Camp LEAD in New Hanover County, North Carolina
Empowering local teens with experiential leadership—right here at the coast
Camp LEAD from the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) delivers a proven, research-informed leadership curriculum for New Hanover County teens. Blending outdoor challenges with social-emotional learning, Camp LEAD helps students build confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills they can apply at school, at home, and in the community. Learn more about the program at the official page: Camp LEAD by NCOAE
Why New Hanover County is an ideal Partner
Anchored by Wilmington—the region’s historic port city on the Cape Fear River—New Hanover County is home to vibrant coastal communities including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. Access to maritime ecosystems, Carolina Beach State Park, Airlie Gardens, and the Fort Fisher area provides safe, varied environments for field-based learning that make leadership lessons tangible and memorable.
Who we serve
Camp LEAD partners with families, schools, and youth-serving organizations across the county, including:
- Wilmington (Downtown, Midtown, and Ogden/Myrtle Grove areas)
- Beach towns: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach
- Surrounding communities: Castle Hayne, Murraysville, Kings Grant, Masonboro
What participants gain
Our coastal setting, professional field instructors, and structured reflection model help students practice real leadership—not just talk about it.
Key outcomes:
- Effective communication and conflict resolution
- Goal setting, time management, and resilience under pressure
- Risk assessment and sound decision-making outdoors and in daily life
- Service-minded leadership tied to local environmental stewardship
Signature elements of Camp LEAD in New Hanover County:
- Low-ratio facilitation with experienced NCOAE educators
- Experiential modules using beaches, rivers, and park trails
- Inclusive, challenge-by-choice approach for all ability levels
- Options for school-day integrations, after-school series, or immersive programs
Getting started
Whether you’re a parent, counsellor, or NHCS educator, Camp LEAD can be delivered as a stand-alone experience or integrated with existing youth initiatives and athletics. Program dates, scholarships, and custom cohorts for specific schools or community groups are available.
Explore the curriculum, schedules, and enrollment details at Camp LEAD from NCOAE.
Serving New Hanover County with coastal pride—developing tomorrow’s leaders across Wilmington and our beach communities.