2024 UU Young Adult Con
2024-05-30 08:00 - 2024-06-02 17:00 (America/New_York)
Young Adult CONs at The Mountain are back!
May 30 – June 2, 2024
Our theme will be CONstructing community. There will be various group activities run by young adults for young adults to foster community building, spiritual growth, YA empowerment, and so much more! The con will be open to young adults ages 18-35, and there will be workshops exclusive to emerging adults (ages 18-25).
Activities
CONstructing Community will provide a vast array of workshops with themes including (but not limited to):
Real construction projects
Outdoor recreation (hiking, bushcraft, water activities, etc.)
Building with LEGOs
Building young adult networks
Social justice and activism
Self-actualization
Speed-friending
All workshops are optional so folks can take time to relax and recharge during the weekend. We hope to create a safe space for Unitarian Universalist young adults to build lasting friendships that will extend beyond the Mountain. We will work together to construct our own identity toolkits for young adulthood!
When
Program: May 30 – June 2, 2024
Registration Deadline: May 16, 2024
Registration open now!
Registration
Adult 4 days / 3 nights, Thursday – Sunday: $300 ($50 deposit)
​
Adult 3 days / 2 nights, Friday – Sunday: $225 ($50 deposit)
Scholarships
Do you want to attend the CON but can’t pay the full price? Email Guest Services at gsoffice@themountainrlc.org to apply for a scholarship!
​
Want to help someone attend the CON? During registration, select a Scholarship Program Add-On to make a donation!

Birmingham UU: 2024 Retreat to the Mountains
2024-06-06 08:00 - 2024-07-09 17:00
Members of UU Churches of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa gather for their annual Retreat to The Mountain this Summer!
June 6 – 9, 2024
Join us at the beautiful Mountain Retreat and Learning Center for our annual church retreat. We will have workshops, small and large gatherings, and activities for all ages in the scenic and peaceful mountains. If you’re a member or friend of UUCB and/or UUCT and you’d like to attend, we’d love to see you!
When
Program: June 6 – 9, 2024
Registration Opens: Now
Registration Deadline: May 23, 2024
Registration
Registration open to UUCB & UUCT members, friends, and invited guests
​
Registration Fee includes
Lodging
Meals
Use of assigned facilities
Participation in program activities
Adult: 18+; Youth: 12 – 17; Children: 4 – 11; Toddler: 0 – 3:
Youth and Children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
Youth and Children are lodged with an accompanying registered parent/guardian
3 Days / 2 Nights Package​
Adult Double Occupancy: $240 per person
Adult Single Occupancy: $380 per person (Limited Availability)
Youth (12-17): $140 per person
Children (4-11): $110 per person
Toddler (0-3) – Free
Thursday Night Stayover (Includes meals)
Adult Double Occupancy: $120 per person
Adult Single Occupancy: $190 per person (Limited Availability)
Youth (12-17): $70 per person
Children (4-11): $65 per person
Toddler (0-3) – Free

June 8th Forest to Table Dinner
2024-06-08 16:00 - 20:00
About the Event
Forest to Table Dinners – Approx 2 hours of walking/standing and 2-hour dinner – BYOB.
What to Bring:
water, comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of choice.
Come reap the best of the June harvest with a delicious dinner sourced from The Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. We partner with other local, cemical-free, regenerative farm neighbors . The theme for today’s dinner is “Water Retention Strategies for Farms and Homes”

The tour will begin by walking through the different parts of our farm and harvesting some ingredients for your dinner in our vegtable fields. We will then forage for a few wild edibles on our Food Forest paths. We begin by exploring the seasonal delicacies found in the wild as well as in our farm fields, understanding how to identify and prepare these wild treats.
Shortly afterwards guests can taste much of what they found during the foray in a rustic 5-course Forest-to-Table meal harvested and prepared by our very own farmer-chefs. Live music will begin and conclude the evening
During dinner guests will have the opportunity to chat with farm staff about farm happenings and browse the many handcrafted products we prepare and sell at nearby markets. Bring cash or card if you would like to purchase gifts.
All proceeds from the dinners support the operation of Many Hands Peace Farm, which serves as a fundamental piece to The Mountain’s overall commitment to sustainability and ethical land stewardship.

Dietary Concerns:
All meals are chemical-free, nut-free and allergy-specific food accommodations are available. You must let us know when you register so we can plan accordingly. GF, Vegan, dairy-free options are available.
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.
Questions? Contact our Farm Manager
Jessica.kirslis@themountainrlc.org

John McCutcheon's Songwriting Camp June 23-27
2024-06-23 - 2024-06-27
Join Grammy-nominated folk musician and songwriter, John McCutcheon, for an intense, intimate songwriting Master Class at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center in Highlands, NC.
Join other songwriting lovers for this remarkable event at an even more remarkable place. In between sessions enjoy breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, healthy, delicious homemade food, and camaraderie.

Intro to Herbalism - June 29th
2024-06-29 14:00 - 17:00
Learn how to identify and wild forage medicinal plants!
About the Event
Intro to Herbalism Workshop- Thursday, June 29th from 2 pm-5 pm
Identify and wild forage medicinal plants in the Appalachian mountains. Learn to make medicine and cultivate highly medicinal herbs in your garden. Make and take home herbal salves, tinctures, oils, honey, syrups, teas, and poultices.
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

Wild Foraging Workshop - July 6
2024-07-06 14:00 - 18:00
Learn how to identify and wild forage plants and mushrooms.
About the Event
Wild Foraging Workshop- Saturday, July 6th from 2pm-6pm
This workshop includes a 3-4 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify, and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of your’s! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically, and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushroom propagation techniques and show you some simple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

NC Baroque Orchestra Retreat
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-26
The North Carolina Baroque Orchestra (NCBO) is looking forward to working with artistic director Frances Blaker at their upcoming Orchestra Building Retreat at The Mountain Retreat Center July 22-26, 2024! NCBO appreciates the opportunity to explore their musical creativity in the peaceful environment provided by The Mountain. The orchestra will end their week of work together by offering a performance for members of the Highlands community (free and open to the public) on the evening of Thursday, July 25th. Venue TBD.

Wild Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop Aug 3
2024-08-03 14:00 - 17:00
About the Event
Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop- Saturday, August 3rd from 2pm-5pm
This workshop includes a 2-3 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify, and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of your’s! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically, and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushroom propagation techniques and show you some simple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

Adult Farm Camp
2024-08-19 - 2024-08-23
Roll up your sleeves and experience the joy of farm life firsthand during this thoroughly unique 4-day retreat. From planting seeds to harvesting crops, you’ll gain practical skills and a deeper appreciation for the sustainable practices that fuel our farm-to-fork philosophy. We will explore wild edible plant and mushroom foraging, create medicinal products from our own ingredients, learn how to propagate and cook with local produce, and more!
If you would like to be a featured educator for our non-profit mission regarding sustainable and inclusive visions for humanity, please email our farm manager, Raileigh Duschen at farm@themountainrlc.org.
When
Program: August 19 – 23, 2024
Registration deadline: August 18, 2024
Featuring
Farm/Foraging Tours
Workshops
Time in Nature
Working with our livestock
Planting and Harvesting
Arts, Crafts, and Games
See full schedule below.
We are keenly aware that modern society and our reliance on technology and media keep most people at a distance from their food sources. There is a diminishing awareness of the importance of our region’s agricultural significance and history. We are eager to provide a fun farm experience to address this need.
Campers will learn where their food comes from and how to evaluate their relationships with food through enriching experiences of planting seeds and starts, growing gourmet mushrooms with paper waste products, crafting herbal salves and tincture, and learning what is required to care for a lively coop of chickens and ducks.
Spending much time outside experiencing our natural surroundings with on- and off-site field trips, they will learn about wild plants, mushrooms, and other wildlife indigenous to the Highlands area.
In addition to learning about farming as a lifestyle, campers will learn about the business side of community agriculture by participating at our local farmers market.
Our goal is for this program to immerse campers in the world of farming and foraging.
​Please be sure to bring boots, outdoor gear, and a rain jacket. If you have any food or non-food allergies (like insects), please email gsoffice@themountainrlc.org at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.
Program Fees
Overnight Rate – $800/person – Includes lodging, meals, programming, and a t-shirt
​Commuter Rate – $450/person – Includes meals, programming, and a t-shirt – NO Lodging
​In our registration system you’ll find:
“Church Retreats” | “MountainCamp” | “Other Retreats” | “Youth CONs” | “Farm Camp”
Select “Farm Camp”, then select your “2024 Adult Farm Camp” package.
Click here to register.

Monday:
8am – 9 am
farm breakfast
10am-12pm
Mountain foraged tea-making by Riley Dungjen-Gibb
1pm – 2pm
Farm lunch
A taste of local highlands by Gabe Murray
3pm – 5pm
Medicinal tincture making by Candace Anthony
6pm
Farm dinner
Tuesday:
8am-9am
farm breakfast
10am – 12pm
Permaculture: soil, forest, and meadow managment by Canty Worley
1pm – 2pm
farm lunch
Homestead cooking 101 by Raileigh Duschen
3pm – 5pm
Get inspired: the multi-purposes of seed-saving by Ryli Dungjen-Gibb
6pm
farm dinner
Wednesday:
8am-9am
farm breakfast
10am-12pm
Planning and water resources – beginning with the end in mind by Beth Gabbett
1pm – 2pm
farm lunch
Farm-to-Table Business 101 by Gabe Murray
3pm -5pm
Perpetual salad greens: the year-round farmer by Canty Worley
6pm
farm dinner
Thursday:
8am – 9am
farm breakfast
10am – 12pm
Get growing – perennials, annuals, and propagation by Beth Gabbett
1pm- 2pm
farm lunch
Homestead cooking 102 by Raileigh Duschen
3pm – 5pm
Appalachian medicinal salve-making by Candance Anthony
6pm
farm dinner
Friday:
8am -9am
farm breakfast
10am-12pm
Dairy goats and their role on the farm by Canty Worley
1pm-2pm
farm lunch
Farm to table business 102 by Gabe Murray
3pm -5pm
Pressed + dried flower art by Beth Gabbett
6pm
Farm dinner and community talent
Hope to see you around!
Peace and gratitude,
Raileigh Duschen

Wild Mushroom ID & Foraging Workshop Aug 24
2024-08-24 14:00 - 17:00
About the Event
Mushroom ID and Foraging Workshop – Saturday, August 24th from 2pm-5pm
This workshop includes a 2-3 hour walk in the forest while we discover, properly identify, and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of yours! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically, and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will go over several outdoor mushroom propagation techniques and show you some simple wild mushroom cooking techniques that we all will sample!
What to bring: water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather. EPI pen if you are allergic to bees
The only animals allowed on the top of the Mountain are registered service dogs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Rain Policy:
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy:
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP. For both options we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event or receive your money back.

Farm Fest
2024-09-01 10:00 - 17:00 | The Many Hands Peace Farm
Join the Many Hands Peace Farm on Sunday, September 1st for a day of family-focused fun and educational workshops on sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. Enjoy fresh tasty treats from our local farming community, live bands, and engaging programs to inspire you and your family to build and cultivate your home garden and kitchen traditions, stories, and legacies.
Make a weekend out of it and book a stay in one of our cabins! It’s a great way to enjoy Farm Fest and spend time exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you are interested in being a premier workshop leader, vendor, or visiting artist, please email our farm manager Raileigh Duschen at farm@themountainrlc.org.

Registration Info:

Where: The Many Hands Peace Farm
When: Sunday, September 1st, 2024 10AM-5PM
Cost: $30 per Adult, $20 per Child 7-17, Free for Children Under 7
Optional overnight stays are available for $70 per person, per night (No Meals)

Schedule:

10am:
Forest Garden Tour and Bioregional Agroforestry
Seed Discovery Table!

11am:
Sound Bath Journey and Mindful Movement
Natural Bouquet Making

12pm:
Dairy Goats for the Home, Farm, and Forest
How to Make Butter!

1pm:
Tea-Foraging and Ceremony
Farm Scavenger Hunt

2pm:
How to Prep a Garden by Hand
What is it?? Garden Tasting Contest

3pm
Plant Walk: Herbs of the Field and How to Use Them
Nature- Inspired Poetry Writing (Digital flyer coming next)
Hosted by Danu Macon, Tiffany Torres, Raileigh Duschen, Ryli- Dungjen-Gibb, Gabe Murray, Wally Graeber, Canty Worley, Candace Anthony, and Justin Ellis

Click Here to Register

The Wedding of Alex and Mike
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-15
Join us in September for a summer-camp-style celebration in the mountains of North Carolina.

Wild Mushroom ID & Foraging Workshop
2024-09-21 14:00 - 17:00
Join The Mountain’s mushroom expert Shelly Hall, Saturday Saturday, September 21st for an amazing foraging expedition through our old growth forest. Discover the fascinating world of mycology, learn to identify local mushrooms, and learn some amazing recipes!
• 3–4-hour foraging adventure in our old growth forest
• Discover the ecological benefits of mushrooms
• Deepen your connection to nature with a forest bath
• Learn to identify local edible fungi such as reishi, lion’s mane, chicken of the woods, chanterelles, and more.

Common Ground Film Screening
2025-02-21
Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.
When
Friday 2/21/25
3pm – Arrival, Welcome and Introduction to The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center
3-4pm – Tour of The Mountain’s campus and news about coming programs
4pm – Great Room opens for screening, popcorn and flavored water available
(Mtn Staff and Board present to chat and promo with attendees)
4:15pm – Welcome Addresses introductions from The Mtn and HCLT Staff
4:15pm – 6pm – Common Ground Film Screening
6-6:30pm – Community Discussion, Q&A and gratitude
6:30pm – Adjourn

Tickets available at the door, no advance purchase necessary
Pay what you can, sliding scale admission to film screening and contribution to The Mountain RLC and Many Hands Peace Farm
$5 – $19 : General Admission
$20 – $49 : Budding Philanthropist
$50+ : Mountain Member! with a donation of $50 or more you can join or renew your connection to our community
$100+ : Advocate and Ally. The Mountain and MHPF exist because of the generous gifts of many. Your gifts to the Annual Fund help keep our program costs affordable for all the retreat guests, congregations, community groups, and camper families who come to this special place.

UU Asheville Volunteer Weekend
2025-02-28 - 2025-03-02
Join us as we work together to spruce up our Mountain facilities, renew connections and make new ones!
When
Dates: Feb 28th – March 2nd, 2025
Registration deadline: Valentine’s Day (Feb 14th, 2025)
Registration: Now open!

Volunteer work will be outdoors, so please bring weather-appropriate clothing.
First meal is Friday dinner at 6pm
BYOB and snacks for a communal social hour in the Lodge Great Room at 5pm on Saturday
Campfire on Saturday night, weather permitting.
Last meal is Sunday breakfast, followed by cleaning out your room and then volunteer hours that morning, before going home.

Registration
Each Volunteer must be registered.
Volunteers agree to work 7 hours on Saturday (9-12 + 1-5) and 2.5 hours on Sunday (9:30-12).
If you are not planning to serve these volunteer hours then please pay the Personal Retreat rate instead.
Registration fee is to cover cost of food.
Volunteer (All Ages) – $50.00

Personal Retreats Available:
Adult Double Occupancy – $240
Adult Single Occupancy – $380
Youth, Ages 12-17 – $140
Youth Ages 4-11 – $110
Ages 3 & Under – Free

Click Here to Register
In our Registration System, choose “Church Retreats” and look for “2025 UU Asheville Volunteer Weekend”

NDPC Men's Retreat
2025-03-14 - 2025-03-16
North Decatur Presbyterian is an inter-generational Christian community that worships, learns, and serves together. Children and adults sing, read Scripture, grow as disciples of Jesus, explore theological mysteries, expand our faith, engage in activism for justice, and love one another.

Pricing includes 3-Day/2-Night Stay, Lodging and 6 Meals
Adult Double Occupancy (Shared Room): $260.00
Adult Single Occupancy (Private Room, Limited Availability): $400.00
Commuter (Programming & Meals): $90 per day

Registration is Open!
Register Here
Deadline to register is March 9th, 2025.
If you have questions on the retreat, please let us know or contact Kip Duchon: gkduchon@gmail.com

NDPC Women's Retreat
2025-03-28 - 2025-03-30
North Decatur Presbyterian is an inter-generational Christian community that worships, learns, and serves together. Children and adults sing, read Scripture, grow as disciples of Jesus, explore theological mysteries, expand our faith, engage in activism for justice, and love one another.

Men's Recovery Retreat
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-06
This retreat is a Private Event.

UU Church of Spartanburg's Annual Retreat
2025-04-25 - 2025-04-27
The annual retreat for the UU Church of Spartanburg.

Registration is now open!
Adult Double Occupancy (Shared Room:) $250
Adult Single Occupancy (Private Room:) $390
Youth 12-17: $150
Youth 4-11: $120
Toddler 0-3: Free

Adult Commuter (Saturday Only:) $65
Youth Commuter 12-17: $50
Youth Commuter 4-11: $25
Click here to register.
In our Registration, select “Church Retreats” to find available options!

UU Chapel Hill Annual Retreat
2025-05-29 - 2025-05-31
The annual retreat for the Community Church of Chapel Hill.
Registration
We are now accepting registrations!
Registration deadline: May 15, 2025
Cost
Adult Double Occupancy: $240
Adult Single Occupancy (limited availability): $380
Click Here to Register

Farm Event: Wild Foraged - Herbal Salves
2025-05-30 13:00 - 16:00
Please join us for this hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify and sustainably forage your own herbs, learn to infuse and blend oils and combine them into a deeply nourishing, healing salve. Whether you are new to natural remedies or simply interested in self care, this is a skill you will be grateful for. You will even leave with a completed salve made by YOU and customized to the care you need!

Learn to identify wild medicinal herbs and their uses
Learn to sustainably forage and harvest these herbs
Learn the steps needed to infuse oils at home
Learn the ingredients necessary
Customize your own nourishing salve

Rain Policy
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP by emailing farm@themountainrlc.org. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event.

Memory Cult Photography Retreat
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-04
MEMORY CULT is a global online photography community founded in 2022 by American photographer and writer Anastasia Pagonas. Centered on vital ideas, creative friendship and mutual obsession in photography, we are a subscription-based education platform for women photographers worldwide.
Our retreat welcomes 20 photographers from all over the globe to eat, work, read, meditate, rest and create together. Our retreat is highly photo-centric, inviting participants to bring work to present in the form of a photo book and as many cameras and film as our hearts desire.
Most of our members are full-time caregivers to children, family members or parents. This retreat is our chance to both commune and have respite. We look forward to photographing and being photographed, morning coffee, afternoon swims, incredible meals from The Mountain’s on-site gardens, late night fires, sleeping in and making supportive creative connections to last a lifetime.
Learn more about MEMORY CULT at www.memorycult.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/wearememorycult

Farm Event: Wild Foraging
2025-06-13 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-11 13:00 - 16:00
Would you like to re-awaken to the presence and gifts of the wild food and medicine growing all around you? Please come along as we emerge into our old growth forest and learn what nature has to offer. Here we will learn of the legends and lore of these Appalachia natives, how they have historically been consumed, how to sustainably harvest and how to prepare them safely. Lastly, we will enjoy a wild foraged herbal tea and give our gratitude for nature and the nourishment that it provides.

Learn to identify edible and medicinal plants, herbs, berries, nuts and mushrooms.
Learn about the life cycle and how to sustainably forage these wild edibles
Learn how they have historically been consumed
Learn how to prepare them safely
Learn their uses and the legends behind these nutritional powerhouses

Rain Policy
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP by emailing farm@themountainrlc.org. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event.

“I Shine!” Inner Fire Retreat
2025-06-19 15:00 - 2025-06-22 14:00
Light your soul on fire in this first of its kind experiential adventure. Retreat to the Blue Ridge Mountains, lose yourself in the Nantahala National Forest, and meet your inner truth. Spend three nights cracking yourself open, nurturing the soul, and allowing your inner light to shine powerfully through solitary communication with nature and heartfelt connection in group ceremony.
At the top of Little Scaly Mountain we’ll greet the sun on Meditation Rock before committing ourselves to deep healing work, the sweat bath experience, and overcoming fear through firewalking. After shedding all limitations, unlock your soul by claiming the source of your inner power, igniting your heart with the love of Mama Cacao, and receiving the medicine of Grandfather Fire during emotional processing in a group setting. All of these intentional rites are lightened with wild drum circles, Luminous Warrior ceremonial paint, and Sacred Sound Healing.
The final evening of the retreat will take place around a blessed fire where the Spirit of the Mountain will be channeled to share wisdom and answer your burning questions. Each attendee will get the opportunity to receive an intimate energetic blessing from The Spirit of The Mountain as we honor the ancient energies of the Eastern Continental Divide and how its ever shifting landscape reflects our own spiritual evolution. Let this profound encounter be the next step in your journey back to the deepest parts of you. Welcome Home!
More Information Coming Soon!

Farm Event: Mushroom Identification
2025-06-27 13:00 - 16:00
Let’s get wild on a 3 hour walk in the old growth forest while we discover, properly identify and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of yours! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will show you some simple wild mushroom uses and cooking techniques that we all will sample!

Learn to identify choice edible and medicinal mushrooms
Learn to identify the common toxic look alikes
Learn approved forage areas and where not to forage
Learn proper handling and storage techniques
Learn the variety of ways mushroom benefit the forest and their ecological role
Learn preservation and preparation techniques
Learn the BIG 5 functional mushrooms and what they can do for you
Leave with a few wild recipes

Rain Policy
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP by emailing farm@themountainrlc.org. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event.

Farm Event: Mushroom Identification
2025-07-25 13:00 - 16:00
Let’s get wild on a 3 hour walk in the old growth forest while we discover, properly identify and discuss foraging for wild edible and medicinal mushrooms. We cover the basics to get you started on what could become a lifelong passion and hobby of yours! We discuss prime habitats where specific mushrooms occur, why and what mushrooms do ecologically and a thorough discussion on safety precautions as well as practical harvesting/preservation techniques. Lastly, we will show you some simple wild mushroom uses and cooking techniques that we all will sample! Learn to identify choice edible and medicinal mushrooms
Learn to identify the common toxic look alikes.

Learn approved forage areas and where not to forage
Learn proper handling and storage techniques
Learn the variety of ways mushroom benefit the forest and their ecological role
Learn preservation and preparation techniques
Learn the BIG 5 functional mushrooms and what they can do for you
Leave with a few wild recipes

Rain Policy
All of our events have indoor rain plans as backups in case of adverse weather. Please dress accordingly and bring rain gear if the forecast looks to be really wet!
Refund Policy
If you must cancel your reservation to one of our events then please let us know, at the latest, 48 hours before the scheduled time. If an unexpected emergency occurs then please let us know ASAP by emailing farm@themountainrlc.org. For both options, we can offer you the opportunity to attend a future event.

2025 Muldoon Family Camp
2025-08-04 - 2025-08-13
We’re a group of friends and family scattered across the country. To celebrate many of us turning 40 this year, we’re hosting a homemade summer camp for our favorite people, across the generations. Thanks to The Mountain for blessing us with an absolutely perfect venue.
Registration
Registration is now open!
Registration deadline: July 21, 2025
Adult Double Occupancy: $130 per person per night
Adult Bunkhouse: $110 per person per night
Adult Single Occupancy: $200 per person per night
Youth 12-17: $80 per person per night
Child 4-11: $65 per person per night
Toddler 0-3: Free
Click Here to Register!
Select “Other Retreats”, then “2025 Muldoon Family Camp”.

Elemental Alignment Retreat
2025-08-15 - 2025-08-17
Awaken the Elements Within
Join us for a sacred weekend in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains, where nature, movement, and spirit converge for deep healing and remembrance. Through the five elements – Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Ether – You’ll reconnect with inner rhythms and restore harmony within.
Retreat Offerings:

5 Elements Yoga
Tai Chi & Elemental Breathwork
Reiki Healing & Circle Work
Crystal Sound Bath Journeys
Shamanic Medicine Wheel
Ceremony & Labyrinth Experience
Somatic Ancestral Healing
Shamanic Fire Ceremony

For more details and to register, visit www.exhalelakeoconee.com
Questions? Call or text 706-818-1725

UUCA Board Retreat
2025-08-15 - 2025-08-17
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Atlanta’s annual board meeting.
Click Here to Register!
