Camp LEAD in Brunswick County, North Carolina
Experiential leadership for Brunswick County teens—On Beaches, Rivers, and Coastal Forests
Camp LEAD from the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) delivers a field-tested, experiential leadership program to students ages 8-11 across Brunswick County. Using the county’s diverse coastal settings—barrier-island beaches, maritime forests, and blackwater rivers—Camp LEAD helps teens practice communication, problem-solving, and team leadership in real outdoor scenarios rather than classroom simulations. Program details and enrollment are available at: https://ncoae.org/courses/camp-lead/.
Why Brunswick County Is An Ideal Partner
From the Cape Fear River and Brunswick Nature Park to the sands of Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach, the county offers safe, varied learning environments within easy reach of schools and neighborhoods. Historic Southport, ferry access to Bald Head Island, and quiet inland waterways like the Lockwood Folly and Calabash rivers are beautiful aspects of the county.
Communities We Serve
- Leland, Belville, Navassa (northern Brunswick)
- Shallotte, Supply, Bolivia (Bolivia is the county seat)
- Southport, Oak Island, St. James
- Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash, Carolina Shores
- Rural and unincorporated communities across coastal and river corridors
What Students Gain With Camp LEAD
Our low-ratio facilitation, challenge-by-choice approach, and structured reflection help participants turn outdoor challenges into durable life skills.
Core outcomes
- Clear, respectful communication & conflict resolution
- Goal setting, task planning, and group decision-making
- Resilience, self-management, and situational leadership
- Environmental stewardship tied to local coastal ecosystems
Program features
- Professional NCOAE field instructors with youth leadership expertise
- Modular design for school-day, after-school, or immersion formats
- Activities that may include coastal hikes, team initiatives, and paddle-based sessions (conditions/permits dependent)
- Custom cohorts for sports teams, clubs, JROTC, and community partners
Whether you’re a parent, counselor, coach, or BCS educator, Camp LEAD can integrate with existing courses and student-support programs or run as a stand-alone experience. Scholarships and private group options are available.
Get Started
Explore curriculum, schedules, and registration at Camp LEAD (NCOAE): https://ncoae.org/courses/camp-lead/.
Building confident, service-minded leaders across Leland, Shallotte, Southport, and the Brunswick County beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camp LEAD in Brunswick County, NC, and who can join?
Camp LEAD is NCOAE’s experiential leadership program for students ages 8–11 in Brunswick County. Participants practice communication, problem-solving, and team leadership through real outdoor scenarios on local beaches, rivers, and maritime forests.
Where in Brunswick County does Camp LEAD run activities (Leland, Southport, Oak Island, etc.)?
Programs operate across the county’s coastal and river corridors—including Leland, Shallotte, Southport, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash, Bolivia, and nearby parks and waterways like Brunswick Nature Park, the Cape Fear River, Lockwood Folly River, and Bald Head Island (ferry access as applicable).
How does Camp LEAD support Brunswick County Schools (BCS) schedules and student programs?
The curriculum is modular for school-day, after-school, or immersion formats and can integrate with BCS courses, counseling, clubs, JROTC, and athletics. Custom cohorts are available for sports teams, youth groups, and community partners.
What activities and safety practices should Brunswick County families expect?
Depending on conditions and permits, students may do coastal hikes, paddle-based sessions, and team initiatives. NCOAE uses low student-to-instructor ratios, a challenge-by-choice approach, and professional field instructors trained in youth leadership and risk management.
Are scholarships or group options available for Brunswick County residents, and how do we register?
Yes—scholarships and private group bookings are available. Families, counselors, and coaches can view dates, pricing, and registration at the Camp LEAD page: https://ncoae.org/courses/camp-lead/.