A Capital Campaign to Nurture & Expand

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Roots & Wings Newsletter

We Are Well On Our Way!

As of Nov. 8th:

Total of contributions and pledges toward our goal of $3+ million

$1,766,885.55

We are over halfway -- thank you everyone who is making this happen.

You are making a difference!

Join This Capital Campaign

The Mountain thrives by embracing Unitarian Universalist values through its inspirational programs, environmental care, and justice commitments. To insure the future of this legacy it is time to make a generational investment in The Mountain. The capital campaign team estimates the need to raise $3+ million to meet our project goals.

The results of this capital campaign will support the needs of people, programs, and infrastructure by maintaining what already exists and building upon it.

Please join us in this exciting opportunity to maintain The Mountain’s roots and spread its wings by making a meaningful financial pledge to the Roots & Wings capital campaign!

THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GOALS

The Roots & Wings capital campaign supports projects that will serve current and future needs of people, programs, and infrastructure.

SERVING PEOPLE

The Mountain welcomes people of all ages and abilities. To increase the quality and accessibility of our guest housing, structural repairs, electrical upgrades, ventilation improvements, and other improvements are needed.

And with a concern for economic justice due to the high cost of living in the Highlands area, we must provide affordable staff housing to attract and retain qualified professionals.

ENHANCING PROGRAMS

We’ll honor our historic roots by maintaining aging buildings that have supported time-honored programs for children and youth, religious professionals, congregational retreats, and many non-profits aligned with our Unitarian Universalist values, such as WomenSpirit and Gay Spirit Vision.

We’ll spread our wings by creating new and improved spaces to meet a variety of new and existing program needs—complete with reliable internet and audio-visual presentation technologies.

SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE

To continue meeting the needs of people and programs, we must invest in significant infrastructural upgrades. In recent years, the state of North Carolina has raised its environmental impact codes.

The lake dam and septic systems need urgent structural repairs or upgrades to meet state codes. And several building roofs, flooring, and other structural repairs are needed, such as for the Kitchen, Dining Hall, Tower, and Office.

Honorary Steering Committee Members

Frequently Asked Questions

Capital Campaign Committee Members

SUPPORT THE ROOTS & WINGS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Your financial support of this campaign is vital to the future of The Mountain. Inevitably, buildings age and people and program needs change over time. The projects this campaign supports will nurture our roots—those living and program spaces we’ve enjoyed for years—and will expand our wings—new spaces and improved facilities to better meet current and future needs. Gifts can be in cash, stock transfer, required minimum distribution (RMD) from a retirement account, and more. Because our relationship with you is important, we hope to make a direct connection with you. A pledge form will be made available at that time.

A Mountain
of Giving
What level of gift can you commit to that is personally meaningful and will help The Mountain reach its goal? This chart shows a sample number of gifts needed in each financial range to fulfill our goal of $3+ million.

Pledge

A Capital Campaign to Nurture & Expand The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center

The Mountain thrives by embracing Unitarian Universalist values through its inspirational programs, environmental care, and justice commitments. Now you can make a generational investment to maintain its roots and spread its wings.

Download the Brochure

FAQ

Commitees

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Beverly Cree, Mountain Development Director and Capital Campaign Director; member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St. Augustine, FL

Anna Martin, Mountain Board member and Capital Campaign Chair, member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville

Steph Anderson, Mountain Executive Director, affiliated with the Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County (Brevard) and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin

K.C. Boyce, Mountain Board of Trustees Chair, affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta

Lee Reading, Mountain Board member and former Interim Director, member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley

Rev. Alison Eskildsen, Minister Emerita of the UU Fellowship of Athens, GA, and current member of the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist

Charles Lee, former Mountain Board member and former President of the Charlotte and Sarasota UU Churches; current member of the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist

Dave Zenner, Architect, member and former President of Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Sandy Springs, GA.

HONORARY STEERING COMMITTEE

Laurel Amabile Bruce Kirkman Erin Thompson Larry Wheeler

Paula Kee, Capital Campaign Manager

capital.campaign@themountainrlc.org

KC Boyce, Capital Campaign Committee Chair kc@boycecompany.com

Email: Development@themountainrlc.org

Mail: The Mountain Capital Campaign, Box 1299, Highlands, NC 28741-1299

What does my child need to pack?

You can review our camper packing list here. Please pay close attention to the items on the list – especially regarding clothing, for changing weather conditions create the need for multiple layers of clothing! The Outdoor Skills & Adventure has a separate packing list.
How does the packing list differ for youth coming to the CIT, ASCENDER, Outdoor Skills & Adventure, or multiple sessions?"

CIT & ASCENDER program attendees should plan on packing the same items on the general packing lists. Extra items are not necessary due to the access to laundry facilities (an opportunity not available to other camp sessions), so please remember to have your camper bring laundry detergent! A packing list will be included with the welcome letter from the program mentors. Outdoor Skills & Adventure campers have a more detailed packing list.
How will my child maintain their medication schedule?

When checking into camp, all medications with their forms will be turned into the Health Center Coordinator. A schedule is created for each camper for when medications are to be dispensed, and a log is kept in order to track each medication given to your child.
Does MountainCamp provide transportation to and from camp?

You can review our directions page if you need assistance getting here. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to transport their camper to camp.
How many campers live in each cabin?

There are no more than 4-7 youth per cabin with 1-2 conselors.
Where do the counselors sleep at night?

One or two counselors sleep in the cabin with the youth, however they do have their own room.
What happens if my child gets sick while at camp?

MountainCamp has medical staff on duty. The MountainCamp Director or the medical staff will contact parents/guardians if any concerns arise. Please see our more detailed COVID FAQs for specific information.
How will my child maintain their medication schedule?

When checking into camp, all medications and forms will be turned into the Health Care Coordinator. A schedule is created for each camper for when medications are to be dispensed, and a log is kept in order to track each medication given to your child.
What if my child needs medications other than prescribed meds while at camp?

When filling out the registration information you will be asked specific medical questions including what over-the-counter meds can be given to your child. If needed, the camper will be permitted to receive the medication for a specific condition – however, we will ONLY give that medication if it is checked off on the medical questionnaire sheet or if it is left for the camper at check-in.
How do you deal with a homesick child?

Homesickness is a common “ailment” for youth in general – not just at camp! We take homesickness seriously: All camp staff are trained to respond appropriately to homesick youth, and are required to keep the camp leadership informed. If homesickness persists, parents are contacted in order to be kept informed and can often provide staff with ideas about how to make the experience more fulfilling for the child. Having the camper call home is NOT the first option for treating homesickness because this has the tendency to make the situation more difficult for the child.
What if there is a family emergency – how do we contact our child?

In the case of a true emergency, contact The Mountain Guest Services Office during the day (or the emergency on-call number at night). Staff will alert Camp Leadership, and we will make the arrangements for your child to contact you as soon as possible. Please give us as much information as you can so that we can help your child understand the nature of the emergency. We want to support you and your child as you deal with your emergency situation.
Will my child be permitted to call home while at camp?

Not generally. Camp is intended to be a time away from home for the camper, and it is our preference that modern technology does not trespass on this experience. However, we do occasionally have campers call home under specific circumstances (family emergencies, etc.). Camp Leadership staff will work directly with your child to make these arrangements if the situation arises. We do encourage campers to write letters! When parents/guardians provide self addressed envelopes for the campers, they feel like they have the tools to stay connected.
May I come visit my child when they are at camp?

While we understand that you might want to see your child, we do not offer parental visiting days during MountainCamp. This is a wonderful time for your child to be fully immersed in the camp community experience.
Do I have the ability to contact or visit my child participating in the ASCENDER or CIT (Counselor-in-Training) program?

While participating in the program, the ASCENDER’s and CIT’s can make phone calls at certain times of the day. Although the CIT’s and ASCENDER’s are here for an extended amount of time, visits from family and friends are not encouraged. The daily schedules for these programs are extremely full and when family/friends come up, the youth generally end up missing parts of their program.
Where do I send letters and care packages to my child?

The main address for sending letters is: Child’s Name and Cabin # MountainCamp P.O. Box 1299 Highlands, NC 28741-1299 For sending packages, the services that deliver directly to The Mountain are UPS, Fed Ex, and DHL. PLEASE DO NOT SEND FOOD Please send packages to the street address of: Child’s Name MountainCamp 3872 Dillard Rd. Highlands, NC 28741 Please make sure that you include your child’s name, and, if possible, cabin number and session. Do not rely on “overnight” delivery options – small town postal services generally end up receiving those deliveries within 2 days time. It takes approximately 4 days for mail to reach The Mountain so plan ahead when sending mail!!
How will my child be supervised during daily and evening activities?

MountainCamp is proud to maintain a four-to-one camper-to-counselor ratio for most activities and in the cabins. All activities are supervised by staff to assure the safety of every camper. When free time options are offered for our Senior High Campers, they are still required to be in spaces with counselors.
What kind of activities will my child be involved in and how do they choose them?

One of the unique aspects of MountainCamp is that each camper has the opportunity to choose some of his/her activities each day. During Intermediate, Elementary and Senior High camps, there are “activity sign-up days” at the beginning of each week. In “lottery” fashion, cabins draw a number for the order for sign-up (the next week the order is flip-flopped). The campers will then sign up for a variety of activities – off-Mountain trips, workshops, arts & crafts, etc., are a part of the multiple options available. These change every year to give returning campers new experiences. Look below for examples of trips and activities offered in the past. Rafting (Intermediate & Senior High) International Field Games – High Ropes Course (Intermediate & Senior High) Hiking Beginning Knitting Gardening X-treme Knitting Potholes Rockslide Environmental Ethics – Anti-prejudice Cooking Over a Campfire Gender Issues Conversations – “Gross” Fun Edible & Medicinal Plants Team Building activities Service projects Boating on the lake
What do I need to know about camp check-in and pick-up days?

Check-in On Arrival Day is from 1:15pm-3:15pm. If you cannot be here between those specified times, please inform The Mountain as soon as possible. Check-out on Departure Day is from 10:00am-Noon. There will be signs directing you to the check-out station. Individuals picking up campers are required to present photo ID and their name must appear on the check-out card that is filled out at check-in in order for the camper to be released from Mountain custody. If for any reason you cannot arrive by noon, you must let the Guest Services Office know – you may be charged for extra supervision for your child if you arrive late. If you are unable to drop off or pick up your camper on the camp starting or ending date, you must make your own arrangements for your child’s supervision. The Mountain can only take responsibility for those staying for more than one session. Lunch is available for parents/guardians and non-campers for $8.00 (plus tax) per person. MountainCamp campers eat for free!
Why is the left-over camper bank money not refunded to my child?

Camper Bank money not spent is directly deposited into the Campership Fund – it’s a great way for your child to make a contribution so that other campers can attend camp in the future. If your child is staying for more than one camp, money not spent during the first camp will be rolled over to the next session. Please note: campers are given the option of NOT depositing their money into the camper bank. However, The Mountain cannot take responsibility if that money is lost.
How can my child apply for the ASCENDER or CIT program?

The applications for the programs are online through The Mountain’s registration website. Applications and references must be received by March 15th in order to be considered for the program.
What kinds of discounts are available on payments?

10% discount for attending multiple sessions 5% Family Discounts off the second sibling registered 10% off the third the third sibling registered
Still not finding answers to your question?

Please Contact Us if you need further information!