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The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Individual

A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning

Vision

An exemplary retreat, camp, and learning center that celebrates Unitarian Universalist principles, inspires people of all ages, transforms lives, and builds a more compassionate world.

The Right of Conscience and the Use of Democratic Process

Respect for the Interdependent Web of All Existence of Which We Are a Part

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The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All

Justice, Equity, and Compassion in Human Relations

Acceptance of One Another and Encouragement to Spiritual Growth

Mission

The Mountain enriches lives,
fosters an appreciation of the natural world, honors the interconnectedness of all things, and inspires people

to build inclusive, meaningful, sustainable communities throughout their lives.

Values

CORE VALUES

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The Story of The Mountain

The Mountain was founded in 1979 by a group of friends and Unitarian Universalists
from across the southeast. They searched for somewhere they could deepen their
engagement with their congregational communities and retreat with their families.
When they found Little Scaly Mountain, they knew they discovered the right place and
what it could become for so many.

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Over more than 40 years, The Mountain has held true to its original vision and
inspiration, serving as a nonprofit camp and conference center.

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The Mountain is an ecologically-conscious retreat and learning center serving congregations, businesses, schools, and other Unitarian Universalist and community groups. Located on 4,200 foot high granite cliffs on the Eastern Continental Divide in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we offer a unique opportunity in gratitude to the unique ecology and history of the oldest mountains in the world. Come refresh your spirit in the natural beauty of these ancient mountaintops.

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We have a full range of dining, lodging, and meeting space facilities supporting our own program events, as well as events sponsored by third party vendors seeking the right place for their conferences, workshops, family gatherings, wellness events, hiking treks or inspired experiences. We strive to be a smoke-free facility.

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The Mountain’s largest program is its summer MountainCamp. From mid-June to late-July, our mountaintop is filled with children and youth from 1st to 12th grades. Our camp program is designed to instill in children an appreciation of nature’s wonder, to challenge them, to expand their sense of self, while making sure they have as much fun as possible. Many of our summer campers come back year after year and span generations. Intergenerational Camp exemplifies the belief that engagement with people of all ages strengthens the whole community. MountainCamps are designed to build leaders of tomorrow. Our Counselor in Training program as well as the ASCENDER and Outdoor Skills and Adventures programs consistently give young adults the skills and confidence to excel in college, as well as their work and home environments.

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Whether you are attending one of our Mountain programs or a retreat program hosted by a congregation or other organizationour doors are open to all. This open door policy is a based on the Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith tradition and principles of the founders and those who have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that all have equal access to The Mountain. Regardless of religious background, gender, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, or gender expression, we want to share the magic of our mountaintop sanctuary with all who desire the experience.

We covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

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