectations will ensure that both parents and campers have a positive and memorable experience at Camp Wesley.

Camp Wesley in Mooresville, NC, offers a vibrant and enriching experience for campers of all ages. With a wide array of activities ranging from arts and sports to leadership and environmental education, the camp is dedicated to nurturing growth, fostering independence, and building lifelong skills in a safe and supportive environment. Their comprehensive safety protocols, dedicated staff, and thoughtful programming ensure that every camper not only has fun but also develops personally and socially.

The camp’s beautiful setting near Lake Norman provides the perfect backdrop for adventure and learning, making it an ideal place for children to explore their interests and make new friends. Whether your child is a first-timer or a seasoned camper, Camp Wesley promises a summer filled with fun, learning, and cherished memories.