FAQ

  1. What type of camp is Camp Dogwood?
  2. What are the requirements to be a camper?
  3. Are sighted individuals able to attend camp?
  4. Do I need a caregiver at camp?
  5. Why does my sighted caregiver, companion, spouse or minor child need to complete an application packet?
  6. How do I get an application packet for camp and when are the application packets available?
  7. Is Camp Dogwood a camp for youth?
  8. Is Camp Dogwood a residential camp and what types of accommodations are available for campers?
  9. When do campers need to arrive and depart?
  10. What is your mailing address and physical address?
  11. Does the camp provide transportation to and from camp?
  12. What is your mailing address and physical address?
  13. How do I get more information about Camp Dogwood?
  14. Does the camp accept out-of-state campers?
  15. Are special diets available at camp?
  16. Is assistance available for the camper fees?
  1. What type of camp is Camp Dogwood?

Camp Dogwood is a recreational facility. We serve persons with blindness and visual impairment. We operate a summer program with 9 one week overnight sessions (one week of youth camp). We offer a recreational/vacation experience. Activities include but are not limited to boating, swimming, fishing, tubing, art, crafts, off-campus trips, and more. Our off-campus trips include bowling, shopping, art museum, zoo, and movie theatre.

  1. What are the requirements to be a camper?

Our minimum requirement to be a camper is 20/70 vision with the best correction. Campers need to be able to perform their own self-care. Campers that need assistance with self-care are required to bring a caregiver with them. If a camper has a legal guardian then the legal guardian (or a designated representative) will need to attend camp with them. Please contact us for details.

  1. Are sighted individuals able to attend camp?

Sighted individuals are welcome to accompany a camper with blindness/visual impairment as a spouse, minor child, caregiver or legal guardian. Please contact us for details.

  1. Do I need a caregiver at camp?

Campers should 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. Following orientation from a counselor, a camper must be able to exit the building should a fire alarm sound. If a camper needs assistance with any of these tasks, they should bring a caregiver with them. Adult campers with legal guardians must attend camp with their legal guardian, or designated representative.

  1. Why does my sighted caregiver, companion, spouse or minor child need to complete an application packet?

Due to insurance requirements, everyone attending our program is required to complete an application packet. This includes the medical form to be signed by an MD (medical doctor), PA (physician’s assistant) or NP (nurse practitioner).

  1. How do I access the camper application?

The link to the camper application can be found under the APPLICATIONS, FEES & SCHEDULING

APPLICATIONS, FEES & SCHEDULING

  1. Is Camp Dogwood a camp for youth?

No. Our program is for adults with blindness and visual impairment. Our campers range in age from 18-100+ years.

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

Our campus is a retreat center. We have hotel-style rooms and amenities. Each guest room has two double beds. We provide all bed linens and towels. Each guest room has a private bathroom. All of our buildings have air conditioning and heat. There is a lounge area in each dwelling. The lounges have a TV, DVD, player, microwave, and refrigerator. The guest rooms do not have phones or TVs in them. Our campus is equipped with WiFi.

  1. When do campers need to arrive and depart?

Campers should arrive between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on Sundays, and depart the following Thursday no later than 10 am.

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

Limited transportation is available for those campers who arrive by  train in Charlotte, NC. Transportation to camp for those arriving by public transportation in Charlotte is only provided on Sundays. Please contact us for details, or if other arrangements need to be made.

  1. What is your mailing address and physical address?

Our address is: PO Box 39 or 7062 Camp Dogwood Dr., Sherrills Ford, NC 28673

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

Please contact us by calling the camp office at 828-478-2135, or emailing us at Information@NCLionsCampDogwood.org. Please review this website, and check out our Facebook page.

  1. 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.

  1. Are special diets available at camp?

No special diets are available at camp. Our professional staff prepares a healthy variety of foods with USDA guidelines in mind. We are unable to accommodate specific diet plans (i.e. vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) We do provide sugar-free options for most meals. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages with you to camp. Please contact us with any further questions or concerns.

  1. Is assistance available for the camper fees?

If you need assistance with your camper fee please contact your local Lions Club and/or social worker for the blind in your county. Your local Lions Club may be able to sponsor your fee. Your county social worker for the blind may be able to refer you to the local Lions or other assistance. If you need help locating your local club please call the camp and we will refer you.

The fee for a blind/visually impaired NC resident is $225.00 for the week. The fee for a sighted caregiver is $275.00 for the week. The fee for a companion is $400.00 for a week. Spots are guaranteed once payment has been made in full. For more information on sponsorship please contact our camp office.

Transportation Fee: The $40 transportation fee covers your transportation (round trip) from the train station to camp only if you need transportation back and forth. This is not your train or bus ticket; you will need to pay and arrange for your train/bus ticket separately.