Dooley is the new Associate Executive Director at Camp Kirkwood. The UNC-Wilmington graduate served at a YMCA camp in Alabama and 10 years at Camp Hanes in King.
“I had the privilege of setting up outdoor education programs and corporate team building programs over the years,” said Dooley. “I look forward to adding more of those at Camp Kirkwood.”
Dooley said Camp Kirkwood does not lack capacity. With a large tract of land, a lake, eight cabins that sleep 14, two unit lodges for meetings and dining, a fully staff industrial kitchen, an Olympic-size pool, archery course, canoeing, hiking trails, low ropes course and the zip line, Camp Kirkwood has a lot to offer. They also offer two “gaga” pits, a dodgeball ring that requires skill of ricocheting off the walls.
A major addition to Camp Kirkwood is the Odyssey High Ropes Course and zip line. Available to groups, the course was donated by the Friends of Camp Kirkwood. With three levels, the course is a giant jungle gym. The zip line launches from the towers and crossed an expanse of lake.
“Safety us extremely important to us,” said Dooley, adding that the ropes course and zip line are inspected.
Camp Kirkwood offers a growing summer day camp program. Each week features a different theme and something new to explore. The camps begin June 12. Already more than 230 campers have registered. The day camps offer four pick-up points so parents do not have to drive to Watha five days a week. The pick-up points are: Paul’s Place in Rocky Point, Mount Zion Presbyterian Church in Rose Hill, Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead, Wallace Presbyterian Church in Wallace, and Burgaw Presbyterian Church in Burgaw.
The residential camp offers summer camp opportunities.
During the months of March through May and August through November, the camp is available for church or corporate retreats and team building activities.
“Our programs are adaptable and we will tailor a program to a group’s needs,” said Dooley.
Girl and Boy Scout troops love Camp Kirkwood for the rustic tent camping. But church groups often opt for cabins with showers and a bath, as well as heating and air conditioning.
“I look forward to hosting kindergarten through high school outdoor education and science visits,” said Dooley.
“Most important to us is safety,” said Dooley. “We have a trained staff that is comfortable with our safety policy. Our goal is to make certain our guests are safe here.”
The lifeguards at the fenced in Olympic-size pool are Red Cross certified. The pool also features a separate “kiddie” wading pool.
Camp Kirkwood’s additional amenities include tent sites with fire pits in each, hiking trails and open spaces throughout the camp for field and sporting activities, rafts, canoes, kayaking, and a dock.
Camp Kirkwood, founded by Presbyterians, features a lakeside vespers area and a prayer labyrinth.
“It’s a beautiful camp,” said Dooley. “We’re looking forward to the many programs we can offer here.”
For more information about Camp Kirkwood visit the Wilmington Family YMCA website, wilmingtonfamilyymca.org, or call 910-833-4782. Camp registrations are available online.
