Family Camp
July 15-18, 2027
Family Camp is small and intimate and has sold out the past few years. We will only take 7 families this year and it promises to fill up fast. If you have been waiting…don’t delay, register now.
Family Camp
July 15-19, 2027
Limited to 7 Families
Slow down and escape the fast pace of our busy scheduled lives, while Turtle Island's Family Camp provides a unique and special opportunity for parents and their children to enjoy each others uninterrupted company while experiencing the joys and wonders of the natural world.
Daily activities are designed to acquaint participants with their new surroundings, to understand, enjoy and appreciate the natural world. There's no age or experience limit. Family camp is a time for growing and learning. We work on fundamental lifestyle crafts and activities of the "back to basics" simple living that has so much to teach us regarding universal truths and values.
There is no need to rough it in the wilds when your family can learn to work with the natural world and camp comfortably. Outdoor living teaches volumes on a practical level. This is an experience that your family will draw from - for years to come.
When I signed my boys and myself up for the Turtle Island Preserve Family Camp in late April, I thought we would simply be attending a YMCA style summer camp in the mountains, where we would merely learn how to tie some knots, maybe build a leanto structure in the woods, possibly see an actual forge where blacksmithing occurs, and, if we were lucky, we might even be able to actually meet Eustace Conway. As I prepared for attending the camp in late July, I thought it would simply entail parents bringing their children, or family, TO the camp. What I discovered in the end, however, is that the real FAMILY that Turtle Island nurtures and cultivates at its “Family Camp” is the extended family that my boys and I were welcomed INTO. Every counselor, cook, guest instructor, or program director at Turtle Island made us feel like we had been adopted into THEIR family. Each person became a beloved and cherished father, or mother, or auntie, or uncle, or brother, or sister.
At Turtle Island, my boys and I had a life altering and life affirming experience. We were immersed in a community of positivity, education, entertainment, amazing food, and love. And through the guidance of counselors like Spencer, Jenny, Marcel, Molo, Leo, Iris, Carolyn, and others, in only the span of 3 days, I got to witness my two boys, aged 9 and 11, become courageous and knowledgeable young MEN.
Founder Eustace Conway has created a very magical place at Turtle Island. The world that my boys and I got to experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina would not exist without his tireless nurturing and defending. The world my boys and I live in now is profoundly and forever changed, with enlightenment, education, KNOWLEDGE, and appreciation, for all that he has done, and continues to do.
We miss the entire family of individuals at Turtle Island, but realize that our lives are immeasurably richer for the experience. We could not recommend a camping program more emphatically or with more enthusiasm. Turtle Island Preserve is a one of a kind community, that offers a once in a lifetime experience.
- Askia, Cole, and Max Egashira, Brooklyn, NY
Family Camp 2023
details & Registration:
Date/Time: July 15-18, 2027. Arrival is 1:00pm on July 15 and Departure is 1:00pm on July 18.
Available Spaces: limited to 7 families
Cost: $650 per adult, (age 13+), $350 per child - full payment required at registration. You may pre-register for 2027 with a $650 non-refundable deposit.
Cancellations: all purchases are non-refundable for this camp.
Road Conditions: 1.5 miles off-road gravel - watch the VIDEO
Location: 8 miles east of Boone, NC - Base Camp at Turtle Island Preserve is just 2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway - Bamboo Gap Exit
Have Questions? 336-669-4965
carolyn@turtleislandpreserve.org
“We had the vacation of a life time.”
- Family Camp 2023
“I just wanted to say thank you to Eustace, you and the whole Turtle Island staff for the wonderful time we had at Family Camp. It was definitely challenging for our family as most of us had never even been camping. We learned so much and gained an appreciation for the hardwork and planning that goes into hosting something like that. The knowledge of the instructors and leaders was amazing! I truly can not thank you all enough for the growth we experienced as a family.
We are looking forward to coming back to Boone and attending one of your day or weekend events.”
Amy Lynn, Ohio
Family Camp 2026
After purchasing your tickets be sure to complete the following registration form and send to Carolyn@turtleislandpreserve.com. We need a registration form for each family member.