Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Conference Center — Hotel in Leesburg

I have been going to this camp since 4th grade, and have been 8 times so far. Every time, I have made wonderful friends and reconnected with my religion. The camp is beautifully kept, and offers a bunch of activities for kids. Most campers come with a church, so it's isolating if you don't. The camp also centers a lot on going to church, baptism, and youth community service. It's very localized, but people come from Georgia and the Keys to visit, so it also is very well known in the Methodist community. It promotes modest clothing, healthy food, good physical activity, and discussion in scripture. It also has a live band that performs for 30 minutes during 'praise time' daily. There's a bible discussion group for all campers called small group, where a group of 15 or so people talk privately about their relationship with God and how He helps them. Campers have 4 free activity spaces to fill, which can be canoeing, high ropes, ziplining, arts & crafts, swimming, frisbee golf, archery, boating, tubing, roller skating, and much more. Some activities are limited by age, so only older campers can access them. Campers sleep in large cabins with 30-40 or so other campers in the same block. It's a very good layout, and rather welcoming for those with trouble socializing. A note of warning: it's absurdly homophobic. I went last year, and the entire week, the conversation of interest was sexuality and the church's opinion on it. As a Methodist with Catholic upbringing, I'm very aware of the church's stance. And as a gay girl, I'm aware that I'm not welcome in many churches, such as my previous one. At camp, I was threatened by other campers for being homosexual, and I was forced into an hour long sermon about how gay people are sinners, and I was honestly close to tears. The counselors weren't sympathetic, and I felt harassed for being open and upfront about my sexuality. Another camper, who was at the time closeted, also voiced concern over how I was being treated, and too felt unsafe. I'm going again this year, but I feel like the camp has diminished in warmth and respect for ALL campers, and is working to show a more traditional Methodist camp. It's a nice camp, but seems to be working towards the wrong direction in terms of showing campers the...

As temperatures in Florida climb into the 80s this week, my kids have reminded me that it's time to start thinking about Summer Camp at Warren Willis. I wanted to share a quick review of our family's experience to help other families decide whether to send their children there.

My children have been attending camp at Warren Willis since they were small, participating in summer camps for elementary, middle, and high school, as well as various retreats. Their time at Warren Willis has been nothing short of unforgettable.

From the moment we arrive for drop-off, we're welcomed with open arms by the kind and passionate staff. The atmosphere is infused with faith, fun, and fellowship, making it a truly enriching experience. The camp’s attention to detail ensures not only a fun environment but also a safe one, which is particularly important for my children with dietary restrictions and medical issues.

Warren Willis provides an ideal setting for spiritual growth, allowing my kids to forge connections with others while deepening their faith. I wholeheartedly recommend this camp to any family considering a summer adventure for...

Four generations of my family have camped here. I went to summer overnight camp here as a kid and so did my Sister. Her two children have gone for years. This summer it was finally my kids turn. She just got back and is already talking about going back next summer. She was absolutely thrilled with camp! She loved all of the activities. And she said that the food is awesome. It was when I was a kid also. The counselors were nice and she made friends. She sailed, canoed, did yoga, and the ropes course! Even though I know that it’s a great camp it was still hard leaving her for the first time like that and I cried in the car ride home like it was her first day of Kindergarten. But seeing how happy she was made it all worth it. Thank you Warren Willis I hope that you are around forever for future generations of campers. And my child will definitely be going back...