Camp Dogwood | Frequently Asked Questions

Camp Dogwood is a recreational facility, serving the blind and visually impaired people of North Carolina. We operate a program during the summer typically with ten to twelve one-week sessions. We offer a recreational/vacation experience utilizing our waterfront on Lake Norman in boating, swimming, fishing, tubing and skiing along with activities in arts and crafts, evening activities and off-campus trips.

2. What are the requirements to be a camper?

Our minimum requirement to be a camper is 20/70 with best correction.

3. Are sighted individuals able to attend camp?

We do allow sighted individuals to accompany the visually impaired as spouse, minor child living still in the home of a camper who is their guardian, caretaker and legal guardian caretaker.

4. Do I need a caretaker at camp?

Campers must be able to provide their own personal care skills such as eating, bathing, dressing and toileting. Campers must be able to independently make all of their own medical care decisions; also with orientation from the counselors when they arrive they must be able to exit a building should a fire alarm sound in that building. If a camper needed help with any of these things, they need a sighted caretaker with them. Adult campers with legal guardians must attend camp with that legal guardian or a legal guardian caretaker authorized by their legal guardian.

5. Why does my sighted caretaker, spouse or minor child need to complete an application packet?

Due to insurance requirements, anyone whether sighted or visually impaired or blind, must complete a complete application packet to attend camp. In case of illness or accidents the packet allows this person to be treated properly by medical professionals.

6. How do I get an application packet for camp and when are the application packets available?

Application packets may be downloaded from this website or by contacting the camp office at information@nclionscampdogwood.com or calling 800-662-7401 ext 229 or 230.

Application packets are available by mid January.

7. Is Camp Dogwood a camp for youth campers only?

No, we operate a program during the summer typically with nine to eleven one-week sessions for adult campers and one to two sessions for youth campers, ages 8 – 17.

8. How many sessions does the camp offer for adult campers and youth campers and how long are the sessions?

We operate a program during the summer typically with nine to eleven one-week sessions for adult campers and one to two sessions for youth campers, ages 8 – 17.

9. Is Camp Dogwood a residential camp and what types of accommodations are available for campers?

Our accommodations are more like what you would find in a resort, not a camp. We have double beds with sheets, blankets, bedspreads and pillows in hotel-type rooms with private bathrooms. All of our buildings have air conditioning and heat. Lounge areas are available in the buildings with TV’s and refrigerator. Telephones are available in the hallways. No TV’s or telephones are in the overnight rooms.

10. What time do campers need to arrive on Sundays?

Campers need to arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

11. What time do campers need to be picked up on Saturdays?

Campers need to be picked up no later than 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.

12. Does the camp provide transportation to and from camp?

Limited transportation is available for those campers who arrive by public bus or train. Transportation to camp for those arriving by public transportation (bus or train to Charlotte, NC) is only provided on Sundays. We will only pick up those campers who arrive by bus/train on that Sunday. Transportation from camp for those departing by public transportation (bus or train from Charlotte, NC) is only provided on Saturdays. We will only take those campers who are departing by bus/train on that Saturday.

13. What is your mailing address and physical address?

Our mailing address is:

Camp Dogwood, PO Box 39, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673.

Our physical address is:

7050 Camp Dogwood Dr., Sherrills Ford, NC 28673

14. How do I get more information about Camp Dogwood?

Information about Camp Dogwood may be obtained from our website or by contacting the camp office at sandy@nclf.org or calling 800-662-7401 ext 229 or 230.

15. Does the camp accept out-of- state campers?

Out-of-state campers are accepted on a limited basis when space is available and a different fee schedule applies.

16. Are special diets available at camp?

No special diets are available at camp. Our professional staff prepares a healthy variety of foods with USRDA guidelines in mind, but we regret that we do not have the resources to accommodate a specific diet plan. Contact our office if you have further questions or concerns.

17. Is assistance available for the camper fees?

Contact your local Lions Club for assistance with the camper fees. If you need assistance finding a local representative in your area, a Lion's Club finder is located on the Lions International Site here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What type of camp is Camp Dogwood?