Incorporated in 1842, Jacksonville’s namesake comes from the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. Jacksonville is nestled on the banks of the New River, next to the NC Crystal Coast. Jacksonville’s early history began with the ending of the Tuscarora Wars in 1713 as early European settlers moved into the area. This would become the spawning point of Camp Lejeune Marine Barracks in 1942 and Jacksonville would be forever changed. 

 

Much like the historical origins of Jacksonville, the Camp family is also rich in history and tradition. The Camps are led by husband Noah, along with his wife Kaitlin. Together they have one daughter, Harper (five) and a son, Grayson who is three. Noah’s parents are Matthew and Sonya Camp with twin brother, Caleb, all of whom reside locally in Jacksonville. No family would be complete without the addition of their four-legged children, Willow (Golden Doodle) and Easley, a Brittany dog. 

 

Noah, along with twin Caleb, were born at New Hanover Regional Medical Center where their mother cared for patients as a registered nurse in high risk labor and delivery. The twins were born premature and as a result, Noah, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that required surgical intervention. The family soon moved back to Jacksonville from Wilmington for love and support from family that the new parents of premature twins may need. 

 

The Camps are deeply connected to Jacksonville and Onslow County. Noah’s grandfathers are both retired Marines who came to Jacksonville with the Marine Corps.  Sonya Camp’s mother, Joyce Lewis, owned a hair salon locally and was aptly named Joyce’s Clip Joint. Mrs. Lewis retired from her profession in 1993 to aid in the care of the newly born twins. After retiring from the Marines, Glenn Camp, Noah’s paternal grandfather, served with the Jacksonville Police Department as well as the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a Major. Glenn continues to be married to Jatana Camp, whose family has ties to Onslow County dating back to the 1700s. Interestingly, Noah’s paternal great-grandfather even served with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Posse, which was a volunteer horseback unit back in the 60’s. 

 

Noah currently practices as a Physician Associate in Family Medicine at Wilmington 

Health in Jacksonville since graduating from PA school in 2017 at Methodist 

University. Noah states, “I chose my profession largely due to the influence of my mother, who is a labor and delivery nurse with over thirty years’ experience and is currently the clinical coordinator for Labor and Delivery at Onslow Memorial. Also, because of the serious health concerns I had as an infant and the amazing healthcare workers that were responsible for my care, I have always felt a strong desire to pay it forward and give back by serving in the medical field. Apart from my mother and myself, my twin brother is a Paramedic here in Onslow County and my wife is a registered nurse as well.”

 

The Camps enjoy dining locally at Shogun Japanese Steakhouse and the Grazing Tray.  Popular hangouts for the family include outings in their boat and relaxing on the beach or sandbar. They also love to vacation in the mountains or locally on the Crystal Coast. Noah also likes to spend his time hunting Quail with his bird dog Easley. 

 

Favorite family traditions include preparing homemade biscuits stuffed with country ham being enjoyed by the whole family on Christmas mornings. This tradition began with Noah’s grandmother however, in recent years Kaitlin has headed up the endeavor. Noah also mentions “my wife Kaitlin is of Swedish ancestry, so Christmas Eve Swedish smorgasbord is something that is pretty special.”

 

In Noah’s words, “my favorite part of growing up in Jacksonville was probably the patriotism and love for our country and the sense of community that came along with that. I remember lying in bed as a child and hearing the helicopters roaring overhead and feeling safe and secure.  Also, I love being able to share our local landscape and culture with people who come from all over the United States.”