Nestled near Rocky Mount, Wonderland Camp has long provided a retreat for individuals with differing abilities. Since breaking ground in 1969 and welcoming its first campers in 1971, the camp has grown into a renowned facility—comparable to Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Wonderland Camp serves participants as young as six, and they never “age out”; some campers have returned for 40 consecutive years. Today, 80% of campers are repeat visitors, traveling from 23 states to experience the camp and providing respite for caregivers. In May 2025, Wonderland Camp completed a transformative renovation of Miller Hall, its main dining and activity center.
The recent capital campaign, spearheaded by Executive Director Jill Wilke alongside Camp Director of Fund Development and Communications Mike Clayton, raised $1.1 million. Their leadership facilitated a facility upgrade, including an $800,000 expansion of Miller Hall, the construction of two new staff cabins, and a comprehensive remodel of the central office. While the camp received two grants, the largest share of funds came from local businesses and donors. Local artist Garrett Jackson painted an Airstream camper mural around the serving windows, and craftsman Michael Mitzler added authentic wheels, lending a whimsical authenticity to the design.
With Miller Hall’s expanded footprint, Wonderland Camp can host more programs year-round. This capability promises new opportunities for campers and their families. For example, Wonderland Camp responded to parents’ requests for life skills programming, now included in the camp’s offerings. The Miller Hall renovations also contribute to the camp’s sustainability by providing rental opportunities during the off-season. Conferences, family reunions, and meetings can be hosted at Wonderland Camp’s environmentally controlled facilities.
Behind the scenes, Wonderland Camp relies on a dedicated full-time staff of nine and a summer team of 100. Medical care is paramount: a volunteer physician adviser from Lake Regional Hospital oversees a myriad of medical issues while registered nurses are on duty around the dock. Executive Director Jill Wilke, herself a registered nurse, ensures that health and safety standards are still impeccable.
Wonderland Camp also serves as a launchpad for careers in adaptive services. Many summer counselors go on to professions in occupational therapy, special education, nursing, and pharmacy. The camp intentionally employs individuals with differing abilities in kitchen and counselor roles. Each summer, Wonderland Camp welcomes vocational rehabilitation interns for hands-on training in adaptive recreation and customer service. Civic groups volunteer year-round with gardening, painting, and maintenance, and “Camp Champs” help with arts and crafts, merchandise sales, and transportation duties.
Founder Charles Miller, Wilke’s grandfather, envisioned an accessible haven. He built basements for storm shelters, installed a helipad when no local hospital existed, secured waterfront property for safe boating, fabricated the original wheelchair swing, and planted fragrant species along nature trails for visually impaired guests. Today’s renovation of Miller Hall continues his legacy by seamlessly integrating the camps natural beauty into its expanded facilities.