Wayfinders

Our MISSION is to ignite students' potential by expanding their confidence, connections, and horizons. This is not a one-time deal.

We achieve this through summer camp experiences, year-round enrichment programs, and mentor relationships for self-motivated, underserved students. Wayfinders makes a commitment to send selected students to high-quality residential camps for at least five years. In grades 4-6, scholars attend a two- or three-week overnight camp in the North Carolina mountains, allowing them to experience the natural world and a new environment outside the city. In grades 7-9, scholars attend one-to-three weeks at an overnight college camp or nature camp. In grades 10-12, scholars participate in job shadowing experiences, internships, or work as camp counselors/counselors in training at overnight camps. Wayfinders is involved in the selection process and works directly with teachers and school personnel to select students for our program who are showing strong academic effort, leadership potential, and good citizenship. All of our scholars come from low-income families who would not be able to afford an opportunity such as this for their children. Our organization builds a personal relationship with each scholar and their family and stays involved with them through one-on-one mentoring and year-round enrichment activities.

10/09/2026

📣 Join the Wayfinders Team as a Mentor Co-Coordinator!

If you are interested in the position or know someone who would be a great addition to the Wayfinders team, please email your resume to Mollie James at [email protected].

👉️ Learn more about the Mentor Co-Coordinator position: https://wayfindersnc.org/employment-opportunities/
🌐 Learn more about Wayfinders: https://wayfindersnc.org/

10/08/2026

It’s National DAF Day! 💫

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are one of the fastest-growing ways to give. National DAF Day is a reminder to turn charitable intentions into action by putting the dollars in your DAF to work for the causes you care about.

Why Choose Wayfinders? Your support helps youth in Charlotte access transformative summer experiences, long-term mentorship, and year-round enrichment opportunities that expand their confidence, connections, and horizons.

If you already have a DAF, consider making a gift today. If you’re wondering whether a DAF is right for you, talk with your financial advisor about how you can use one to maximize your giving and make an impact in your community.

Have a DAF? Choose Wayfinders Today. 💚💙

10/07/2026

💼 Preparing for what’s next! Our high school scholars participated in a Resume Workshop in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Led by Jonas Lodholz, the workshop gave scholars practical tools for building a resume, preparing for interviews, and navigating opportunities in the workforce. They also learned more about employment and volunteer opportunities available through the YMCA!

We’re grateful to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte for investing in our scholars and helping them feel more confident about their next steps! 💚💙

10/05/2026

🏕️ What a night—thank you for joining us at Happy Camper Night! It was such a joyful evening filled with connection, laughter, and stories that reminded us of the magic that happens when a community comes together.

Together, we raised $177,807—exceeding our goal and setting a record for the most funds raised at Happy Camper Night in 14 years! 🎉Your support helps children and families across our community access year-round enrichment, long-term mentoring, transformative summer camp experiences, and wraparound support.

A special thank you to current Board member, Hane Tarris, and graduated Wayfinders scholar, Caleb, for sharing their amazing story and giving everyone a glimpse into what these opportunities can mean for a scholar. And thank you to Tom Haberstroh for being our wonderful emcee and engaging the crowd, and to Charlie Lunsford for creating the perfect atmosphere with his music. 🎶

To all of the sponsors, guests, volunteers, and community partners– YOU made this possible. Thank you for helping opportunity find every child! 💚💙

10/01/2026

🌟 Meet Coach AJ and Sergio, the new head coaches of the Blue Hornets! 🌟

AJ (right) grew up playing soccer and has spent the past two years coaching U12 girls with Charlotte Junior. He also plays with the Nepali national team! 🙌 Sergio (left) has played and watched soccer his entire life! ⚽️

We’re incredibly thankful to have AJ and Sergio as part of our Wayfinders community! We can’t wait for all that’s ahead this season! 💚💙

09/30/2026

We want to celebrate and thank Vince Hindman, Rose Blackwood, and David Crane as they conclude their time on our Board of Directors! 💚💙

Vince has helped lead Wayfinders through incredible growth since 2019, when we were still the Bruce Irons Camp Fund! As our current Board Chair, his leadership has helped shape the organization we are today. This spring, he celebrated his mentee as she graduated high school early. What a journey!

Rose has been a true Wayfinders champion, advocating for our scholars and mission everywhere she goes. Her enthusiasm and belief in Wayfinders are contagious!

David has supported Wayfinders and the greater Charlotte community with remarkable generosity– not only through financial support, but through his time, leadership, and strategic guidance!

Thank you, Vince, Rose, and David, for helping Wayfinders grow, strengthen, and dream bigger! 💚💙

09/25/2026

⚽️ Soccer season is back! The Blue Hornets are buzzing with energy, spirit, and excitement for what’s ahead. A new season means fresh opportunities, and we’re especially thrilled to welcome our new head coaches, AJ and Sergio (who you’ll learn more about soon 👀). Let’s make this year one to remember! 🐝💙

📸 Joel Cox

09/23/2026

The Happy Camper Night Auction is LIVE! 🎉

Whether you’re joining us for Happy Camper Night or celebrating from afar, you can still get in on the fun! Our auction is open to everyone through GiveSmart. 💚💙

Head to the link in our bio to browse this year’s auction items, register, and start bidding! Every bid helps support our mission to expand confidence, connections, and horizons for our scholars.

09/21/2026

🧠 What does meaningful connection look like when your mentee is navigating changing friendships, academic pressure, growing independence, identity, and big questions about the future?

Our mentors recently gathered for a Middle & High School Mentor Training focused on supporting mentees through these important years. We talked about the importance of creating an environment where connection can happen naturally. Because meaningful connection isn’t always about having the perfect conversation; sometimes, it’s simply about showing up, making space, and being there! 💚💙

09/18/2026

🌟 A HUGE thank you to the sponsors who make Wayfinders' work possible! This year, we are excited to have raised $110,000 in sponsorships prior to Happy Camper Night, a record amount in pre-event donations. 🏕️

Special thank-you to Coca Cola (tag) for serving as the Presenting Sponsor for the fourth year in a row! 💫

Whether a recurring sponsor or a new supporter, each company and individual listed here is helping opportunity find every child.

We can't wait for a memorable evening celebrating Wayfinders! 💚💙

Address

809 Westmere Avenue, C190
Charlotte, NC
28208

Website

https://linktr.ee/wayfindersnc?fbclid=PAAaaopMtTH77Q9wNVvHlC6soY6Xoc52SbQc91f0FTkGMiIWAuKbfGL-7EIoE_aem_AR8pJDpKyIMC7JWa

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