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. 

Table of contents

1. Camp Locations
2. Summer Camp Programs
3. Why Choose Schoolhouse
4. Summer Camp Activities
5. Learn About Schoolhouse of Wonder
6. Raleigh Summer Camp FAQs

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.

Read Full Details

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.

Crowder County Park

4709 Ten Ten Road, Apex NC 27539

Harris Lake County Park

2112 County Park Dr, New Hill, NC 27562

Three Bears Acres

645 Beaver Dam Rd, Creedmoor, NC 27522

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.

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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

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 Schoolhouse of Wonder Difference!

[lightweight-accordion title=”Where are Schoolhouse’s Raleigh summer camps held?” accordion_open=true]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. In addition to our original locations at Umstead State Park, we’re also offering summer camps at four new locations this summer (see above).[/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”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.[/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”Do you offer discounts for siblings or multiple session registrations?”]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. [/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”What can I do to prepare my child for their first day of camp?”]Check out our Parent 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.[/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”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.[/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”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.[/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”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. [/lightweight-accordion] [lightweight-accordion title=”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.[/lightweight-accordion]