Saving the Planet One Camper at a Time
Our Story
Adventure Kids was founded in the summer of 2002 by Julie Klabunde, with the goal of creating a summer program that balanced joyful play with thoughtful, child-centered experiences. Built from the beginning with intention and care, the camp quickly became a place families returned to year after year.
Over the past 25 summers, Adventure Kids has grown alongside its community. Many campers have moved through every stage of camp life — from campers, to Counselors in Training, to counselors and leaders — carrying the values of Adventure Kids with them well beyond the summer months.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe, enriching environment for children that enhances social skills and self-esteem, nurtures spiritual growth, and instills a sense of responsibility and respect for the Earth and all her natural resources.
This mission guides how we design our programs, train our staff, and support campers each day. We strive to create a space where children feel secure enough to take risks, supported enough to try new things, and valued for exactly who they are.
Our Impact
For 25 years, Adventure Kids has played a meaningful role in the lives of hundreds of children and families. Campers leave with lasting friendships, growing confidence, and early experiences with responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.
Through programs such as our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program, aged-out campers are given opportunities to step into leadership roles, develop real-world skills, and remain connected to the camp community that helped shape them. Our impact extends beyond any single summer — it grows with every camper who walks through our doors.
Where We’re Located
Adventure Kids is located on Route 202 (Concord Pike) in North Wilmington, directly across from Concord Mall on the southbound side.
We operate out of Grace Episcopal Church but are not affiliated with the church.
Hours of Operation
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Monday–Friday
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7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Summer season runs June through August
Meet Our Team
Erin Gaertner
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Erin is thrilled to carry on the wonderful legacy of Adventure Kids Summer Camp as Executive Director. With nearly 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and as a proud mom of three, she leads with kindness, safety, and genuine care. Erin believes childhood memories last a lifetime, and she is excited to create a space where every camper feels seen, supported, and free to simply be a kid: exploring, growing, laughing, and playing in the heart of Wilmington.
Riley Klabunde
CAMP DIRECTOR
Riley has been part of Adventure Kids from the very beginning, growing from camper to CIT to counselor and now Camp Director. Because she has experienced every stage of camp life firsthand, she brings a deep understanding of what makes Adventure Kids feel so special. Riley is passionate about creating a camp environment where every child feels safe, supported, included, and truly at home. She loves helping campers build confidence, try new things, and make memories that become part of their own Adventure Kids story.
Julie Klabunde
FOUNDER
Julie founded Adventure Kids in 2002 with a vision of creating a summer camp where children could feel safe, welcomed, and free to learn through play. With decades of experience in education and childcare, she built Adventure Kids around thoughtful programming, meaningful traditions, and a deep respect for each child’s individuality. After 25 years of leading the camp, Julie is retiring this year, but her heart, values, and legacy will continue to shape Adventure Kids for many summers to come.
Ally Klabunde
AIR NATION LEAD
Ally is excited to return for another amazing summer with Adventure Kids as our Air Nation Lead. She loves helping our youngest campers settle into the rhythm of camp, try new activities, and make happy summer memories. Some of Ally’s favorite parts of camp include pool days, trips to the art room, games of Spot It, and reading Spot books with her campers. She brings a fun, encouraging energy to Air Nation and can’t wait to spend the summer getting to know each camper.
Sarah Redican
WATER NATION LEAD
Sarah is thrilled to spend another fun-filled summer at Adventure Kids as our Water Nation Lead. During the school year, she works as a first-grade teacher, and she brings that same patience, creativity, and care into her work with campers. At camp, Sarah loves playing Mancala in the Great Hall, reading in the Lizard Lounge, and creating art in the art room. She enjoys helping campers feel comfortable, included, and ready to participate in everything the day has to offer.
Megan Redican
FIRE NATION LEAD
Megan is returning for her 8th year at Adventure Kids and is excited to make this summer one of the best yet. During the school year, she is a Learning Support teacher at Boothwyn Elementary, where she works with children to help them feel confident, capable, and successful. One of her favorite parts of the day is leading Morning Meeting, especially singing camp songs together to start the morning with smiles, laughter, and a strong sense of camp community. Megan loves watching campers grow throughout the summer and is looking forward to another season full of Adventure Kids spirit.
Trinity Aytch
EARTH NATION LEAD
Trinity is beyond excited to kick off another amazing summer at Adventure Kids as our Earth Nation Lead. She loves the energy and independence of our older campers and enjoys helping them make the most of their camp experience. If Trinity had to choose a favorite camp game, it would be Prez. She also loves field trip days, pool afternoons, and all the little moments that make summer at Adventure Kids special. Most of all, Trinity can’t wait to see the campers again and help make this summer full of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Our Counselors
Our counselors are the heart of the Adventure Kids experience. Each counselor is First Aid and CPR certified and receives annual training focused on child development, safety, and group care.
Many counselors are former campers and graduates of our CIT program, bringing continuity, camp culture, and lived experience into every summer.
Counselors in Training (CITs)
Counselors in Training (CITs) are an essential part of our camp community. CITs support counselors during daily activities while learning responsibility, leadership, and teamwork in a structured, supervised environment.
The CIT program is designed for former campers who are ready to take the next step in their Adventure Kids journey.