The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc

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.
Fee
2026 MountainCamp pricing coming soon!
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp and select for “Beginner Camp”.
Registration opens on January 1, 2026!

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.
​Fee​
2026 MountainCamp pricing coming soon!
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select Mountain Camp
Registration opens on January 1, 2026!

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!
Fee
2026 MountainCamp pricing coming soon!
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp and select for “Intermediate Camp”.
Registration opens on January 1, 2026!

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.
Fee
2026 MountainCamp pricing coming soon!
Standard Deposit (non-refundable): $400 per camper registration
Full payment of all registration fees due: June 1, 2026
In our registration system, select MountainCamp and select for “Senior High Camp”.
Registration opens on January 1, 2026!

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!
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.
Check back in late 2025 for more information.
Registration Fee includes

Lodging
Meals dinner on arrival through breakfast on departure
Use of assigned facilities
Participation in program activities

Registration Dates

Registration opens January 1, 2026
Deadline to register: July 6, 2026
In our registration system, select “MountainCamp”, then your Intergenerational Family Camp package.

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 opens on January 1, 2026!

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

Fall 5Rhythms Dance Movement Retreat
2026-09-17 - 2026-09-20

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

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.
