Turtle Island Preserve Boys Camp
Young Boys Camp (ages 8-10) 6/16-6/22, 2024
Older Boys Camp (ages 11-17) 6/23-7/6, 2024
Turtle Island Preserve's Boys Camp was built on the foundation and principles of Camp Sequoyah, founded in 1924 by Eustace Conway’s grandfather - with the avowed purpose of building manhood and character in the lives of boys. Here, campers are taught to appreciate the finer things in life: the beauties and wonders of nature, the value of health and strength, the fellowship of true friends, the essential worth of high ideals and sound character. Turtle Island is a camp in which boys learn to see with their eyes, feel with their hearts, do with their hands, and live together in a spirit of brotherhood. It seeks to send every boy back home stronger in body, keener in mind, more appreciative of the beautiful, and nobler in character.
After a long winter indoors, in school, the real boy with red blood in his veins longs to camp out. He is irresistibly drawn by the spell of the woods and streams and the wild and beautiful things of nature. He likes to get away from the noise, heat, and turmoil of the city into the free, simple life of the out-of-doors where he can leave off his shirt, get a coat of tan, a ravenous appetite, sleep soundly, and feel his muscles grow harder and stronger every day of the week. Such a boy likes to sit around the campfire, “The flower that blossoms by night” which reminds him of the days of long ago when our ancestors gathered fireside to dance and sing and tell stories of daring exploits and adventures.
Then a live, wide awake boy wants to be learning how to do things, and just think of the many things a boy learns to do in camp: woodcraft, blacksmithing, nature study, archery, horsemanship, target practice, ceremonies, music and all sorts of the games and stunts of camp life. No boy can take part in a good camp program without becoming stronger, wiser and better.
The Lure of Camp Life:
It is obvious that the full accomplishment of such a task is beyond the reach of any summer camp. But since these are also the aims of every true home and school, it is hoped that parent and teacher may find their tasks easier instead of harder, following their boy’s vacation at Turtle Island. Thus, many parents, teachers and camp directors work hand-in-hand each supplementing the others effort to produce true and finer men out of our boys of today.
Boys age 8-10 spend seven life-changing days at camp. They will be given an introduction to the safety, care and use of basic tools, fire and camping skills. They will cook over fire, play in the clear streams and through the vehicle of outdoor skills, be transported into deeper character building. Two weeks of skills, challenges, ceremony and life-affirming brotherhood is offered for boys age 11-17.
Click on the picture of Eustace to hear him talk about Boys Camp.
This summer, several hundred thousand American boys will bid farewell to the school room, and hide away to some camp in the great and glorious out-of-doors. Many of these boys will find their way to Turtle Island, a camp of great purpose, where a warm-hearted welcome awaits each boy.
“Brayden absolutely adored his camp visit! He hasn’t stopped talking about it. It is really a pleasure to have him experience (nearly) the exact same camp I attended 24 years ago! Turtle Island plants seeds in these kids and it can’t be replicated! Thank you all for investing in building the character of our planets future!”
Kitty Kendall
Boy Camper’s Mom, 2023
“Our boys have gone to Turtle Island for a combined nine years now. I can tell you that Turtle Island Camp changes them. It gets them out living close to nature and away from technology and other stresses of modern life. When they come back they are changed people. Some of that change wears off overtime but I feel like each visit they make takes them closer to living life the way it was meant to be lived.”
Camper Parent, 2023
Parent Resources:
Application
Print and send in the postal mail (suggested) or complete digitally, then submit via email.
Scholarships
Complete the scholarship application to begin the process of requesting financial assistance.
Packing List
Print out a copy and be sure your camper actually, definitely has all of the items listed.
Driving Directions
Please follow these specific instructions for drop-off and pick-up.
Camp Schedule
Explore the details of the general schedule and a typical day at camp.
Airport Travel
Before booking flights, please review this crucial information about arrival and departure.
Important camp information:
Arrival and Departure
Older Boys Campers should arrive at the West Entrance Parking Lot at: 2683 Little Laurel Rd. Boone, NC 28607 by 1:00 PM on Sunday (2pm for YOUNG BOYS CAMP). Departure is Saturday at 10:00 AM back at the same location. Specific Driving Directions/Parking Instructions are available on our website. From this point we will hike into and out of base camp (about one mile). The supply truck will transport camper’s belongings while we make the hike. A water bottle and small day-pack is all they will carry on the hike down. Please make sure the camper has raingear on their person or in the daypack for the hike down. Proper footwear is essential as this is a rocky downgrade into camp. Please advise us of your travel plans if you will be unable to arrive and depart at the given times. If the camper will be traveling by bus or plane, please make sure to communicate their travel schedule in advance so we can be certain to be at the airport/bus station to pick up or drop off your child on time. *Do not book flights without first reviewing our flight arrangements document.
Mail and Telephone
Mobile phones are not permitted in camp. You can contact us during camp by texting Molo or leaving a voicemail at (704) 648-5197. Letters to campers are great, but campers should not be telephoned except in true emergencies. Incoming messages are checked once daily. Mail should be sent first class without a required signature. Priority and Express mail require a trip to the post office, which is difficult to get to during business hours. Please do not send packages of snacks, candies and edible goodies - they ultimately cause conflict and attract marauding wild animals into camp.
Visiting
Normally, parents may visit camp at any time; especially during the traditional parent breakfast on departure day. However, due to sensitivities regarding the current covid situation, we are not hosting the parent breakfast nor accepting any outside visitors at all during camps this summer. If you want to visit the camp we recommend booking a private tour prior to your child’s session.
Safety/Emergencies
Safety is always top priority at camp. Most of our staff have been trained in first aid. Each camp session has an assigned medic. There will be a first aid kit at each campsite and activity area, as well as the first aid station in base camp. The Watauga County Hospital, in nearby Boone, serves as our professional medical service should a serious accident occur. Turtle Island will carry no health or accident insurance for your child; so, you will need to provide your insurance policy number and permission to seek professional medical attention in the event of injury.
Quality Food
Turtle Island is renowned for its excellent meals! Campers and staff alike often brag about how delicious the food is. We serve well-balanced meals of tasty heath food fare. We use fresh, healthy ingredients and stay away from processed foods. All you can eat, nutritious, well-balanced meals are a tradition at Turtle Island Preserve. There should be no additional food brought to camp. Please indicate dietary restrictions/needs and or food allergies on your child’s application.
Cleanliness
The Counseling staff gives guidance in personal hygiene with regular bathing, teeth brushing and all needed personal hygiene maintenance activities. A small bar of soap and towel are much more appropriate to send with your camper than “disposable antibacterial wipes” which tend to create excessive waste and heavily impact our fragile environment. Please inform your child of our daily bathing ritual using invigorating creek water.
Tuition / Expenses
If you have not paid in full, the remainder is due on or before March 1. Your tuition covers all camp expenses. There are no extra expenses for craft items, laundry, special programs, etc.; therefore, you need not send any money with your child to camp. If your child travels by bus or plane, you may need to send some travel money that we will keep in the safe until the camper’s departure. If you want your child to be able to purchase memorabilia you can use the donate button on our website to allocate how much they can spend in the turtle island store. ($40 suggested) Turtle Island merchandise is also available year round on our website storefront.
**Please label everything you pack so it is easily identifiable to your camper & our staff.**
Attention All Camp Visitors - Please Note:
WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, There Is No Liability For An Injury To Or Death Of A Participant In An Agritourism Activity Conducted At This Agritourism Location If Such Injury Or Death Results From The Inherent Risks Of The Agritourism Activity. Inherent Risks Of Agritourism Activities Include, Among Others, Risks Of Injury Inherent To Land, Equipment, And Animals, As Well As The Potential For You To Act In A Negligent Manner That May Contribute To Your Injury Or Death. You Are Assuming The Risk Of Participating In This Agritourism Activity.
WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, A Farm Animal Activity Sponsor Or Farm Animal Professional Is Not Liable For An Injury To Or The Death Of A Participant In Farm Animal Activities Resulting Exclusively From The Inherent Risks Of Farm Animal Activities. Chapter 99E Of The North Carolina General Statutes.