For more than four decades, North Carolin Wesleyan University (NCWU) has welcomed thousands of campers each summer, fostering a tradition rooted in learning, leadership, and community connection. What began as a commitment to youth enrichment has grown into one of the most dynamic summer programs in the region. In Summer 2025, that tradition continues – bigger than ever – with a record-breaking 2,993 campers scheduled to visit Wesleyan’s campus over the course of just ten weeks.
“This year marks the largest summer camp attendance in the history of Wesleyan Camps,” says Kimla Brandt, NCWU Event Logistics Coordinator and Summer Camp Director. “It’s a testament to the trust our community and partners place in us, and to our long-standing dedication to creating impactful, welcoming experiences for youth and organizations alike.”
The 2025 camp season kicked off early with two educational programs from UNC Chapel Hill. The Morehead Cain Foundation brought 88 students to campus for their Civic Collaboration Training Camp in partnership with the City of Rocky Mount and the Rocky Mount Event Center. The event featured a keynote from the mayor and was honored with a citywide proclamation of “Morehead Cain Day”. Simultaneously, NCWU, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Simpson, hosted UNC’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute for a training program as part of their Rural Church Summer Literacy Program – further highlighting Wesleyan’s commitment to equitable access and academic outreach.
The university’s schedule is packed from the start. From June 7-8, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) returns with its largest football camp to date, bringing 1705 athletes, coaches, and staff from across North Carolina. Next, the United Pentecostal Youth Camp brings 324 campers, followed by the first-ever FCA Women’s Camp at Wesleyan, welcoming 200 participants from June 29 – July 3 after losing their longtime venue due to Hurricane Helene.
Running concurrently from June 30 – July 5, The Tennessee Mission Group will return for their annual community service work in Rocky Mount, supporting senior citizens and participating in local building projects. In addition, Pfizer will return for a three-week training series in the Shaw Classroom Building.
July will see the return of the Shelton Leadership Camp, along with a variety of NCWU-hosted athletic and academic camps, including: NCWU Soccer Strength and Agility Camp, Matthewson Summer Law Camp, and NCWU Football Camp. The month will close with the NCWU Volleyball Camp, and the Athens Drive Band Camp from July 26 – August 1, marking their first time marching on Wesleyan’s turf field and their large attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“New beginnings are on the horizon,” said Brandt. “Each camp brings a new opportunity to make a difference, build memories, and further strengthen the bond between Wesleyan and our broader community.”
