The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc

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
Sustaining – $2,070
Community Access Level 1 – $1,380
Community Access 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.
Apply to be an ASCENDER beginning January 1, 2026!

ASCENDER Application

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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.

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!

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 - Senior High Outdoor Skills and Adventure Camp (OSA)
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-10
Outdoor Skills & Adventure (OSA) is an ideal starting point for youth interested in exploring the wilderness, and this year we’ll have both an Intermediate and Sr. High OSA session. During the first week of both programs, 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 of the Sr. High OSA program, campers will depart on a 4-night 5-day backpacking trip along the Bartram Trail, traveling through one of the most biodiverse areas in the Southern Appalachians. Along the way, we will pass stunning waterfalls and scenic vistas.
During the second week of the Intermediate OSA program, youth will camp in Panthertown Valley and explore along its network of trails through the 6,311-acre backcountry recreation area located on the Eastern Continental Divide, between the Great Smokies & Blue Ridge Mountains.
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 - 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 - 2026-07-09
2026 information and registration coming soon!

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 - Intermediate Outdoor Skills and Adventure Camp (OSA)
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-24

Intergenerational Camp
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31
A Summer Camp for everyone! Are you age 0 to 100+? It’s for you! Are you a family looking for a fun summer experience? It’s for you! Are you a group of friends wanting to explore nature? It’s for you too! Everyone is invited to come together for crafts, hiking, campfires, and more. It’s a great way for family and friends of all ages to enjoy the summer together in an amazing mountain setting!
What to Expect

Arts & crafts projects.
Canoeing and swimming around the lake.
Exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiking to glorious waterfalls.
Fun & games throughout the day.
Time for relaxation and reflection.
Campfire singalongs and storytelling.
Farm Programming.
Concerts and Evening Performances.
Tubing & Whitewater Rafting.

Some family favorite nearby locations
Price
Adults 18+
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $0
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $190
True Cost – $520
Supporter Level 1 – $680
Supporter Level 2 – $890
Youth 4 – 17
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $0
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $190
True Cost – $470
Supporter – $680
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.
Toddlers (0-3) attend for free.
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: July 6, 2026
In our registration system, select “MountainCamp”, then your Intergenerational Family Camp package.
Click Here to Register!

Summer Camp for Grownups
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31
A Summer Camp for everyone! Are you age 0 to 100+? It’s for you! Are you a family looking for a fun summer experience? It’s for you! Are you a group of friends wanting to explore nature? It’s for you too! Everyone is invited to come together for crafts, hiking, campfires, and more. It’s a great way for family and friends of all ages to enjoy the summer together in an amazing mountain setting!
Camp experience includes:
• Arts & crafts projects.
• Canoeing and swimming around the lake.
• Exploring he beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Hiking to glorious waterfalls.
• Fun & games throughout the day.
• Time for relaxation and reflection.
• Campfire singalongs and storytelling.
What to Expect
Full schedule to be posted shortly, however you can expect…
Wilderness Survival Workshop
Cob Oven Building
Field & Lake Time
Farm Programming
Work Projects
Nature Hikes
Arts & Crafts
Local Outings
Concerts and Evening Performances
Rafting & Tubing Options
More info coming soon!
Family Trip Spots
These are nearby locations that are some family favorites.
Activities Around the Mountain
Registration
Retreat Dates: July 26 – 31, 2026
Registration: Now open!
Registration deadline: July 19, 2026
Fees
Financial Assistance Level 2 – $0
Financial Assistance Level 1 – $190
True Cost – $520
Supporter Level 1 – $680
Supporter Level 2 – $890
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.
Click Here to Register!

MountainCamp Staff Reunion
2026-07-31 - 2026-08-02
MountainCamp staff from times past reunite for a weekend of fun, adventure, and friendship!

More information coming soon!

Crone Awakening Wisdom
2026-09-10 - 2026-09-13
More information and registration coming soon!

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Annual Retreat
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20
The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany is an inclusive community called to seek and follow Jesus Christ. We welcome all people in the Eucharistic fellowship of Christ’s Body. We receive strength and encouragement at the common table to carry out Christ’s work of reconciliation in our broken world. Nourished by worship and witness, learning and teaching, fellowship and service, we strive to live out the Gospel’s radical values with gladness of heart.
Church Website
When
​Program: September 18 – 20, 2026
Registration Deadline: September 4
Registration: Coming soon!

In our registration system you’ll find:
“Church Retreats” | “MountainCamp” | “Other Retreats” | “Youth CONs”
Select “Church Retreats“, then select your “Episcopal Church of the Epiphany” package.

GSV Fall Conference
2026-09-24 - 2026-09-27
Check back in 2026 for more information!
GaySpiritVisions.org

UUWomenspirit Fall Institute and Gathering
2026-09-30 - 2026-10-04
To learn when registration opens and about pricing, schedule, our offerings, and more, please visit our website uuwomenspirit.org.

UUTC Brevard Annual Retreat
2026-10-11 - 2026-10-13
Inclusive. Intentional. INVOLVED.
This is a three-day, two-night fall congregational retreat for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Brevard. We welcome members and friends of UUTC of all ages. There will be fun and fellowship for all, including nature walks, arts and crafts, workshops, singing and music, and a Sunday service.
​View their website
Program Details
Registration open to UUTC members, friends, and invited guests
Program: October 11 – 13, 2026
Registration Coming soon!
Registration deadline: September 27, 2026
​Arrival Date and Time: Sunday, Oct 11, 3pm – 6pm
Departure Date and Time: Tuesday, Oct 13, after 12pm

2026 UUCA Atlanta Men's Retreat
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-25
At UUCA, we believe in you. We believe in justice. We believe in rigorous hope. As Unitarian Universalists, we celebrate our community’s diverse spiritual practices and commit to our shared ethical principles.
This October, we welcome our members to our Annual Men’s Retreat!
Registration opens soon!
Registration Deadline: 10/9/26
Package pricing includes lodging, meals, & use of facilities:
Adult Shared Room: $240 per person
Adult Private Room: $380 pre person (subject to limited availability)
Commuter Rate: $85 for full day 3 meals & use of facilities, (no lodging) Part days:
Friday Dinner + Evening Programming = $30
Sunday Breakfast + Lunch = $30
Click Here to Register
In our registration system select “Church Retreats” then select your “2026 UUCA Men’s Retreat” package.

UUC Columbia Retreat to The Mountain
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-25
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, SC is holding their annual congregational retreat at The Mountain this October.
Strengthened by our common humanity and inspired by our seven principles, we promise

to be a safe and welcoming community;
to nurture each other’s hearts and spirits;
to delight in the beauty of our diversity;
to struggle together on our spiritual journeys;
and to challenge each other to live our values

When

Program: October 23 – 25, 2026
Registration: Coming soon!
Registration Deadline: October 9, 2026

Registration
Registration open to UUC Columbia members, friends, and invited guests
Registration Fee includes

Lodging
Meals
Use of assigned facilities
Participation in program activities

Adult 3 Days / 2 Nights Package Rate

Adult Double Occupancy:
Adult Single Occupancy:
Adult Bunkhouse:

Youth Package Rate

Youth ages 12-17 –
Children ages 4-11 –
Toddler ages 0-3 – FREE

Youth and Children must be accompanied by a registered parent/guardian
Youth and Children are lodged with an accompanying registered parent/guardian
Reserve Your Space

In our registration system, select “Church Retreats” then your “2026 UUCC Retreat” Package
​Each family member must be registered individually in our partner registration website
Use one username and password per family

UU Fellowship of Hendersonville Retreat
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-25
Celebrate life in all its joy and mystery.
Inspire journeys of truth and meaning.
Engage in practice and service for love, justice, and peace.
When:
Dates: October 23-25, 2026
Registration: Coming soon!
Registration deadline: October 9, 2026
Festivities will begin with a dinner on Friday evening and end with lunch on Sunday afternoon.
Registration Details:
Adult double occupancy:
Adult single occupancy:
Adult Bunkhouse:
Ages 12-17,
Ages 4 -11:
Ages 3 or younger are free
All children must be supervised by and sleeping in the same room as parent/guardian
Click Here to Register
In our registration system, choose “Church Retreats” and then your 2026 UUFH Package.

OurSong: 2026 Retreat at The Mountain
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-08
OurSong is dedicated to performing high quality music while celebrating our unique gay and lesbian experience and our evolving place in the world.
OurSong is comprised of musicians from all walks of life with varying levels of musical experience. Some members hold degrees in music, some grew up singing in church, some have performed with famous artists and conductors and some have joined OurSong as their first foray into choral music. However, all of us sing with OurSong because we love to sing. We love the gift that making music brings to our lives and we love sharing that gift with our audience.
When
Program: November 6 – 8, 2026
Registration Deadline: October 23, 2026
Registration opens soon!
Registration
Adult Double Occupancy: $270 per person
Adult Single Occupancy: $410 per person
Adult Bunkhouse: $230 per person
Click Here to Register

SEUUMA Fall Retreat
2026-11-09 - 2026-11-12
Registration: Coming soon!
Registration deadline: October 26, 2026
Feel free to reach out to us at gsoffice@themountainrlc.org with any questions.
Click Here to Register
In our registration system select “Church Retreats” then select your “2026 Fall SEUUMA Retreat” package.
