The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc

Spring Retreat: Rise Up Rooted, A Women's Retreat
2026-04-16 - 2026-04-19
As spring emerges, the creative potential of new beginnings and possibilities awakens within us. We will, as eons of women before us have done, intentionally align with the energies of spring to anchor deeply into ourselves. Together, we will unfurl from the stagnation of winter and rise up to embody the fullest expression of ourselves and create the foundation to bring our passions to fruition this year. As part of our journey together, we will reclaim and nurture parts of ourselves that have not been tended to or have been forgotten with the passage of time. It is a time to remember, reclaim, celebrate, and heal.
Within the sacred space of ceremony, you will be supported to release old patterns that have caused you to feel stuck. Through masterfully curated yoga, somatic, energy medicine, mindfulness, and nature practices, you will reclaim your center and restore flow to experience more abundant energy and vitality to thrive where you are planted.
As part of this experience, you will learn strategies for integrating the retreat experience into your everyday life for continued healing and transformation. To rise up rooted is a journey, and with this extended retreat, you will be taken through a journey of reclamation—which is the medicine of spring.
Click here to learn more and register.

Holy Trinity Parish Women's Retreat
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-19
The inaugural retreat for the Holy Trinity Parish Women’s Retreat!
When
Retreat dates: April 17 – 19, 2026
Registration status: Now open!
Registration deadline: April 3, 2026
Fee
Double Occupancy (sharing a room) – $270 per person
Single Occupancy (by yourself, with Ellen’s permission) – $410 person
How to Register

Go to The Mountain’s website
Click on Registration Portal in the top right
Create an account
Complete your personal profile and register for a retreat
Under “Program Classifications” select CHURCH RETREATS
Find and select your retreat
Specify dietary needs, housing options and mobility needs
Specify roommate options. If this is left empty one will be assigned to you
Submit payment. Your spot is not secured until payment has been submitted.

Farm Event: Earth Day Celebration
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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.

UUWomenspirit Spring 2026: Be Where Your Feet Are
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-26
UUWomenspirit Spring 2026: Be Where Your Feet Are
April 22 — April 26
This spring, we return to Little Scaly Mountain — a place of ancient stones, rushing water, and deep-rooted presence. Our theme, Be Where Your Feet Are, invites us to reconnect with the natural world, the Feminine Divine, and the grounding wisdom of the land.
What to expect:
· Workshops in poetry, sound healing, birding, creative arts, movement, and more
· A retreat aligned with Earth Day, honoring our relationship with the planet
· Sacred circle, community, laughter, reflection, and renewal
· Beautiful mountain vistas, forest paths, and quiet spaces for restoration
UUWomenspirit has gathered women in sacred circle since 1987, celebrating Earth-centered spirituality and the Feminine Divine. All women are warmly welcomed.
We can’t wait to greet you on the Mountain.
Click Here to Learn More and Register!

Farm Event: Nurture with Nature - Wild Foraged Herbal Salve Making
2026-04-25 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.

The Highlands Retreat
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03
The Highlands Retreat is an annual weekend-long gathering of the LGBTQIA+ community and their friends celebrating recovery and those interested in finding out what recovery has to offer.
The Retreat offers the perfect blend of workshops and activities as well as an opportunity to meet and fellowship with others in recovery from different parts of the country.
The Highlands Retreat Website
Registration
Retreat dates: May 1 – 3, 2026
Registration status: Now open!
Registration deadline: April 27, 2026 at 12pm
Fees
Double Occupancy: $270 + tax
Single Occupancy (limited availability): $410 + tax
Tent Camping/Commuting: $120 + tax
All participants must pay a REQUIRED $45 program fee.
Click Here to Register!
In our registration system, select “Other Retreats” then your “2026 The Highlands Retreat” package.

Farm Event: Community Meet and Greet
2026-05-02 13:00 - 16:00

Global Firewalk Gathering
2026-05-07 - 2026-05-10
9th International Firewalk Gathering
The 2026 Gathering: Americas Edition
Celebrating Family & Kinship
More Information and Registration

Spring GSV Retreat
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17
Check back in 2026 for more information!
Gay Spirit Visions Website

Homecoming
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-25
Join us for our 46th Annual Gathering of Members and Friends.
We will gather for three days of in the extraordinary natural environment of The Mountain, renewing old connections and making new ones! Along with wonderful workshops, entertainment and our Annual meeting, we will speak of current projects and possibilities for the future.
What to Expect
Updates and tours of Mountain programs and facilities.
Capital Campaign: Roots and Wings​
Other Activities
Annual Meeting
Endowment Dessert Reception
Memorial Service
Worship Service
Hikes on Mountain trails
Gathering on the deck to enjoy Blue Valley, watching birds floating on the air currents as we enjoy conversation with previous and new friends.
Click Here for the Homecoming Schedule!
When
Program: May 22 – 25, 2026
Registration status: Now open!
Registration Deadline: May 8, 2026
Fees
Adult Double Occupancy: $130/person/night
Adult Single Occupancy (subject to limited capacity): $200/person/night
Adult Bunkhouse: $110/person/night
Youth 12-17: $85/person/night
Child 4-11: $65/person/night
Toddler 0-3: Free
Commuter: $60/person/night
Register Here!
In our registration portal, choose “Other Retreats”

Farm Event: Forage and Feast
2026-05-23 13:00 - 16:00
Come roam the edges of the mountain meadow and old growth forest for delicious, nutritious wild plants and mushrooms. Here we will learn the skills to identify and sustainably forage these wild foods. We will learn of the traditional uses and legends behind these natives. Then join us at a table outside on the farm and allow us to prepare these nutritional powerhouse foods for you. During this demonstration you will establish proper preparation and cooking techniques and will even leave with a few recipes. Taste, discover, connect and be with nature.

BYOB possible
Learn to identify wild edibles and their toxic lookalikes
Learn to sustainability forage and harvest wild edibles
Learn traditional uses
Learn Appalachian legends and lore
Learn how to prepare your harvest
Learn traditional and modern cooking techniques
Leave with nutritional 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.

Journey Through Grief with Grace
2026-05-27 - 2026-06-01
Dates: Arrive by 5 pm on May 27, depart after breakfast on June 1, 2026
Location: The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, located up in the beautiful Smokey
Mountains near Highlands,NC.
Join us for a transformative 4-day retreat designed specifically for mothers who have experienced the profound loss of a child due to addiction, fentanyl poisoning, or issues related to mental health or suicide. This retreat offers a safe and nurturing environment to connect with other mothers who share similar experiences, and to explore pathways to loving connection with our children and renewal of our broken hearts. In order to assure an intimate and emotionally comforting container, we are limiting the number of participants to 16 women.
What previous attendees have shared:
The waterfall trip helped me to let go of my guilt with the water. So many things that Charlotte said and did. Life changing revelation provided by Charlotte was helping me to & “make friends with my grief”. This grief will be with me forever. I had never thought to make friends with it. This has been the greatest gift in helping with my pain and sadness.
The grief retreat was truly life-transforming. It helped me move from a place of anger to one of acceptance. Hearing feedback from other mothers who had also lost a child was deeply healing—because we shared the same experience, it was rooted in empathy, not sympathy. We laughed, we healed, and the ceremonies guided me through remembering, releasing, and renewing. My grief was reframed—from a space of lonely sadness and isolation to one of connection, bonding, and emotional freedom. . In everyday life, it can be difficult to talk about a child who has passed—people often don’t know what to say and can become uncomfortable. But at the retreat, the other moms truly listened. They welcomed stories and memories of our children with open hearts. Being able to share and be heard with genuine care meant so much to me.
Attending the Journey through Grace retreat was cathartic. It was absolutely the best thing I have done for myself since the passing of my son. It would be wonderful to live life everyday the way I lived those six days at the retreat. If this becomes an annual event, I will be there.
The Journey through Grief with Grace retreat is a must attend for anyone experiencing the debilitating and overwhelming sadness of losing a child. Being surrounded by others who share the same loss is like being wrapped in a warm and comforting hug. Charlotte leads the group with kindnesss, strength , compassion and grace, herself. This retreat has changed the cycle of grieving that I was experiencing. I departed the retreat filled with hope for the future, with decreased guilt surrounding the loss of my son, and with a profound love for my sisters in grief.
The retreat was an amazing experience for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to find new ways to process my grief. I felt very connected with my daughter across the veil which brings me comfort particularly in the days when the sadness seems heavier. Being immersed nature felt energetic and healing. It was a honor to witness the vulnerability and be in the presence of such amazing women.
What to Expect:
Sacred Sharing Circles: Engage in heartfelt conversations with other mothers in a supportive and compassionate setting.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Participate in meaningful rituals and ceremonies that honor your child and support your healing journey.
Connection with your loved one: Community blessings and remembrance of our children will awaken and deepen your personal connection with your child across the veil.
Sound Bath: Experience the deep healing and restoration with tibetan bowls. A truly enriching and expansive soul bath.
Drumming Circle: Vibrational and somatic healing occurs when we rhythmically express our feelings with drums, rattles, dancing, and chanting. A group from Wayfarer’s Chapel in Dillard, Georgia will just us for a night of drumming on the full moon.
Creative awareness: Express your emotions and memories through creative art and writing experiences.
Mindfulness and Gentle Movement Practices: Learn mindfulness, meditations, and gentle movement techniques to cultivate presence, calm, and emotional resilience.
Healing with Nature: Honor the sacred grounds of these ancient mountains, meditate near lichen said to exceed 1000 years of growth, walk amidst the forest to open your heart to life.
Chakra Healing: Explore how your energetic body holds and transforms your grief into love.
Bonus Opportunities:
An introductory Zoom call will occur on May 13 at 7:00 pm Eastern time for all registered participants. The collective ‘circle of grace’ will begin forming at that time, as we each prepare for this transformative journey. The Zoom link will be made available once payment has been made in full.
Two virtual sessions will be offered by Charlotte following the retreat designed to support ‘re-entry’ into our daily lives, and to encourage ongoing practices to support our personal Grief with Grace journeys.
One on One Support:
Charlotte is available for one on one sessions following the retreat; participants will receive a ten percent discount off the price of the sessions.
Retreat Highlights
Nourishing Meals: Savor three healthy and delicious meals daily that support your well-being throughout the retreat. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
Lodging: The on-site lodge will be dedicated to our retreat, providing a nurturing space to connect, rest, and restore. The price of the retreat for five nights is based on shared lodging. Each room has at least two twin beds and a private bathroom. Mountain temperatures are typically mild and cool in the evening but can be a bit warmer mid afternoon.
About Charlotte Starfire:

Starfire is a mystic, a writer, public speaker, trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness and meditation practitioner, a ceremonialist, ritualist, workshop facilitator, spiritual intuitive guide, and grief educator. These lifelong skills have helped her navigate her deep grief after the loss of her son, Janaka Jaya, at age 37 from fentanyl poisoning after years of suffering from substance use
disorder.
Charlotte is focusing on supporting parents in grief through her work as a Group Leader in Love in The Trenches, as well as developing in-person wellness retreats for mothers seeking pathways to transform their painful grief into self- love and compassion. She recently retired from a career in international trade financing, and is currently writing several books and poetry with her beloved son as her ‘muse’ across the veil. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia along with her senior Corgi named Shambo, and her service dog, Emma, a golden doodle.
About Dori-Moreno:

Dori Moreno-Korn lost her daughter, Mia Justice, in March of 2022 at the age of 23. Mia battled with anxiety, an eating disorder, and eventually a substance use disorder. She sought recovery several times; however, after five years, she passed due to an accidental overdose.
In the three years since Mia passed, Dori has participated in and led grief support groups for parents with the same type of loss, fundraised for advocacy organizations and is finishing her David Kessler Grief Educator certification to provide support to anyone experiencing grief.
Mia was an artist and, therefore, in celebration of Mia’s life, Dori works to publish and share Mia’s art; a story of a young woman who despite substance use disorder lived with great passion and many loves.
At this retreat Dori would like to help us all celebrate and honor our child’s whole life and to speak their names while we heal our own hearts.
About Betsy Winter:

Betsy Winter has been teaching and providing services in the area of mind-body-spirit connection for over 30 years as a massage therapist (now retired), yoga instructor, meditation and vibrational (energy) and sound practitioner. In her career as a Developmental Specialist at a Children’s Hospital, she helped parents, children, and staff cope with stress, grief, and difficult life circumstances. These experiences and tools have assisted her as she navigates her own grief process since her son died 3 years ago. Betsy is registered with Yoga Alliance as a 200 hour E-RYT and a 500 hour RYT yoga instructor sharing Kali Natha Yoga, a lineage yoga taught by Ma Jaya.
Betsy’s career as a healing arts professional spans over three decades, primarily in the field of early child development and neonatal care. Other healing modalities include Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, and the use of the Himalayan Singing Bowls and tuning forks to help balance the body-mind and promote health and feelings of well-being. She started massage therapy programs for pediatric patients at 2 different children’s hospitals. She now chooses to focus on yoga because the skills learned in yoga are easily incorporated into everyday life and provide so many benefits. One can expect her classes to promote stress-reduction, enhanced selfcare, and greater strength and flexibility….and certainly a lighthearted and fun atmosphere.
A Special Event
Retreat participants will have a special treat one evening. A private sing along concert by Sweet Charity Playing It Forward. Uplifting music to soothe our hearts from songs we all know including Top 10 Soft Rock, Classic Rock, Folk and Country favorites.

Cost and Transportation
The cost of the retreat which includes 5 nights of shared lodging, a private bathroom, and three meals daily, plus an enriching learning and sharing curriculum is $1750. Private rooms may be available on a first come first available basis for an extra cost of $350.
Transportation costs and arrangements on your own. Shuttle service is available from the Asheville Airport and the Atlanta Airport. Asheville is closest, but there are more limited direct flights there. Participants will be supported in coordinating and sharing shuttle services.
Please reach out for financial assistance. We hope to have donations to offer limited discounts for those who are facing financial challenges to attend. If you are interested in assistance, please email Charlotte at Charlotte.Starfire@gmail.com.
Spaces are limited to 16 registrants ensure a deeply enriching experience. An initial non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration. Final payment is then due by April 30, unless specific arrangements are discussed and approved by Charlotte. Please register early to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you to this special retreat where you can find solace, strength, and a renewed sense of hope.
Contact Information: For more information, please contact Charlotte Starfire at 813-833-7776 or Charlotte.Starfire@gmail.com.
Click Here to Register!
When prompted, select “Other Retreat”, then 2026 Journey Through Grief With Grace.
Please consider ‘paying it forward’ to assist others with financial challenges to attend. Tax deductible donations to offset the cost of a mother’s attendance can be made directly to The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, a 501c3. Please consider a generous donation. When making a donation through PayPal, select “Starfire Scholarship Fund – Private” from the dropdown menu. PayPal charges a ~2.5% fee on your donation. If you want the full amount to go towards a scholarship, please mail a check to our PO Box and put in the description line that it’s for the Starfire retreat.

Performing Artists Retreat
2026-06-04 - 2026-06-07
This retreat is a Private Event.

Farm Event: Wild Foraging - Plants and Mushrooms
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-11 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.

Summer Lamrim Retreat with Geshe Ngawang Phende
2026-06-14 - 2026-06-19
This is a private retreat is not open to the public.

MountainCamp - Elementary
2026-06-14 - 2026-06-26
The Mountain’s Elementary Camp sessions offer an inviting, low-pressure entry point for children aged 9-11 to experience overnight camp. We emphasize games which teach young people to cooperate and mend fences with each other when conflict does come up. We also intentionally design our activities so that our young friends can learn new skills while having fun. Some of our offerings include:
Arts & crafts and creative expression activities, including pottery, nature sculpture, and poetry workshops;
Adventure experiences, including canoeing, hiking, and wilderness survival skills.
Agricultural and botanical adventures, including learning to identify edible and medicinal plants native to our region, harvesting and preparing (and eating!) produce from our farm, and learning about the fantastic variety of fungi present on the Mountain;
Athletic pursuits, including team sports, swimming at our waterfront, large group games such as capture the flag, and archery;
Self-exploration and social justice workshops, including body positivity, nonviolent communication skills, and thoughtful debates.
Price:

Supporter – $2,200
Traditional Cost – $1,930
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $1,665
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $990
Financial Assistance Level 3 – $495
Financial Assistance Level 4 – $0

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp
Click Here to Register!

MountainCamp - Counselors in Training (CITs)
2026-06-14 - 2026-07-24
Thank you for your interest in The Mountain’s CIT Program. The program is an exciting way to practice leadership abilities through trainings and direct experience to live in a community inspired by Unitarian Universalism with a close-knit group of peers, and to develop program design and implement a successful camp experience.
The program is for rising 12th graders, and will include the following components:

Small group dynamics – Participants will experience and learn about working with small groups. Working with the same group in a wide variety of situations under the guidance of a mentor.
Training sessions designed specifically for the CITs will be dispersed throughout the 6-week sessions on Unitarian Universalism, conflict management, peaceful communications, and youth development. Trainings will be conducted by MountainCamp staff and by The Mountain’s year round staff.
Participation in camp workshops and camp- wide activities, which CITs will critique and discuss camps educational process and is a great way to think critically about conducting and creating new programs.
Cabin groups experience – Each CIT will be assigned a cabin for each camp session with which they are responsible for. Along with mentoring campers while observing how the counselors problem-solve and relate to campers.
Intentionally scheduled time for each participant to develop new MountainCamp programs – workshops and other camp programs, and time will be included in the CIT schedule for program implementation.
Service projects – at The Mountain and offsite, working with local community programs and service work that ranges from environmental sustainability projects to addressing poverty and educational programs, approximately one day out of each week.
Multiple outdoor adventure trips with outdoor leadership training – Participants in the program will be trained on how to properly lead various MountainCamp outdoor adventure trips, acquiring skill to keep our campers safe. These trips will occur at least once out of each week. CITs will also participate till end of the summer.

Mountain staff will review applications and reference letters and notify the applicants. There are a limited number of spaces available. Applications must be received by March 15th to be eligible for the program.
This summer will be exciting and rewarding as always! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Youth Programs office by emailing youthcamp@themountainrlc.org.
CIT Participant Overview
Desired Qualifications:

Interested in developing knowledge and skills in a rotating work environment
Interest in developing interpersonal skills with the rest of the program participants
Ability and willingness to place the needs to peers and camp above personal interest
Ability to follow directions and accept guidance and supervision
Good judgment, integrity, maturity and flexibility
Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self control
Ability to work as part of a team
Understanding, acceptance and implementation of The Mountain’s Youth expectations, overall mission, and core values.

General Responsibilities:

Being a positive role model, setting good examples for peers and campers
Participate fully in assigned activities
Learn about the environment in which each camper excels and is challenged in.
Learn to recognize and respond appropriately to opportunities for problem solving and conflict resolutions
At all times, model and practice the philosophies and values of The Mountain citizenship and community standards
Set a good example for campers and others including cleanliness, punctuality, care for shared camp spaces, patience and table manners
Respect others’ personal property, camp equipment and Mountain facilities
Clean your living space throughout the entire session
Possess mobility and agility over varying types of terrain throughout campus and offsite
Participate actively in the CIT program training and activities
Follow all camper and staff rules and regulations
Ability to attend the full session (not arriving late or leaving early )
Understanding, acceptance and implementation of The Mountain’s Youth expectations, overall mission, and core values.

Price:

Supporter Level 2 – $3,450
Supporter Level 1 – $2,760
Traditional Cost – $2,070
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $1,380
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $690

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
Please submit an application to be considered for the program. Once you’ve been accepted, your child will be registered and you’ll be able to complete the paperwork and make a payment.
CIT Agreement:
If selected to participate in this program, I will strive to carry out a program within the framework derived from the 8 Principles of Unitarian Universalism:

The inherent worth and dignity of every individual
Justice, equity and compassion in all relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
The right of conscience ad the use of the democratic process
The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
Working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

I understand that as a CIT I am entrusted with the upholding of The Mountain’s Community standards, and that I am a program participant and NOT an employee of The Mountain. As such I will follow all program participant guidelines including:

I will not use unlawful drugs, alcohol or tobacco products.
I will not engage in sexual relations.
I will not bring or use firearms, fireworks or weapons of any kind.
I will not use violence in my words or actions.

Counselors in Training Application (CIT)

InstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Your Name

First

Last

PronounsBirthdate

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Your Email Address

Enter Email

Confirm Email

Your Phone NumberAddress

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Country
AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands

Certifications: List any certificates with expiration dates. Examples: First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding, Swimming, Emergency Water RescueCamp Experiences: List any organized camp experiences you have had - specifics should include name of the particular camp, whether you were a camper or staff member, and what activities you were involved with at campTraining & Leadership: List all trainings that you have taken that are applicable to the position for which you are applying for, and the roles that you have had.Why do you want to be a CIT at MountainCamp? What do you hope to gain from this experience?What do you think your job responsibilities will be as an CIT?What skills, interest and talents do you possess which would be an asset to MountainCamp?How do you plan on being a role model for your peers and the youth at The Mountain?How have you recently implemented two of the eight Principles of Unitarian Universalism listed in the Agreement?Think of an adult who has been influential in your life. What skills and talents do they have which you would want to practice?What else would be useful for us to know about you?Upload Your Work Experiences (Paid or Volunteer) and ReferencesUpload your resume in .pdf, .doc or .docx formatAccepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 25 MB. CIT Agreement(Required) I agree to the CIT Agreement.

MountainCamp - ASCENDERs
2026-06-14 - 2026-07-24
Apply to be with us for our ASCENDER program this summer!
ASCENDERs get a unique experience while at MountainCamp. As this is a Leadership Experience, applications are required. Campers should be 16 – 17 years old (rising 10th – 12th graders).
Started in 1981, the ASCENDERs (All Summer Campers Exploring Nature’s Delights and Experiencing Recreation) program allows for older youth to give back to our camp and conference center through work study in each Mountain department, gaining experience in our larger community through volunteer work and enjoying nature’s splendor on the beautiful Highlands Plateau. The ASCENDER campers will begin their all-summer experience working with the ASCENDER mentor to learn about each department of The Mountain, discovering their passion and potential along the way.
Space is limited for ASCENDERS. Please submit an application as soon as possible. We will accept applicants on a rolling basis. Applicants may be contacted for a phone interview.
Price:

Supporter Level 2 – $3,450
Supporter Level 1 – $2,760
Traditional Cost – $2,070
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $1,380
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $690

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
Please submit an application to be considered for the program. Once you’ve been accepted, your child will be registered and you’ll be able to complete the paperwork and make a payment.

ASCENDER Application

FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Your Personal InformationYour Name(Required)

First

Last

Birth Date

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Your Email Address(Required)

Enter Email

Confirm Email

Address(Required)

Street Address

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Country
AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluTürkiyeUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands

Your Phone(Required)Best Time To Call YouWhen is the best time for us to reach you via telephone?MorningsEarly AfternoonLate AfternoonEarly EveningMore About YouCERTIFICATIONS:List any certificates with expiration dates. Examples: First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding, Swimming, Emergency Water RescueCAMP EXPERIENCES:List any organized camp experiences you have had - specifics should include name of the particular camp, whether you were a camper or staff member, and what activities you were involved with at camp.TRAINING & LEADERSHIP:List all trainings that you have taken that are applicable to the position for which you are applying for, and the roles that you have had.What do you think your job responsibilities will be as an ASCENDER?Why do you want to be an ASCENDER at MountainCamp?What do you hope to gain from this experience?What skills, interest and talents do you possess which would be an asset to MountainCamp?How do you plan on being a role model for your peers and the youth at The Mountain?How have you recently implemented two of the eight Principles of Unitarian Universalism?Think about an adult you consider a role model. What skills or talents do they possess which you would like to have?What else would be useful for us to know about you?Upload Your ResumeUpload your resume in .pdf, .doc or .docx formatAccepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 25 MB. ASCENDER AGREEMENT(Required)If selected to participate in this program, I would strive to carry out a program within the framework of The Mountain’s core values derived from the 7 Principles of Unitarian Universalism.

I understand that as an ASCENDER I am a program participant and NOT an employee of The Mountain. I understand that I must follow all program participant guidelines including:

I will not use unlawful drugs, alcohol or tobacco products.

I will not engage in sexual relations.

I will not bring or use firearms, fireworks or weapons of any kind.

I will not use violence in my words or actions.

That as an ASCENDER I am entrusted with the upholding of The Mountain’s community standards and if I betray this trust I risk my current and future participation at The Mountain; my behavior - positive or negative - impacts the entire Mountain community.

Applicant must enter their name and the date to indicate that all information on this application is accurate to the best of their knowledge. I agree to the terms and conditions.

Farm Event: Native Bee Walk w/ John Kotab
2026-06-20 13:30 - 15:00
Many of you know about honeybees and bumblebees. Did you know there are around 300 other bee species in this region? John Kotab does, and he’s here to showcase them and will help you identify many of them on our bee-ID notification walk. Come learn about all our solitary and colony-forming bees as we stroll the beautiful wildflower gardens and environs at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center.
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.

John McCutcheon's June Songwriting Camp
2026-06-21 - 2026-06-25
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.
Click Here to Register and for more information!

MountainCamp - Beginner
2026-06-21 - 2026-06-26
Beginner Camp for 6-8 year old campers (rising 1st-3rd graders) is a 1-week session that provides the perfect way for the youngest group of campers to be introduced to camp and fall in love with it. Arts and Crafts, nature hikes, and swimming at the lake are a few of the activities that engage the kids during the day, while storytellers, campfires, and scavenger hunts entertain them in the evenings.
Price:

Supporter – $1,100
Traditional Cost – $965
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $770
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $495
Financial Assistance Level 3 – $230
Financial Assistance Level 4 – $0

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $200 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp
Click Here to Register!

Farm Event: Mushroom Identification
2026-06-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-25 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 mushrooms 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.

FACETS Leadership Retreat for Women Conductors
2026-06-28 - 2026-06-30
FACETS is a retreat for women conductors focused on leadership development, fostering mentoring relationships, and opportunities for networking.​
The first FACETS conference was held in northern Georgia in July of 2016, where twenty-six women from nine states, representing elementary, middle school, high school, college, church, and community choirs, came together to learn and teach, explore their questions, and share their experiences.
Email facetsretreat@gmail.com for more information.

MountainCamp - Intermediate
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-10
Our Intermediate Camp sessions are intended to meet the high-energy needs of adolescents aged 12-14 during this special time in their lives. We strive to provide an opportunity for our campers to shape the community they are a part of as they begin to explore having more agency in their lives. Intermediate is also the first opportunity for Mountain Campers to experience more adventurous outdoor activities at our camps, including rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Other opportunities include:
Arts & crafts and creative expression activities, including pottery, nature sculpture, and poetry workshops;
Adventure experiences, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, and hiking for all ability levels;
Agricultural and botanical adventures, including learning to identify edible and medicinal plants native to our region, harvesting and preparing (and eating!) produce from our farm, and learning about the fantastic variety of fungi present on the Mountain;
Athletic pursuits, including team sports, swimming at our waterfront, large group games such as capture the flag, and archery;
Self-exploration and social justice workshops, including body positivity, nonviolent communication skills, and thoughtful debates.
Many of our long-term returning campers start their journey with the Mountain family at Intermediate camp. Whether you come for one season or return for a lifetime, we hope to see you up on the Mountain this summer!
Price:

Supporter – $2,200
Traditional Cost – $1,930
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $1,665
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $990
Financial Assistance Level 3 – $495
Financial Assistance Level 4 – $0

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp
Click Here to Register!

SE LREDA: Religious Education Week
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10
Join fellow religious educators for a week of learning, fun, and relaxation at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center!
Registration Information
Retreat dates: July 5 – 10, 2026
Registration status: Now open!
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2026
Registration Fees
Adult Double Occupancy: $120/person/night
Adult Single Occupancy (limited availability): $190/person/night
Youth 12-17: $70/person/night
Child 4-11: $55/person/night
Toddler 0-3: Free!
3 Programs!
We are excited to offer three programs at RE Week this summer. Our main offering will run from Monday morning through Wednesday morning.
The Deeper Joy of Whole Church RE
Religious educators, ministers, and staff are invited to explore the Deeper Joy of Whole Church RE with Jennica Davis and Joy Berry from the UUA Lifespan Faith Engagement team. We’ll explore collaborative faith development for folks of all ages that feels more like play and helps us strengthen our relationship muscles. Expect hands-on activities and resources grounded in Deeper Joy and Whole Church RE, a curious look at our “congregations as curriculum,” and ways to name, claim, and game our way, together, toward faith development goals that shape a more joyful, welcoming, resilient, and beloved community.
Note: This workshop will be eligible for Sparks-level professional development credit. It is designed especially to support shared ministry approaches to congregational community-building and co-learning – religious educators are encouraged to invite their ministry colleagues to join us!
These 2 options will run from Thursday morning through Friday morning. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
1. SoulCollage® with Rev. Nancy Combs-Morgan, CRE-LL , a creative collage process designed for self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal empowerment.
Participants create personalized cards, each representing a unique aspect of their self,
using images from magazines, photographs, and personal artwork. The process encourages intuitive dialogue with different parts of the self, allowing individuals to uncover hidden insights and emotions. SoulCollage® is accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic skill, and can be practiced individually or in group settings,
making it a versatile tool for personal growth and emotional exploration.
The power of being in community for individual and group practice can be transformative.
Also, Rev. Nancy brings new lens to this practice applicable for family practice.
or
2. OWL Coordinator Training with Kat Good – learn how to coordinate an OWL Ministry. We will share insights about how to grow an OWL program alongside your RE programs. We will get to dive into all the implementation questions we don’t have time for in an OWL facilitator training, including how to recruit and vet facilitators, manage creative budgeting, communicating with families, and growing long-lasting, vibrant OWL programs. Kat Good has been facilitating OWL for 18 years and training OWL facilitators for the past two years. She is also an OWL coordinator of a large OWL program in Chapel Hill NC, with 25 OWL facilitators. She is passionate about getting more quality OWL out into the world.
*This training is not a replacement for facilitator training.
Click Here to Register!
In addition to registering in Campwise, please also fill out this Google Form.

MountainCamp - Senior High
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-24
Senior High Camp offers the classic MountainCamp experience for youth aged 15-17. With a strong emphasis on community building and working in small groups, our goal is for campers to make personal connections that will last a lifetime and have a fun summer exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Campers have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, including more adventurous outdoor experiences than younger age groups.
Camp fun includes:
Arts & crafts and creative expression activities such as pottery, nature sculpture, and poetry workshops.
Adventure experiences, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, and hiking for all ability levels.
Agricultural and botanical adventures, including learning to identify edible and medicinal plants and fungi native to our region, harvesting and preparing (and eating!) produce from our farm.
Athletic pursuits, team sports, swimming at our waterfront, large group games such as capture the flag, and archery.
Self-exploration and social justice workshops, including body positivity, communication skills, and thoughtful debates.
Price:

Supporter – $2,200
Traditional Cost – $1,930
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $1,665
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $990
Financial Assistance Level 3 – $495
Financial Assistance Level 4 – $0

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp
Click Here to Register!

MountainCamp - Outdoor Skills and Adventure Camp (OSA)
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-24
Outdoor Skills & Adventure (OSA) is an ideal starting point for youth interested in exploring the wilderness. During the first week of the program, we focus on learning outdoor skills and building strong relationships within the groups. Campers will learn low-impact camping skills, basic knots and rope skills, fire-building, how to properly pack an expedition backpack, and orienteering with map and compass. Activities during the first week include day hikes, rock climbing, and swimming.
During the second week, campers will put what they learned to the test and go on a multi-night camping trip.
Both programs will end their trips with a day of Whitewater Rafting along the Nantahala River.
Price:

Supporter – $2,200
Traditional Cost – $1,930
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $1,665
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $990
Financial Assistance Level 3 – $495
Financial Assistance Level 4 – $0

Starting this year, we’re offering multiple pricing tiers to make summer camp more accessible to families across a range of income levels and to better serve youth from historically underserved communities. All youth will receive the same camp experience, regardless of the price selected during registration.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp
Click Here to Register!

MountainCamp Staff Reunion
2026-07-24 - 2026-07-26
MountainCamp staff from times past reunite for a weekend of fun, adventure, and friendship!
Click Here to Register!
