Registration for Summer 2025 will open in mid-January!
Our Award Winning Outdoor Summer Camp
For over three decades, Schoolhouse of Wonder has been committed to providing North Carolina families with an exceptional summer camp experience. We are honored to have been recognized by the community as the Best Summer Camp Winner or Finalist in Indy’s Best of the Triangle for seven consecutive years, in one or more Triangle counties.
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Raleigh Summer Camp
Whether your child is outgoing or introverted, adventurous or more contemplative, our experienced staff at Schoolhouse of Wonder is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Join one of our two Raleigh summer camps and discover why every kid matters in our community.
Learn About Schoolhouse of Wonder’s Summer Camps in Raleigh
At Schoolhouse of Wonder, we believe in the power of play and creativity to inspire learning and growth. Our experienced summer programs staff is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child feels important. We understand that choosing the right summer camp for your child is a big decision, which is why we’re here to help. We also know that every child is unique, with their own set of strengths and challenges. Whether your child loves outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, or music, we’ve got something for everyone.
Our Guarantee of “Dirty, Tired, Happy” in Wake County
Our guarantee is simple: we promise to return your child dirty, tired, and happy– or we’ll refund your child’s remaining summer camp registration. We believe every child deserves a summer program filled with adventure, exploration, and fun, and we’re committed to making that experience as stress-free as possible for parents.
At Schoolhouse of Wonder, we believe that our guarantee is a reflection of our commitment to providing an exceptional summer camp experience for every child. Join us this summer at one of our two Wake Forest area summer camps and discover why we’re the ideal choice for parents who want their children to have an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and fun.
Wake County Camp Locations
Crowder County Park
Harris Lake County Park
Three Bears Acres
Umstead State Park — Loblolly
(previously known as “Ampitheater”)
2100 North Harrison Avenue, Cary NC 27513
Umstead Loblolly camps are located at the main parking lot within Umstead State Park.
The Umstead Loblolly Summer Camp is a week-long day camp for children aged 5-12. The camps take place in a beautiful outdoor area surrounded by trees and nature and offers a range of fun and educational activities.
Campers will have the opportunity to explore the park’s trails, learn outdoor skills like fire-building and shelter-making, and engage in creative projects like crafting and storytelling. They’ll also have plenty of time for games and free play and will make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
Umstead State Park — Whispering Pines
2100 North Harrison Avenue, Cary NC 27513
Umstead Whispering Pines camps are located at the Whispering Pines location within Umstead State Park.
The Umstead Whispering Pines Summer Camp is a week-long day camp for children aged 5-12. The camp takes place in a beautiful wooded area of the park, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and learning.
Campers will have the opportunity to hike, identify and study local flora and fauna, and develop outdoor skills like fire-building and shelter-making. They’ll also engage in team-building activities, games, and crafts, and will have time for free play and exploration.
Summer Camp Programs at Umstead State Park: Loblolly and Whispering Pines
5–6 Year Olds
- Cost: $339 per week with optional Aftercare at $100 per week (for a 5-day camp)
- Camp week’s days and times: Monday through Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm
- Check-in time: 8:15am to 9:00am.
- Pick-up time: 3:00pm to 3:30pm.
- Aftercare pick-up time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm
7–9 Year Olds
- Cost: $449 per week
- Camp week’s days and times: Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
- Check-in time: 8:15am to 9:00am.
- Pick-up time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm.
- Alternative early pick up: 3:00pm to 3:30pm (advance notice required)
10–12 Year Olds
- Cost: $449 per week
- Camp week’s days and times: Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
- Check-in time: 8:15am to 9:00am.
- Pick-up time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm.
- Alternative early pick up: 3:00pm to 3:30pm (advance notice required)
Why Choose One of Our Raleigh Summer Camps?
Here are some benefits of sending your kids to a Schoolhouse of Wonder summer camp:
- A summer of adventure and exploration
- A culture of inclusion and acceptance
- Development of important life skills
- Fostering a sense of community
- A commitment to kindness and respect
- Creating lifelong memories
Raleigh Summer Camp Activities
Each outdoor camp features a nature-based theme, though these themes change each week so a new adventure is always on the horizon. Camps typically include any number of the following types of activities for campers to enjoy.
Wilderness & Homesteading Skills
Our wilderness and homesteading skills programs are designed to teach campers the essential skills they need to thrive in nature. From knot tying to candle making to finding edible plants, our activities are both practical and fun. With primitive fire building, navigation, and tracking, your child will develop the confidence and self-reliance they need to tackle any outdoor adventure.
Adventurous Play
Our outdoor camp believes that supervised risk-taking is a crucial part of childhood development. That’s why we offer a range of adventurous play activities that will get your child’s heart racing. From tomahawk throwing to climbing trees to swinging on a vine, our outdoor camp activities provide valuable experiences and opportunities to build skills and confidence.
Projects
From tracking and cataloging wildlife to building forts to making camouflage, our Raleigh summer camp projects are designed to spark the imagination and help campers develop new skills. With service projects for our host sites, your child will have the opportunity to give back to the community.
Games
Our outdoor summer camp offers a variety of exciting games that challenge campers both physically and mentally. From Scout Mission to Camouflage to Jump the Creek, our games are designed to encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. And with two Schoolhouse originals, Six Feathers and Windigo, your child is in for a truly unique experience.
Stories
For generations, storytelling has been an integral part of the Schoolhouse of Wonder Raleigh summer camp experience. Our campers have the opportunity to learn from master storytellers and immerse themselves in tales of adventure, mystery, and wonder. Whether they’re listening to old favorites or helping to spin new stories, campers will develop their imagination, creativity, and storytelling skills.
Music
From crafting instruments to writing songs and singing classic camp tunes, our summer camp is always alive with the sound of music. Our campers have the opportunity to explore their musical talents and develop their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. With the beautiful backdrop of nature, they’ll be inspired to create music that reflects their love of the outdoors and the magic of summer camp.
Arts & Crafts
Our summer camp provides the perfect setting for campers to explore their artistic talents and create beautiful nature-inspired works of art. From fairy houses to corn husk dolls to pine cone bird feeders, our art projects are as unique as the natural world around us.
Water-Play
At our Raleigh summer camp, we offer a variety of water-based activities that are sure to keep your child cool, entertained, and engaged. We provide plenty of opportunities for wading, splashing, and floating so that your child is sure to have a blast while staying safe and supervised.
Animals & Insects
Our outdoor camp team offers a range of activities that allow campers to get up close and personal with the natural world. From finding and identifying local critters like crawfish, salamanders, snakes, turtles, toads, and deer to learning proper identification and handling techniques, our activities are both educational and exciting.
Team-building
Great teams are built on trust, communication, and collaboration. From getting your outdoor camp group through a “spider web” to walking together on skis, our challenges are both fun and engaging. With our expert instructors, your team will learn valuable communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that they can take long after camp.
Campfire Cooking
We offer a range of exciting campfire cooking activities that allow campers to experience the joy of cooking in the great outdoors. From slicing and dicing veggies to making hobo packets, pita pizzas, pancakes, and doughboys, our expert instructors will guide your child to learn valuable cooking skills that they can take with them long after camp is over.
Plant Identification
When children attend our summer program, they learn that exploring the world around them is an essential part of growing up. That’s why we offer plant identification activities that allow campers to discover the amazing plant life that surrounds them. Our expert instructors teach campers to identify different plants, including those that are edible or have medicinal qualities.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values at Schoolhouse’s Raleigh Campus
At Schoolhouse of Wonder, we’re more than just a summer camp– we’re a community of educators, mentors, and advocates who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Join us on this journey, and discover why Schoolhouse of Wonder is the ideal place for your child to learn, grow, and explore.
- Our Mission: By spending time in nature, kids will learn essential skills for promoting creativity, fostering a love of learning, and building a sense of community.
- Our Vision: We’re committed to creating a community of young people who are confident, resilient, and empowered to make a positive difference in the world around them.
- Our Values: Our goal is to foster self-awareness, empathy, and appreciation for individuality and our core values support that goal. We believe that by promoting these values, we can create a community that is diverse, dynamic, and rich in perspective.
The Non-Discrimination Policy at Schoolhouse of Wonder
At Schoolhouse of Wonder, the staff at our Raleigh summer camps believe in creating an environment that is supportive and inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. We are committed to promoting collaboration within our organization and community to create a safe and welcoming space for all marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people. Our non-discrimination policy is a reflection of this commitment.
Our Wake County summer camps do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that every individual has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and we’re dedicated to upholding these values in all aspects of our work.
Schoolhouse of Wonder FAQs
At Schoolhouse of Wonder, we want you to feel confident in your decision to send your child to one of our Raleigh and Wake County outdoor summer programs. If you have a question that’s not addressed in our FAQ, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for answers.
Where are Schoolhouse’s Raleigh summer camps held?
Schoolhouse of Wonder’s Umstead Loblolly Summer Camp and Umstead Whispering Pines Summer Camp are both held at William B. Umstead State Park, which is located in Raleigh. The park offers a variety of natural habitats, including hardwood forests, pine forests, and creeks, which provide an excellent setting for outdoor learning and exploration.
How do counselors and staff ensure my child’s safety at camp?
Our counselors and staff are trained to prioritize your child’s safety and well-being above all else. They supervise campers at all times and are trained to identify and address potential safety concerns. Our staff members are also trained in first aid and CPR, and we conduct thorough background checks on all employees before they are hired. In addition to these measures, we have strict safety protocols in place, including emergency procedures and clear communication channels between staff members. We also conduct regular safety inspections of our facilities and equipment to ensure they are in good working order.
Do you offer discounts for siblings or multiple session registrations?
We no longer offer a sibling discount, but when you add second (or more) camp seats to your cart, you’ll receive a $20 discount off the cost of each additional camp seat purchased in the same order.
What can I do to prepare my child for their first day of camp?
Check out our Camp Handbook, as it will provide you with all the info you need for the first day of camp and each day after! If you have further inquiries, do not hesitate to call us at 919-477-2116 or email us at schoolhouse@schoolhouseofwonder.org.
Do you offer scholarships to campers or counselors-in-training?
We work hard to make our programs accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation, and thanks to the support of local community organizations, we’re able to offer scholarships to help cover the cost of our Wake County summer camp for both campers and CITs. If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact us for more information and read more about our scholarship program here.
What should I do if the session I want to enroll my child in is full?
We encourage you to sign up for our waitlist as seats may become available. We also consider adding more staff and groups in case of sufficient demand. So, join our waitlist and keep your fingers crossed for a chance to send your child to a fun-filled summer camp.
What do you mean by the “Dirty, Tired, Happy” camper guarantee?
In case your child decides that camp is not the right fit for them and wishes to leave before the end of the week, we provide a refund for the remaining days of camp. When we say they will return home “dirty, tired, and happy” we mean that they will have so much fun at our summer camp that they’ll be a mess from playing outdoors, be tired out from a fun-filled day in the sun, and be happy from all the memories they’ve made.
How do I go about getting a refund from Schoolhouse of Wonder?
If you need to request a refund through our “Dirty, Tired, Happy” guarantee, simply submit a written request within a week stating that our camp is not a good match for your child and that you would like a refund for the remaining days of the camp week. We want to make it clear that receiving a refund does not mean that your child is not welcome back in the future– they are more than welcome to try camp again at a later time.
Looking for a Summer Camp in Raleigh? Schoolhouse of Wonder has it All!
Our award-winning Wake County summer camp programs provide the perfect balance of adventure, exploration, and growth. From learning wilderness and homesteading skills to identifying local critters and plants, our campers gain valuable experiences and develop the confidence they need to tackle any challenge. Plus, our inclusive and supportive environment ensures that every child feels valued and supported. Don’t settle for a boring summer– join us at Schoolhouse of Wonder’s Raleigh summer camps held at Umstead State Park for an unforgettable experience!
To learn more or sign up for our Wake County and Raleigh summer camps, call us at 919-477-2116, emailing us at schoolhouse@schoolhouseofwonder.org, or filling out our contact form below.