Without Limits Youth Cross Country Camp

EARLY REGISTRATION GIFT
Register by January 31, 2026 and receive a lightweight hat by On. 

 

WHAT
Without Limits Youth Cross Country Camp

The Without Limits Youth Cross Country Camp is open to rising middle school and high school athletes wanting to learn how to train for a lifetime of running, while having fun, meeting new friends, and exploring new places to run in the North Carolina mountains.

The camp is designed to encourage athletes through positive reinforcement, in picturesque settings, with a goal of enjoying running while preparing for the upcoming season.

Each year, our athletes leave camp with greater confidence, a new love of running, new friends from all over the country, and motivation when they head back to their cross country team.  Our cross country teams that attend leave with stronger team camaraderie heading into the official start of their season.

When your child attends Without Limits Youth Cross Country Camp, they become part of our camp family for life. Many of our campers graduate and return as Junior Counselors during college.

Our Without Limits Camp coaches mission is simple—help young athletes grow and gain confidence as runners and individuals.  Our team includes coaches who are professional certified (USATF), award-winning high school coaches, professional athletes, medical professionals, parents, and coaches who have coached athletes to the U.S. Olympic Trials.  We believe there’s no better way to serve our campers than by helping them reach their athletic and life goals. 

 

ABOUT THE CAMP
Without Limits Youth Cross Country Camp has been hosting campers for 11 years. The camp is open to athletes entering 5th through 12th grade.  The program focuses on the fundamentals of running in an environment that promotes goal acquisition through teamwork and engaged preparation. In other words, we make cross country training fun and encourage athletes to push themselves to become better runners.

But running is not all we do.  Days are filled with running, hiking, swimming, camp fires, and more.

Many of our campers are competitive students, however, one doesn’t have to be a varsity superstar to attend. Our coaches facilitate a variety of workouts for skill levels from kids who are new to running –  to emerging college athletes.  While you don’t have to be a fast runner, it is still a cross country running camp!  ALL campers are expected to be able to run 30 minutes.

We have two programs that run side by side during camp:

HIGH SCHOOL: Since 2014, our High School Program has had top performers and teams from across the southeast. The camp is oriented for teams and individuals looking to maximize their talents as distance runners, learning from some of the top coaches in our region.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Our Middle School program has much of the same instruction and goal acquisition, but the training and activities are tailored for our less experienced distance athletes. Eighth graders with distance running experience are frequently moved into, and excel, groupings with older runners.

 

WHO
Individuals & Teams
Middle School Athletes
High School Athletes
(Rising 5th - 12th Graders)

WHERE
Home Base During Camp:
Lees-McRae College
191 Main Street
Banner Elk, NC 28604

Runs include locations like Watauga River Road, Trout Lake, Wildcat Lake, Moses Cone area, and more.

WHEN
July 12 - 17, 2026

Note: July 12th & July 17th are travel days.

July 12: Travel to Camp, Check-In, Games
July 13: Run & Activities
July 14: Run & Activities
July 15: Run & Activities
July 16: Run & Activities
July 17: Check Out & Travel Home

CHECK IN & CHECK OUT TIMES

Check In on July 12, 2026

Check In at Lees-McRae College: Check In starts at 1:00 PM
Wilmington Campers: 8:00 AM in Wilmington, NC
Durham Campers:  11:00 AM in Durham, NC
Charlotte Campers: 11:30 AM / Noon in Charlotte, NC

Check Out on July 17, 2026

Check Out at Lees-McRae College:  9:30 AM
Wilmington Campers: Drop Off is approximately 4:30 PM 
Durham Campers:  Drop Off is 1:00 PM 
Charlotte Campers:  Drop off is Noon  

TRANSPORTATION
Van transportation to/from Lees-McRae College is available from Wilmington, Durham, Charlotte.

Flying to Camp?
We will pick up/drop off campers at the Charlotte-Douglas Airport.  
  Pick Up:  Campers must be ready to be picked up at Noon
  Drop Off: Campers will be dropped off at the airport about 10:30am - 11:00am 
*Please Note:  Our counselors cannot escort campers to their gate.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
Price includes round trip transportation to/from camp, transportation to daily excursions, lodging, meals, camp shirt, breakout sessions, shoe and gear clinic, adventure excursions, fun, and more! For a full list click HERE

CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS
Our cross country teams that attend camp leave with stronger team camaraderie heading into the official start of the cross country season. Teams include middle school, high school, and club teams. Time is set aside at camp for team building activities. Discounts are available for coaches and high school teams. Contact michelle@its-go-time.com for details.

YOUTH COACHING
Without Limits offers youth cross country and track coaching, as well as adult endurance sports training in the following regions:
Wilmington, NC
Raleigh, NC
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Visit our website HERE

Campers' Meetings:

To ensure that you are well-prepared and informed, we have scheduled special meetings exclusively for our camper and their families. These virtual meetings will provide valuable information, address any questions or concerns, and create a platform for us to connect as a camp community. Please mark your calendars for the following meetings:

Zoom Meeting Link: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/6605122901#success

Meeting 1:

Date: Monday, May 22

Time: 7:45 PM

Platform: Virtual Zoom Meeting

Camp Overview

 

Meeting 2:

Date: Monday, June 12

Time: 7:45 PM

Platform: Virtual Zoom Meeting

Special Theme Release!

 

Meeting 3:

Date: Monday, July 10

Time: 7:45 PM

Platform: Virtual Zoom Meeting

Last-minute preps and important information before camp! Plus a hangout. Get to know each other.

 

In Person Races:

In addition to our virtual offerings we are also going to have two in person races that are absolutely free to campers! These Wilmington area events support the camp through direct funding. That’s why they are FREE to registered campers. We’d love to see you on June 3rd or July 4th at the following events

The Big Run

Date: Saturday, June 3

Location: Long Leaf Park, Wilmington
This exciting event is an opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and enjoy a thrilling run. As a special offer, all campers will receive FREE ENTRY contact camp staff for registration.

 

Battle for Independence 5k and 1 Mile Run

Date: Tuesday, July 4

Celebrate Independence Day in style! Join us on Tuesday, July 4th, for the Battle for Independence 5k and 1 Mile Run. FREE ENTRY FOR CAMPERS.

 

Lees-McRae College is home base for Without Limits Youth Cross Country Camp.  Lees-McRae College is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina in Banner Elk. Many of our camp activities will take place right on the grounds, though we do take daily excursions to areas such as Moses Cone Park, Watauga River, and more. This mountain college is the perfect place for campers to escape to cooler weather, focus on running fundamentals, make new friends, and enjoy many fun summer camp activities.

   

                   

 

 

 

 

MEET OUR CAMP FOUNDERS & COACHES

Our Without Limits Camp coaches mission is simple—help young athletes grow and gain confidence as runners and individuals. Our team includes coaches who are professional certified (USATF), award-winning high school coaches, professional athletes, medical professionals, parents, and coaches who have coached athletes to the U.S. Olympic Trials. We believe there’s no better way to serve our campers than by helping them reach their athletic and life goals. The staff to camper ratio is 1:6.

                     

Meet Coach Hackman                                                    Meet Coach Clifford

 

CAMP STAFF

Richard Berger
Elizabeth Bloch
Dr. Heather Braithwaite
Bella Bufalini
Andrew Christain
Josh Estep
Michelle Hackman
Bridget Phillips, RN
Col. Kyle Phillips
Tammy Pruden
Mike Rausch
Rob Reynolds
Alison Rogers, RN
John Ruggero
Beth Ann Soporowski
Erin Taylor
Wesley Vo

Guests: 
Jeff Klaves - Head Coach Cross Country / Track & Field, University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Dan Middleman - U.S. Olympian, Track & Field

JR. CAMP STAFF

Connor Andrews - Babson College
Olivia Bufalini - University of Portland
Benjamin DiParisi - Catawba College
Rylie Estep - University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Pierson Guerrant - University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Miles Herrmann - Campbell University
Andre Michaels - University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Sam Morgan - North Carolina State University
Jake Nalepa - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Demi Nicholas - University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Tyler Niloff - University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Morgan Pennington - Florida Atlantic University

 

SNAPSHOT OF DAILY ACTIVITIES
*This is just a snapshot. Daily schedules vary.

7:00 AM - Easy Run (optional)
7:30 AM - Breakfast
8:15 AM - Camp Meeting
8:30 AM - Depart for Run & Run!
Noon - Lunch
1:00 PM - Free Time / Downtime
2:30 PM - Breakout Session (topics vary from nutrition, strength, stretching, college recruiting, and more!)
               - Shoe & Gear Clinic - past clinics have been hosted by On Shoes and Saucony.
3:30 PM - Optional On Campus Run
4:00 PM - Camp Activity / Team Challenges 
5:30 PM - Dinner
7:00 PM - Speaker
8:00 PM - Camp Games or Activity  
9:30 PM - In Dorms
10:00 PM - Lights Out

*Each camp also includes non-running excursions. Excursions have included river water tubing, Grandfather Mountain Swing Bridge, hike Linville Falls or Mt. Mitchell, swimming at a local lake, and camp favorite - visiting Mast General Candy Store.

 

 

Is there wifi?:
You bet. High speed open campus wifi is available.

My child has a food allergy/intolerance, will considerations be made?:
Yes, as long as we know ahead of time we will accommodate our athletes dietary needs.  The dining hall at Lees-McCrae College offers a variety of options.  The Summit will showcase different concepts such as a salad bar, sandwiches, pasta, chicken, pizza made from scratch, grilled favorites, and baked desserts.    

My athlete is only running once or twice a week, is that a problem?
Nope. As long as they can run for 40 minutes without stopping. We won’t run long without stopping everyday (especially our younger runners), but if they can run 30 to 40 minutes they will have no problems with our program.

Are linens provided?:
No. Athletes need to bring a sleeping bag or twin xl sheets, pillow, and towels.

What if there is a medical problem?
We don’t mess around. We have a nurse on staff.  In addition, several of our staff are CPR certified, we also travel with an AED.  At the first sign of an issue we are calling 911. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes.

What is the staff to camper ration?
1:6

How do I get my child ‘ready’ for camp?
In a word, ‘preparedness’ makes camp a better overall experience. Mentally and emotionally, you can prepare your child for camp by emphasizing the positive atmosphere of our camp and reinforcing the thought that we REALLY want them there. The staff has made a lifetime commitment to youth athletics and can’t wait to see what your child will learn about themselves, and how they will grow through the sport of running.

While your child is at camp we will encourage them to talk to us.
Communication is key. If he/she has ANY concern, we want them to tell a member of the staff. We are prepared to find an answer to anything from physical ailments, to homesickness, to not getting along with a teammate. All discussions will be kept appropriately confidential. 

Waterfalls & Swimming Areas?
My athlete doesn’t swim all that well. Is that a problem? No, as long as they are aware of that. Swimming, while infrequent, is completely optional. Most of the water we encounter won’t be very deep, but may be swift. We emphasize safety in all activities. If you know your athlete is a weak swimmer, just let us know.

I have two kids interested, is there a discount?:
Yes, kid #2 and beyond receive a 10% discount.

Do you allow high school cross country teams?
Yes. We offer discounts for high school cross country coaches and their teams. Time is set aside for coaches and their teams.

My child is in the Without Limits Summer Youth Program, would this work with that?
Seamlessly. We leave a few days after the WithoutLimits Youth Summer Session ends. 

 

 

Dining takes place at the Lees-McRae Dining Hall called The Summit.  The Summit will offer different concepts like salad station, sandwiches, hamburgers, plus other favorites like pizza made from scratch, pasta, grilled favorites, and baked desserts. The Summit will accommodate dietary allergies.   

 

SLEEPING & BATHING ITEMS

• Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket for Twin Long Bed 
      -  Tip: pack in a garbage bag for easy packing (It does get warm during the day, and cold at night in the dorms. There is no air conditioning or heaters.  It's the Mountains!)
• Pillow
• Shower Towel & Pool Towel
• Personal Items:  soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, hair dryer (there is power), and so on….

CLOTHING

• Evening temperatures and cool fronts can send temps into the 40s, and bring rain.  Please pack clothes that will keep you warm on and off the run.
• 6 to 8 sets of running clothes
• 5 sets of casual clothes
• 2 pairs of running shoes (at least). One set will get wet. One pair of casual shoes for around camp.
• Socks: bring more socks than you think you need.  We run a lot, and get gross.
• Sweatshirts or jacket
• Bathing suit
• Flip flops for showers
• Pajamas

OTHER ITEMS

• Hand Sanitizer
• Wrist Watch: our runs are based on time.  You NEED a watch.
• Water Bottle
• Small fan for dorm room - it can get warm in the dorms!!!
• Sunscreen & Bug Spray  
• Sunglasses / Flashlight or headlamp
• Plastic trash bag for wet/dirty clothes
• Small backpack or drawstring bag
• Cash ($50-$100) - Campers will need money for one fast food meal on the out and return trip.  And possible stop at the candy store.
• Camping Hammock - there are some locations to hang a hammock.
• Cell Phone: usage rules will be established by coaches the first day of camp
• iPod/iPad/Tablet:  these may be used at bedtime only before lights out
• Snacks!  The kids love to pack their dorms with food.
• Clothes for the Camp Theme 
   

 

• Transportation to/from Camp for the following cities: Wilmington, Durham, or Charlotte.
• Dorm Room 
• Meals, Snacks and Hydration
• Camp T-Shirt
• Running in Picturesque Regions of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Breakout Sessions & Speakers: Topics range from Goal Setting, Nutrition, Strength, Stretching, College Recruiting, and More! 
• Running Shoe & Gear Clinic (past providers include On Shoes and Saucony)
• Non-Running Excursions such as Mast General Store, Grandfather Mountain, River Water Tubing, Wildcat Lake, or Hiking 
• Camp Games & Team Challenges
• Timed Camp 3K Race (posted on Milesplit)

Campers will need to provide their own spending money for any extras. We will make lunch stops on the way to camp and on the way back, and also a mid-week stop at the grocery store.

 

PAY IN FULL (save $105): Camp Shirt

PAY HALF NOW & REMAINDER MARCH 3rd: T-Shirt

STAFF: Camp Shirt

FAMILY: Camp Shirt