History and Mission

In the late 1930s, as the General Secretary of the Raleigh YMCA and supervisor of a small summer camp in Wake County, Wyatt Taylor convinced the YMCA Board of Directors that a camp located near an unlimited expanse of coastal waters would have superb camping possibilities. In 1948, with an initial fund of $50,000, plus Wyatt's persuasive leadership, Camp Sea Gull became a reality. His founding ideal was never to compromise with mediocrity. He considered the human investment in this venture to be of paramount importance, advocating that facilities do not make a great camp without a staff of high character and competence. Under his leadership Camp Sea Gull and since 1961, Camp Seafarer, have grown and expanded so that now each camp is located on 350 acres and together they provide camping and character building experiences for thousands of young people from all over the world.

From the beginning, character development has been the foremost objective of Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer. Both camps foster growth in self-confidence and independence, consideration of others, heightened respect for a fragile environment and a spirit of cooperation. Unique programs in seamanship, progressive development of skills and daily choices combined with positive role models in a nurturing cabin environment provide campers with opportunities to learn, grow and challenge themselves while in a protected environment.

Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer are branches of the YMCA of the Triangle Area, Inc.