– October 2024 –

Weathering the Storm

Hurricane Helene swept through our area with great ferocity, unleashing torrential rains and incredible winds. We are heartbroken for neighbors throughout the region who lost property and

we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who sadly lost their lives.

We encourage everyone to do what you can to help these hard hit communities. Here are a few organizations taking donations so that they can tend to those in need and get started doing the hard work of clearing debris and rebuilding communities:

foodbankcenc.org/helene/

redcross.org/

teamrubiconusa.org/

You can learn more about the effects of the storm on our area and current road conditions here:

facebook.com/TheHighlanderNewspaper

As for The Mountain, we remain without power, water, phone and internet, but our intrepid team has done an amazing job of clearing the downed trees and branches and making our road and walkways passable. They have also identified and cleared all of the areas surrounding the many trees and branches that have fallen across the power lines. This will help the power company to quickly and easily access these spots and make the necessary repairs in a more timely manner.

The day before the storm hit, we were busy welcoming our many Gay Spirit Vision guests as they began arriving at The Mountain for their Fall Conference. As the storm grew in intensity, those guests who remained watched with us as the roads closed and waters rose. It was truly an awe inspiring storm and witnessing it from here atop Little Scaly Mountain was quite the experience. Along with the early departure of our GSV guests, we have also sadly canceled the 2024 UU Womenspirit Fall institute and Gathering. Both of these groups have been an integral part of The Mountain Community for over 40 years and their dedication to our mission and their love of this place will be greatly missed this fall.

However, we anticipate being up and running very soon as much progress is being made in the wider community fixing roads and bringing power back online. Our team here at The Mountain is dedicated to providing the best possible guest experience and we are currently in touch with upcoming groups to work through any issues at this time. We are also looking forward to welcoming our Youth CONferences beginning October 18 with our Elementary CON!

An ancient White Oak split and fell into the volleyball court

Our greenhouse and farm sustained damage from the incredible winds

Multiple trees and large branches littered the entire property

Fall Youth CONferences

Are Still Happening!

We will soon be ready to welcome UU youth from all over the Southeast and beyond! Youth CONferences are weekend gatherings of Unitarian Universalist youth who gather at The Mountain for fun, connection, reflection, and spiritual growth. Activities include workshops, outdoor activities, a dance, and so much more. Participants stay in our cozy cabins and join together in our Dining Hall for delicious meals suited to each individuals’ dietary needs. CONs are planned by youth for youth, providing opportunities for youth leadership and empowerment.

Click on each CON to learn more and register:

Elementary CON - October 18-20

Intermediate CON - November 1-3

High School CON - December 13-15

Experience a Magical Fall

at The Mountain

The Mountain truly thrives when we are welcoming guests. From preparing cozy cabins, to creating wonderful meals, and tending to our beautiful outdoor spaces and newly renovated common spaces – our team pays attention to every detail in order to maintain the unique Mountain experience our guests have come to expect.

We invite you to The Mountain for your own personal retreat to be nurtured by this special place. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing season as it unfolds below you across Blue Valley.

Fall is also a great time to bring the family and friends along for an incredible fall camping experience. Hike the many trails in the area, explore the waterfalls, and experience the dazzling fall colors all around.

Click to Learn More About Personal Retreats and Group Visits

The Grateful Gathering

November 27 - December 1, 2024

As our region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, we will have much to be thankful for and much to reflect back upon this Grateful Gathering over the Thanksgiving weekend. When natural disasters take a toll we feel it deep in our soul and gathering to pay homage to these affected communities can be a healing experience for all.

Join us for The Grateful Gathering and together lets continue to connect with old friends and new alike, and celebrate this very spacial place.

Join us for a long weekend of acknowledging and celebrating the gratitude in our lives.

Click for more information

Making Connections at The Mountain

is About to Get Easier

As part of our continued effort to upgrade the guest experience, our amazing technology duo of Mark and Mick are expanding our WiFi signal to all of the cabins along the Ring Road. Once this is in place, all of our cabins at the top of The Mountain will have internet access.

We will also be installing our new webcam at the top of the Lodge in the very near future. It will be a great way to stay connected The Mountain in real time, every time you visit our webpage!

Become a Part Our Amazing Team!

A Message from

Interim Executive Director – Kerry Keys

ANNOUNCING:

$50K Match for Annual Fund to Support Mountain Programming starting November 1st

Click to Learn More About Giving

Upcoming Events and Programs

Click on events to learn more!

YouthCONs - Fall 2024

Grateful Gathering November 27 - December 1