UU Columbia Work Week
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-22
Members of the UU Columbia church gather at The Mountain to help us open back up for the spring. All skill sets welcome. Build community while making a difference!

Spring Elementary CON
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-22
Youth Conventions or “CONs” are weekend long events planned by youth with adult support for youth from third grade to high school. At heart, a youth con is an experience in building covenantal community and empowering youth leadership.
Supported by the larger work of The Mountain, each con has a different theme and focus, but they all incorporate community building, fun, worship, and exploration of spirituality. Each event has its own covenant and is in covenant with The Mountain’s safety policies. Youth experience both the safety of being in a covenantal community and the responsibility to repair relationships when difficult situations arise.
Youth have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles to help plan events, help run events, help the CON community live in covenant, or be peer chaplains for emotional support.
When
PAL Training: January 30 – February 1, 2026
Elementary (3rd – 5th graders): February 20-22, 2026
Intermediate (6th – 8th graders): March 6-8, 2026
Senior High (9th – 12th graders): March 27-29, 2026
Registration opens: Now open!
Registration deadline: 2 weeks prior to CON start date.
If your youth coordinator has given you a transfer code number please enter the number at the payment portion of the registration process
In our registration system, select Youth CONferences
Fee
We’ve seen great success with the sliding scale fee for the Fall CONs and will continue the system into 2026. Please email youthcamp@themountainrlc.org with any questions or concerns regarding the fee.
Youth
Traditional Cost: $100/person (Covers part of the cost of the weekend)
True Cost: $215/person (Covers the whole cost of the weekend)
No Cost: Free
Advisor
Supporter 2: $100/person (Covers part of the cost of the weekend)
Supporter 1: $50/person (Covers part of the cost of the weekend)
No Cost: Free
Click Here to Register!

Spring Intermediate CON
2026-03-06 - 2026-03-08

Metro Atlanta Contemporary Quilters
2026-03-12 - 2026-03-15
MACQ’s annual retreat to The Mountain. More information and registration coming soon!

TVUUC Annual Retreat
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15
The annual Tennessee Valley UU Church retreat. More information and registration coming soon!

Spring Senior High CON
2026-03-27 - 2026-03-29
Youth Conventions or “CONs” are weekend long events planned by youth with adult support for youth from third grade to high school. At heart, a youth con is an experience in building covenantal community and empowering youth leadership.
Supported by the larger work of The Mountain, each con has a different theme and focus, but they all incorporate community building, fun, worship, and exploration of spirituality. Each event has its own covenant and is in covenant with The Mountain’s safety policies. Youth experience both the safety of being in a covenantal community and the responsibility to repair relationships when difficult situations arise.
Youth have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles to help plan events, help run events, help the CON community live in covenant, or be peer chaplains for emotional support.
When
PAL Training: January 30 – February 1, 2026
Elementary (3rd – 5th graders): February 20-22, 2026
Intermediate (6th – 8th graders): March 6-8, 2026
Senior High (9th – 12th graders): March 27-29, 2026
Registration opens: Open now!
Registration deadline: 2 weeks prior to CON start date.
If your youth coordinator has given you a transfer code number please enter the number at the payment portion of the registration process
In our registration system, select Youth CONferences
Fee
We’ve seen great success with the sliding scale fee for the Fall CONs and will continue the system into 2026. Please email youthcamp@themountainrlc.org with any questions or concerns regarding the fee.
Youth
Traditional Cost: $100/person (Covers part of the cost of the weekend)
True Cost: $215/person (Covers the whole cost of the weekend)
No Cost: Free
Advisor
Supporter 2: $100/person (Covers part of the cost of the weekend)
Supporter 1: $50/person (Covers part of the cost of the weekend)
No Cost: Free
Please email youthcamp@themountainrlc.org with any questions or concerns regarding this new price structure.
Click Here to Register!

Spring Retreat: Rise Up Rooted, A Women's Retreat
2026-04-02 - 2026-04-05
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.

2025 Easter Volunteer Stewardship Weekend
2026-04-02 - 2026-04-05
The Mountain’s annual volunteer weekend to finish up big projects before the main season begins. More information and registration is coming soon.

SEUUMA Spring Retreat
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-09
2026 registration and information coming soon!

Music Week
2026-04-12 - 2026-04-17
Mark your calendars, save the date, tell your friends… because it is going to be spectacular. This year we will focus on the magical powers of music to transform us, our communities, and our little slice of the world.
There really is magic in music (or maybe it’s just science); in how it affects our neural networks; how it transmits waves of energy. Through singing, writing, playing and performing we can improve our health and well being, create and strengthen community, and effect change in our world.
During Music at The Mountain, nationally touring musicians will guide you through writing workshops, help you interpret your favorite songs, help you improve your playing skills no matter what your skill level. Each morning we begin by engaging in music as a group. Whether singing, drumming, or writing, the act of participating together will build a bond between us and help each of us develop a confidence in our musical ability. The afternoon sessions will be smaller group classes, workshops, one-on-one sessions: delving deeper into writing through creative exercises, proven writing techniques, and in depth analysis of songs; smaller drumming workshops provide the opportunity to learn new rhythms and methods for joining in; vocal warm ups and performance tips will help you build skill and confidence; guitar and ukulele techniques will help you grow. We may develop music for rallies, causes and community building. Perhaps we will explore specific techniques for using music to improve well being.
The evenings are for enjoying – concerts, coffeehouse performances, and song circles. Music at The Mountain will help you discover your magic in music.
Instructors
Matt Watroba sings and writes songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and everyday living. He was awarded “Best Overall Folk Performer” by the Detroit Music Awards for the year 2000, and his long list of credits include the prestigious Ann Arbor Folk Festival, the Detroit 300 Celebration, The Ark, The Old Songs Festival, Kentucky Music Weekend, Chicago’s The Fox Valley Festival Owen Sound Folk Festival in Ontario and hundreds of school and community presentations. He has shared the stage with some of our greatest performers, including Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Christine Lavin, Peter Yarrow, and Richard Thompson.
Matt brings a unique set of talents to the stage as an educator, performer, and radio host. His passion for bringing community together through music and education is infectious.
Kiya Heartwood is a roots/folk singer songwriter, composer and change artist as well as a Unitarian Universalist minister. The UK’s Broadway Baby describes Kiya Heartwood as “an award-winning American singer-songwriter who writes smart, funny and poignant songs” Heartwood “serves up a lively batch of original songs that follow on to two of the oldest traditions of folk music: storytelling and political broadside.” She was signed to a major label with her rock band Stealing Horse, and beloved by the folk community in her duo Wishing Chair. She shines as a solo artist with honest songwriting delivered with passion and just the right amount of humor. Kiya taught songwriting and guitar at the National Guitar Summer Workshop in Toronto. She’s a great facilitator for drumming and a spirited song leader.
Friction Farm’s lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs have earned them spots as Kerrville New Folk Finalists and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists. They are winners of the South Florida Folk Festival songwriter competition, and their latest album debuted at #3 on the folk DJ chart. Audiences lean into their stories, laugh at their humor, are inspired to do a little good in the world, and sing along once in a while. Aidan and Christine released a CD of songs inspired by books and, although they don’t plan another, they continue to use books as a source of inspiration. In order to help promote a love of reading and promote literacy among children under age ten, Friction Farm has also written and recorded a collection of songs inspired by children’s books.
Registration opens soon!

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: Opening soon!
Registration deadline: April 3, 2026
Fee
Double Occupancy (sharing a room) – $270 per person
Single Occupancy (by yourself, subject to limited capacity) – $410 person

Spring UUWomenspirit Gathering and Institute
2026-04-22 - 2026-04-26
More information coming soon.
UUWomenspirit Website

The Highlands Retreat
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03
More information and registration coming soon!
The Highlands Retreat Website

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

John McCutcheon's May Songwriting Camp
2026-05-17 - 2026-05-21
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!

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.
Experience the magical glow of the rare blue ghost fireflies, where nature’s light show illuminates the night in a truly unforgettable way!
When
Program: May 22 – 25, 2025
Registration status: Opening soon!
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”

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

Summer Lamrim Retreat w/ 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.
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 “Elementary Camp”. Registration is Now Open!
Registration opens on January 1, 2026!

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.
CIT is for rising 12th graders.
The program will include the following components:
Small group dynamics – Participants will experience and learn about working with small groups. Working with the same group of 6 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 and service trips – 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 the applications and reference letters and notify the applicants in order of who first filled out the application. Recognize that there are a limited number of spaces available. Applications must be received by March 15th to be eligible for the program. The application is completed below. We are holding spaces in the Senior High Camp for anyone who does not get accepted into the ASCENDER or CIT 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.
Fee
2026 MountainCamp pricing coming soon!
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 would strive to carry out a program within the framework derived from the 7 Principles of the 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
I understand that as a CIT I am a program participant and NOT and employee of The Mountain and 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.
That as a CIT I am entrusted with the upholding of The Mountain’s Community standards and risk my current and future participation at The Mountain with my behavior.
Apply to be a CIT on January 1, 2026!

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.
Fee
2026 MountainCamp pricing information coming soon!
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!

John McCutcheon's June Songwriting Camp
2026-06-21 - 2026-06-25

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 - 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!

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!
