Business Details
Christ-Centered Camps & Retreats in Eastern NC
The Refuge was established through over a decade of prayer by believers across eastern North Carolina, creating a place dedicated to sharing and modeling the hope of Jesus Christ. We serve churches, youth groups, businesses, and school groups through immersive programs that combine faith, education, and outdoor activities. Our mission focuses on uniting communities through Christ-centered experiences, offering summer camps, retreats, school programs, and seasonal events like Light at the The Refuge. With professionally trained staff and restored facilities, we provide safe, engaging environments for all ages. Our programs emphasize teamwork, spiritual growth, and hands-on learning, from biblical worldview camps to environmental education.We prioritize accessibility, offering day and overnight options for children and adults, including specialized programs for individuals with special needs. Through partnerships and community support, we continue expanding our impact while maintaining a commitment to excellence and service. Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in ministry, education, and outdoor programming. We measure success through the lasting relationships and transformative experiences our guests gain during their time at The Refuge.
Services
Summer Camps
Retreats
School Programs
Light at the Refuge
Wagon Rides
Team Building
Canoeing
Fishing
Challenge Course
Environmental Education
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of experience in organizing impactful youth and adult retreats
- Our staff includes certified professionals with specialized training in outdoor education
- We provide year-round programming for groups of all sizes and needs
- Our facilities combine modern amenities with natural outdoor spaces
- We maintain a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio for enhanced safety and engagement
What people say
Amazing experience
Hidden gem
Wonderful staff
Gorgeous setting
Fun for kids
Services
Summer Camps
Our summer camps provide immersive experiences for children and teens aged 6-18. Programs include Culture Proof (biblical worldview training), The Refuge Missions (community service), and Adventure Camps with canoeing and outdoor challenges. Each week-long session combines spiritual growth with recreational activities, featuring trained counselors and structured schedules. Campers participate in team-building exercises, small group discussions, and water-based adventures while developing lasting friendships and strengthening their faith.
School Programs
Educational field trips combine North Carolina curriculum standards with hands-on learning experiences. Students engage in environmental education through activities like fishing, canoeing, and forest ecology studies. The challenge course develops teamwork and leadership skills while our Native American program teaches traditional survival techniques. Each visit includes four activity sessions with trained instructors, accommodating groups of up to 150 students per day with customized schedules for different grade levels.
Retreats
We host customized retreats for church groups and businesses with comprehensive packages including accommodations, meals, and activities. Church retreats feature worship sessions, small group discussions, and team-building exercises while corporate retreats focus on leadership development and team cohesion. Our facilities accommodate groups of 20-150 with 3 hours of programmed activities daily and access to recreational facilities including sports courts and outdoor gathering spaces.
Light at the The Refuge
This seasonal drive-through light display operates for 14 nights each November-December. Visitors can enjoy tractor or horse-drawn wagon rides through illuminated displays with ticket prices starting at $15/person. The event includes food trucks, concessions, and photo opportunities while maintaining a Christ-centered focus. Advance tickets are available online with special pricing for Friday and Saturday nights plus December 22-23.
Challenge Course
Our 10-element challenge course develops teamwork and leadership skills through cooperative activities. Designed for groups aged 8 and up, the course emphasizes problem-solving and trust-building without requiring harnesses or protective equipment. Sessions last approximately 2 hours with trained facilitators guiding groups through progressively challenging obstacles that promote communication and collaborative problem-solving in a natural outdoor setting.
People
Sammy Hudson
Executive Director
Sammy Hudson leads The Refuge with over 15 years of ministry experience. He oversees strategic operations and program development while maintaining the organization's founding vision. Sammy coordinates with local churches and community partners to expand outreach opportunities.
Terry Barnes
Camp & Financial Administrator
Terry Barnes manages financial operations and camp logistics at The Refuge. With extensive experience in nonprofit administration, he ensures efficient program delivery and fiscal responsibility. Terry coordinates staff training and maintains facility standards across all programs.
Lindsey Eller
Program Director - School Programs
Lindsey Eller develops educational content for school field trips and environmental programs. She coordinates curriculum-aligned activities that meet North Carolina state standards. Lindsey trains staff in educational methodologies and maintains partnerships with local school districts.
Jacob Cooper
Program Director - Retreat Programs
Jacob Cooper oversees retreat programming and group events at The Refuge. He designs customized experiences for church and business groups while managing facility bookings. Jacob coordinates with external partners to enhance program offerings and guest experiences.
Lynaya Cooper
Media Manager
Lynaya Cooper manages marketing and communications for The Refuge. She produces promotional content, maintains digital platforms, and documents program impact through photography and storytelling. Lynaya coordinates social media campaigns and community outreach initiatives.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer programs for children aged 5 through adults. Summer camps serve grades 1-12, school trips accommodate K-12, and retreats welcome adult groups.
Are meals included in your programs?
Summer camps include all meals. School trips provide lunch facilities with grill access for $25. Retreat packages include meals based on specific program details.
Do you accommodate special needs participants?
Yes, we offer Wagon Riders Day Camp specifically for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and special needs. Our staff receives specialized training to support diverse participant needs.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, require safety briefings for all activities, and have trained staff on-site. First aid kits and emergency protocols are established for all programs.
Can we customize our group experience?
Yes, we work with groups to customize schedules and activities. Our team helps design tailored experiences for school trips, retreats, and special events.
What happens during inclement weather?
We have contingency plans for most activities. If severe weather cancels sessions, we offer rescheduling options or refunds for affected programs like Light at the The Refuge.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Apocalyptic Behaviors
Jul 22, 2021
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Beautiful place with caring, patient and informative staff. Loved our experience and will continue coming.
Harold Worthington
Sep 20, 2018
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I was home for a visit and literally saw a sign that said refuge, turn right. So I did. What I found was a camp unlike any I have ever seen. (And Sammy Hudson, a man like you rarely meet...an immediate friend) The 165 acres has a small lake (expansion is beginning on a larger lake) for canoeing, etc. and there is a beautiful pool, soccer field, covered basketball court, and volleyball area for recreation. But the highlight, is the housing! Old homes from the area moved here and restored. Currently, sleeping capacity is 70 in bunk beds. Yes, cabins are updated with heating and air conditioning and
Victor Haymon Ii
Jan 03, 2018
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Absolutely loved my time here. The staff is so amazing, patient, and well informed. Cannot say thank you enough for the wonderful time I had today.
Tammy Bond
Oct 19, 2017
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This is the second year the Women's Fellowship of Holy Trinity United Holy Church, Greenville, NC held it's Spiritual Retreat. It was a the prefect place. So serene and relaxing perfect for pulling away from the "world" and spending time focusing on developing a closer walk with Christ! The Moses house is great!