EST 1979
For 40 years, The Mountain has provided enriching Unitarian Universalist youth summer camp programs filled with recreation, adventure, education and creativity. The 4:1 camper to counselor ratio and professionally trained staff create a safe environment where campers are treated with respect, kindness and consideration, and are celebrated for their individual talents.
The Mountain places a strong emphasis on being an inclusive, non-competitive 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 1st-12th graders. Some of the exciting activities and workshops campers experience while at Mountain Camp include: arts and crafts, drama, music, campfires, outdoor survival skills, international field games, low and high challenge courses, whitewater rafting, swimming, canoeing and hiking.
Check out what’s going on at MountainCamp by liking us on Facebook!
MountainCamp Programs for 2020 Have Been Suspended
Making Connections & Memories to Last Generations
MountainCamp Parent Information
Medication Form
Rock Climbing Waiver
NOC Rafting Waiver
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
We are committed to creating an emotionally and physically safe environment through our interpersonal relationships, our activities and within the larger Mountain Retreat & Learning Center community. We do this by promoting the Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles and The Mountain’s Big Four Rules for youth programs. All participants of youth programs are expected to abide by this commitment to our community.
HEALTHY CAMPER POLICY
MountainCamp Cares very much about the health and wellness of your camper and in an environment with a lot of children we want to be proactive about keeping our campers, staff and volunteers as healthy as possible. We have created this healthy camper policy to keep you informed on how you can help us before you drop your camper off for the summer camp experience of a life time.
This policy includes specific information on how we ensure your camper arrives healthy, enjoys camp and leaves camp after having a great experience.
CANCELLATION POLICY
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Cancellation 15+ days before start of session: Payments made minus the non-refundable deposit and a $35 per camper administration fee
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Cancellation 1 – 14 days before start of session: 50% of payments made minus the non-refundable deposit and a $35 per camper administration fee
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Select Cancel Registration from the dropdown list on our Contact Us page
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No refunds will be available if a camper cancels on arrival day, fails to attend their session or has to leave early under any circumstance
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
Positions Available
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.
During MountainCamp, several opportunities for rewarding experiences and possibilities for personal growth exist. Salaries run from $145 to $250 per week, dependent on position and experience, plus room and board.
Counselors and Program Staff
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Cabin Counselors
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Lifeguards
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Music Leader
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Promotions and Archive Counselor
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Outdoor Adventure Staff
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Arts and Crafts Staff
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Kitchen Staff
Program Leads (21+)
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Outdoor Adventure Lead
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Aquatics & Athletics Lead
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Social Justice, Religious Exploration and Self Expression Lead
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STEM Lead
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Appalachian Studies and Outdoor Skills Lead
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Head Counselor
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Counselor in Training Mentor
ASCENDER Mentor
Camp Leadership
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Camp Coordinators
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Associate Camp Director
Training for the Program Leads begins May 27, 2019 and training for Cabin Counselors will begin on June 1, 2019. Our first campers will arrive on June 9th. Summer camp ends for most staff on July 20st. Some staff will be invited to work Family Camp based on summer performance and needs of MountainCamp. Employment will end on July 26th. There are only a limited number of positions available for qualified individuals, 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.
Children and youth participating in Youth CONferences attend as a part of a congregational sponsored group. Volunteering adult advisors, volunteering Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs), volunteering PAL Mentors, and Mountain Staff work together to supervise the youth.
Peer Advocate Leaders
The Mountain Youth CONferences also offer leadership experiences for teens and young adults ages 16– 24 as Peer Advocate Leaders and Mentors.
Youth CON Dates:
UPDATE SpringYouth CONs Have Canceled
Spread the Word
This flyer is available for download and distribution. We encourage you to spread the word about The Mountain as a retreat for youth in your UU congregations.
What Should I Know Before Coming?
The PAL program is a leadership experience for youth and young adults to gain experience in program planning, implementation and leadership.
Applications must be filled out completely and PALs / Mentors will initially be added to a “waiting list” in which the Program Director and CON Leadership will choose PALs / Mentors based on their application and need based on the CON registration numbers. PAL / Mentors should apply early and will be notified of acceptance no later than 3 weeks prior to their chosen CON.
PAL / Mentors pay no charge to attend a CON but must follow certain expectations while volunteering their time during the CON.
In our registration system,
select Mountain Program
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
Becoming a PALs and PAL Mentors
Peer Advocate Leaders ages 16-17 and Mentors ages 18- up
Becoming a Youth Con Advisor & Pertinent Information
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.
