Wildwood Campers Working in the Outdoor Industry

Each year, the South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association funds youth scholarships to attend Camp Wildwood—an immersive, week-long experience designed to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. These scholarships make it possible for passionate high school students to explore South Carolina’s natural resources and develop skills that often shape their future careers. Below, hear from former campers who turned their time at Camp Wildwood into a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

Chipper B, from Camper to DNR Officer

In the fall of 2013, my mom told me my name was brought up by our local garden club as a candidate they would like to sponsor for Camp Wildwood. I didn’t think much about it at the time but I said okay and agreed to go. As the summer of 2014 rolled around and the week of camp approached, I began to question my decision and regret I agreed to go. I arrived and almost begged my parents to take me home with them, but after about 30 minutes there, I knew I was at a good place.

The people were so nice, and I began to make friends right away. Each day brought new excitement and I enjoyed learning about the different branches of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Representatives from Forestry, Marine Biology, and Law Enforcement shared with campers details about their jobs and the fields they worked in. Being a teenage boy who liked to hunt and fish, I found a peculiar interest in the “Gamewardens” who were around camp. The nights at camp revolved around fun activities such as dances and I quickly found myself enjoying something I never had before. The week ended and my attitude of not wanting to be there had changed to not wanting to leave.

I nervously waited for an invitation back and around Christmas time I received one. I spent the next two years creating deeper friendships and once my time as a camper ended, I thankfully was asked to come back as a counselor. As a counselor, I learned more skills on leadership and tried to help campers have the same experience I did.

When my time as a counselor ended, Camp Coordinator Dan DuPre, offered me a position as an activities director, which I have been serving in the role as for 3 years now. To round this out full circle, while up at camp two years ago, I was informed that DNR would soon be hiring some new game wardens. After trying to figure out what I wanted to do as a job for several years, I decided to investigate that peculiar interest I once had and ended up getting hired by SCDNR as a law enforcement officer.

To say Camp Wildwood has had an impact on my life would be too minor of a statement. Camp Wildwood has been one of the biggest blessings of my life and I’m very thankful for everything I have experienced because of it. Dan DuPre puts every effort he has into this camp, and because he does, many lives have been shaped because of it.

Amanda C

I was born and raised in California. My first trip to South Carolina was the summer before my senior year. I was coming here for a week for a family reunion, or so I thought. Halfway through the trip, my second cousin, who I had just met a few days before, told me about this camp where she was a counselor and asked if I wanted to go. I wasn’t an outdoorsy person and quickly declined. I was then told by my cousin, her mother, and my grandfather that they had already signed me up and I would be flying home a week and a half after everyone else in my family.

I arrived at Camp Wildwood with my cousin, a day earlier than most campers. I was looped in to help get camp ready for the week, which meant cleaning dishes and sweeping out cabins. At first, I was caught off guard with the southern accents and the South Carolina heat. On Sunday, when all the campers arrived, I was overwhelmed by the strangers, the outdoor activities, and how different people acted from what I knew in South Carolina. On Monday evening, after gathering on the soccer field, the camp director, Brian Bonds, asked us to look at the stars, to look around and what God had given us, and to step out of our comfort zones. I took it to heart.

This was the first time I had held a snake, shot a bow and arrow, played three-legged soccer, went fishing, learned about outdoor first aid, shot a shotgun, and fell in love with South Carolina. By the time camp was over a week later, I had made 20 best friends and a whole camp of family. I was so excited to take everything I had learned back to California with me.

Three weeks later, I received the camp video (on VHS), a letter from a camper, and an informational packet about Clemson University. It was right then and there I decided that regardless of whether or not I got invited back to be a 2nd Year Camper, I’d make my home in South Carolina. Clemson University was the only place I applied.

That next summer, I took half of everything I owned with me to South Carolina in June, when I flew back out to attend 2nd Year and the rest of everything I owned with me when I flew back again in August to start at Clemson. This next summer will be my 28th year at Camp Wildwood. I went through the program as a camper, a counselor, Head Girls, 2nd Year Staff, and now I’m the Assistant Executive Director. I married a South Carolina man, I have taught in South Carolina for 20 years and have two boys that will come through as campers in just a couple years. I owe this all to Camp Wildwood. In my time, I have seen so many campers find a part of themselves up in King’s Mountain. I have gained lifelong friends and a network of people to call on all across the state. Even if people only attend CWW for one year, it makes a mark on them forever. The way camp runs and the people who run it have a love for South Carolina and all that our beautiful state provides. I have seen countless campers go into fields that support the natural resources and SCDNR. Though I have taught English in a public school, I know education. The way Camp Wildwood teaches our campers about the outdoors and what South Carolina and the SCDNR has to offer, is just as powerful as they way Camp Wildwood loves our campers.

BeBe H

I grew up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with a Garden Club loving mom and an avid saltwater angler dad. Once I was old enough, my mother told me she was taking me to Camp Wildwood (she actually called it conservation camp). I was horrified and did not want to go but she dropped me off and waved goodbye. That one week changed my life.

I moved through the steps of camp and became a counselor during my college years. At that point, the camp added a coastal segment which changed my direction even more! After attending camp originally, I knew I wanted to work in natural resources and maybe for the SC Wildlife Magazine. But after attending the coastal version of Camp Wildwood, I actually changed my major to Marine Science. I knew that I wanted a job in the outdoors and through the camp experience I learned that I had a passion for sharing it with others.

After starting the aquatic education program for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, I now own Angling Women, a fishing education company where I teach fishing to families. I’m also the Director of Education for the South Carolina Wildlife Federation where we provide education opportunities to the public all across the state.

I met so many people through Camp Wildwood that inspired me, from staff to directors and to campers, who all influenced my path. I am so grateful for this amazing camp, the SCDNR, the Garden Club of SC, the SC Wildlife Federation, and the Hampton Wildlife Fund.

Cameron W

Going to Camp Wildwood was the beginning of a long journey of camp experiences that has led me to my current job and God’s calling on my life in ministry. Camp Wildwood was something I was selected to attend without even knowing by my local garden club. I would say as a 9th grader trying to figure out who I was, this camp and the camp culture of staff, counselors, and atmosphere taught me that I could authentically be myself. I grew up hunting and fishing with my family. I always had my full attention on being outside. As a girl, this was hard in my high school years because that wasn’t the normal. I always felt like I had to change who I was on the inside to fit in on the outside. When I started my week at Camp Wildwood, I remember thinking “these are my kind of people.” And I was very right! I had a great first year experience learning and having so much fun bonding with my group and counselors. From DNR classes to camp dances, it was so memorable to say the least. At the end of camp, I received a scholarship as “Camper of the Week” which I had no idea was even a thing. I still chat with my friends from camp to this day that I met that first year. I went on to attend 4 more years and become a counselor. This camp brought so much to who I am, showed me what I truly love, and what kind of environment I would hope to have a career in one day. I knew I was a “camp girl.”

Because of Camp Wildwood and the impact it had on my life, I started to dream about what a Christian wildlife camp would look like. I truly believe God put Camp Wildwood in my life to give vision for a dream that would become reality. I went on to work for the Youth Learning Institute for Clemson University during college. I helped facilitate their wildlife camp program for two summers. Still searching, dreaming, and praying for God to lead me to that dream of mine, I was called into ministry. At first I thought ministry was living in Africa on my own with Jesus…and I was committed to that if that’s what God was saying. After struggling my way through college at Clemson and graduating, God revealed to me that the ministry he had for me was related to the gift of passion. I believe God gives us things to be passionate about as a gift, not just for our enjoyment but to glorify him within that joy. I am passionate about two things: outdoors and Jesus. God revealed that those two things were “outdoor ministry” and that is what I googled.

Long story short, through many God moments, I was led to join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a field missionary in Kingstree. After a lot of growing and years of serving campus’ around the coastal SC area, God opened the door for me to become the first full time FCA Outdoor representative for the Carolinas. I am now one of two, but still the only female. In 2024, I was given the opportunity to open the first outdoor camp in the state for FCA. In 2025, we are opening two in the state of SC for our ministry. I owe my whole story to God and the way He pieced it all together to help me see the plans He had to use me for His glory. One of the main pieces in my story is Camp Wildwood and I am forever grateful.

Jesse W

In the summer of 2014, I had the opportunity to attend Camp Wildwood of South Carolina, not realizing that it would become an experience that would profoundly shape the course of my life. This camp is a place where authenticity and community foster an environment of acceptance and self-worth, allowing you to become the best version of yourself. Words alone cannot fully capture how unique this place is, but I will do my best to share my experience and shed light on what makes it so special to me.

Within hours of arriving to Kings Mountain State Park, I began to understand what so many others had described. I could immediately see how special this camp was, and I found myself not wanting to leave. I arrived feeling alone and unsure, but that feeling quickly vanished as I started to feel accepted and loved—something I had never truly experienced before. By Monday night, I was already emotional knowing that each passing day brought me closer to leaving my new family. As a camper, you spend nearly every minute of each day surrounded by people who, at first, are strangers but quickly become so much more. They genuinely accept you for who you are, not for what you wear or what you look like. Camp Wildwood teaches you that life is about more than material things. By shifting focus away from those material things, you let your guard down and fully embrace the present moment, allowing yourself to make deeper connections and learn more about the people, outdoors, and world around you. The acceptance and love here are so genuine that all you want to do is share that feeling with others, hoping to make them feel the same way.

As the week progressed, I had the opportunity to learn more about the Department of Natural Resources and South Carolina’s wildlife. We attended classes each day that not only expanded my understanding of our natural resources, but also emphasized the importance of conservation and stewardship. I am confident that without Camp Wildwood, I would have never developed the deep love and respect I have for the outdoors today. I continue to carry the knowledge I gained and will always strive to preserve the outdoors and its beauty. The impact of Camp Wildwood extended far beyond lessons about the outdoors, and I wouldn’t be who I am today if it hadn’t.

Without camp and all it provided for me, my life would be entirely different. As a result of camp, I’ve gained a community of lifelong friends who have supported me through every stage of life. From my carefree college days to grieving the unexpected loss of my father to meeting my husband and having camp friends stand by our sides as we got married, to now having them apart of my two children’s lives.

As you can see, the week-long summer camp I attended in 2014 had an undeniable impact on my life—one that words could never adequately describe. It was more than just a summer camp to pass the time. It helped me grow as a person and afforded me a community I never knew I needed. It opened my eyes to the people and the outdoors around me in ways I had never imagined. When I left the gates of Kings Mountain State Park in 2014, tears streamed down my face because I knew I had gained something special. I had the privilege of experiencing Camp Wildwood both as a camper and a counselor, and even 11 years later, I continue to stay involved in one way or another. The magic Camp Wildwood brings is difficult for some to understand, but it truly is the most impactful camp in the state of South Carolina. I truly hope that all the youth in our great state have the chance to walk through those gates, not only to gain a deeper understanding of natural resources and the outdoors, but to become part of a lasting community that will support and shape them for years to come. My wish is that each camper experiences the same life-changing experience I did as a camper and a counselor. The lasting impact of Camp Wildwood resonates with me daily and I am reminded of the goodness it constantly brings to my life— and for that, I am thankful.

Hannah K

Camp Wildwood is simply an indescribable experience. Although my words will not give justice to the impact this program has had on my life, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience with you. During the summer of 2013, I anxiously prepared to attend Camp Wildwood. Based on the packing list provided, I was unsure of what the week would bring. I remember telling my parents how nervous I was on the drive to Kings Mountain, and I even joked with them that they should stay in the area for a few hours after dropping me off, just in case I wanted to leave. Little did I know that this program would impact my life in the most beautiful ways. Throughout that week, I experienced true acceptance, love, community, and friendship. Camp Wildwood is unlike any other–it is life-changing, and my wish is that every child may experience the magic it brings.

If it weren’t for Camp Wildwood, my life would be so different. The relationships made there are so precious to me. Camp Wildwood gave me friends that stood by my side as I got married. It gave me a support system as I fought cancer. It taught me that “less is more,” the importance of community, and influenced me to become an educator.

Camp has given me many opportunities, but the most precious of those is the opportunity to let others experience the joy that I did in the summer of 2013. My husband works at a local Children’s Home and I am a Special Education teacher. Our lives revolve around children and teenagers that face adversity daily. The greatest gift I have ever received is a sponsorship for one of the teenage boys at the Children’s Home to attend Camp Wildwood last summer. This child has walked through life, facing so many challenges, and for the first time, he was able to experience true acceptance. He gained a family that he was longing for. This program was what he needed to feel seen, heard, and loved. He transformed from a troubled child, to one that now has a different outlook on life. He has taken the mentality of Camp Wildwood back to his cottage at the Children’s Home and has had a positive impact in the lives of other children. He went from being labeled as the “troublemaker” to someone that is looked up to by the others.

I truly believe that because of Camp Wildwood, his life has changed for the better and he is changing the lives he comes in contact with.

To this day, 12 years later, I am blessed to still be involved with Camp Wildwood. I currently serve as a Professional Staff member, and I am also serving on the board of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, which gives back to Camp Wildwood. At the age of 26, I am often asked, “You still go to summer camp?” I gladly respond, “Yes, I do, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” This program gives me hope that future generations will continue to love, respect, and preserve the outdoors, while spreading the joy they received during their time at Camp Wildwood.

Mary Beth G

Camp Wildwood has had a profound and transformative impact on my life. As a high school student, I was introverted and uncertain about my future. When I first attended Camp Wildwood, I was apprehensive and reluctant to be away from home for an entire week. Although I enjoyed outdoor activities, I felt this experience would be different from anything I had encountered before. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I had the unique experience of being a first-year camper twice, with my second-year culminating in being named Camper of the Week.

During my time at camp, I gained invaluable insights into the person I wanted to become and the career path I wished to pursue. The diverse classes offered and the inspiring role models I met helped me discover my passion for Forestry and Wildlife Management. After earning my degree, I went on to work as an environmental educator and nature center manager, with experience in camps, zoos, and parks and recreation organizations.

Today, I’m fortunate to be living my dream as an Avian Care Specialist at the American Eagle Foundation. In this role, I care for birds of prey and have the opportunity to educate thousands of people across the country. One of the highlights of my career is free-flying a bald eagle for the Philadelphia Eagles, an experience that continues to inspire me every day.