How to Register
EST 1979
For 40+ years, The Mountain has provided enriching Unitarian Universalist youth summer camp programs filled with recreation, adventure, education and creativity. The low camper-to-counselor ratio and professionally trained staff create a safe environment where campers are treated with respect, kindness, consideration, and are celebrated for their individual talents.
The Mountain places a strong emphasis on being an inclusive, noncompetitive environment where youth can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and form lifelong friendships. Campers learn to advance their communication skills and resolve conflicts—skills they will use the rest of their lives.
Camping sessions are offered for youth aged 7-17, divided into age-appropriate groups. Some of the exciting activities and workshops campers experience while at Mountain Camp include: arts and crafts, drama, music, campfires, outdoor survival skills, field games, low-ropes challenge courses, whitewater rafting, swimming, canoeing and hiking.
Check out what’s going on at MountainCamp by liking us on Facebook!
Making Connections & Memories to Last Generations
MOUNTAIN CAMP PROGRAMS 2024
Choose which Mountain Camp session works best for you and your campers!
Registration is OPEN!!
Help Kids Go To Camp Through Our Camperships
We strive to make Mountain programs affordable for everyone to enjoy this special place. This is especially important for MountainCamp families. The Mountain Campership Fund provides a number of camperships annually to help make summer camp possible for children and youth who may not be able to participate without the financial support. Camperships are awarded based upon applicant need and the amount of funding available. Typically, Campership awards are 50% of a one week session.
Become MountainCamp Staff
Are you interested in changing the life of a youth by being a positive Unitarian Universalist role model? Do you want to motivate and inspire a camper to be the best that they can be? If you are, then you may be a good fit for a Summer Staff position at MountainCamp!
MountainCamp is one of several youth programs offered by The Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers Inc. At The Mountain, each camper is treated with respect, kindness, and consideration; we celebrate their individual gifts. A balance is maintained between establishing structure and boundaries to keep youth safe and creating opportunities for them to “test their wings.” MountainCamp fosters belonging and acceptance.
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During MountainCamp, several opportunities for rewarding experiences and possibilities for personal growth exist. Salaries run from $275 to $750 per week, dependent on position and experience, plus room and board.
Positions Available
Click below for job descriptions
Counselors and Program Staff (18+)
Camp Leadership (21+)
Training for the Mentors and Leadership begins May 28, 2024. All staff training will begin June 3, 2024. Our first campers will arrive on June 9, 2024. Summer camp ends for most staff on July 28, 2024. Some staff will join us for Intergenerational Camp based on summer performance and needs of MountainCamp. There are only a limited number of positions available for qualified individuals, so apply as soon as possible.
A Youth CONference is a gathering of Unitarian Universalist youth and advisors from congregations all over the southeast (and sometimes beyond!) for a weekend program filled with a variety of workshops, activities, good food, a safe environment and warm, cozy cabins. Youth participate in all the activities, share with new friends in small get-to-know-you groups, bond during free time, contribute to times of fun and reflection and grow spiritually through worship.
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Children and youth participating in Youth CONferences attend as a part of a congregational sponsored group. Volunteering adult advisors, volunteering Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs), and Mountain Staff work together to supervise the youth.
Peer Advocate Leaders
What is the job of a PAL?
Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs) are leaders at Youth CONs. The position includes co-leading a focus group of 8-10 participants throughout the weekend, co-leading a workshop on Saturday, and assisting with other CON events, such as Orientation, Morning Circle, Field Time, Coffee House, and the Dance.
There are mentorship opportunities for returning PALs, as well as leadership roles within each CON available. PALs must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the CON, and are expected to attend the PAL Training/CON Planning weekend.
What Should I Know Before Coming?
Advisor Participation Form – Required
In compliance with our Youth Protection Policy, a congregational staff member must complete an advisor participation form for the advisors to attend our Youth CONs.
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Download the Advisor Participation Form (PDF)
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Print the form
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Complete all the information
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Submit to The Mountain via Mail or Fax no later than 2 weeks prior to the CON
Youth Protection Policy
The Mountain recognizes the importance of fostering and creating communities where everyone, especially our most vulnerable populations such as children and youth, are protected.
We seek to preserve that spirit of welcome, respect, and trust in balance with our concern for the safety of our children, applying the test of “reasonable precaution” to any policies or guidelines we adopt. We further acknowledge that institutions operating in the best possible manner with all due concern still cannot guarantee an absolutely risk-free setting.
In this spirit, we adopt this policy statement and apply it to all events conducted under the purview of The Mountain.
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The PAL program is a leadership experience for youth and young adults to gain experience in program planning, implementation and leadership.
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Applications must be filled out completely and PALs will initially be added to a “waiting list” in which the Program Director and CON Leadership will choose PALs based on their application and need based on the CON registration numbers. PALs should apply early and will be notified of acceptance no later than 3 weeks prior to their chosen CON.
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PALs pay no fee to attend a CON but must follow certain expectations while volunteering their time during the CON.
The Mountain’s Youth Protection Policy requires a background check for anyone age 18 and over working with youth. Each PAL Mentor MUST go through a background check to participate in Youth CONs. See the steps below.
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Download the Authorization for Consumer Report (PDF)
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Print the form
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Complete all the information
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Sign
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Send to Program Director via Mail or Fax
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Learn what is involved with participating as an advisor
You’re the ones that make participation in the CONs possible! This link contains important information regarding The Mountain’s Youth CONferences and your role in the success of the weekend.
