Home Page
ABOUT US PROGRAMS BRINGING A GROUP GET INVOLVED PEACE WORKS QUICK LINKS
MountainCamp 2008

For more information, contact: Gillian Denham
Youth Camp Director, The Mountain Youth Programs


Other information sources:
MountainCamp FAQ   |   MountainCamp Glossary |
MountainCamp Registration Form & Instructions

Packing List   |   Work & Adventure Camper Packing List
ASCENDER Application Packet   |   CIT Application Packet
A Letter from MountainCamp Director, Gillian Denham: What IS It About MountainCamp??

REGISTER NOW!

MountainCamp 2008 Dates
5 weeks – 11-12th grade
Sunday, June 15– Friday, July 18
7 weeks – 12th grade +
Sunday, June 15– Saturday, Aug. 2
Beginning Camp 1 week – 1st-3rd grade Sunday, July 13 – Friday, July 18
Elementary Camp 2 weeks – 4-6th grade Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 18
2 weeks – 7-9th grade
Sunday, June 22 – Friday, July 4
2 weeks – 10-12th grade
Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, Aug.2
2 weeks – 8-12th grade
Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 18
   

NOTICE: Please note that the ASCENDER and CIT programs are application-based programs. You can download the applications from this website. Contact Gillian Denham at 828-526-5838, ext. 241 if you have questions.

The MountainCamp community is committed to providing meaningful, quality experiences for all youth, and fulfilling The Mountain’s mission to embrace the diversity of life, creating an environment to energize people to work for positive change. For over 27 years, MountainCamp has fostered belonging and acceptance and has allowed youth to learn and grow together in an intentional community. Each camper is treated with respect, kindness and consideration, and celebrated for his or her individual gifts. A balance is maintained between establishing structure and boundaries to keep youth safe and creating opportunities for them to “test their wings.” We are proud to carry on that commitment to our youth and will continue working towards making this world a better place.

Community Standards

Campers and Staff are committed to creating a safe community, covenant to uphold the following standards of behavior, including, but not limited to, an environment that respects others and is:

1. Free of violence (verbal, emotional and physical) and weapons
2. Free of sex and exclusive relationships
3. Free of illegal drugs and alcohol
4. Free of tobacco products

Click here to see what a typical MountainCamp stay is like
and also check out a typical day's schedule.




ASCENDERs Camp
All Summer Campers Exploring Nature's Delights & Experiencing Re-Creation
Sunday, June 15 – Friday, July 18
Rising 11th and 12th Graders
$970

The ASCENDER program gives rising 11th & 12th grade youth both work and life experiences that provide tools and skills to last a lifetime. ASCENDERs live together with approximately 8-9 other participants and 2 mentors. Throughout this 5-week program, the youth have the opportunity to participate in various training and leadership activities, adventures in the surrounding area, and assist in the success of running The Mountain’s various departments (such as Kitchen, Facilities, Office, and more). Each and every day is full with challenging experiences that help shape personalities long after camp has ended.

The ASCENDER program is an application-based camp. Click here to download the ASCENDER Application Packet in Acrobat Reader Format or contact Gillian Denham at 828-526-5838, ext. 241 for more information.

Return to Top of Page

$1,140 CITs (Counselors-in-Training)
Sunday, June 15 – Saturday, August 2
Rising 12th graders – 2008 Graduates

The Mountain’s CIT program is an exciting way for rising 12th graders and 2008 High School graduates to enhance your leadership capacity, providing opportunities to work effectively with youth and develop personal skills.

The CITs live together on Mountain property with approximately 7-8 other participants and 2 mentors. All the CIT will assist camp leadership with cabin activities, daily trips, workshops, and basic supervision of youth. Each day is packed with action – 5 full days with their assigned cabin and camp activities, 1 day of leadership development & training, and 1 day to relax (and clean the CIT house!). Mid-session Sunday marks Field Day – an exciting activity designed and facilitated by the CITs. Campers also anticipate the one “Fun W/ CITs” night each session, carefully and strategically created by the CITs just for that age group.

The CIT program is an application-based camp. Click here to download the CIT Application Packet in Acrobat Reader Format or contact Gillian Denham at 828-526-5838, ext. 241 for information.

Return to Top of Page


Beginning Camp
Sunday, July 13 – Friday, July 18
Rising 1st – 3rd Graders
$465

Beginning Camp is the perfect way for our youngest friends to be introduced to and fall in love with camp! Because we keep the camper numbers low, our counselors are able to spend more one-on-one time with each participant.

Rockslides, Arts & Crafts, Nature Hikes, and Lake Fun fill our days, while Magicians, Campfires, and Scavenger Hunts entertain us in the evenings. The majority of activities are done as a whole camp in order to allow the youth to create a strong bond with all of the campers in their short time at MountainCamp. And there is lots of special cabin-group time, too, so that children and counselors have the chance to get to know one another!

So, if you are ready to start your camp experiences with Beginning Camp, sign up and prepare yourself for some serious FUN!!

Click here to register. For additional information, contact Gillian Denham, Youth Camp Director, at 828-526-5838, ext. 241.

Return to Top of Page


$980 Elementary Camp
Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 18
Rising 4th – 6th Graders

Whether you are new to the MountainCamp experience or a “graduate” from our Beginning Camp, the Elementary Camp session offers exciting experiences for all who attend!

Elementary Camp gives you the first opportunity to sign-up for many of the activities that you will be participating in during your session. Learn how to build a campfire and cook a meal, create your very own tie-dyed shirt, or explore one of our many trails for the secrets of nature. The adventures are endless! Join in our Slumber Parties, Campfires, and Night Hikes. Laugh till you cry in the fantastic game of “Flodgeball” – a crazy combination of Dodgeball and Capture the Flag! Every day brings something new, giving you memories to last a lifetime.

Sign up NOW and join us for Elementary Camp 2008!!

Click here to register. For additional information, contact Gillian Denham, Youth Camp Director, at 828-526-5838, ext. 241.

Return to Top of Page


Junior High Camp
Sunday, June 22 – Friday, July 4
Rising 7th – 9th Graders
$1,010
The energy crackles all over The Mountain, with hugs galore, lots of laughter, and exuberant shouts of greeting as the youth arrive at The Mountain for the first of our 2-week sessions.

As a Jr. High Camper, you will have the ability to sign yourself up for the activities you want to participate in during your time at camp. There are multiple options for all! You can choose from a variety of workshops, trips, arts & crafts, and more. This is the camp that introduces you to our High Ropes Course and whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.! Evening Programs include Theme Dances, Giant Fort Building, Lee Knight Night (our very own superstar musician!!), a Movie Night, and much more will entertain you at the end of your full days.

Spaces fill quickly, so if you are ready for a fantastically fun time at Jr. High Camp, sign up NOW!!

Click here to register. For additional information, contact Gillian Denham, Youth Camp Director, at 828-526-5838, ext. 241.

Return to Top of Page


$1,090 Senior High Camp
Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, August 2
Rising 10th – 12th Graders

With the experience of highly intensive trips and workshops, Sr. High campers are given the opportunity to challenge their bodies, mind, and spirit. Hiking through the night with the 24-Hour Experience, building boxes for organic gardens, discussing the prejudices and stereotypes we carry with us through life, and so much more allow our Sr. High youth to expand their knowledge and understanding in a safe and fun environment.

Whether you are a MountainCamp “Veteran” or this is your first experience at The Mountain, there are opportunities galore to make new friends, create memories, and discover who you “really” are through daytime and evening programs.

Join us for the ultimate experience of camp! Spaces go quickly, so register early.

Click here to register. For additional information, contact Gillian Denham, Youth Camp Director, at 828-526-5838, ext. 241.

Return to Top of Page


Work and Adventure Camp
Sunday, July 6 – Friday, July 18
Rising 8th – 12th Graders
$1,010
Join us for one of our most challenging and rewarding sessions offered at MountainCamp. As a Work & Adventure Camper, you will spend the first week of the session creating a team among your fellow campers. Experience the Challenge Course, learn how to “Set up Camp,” practice hiking on numerous trails, and make a difference to The Mountain community in a variety of service projects. The second week of the program takes place out on the trail – hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, cooking simple and delicious meals together as a group, experiencing the beauty of the stars and moonlight while falling asleep, practicing “Leave No Trace” skills, and much more! All W&A campers will be staying at the base of our mountain in one of our 2 pavilions. Enjoy a community of people that are practicing low impact activities and learning skills that can be used in the future.
If you are ready for an adventure of a lifetime, join us in the experience of Work & Adventure.
Spaces are limited, so sign up today.

Click here to register. For additional information, contact Gillian Denham, Youth Camp Director, at 828-526-5838, ext. 241.

Return to Top of Page

Summer Staff Opportunities Available

Interested in devoting your summer towards making a difference in the lives of youth by acting and working as a positive role model? It’s easy to apply! Contact the Youth Programs Director, Gillian Denham, at 828-526-5838 ext. 241. All applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2008 and have previous CIT, Camp Counselor, or other significant experiences working with youth.
Take the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth — APPLY TODAY!

Click here for the 2008 NEW STAFF Application Form
Click here for the 2008 RETURNING STAFF Application Form
Site Map About Us | Programs | Bringing a Group | Calendar | Volunteers | Donate | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy

The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc. • 3872 Dillard Road • P.O. Box 1299 • Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: 828-526-5838 • Fax: 781-846-1295 • Email

© Copyright 2004 The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc.