Youth CONferences
& Introducing Our
Youth Program Director
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The Mountain is alive with the sounds of MountainCamp youth – singing, conversation, laughter, sharing and building knowledge and skills.
Providing year-round life-enriching experiences for Unitarian Universalist youth and others interested in UU programming has been a focus of The Mountain since our founding in 1979. Not only is this tradition being honored, but we are enthusiastically developing more possibilities.
In addition to various MountainCamp options, biannual CONs provide fall and spring program for elementary, middle and high school youth.
We encourage you to plan now and register to come to The Mountain for CONs.
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What is the Youth CONference?
This is a weekend gathering of Unitarian Universalist (UU) youth and advisors, and others interested in this kind of programming.
The time is filled with workshops, activities, adventures, and a supportive environment. During these CONs, youth get to enjoy participating in all the activities that they get to share with new friends in small get-to-know-you groups, while bonding during free time, and contributing through fun and reflections, while growing through well-being and connection.
Youth participating in Youth CONferences attend as a part of a congregational sponsored group. Adult advisors and Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs), work with Mountain staff to provide this enriching youth program.
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Reflections from CON partcipants |
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I really admire the way The Mountain teaches youth and children how to live sustainably and treat the earth with respect. I like talking about caring for the earth and seeing the effects of what we do. ~Fiona A.
It creates an environment where kids can learn to be sure of themselves and their values and then put those values into practice. ~Elly M.
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Become a Peer Advocate Leader (PAL) |
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The PAL position includes co-leading focus groups and workshops, and assisting with all CON events. PAL leadership training includes creative problem solving, critical thinking, communication, mentoring and group facilitation skills. Personal growth sessions include self-awareness and interpersonal skills.
PALs expectations:
- Be at least 16 years of age at the time of the CON
- Implement The Mountain COVID protocol of vaccinations and masks
For either or both fall and spring CONs
- Participate in the PAL training and CON planning weekend
- Participate as a PAL for the three CONs (elementary, intermediate, and high school)
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The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is excited to announce PAL training and Youth CON dates for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023!
Fall 2022
Spring 2023
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Message from the Director,
Steph Anderson
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We’re still in the middle of MountainCamp but I can’t wait to continue all these Youth programs throughout the year! We now have Chelsea here who is adding new and exciting programs for our kids that are near and dear to my heart. I can already envision our summer campers visiting us several times during the year to continue gaining knowledge of the outdoors, environmental ed, climate justice and so much more!
This is a very exciting time for The Mountain and I encourage more youth to participate in our Youth CONs so that they can continue to learn and make this world a better place.
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Introducing Chelsea Tharp
Youth Program Director
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Chelsea joined The Mountain team in May in a new position of Youth Program Director! Her education includes Outdoor Leadership and Parks & Recreation Management. She has worked with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Service as an ACE/AmeriCorps member and has management experience in the outdoor industry. Her recent experience includes co-facilitating a wellness retreat in Guatemala. Broader interests include helping others through spiritual wholeness, with a focus on diversity, community, culture, outdoors, and all aspects of well-being.
As part of the Mountain team, Chelsea is immersed in MountainCamp and planning CONs. She is enthusiastic about providing other learning opportunities through extending current programs and offering additional programs for youth and young adults. This will include outdoor education and adventure, wilderness survival, wellness, appreciation of and immersion in our natural environment, as well as youth leadership programs.
For more information about youth CONs, PAL youth leadership opportunities or other youth and young adult programming, please contact Chelsea at chelsea.tharp@themountainrlc.org or 828.526.5838 x253
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Join us for a Mountain Experience
Please review our events page here to plan a time to be at The Mountain for a program or personal retreat.
Share this information with others, who may enjoy a Mountain experience.
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July 24 - 29, 2022
Open to the Public
A Mountain Camp experience for all ages! Adventures, entertainment, and workshops, including building a cob pizza oven. Please register by July 10.
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6th Annual Aaron Shearer Summer Institute |
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July 29 - Aug 4, 2022
Open to the Public
Masterclasses for individuals and groups in beginning to advanced technique, guitar harmony and rhythm, composing and arranging.
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Creating Ritual,
Ceremony and the Medicine Wheel
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Aug 11 - 14, 2022
Open to the Public
All are welcome to discover and explore the ancient technology and power of Ritual, Ceremony and the Medicine Wheel.
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Aug 12, 3-8pm, 2022
Open to the Public
The concert is an original composition for piano and bassoon, by Amber Ferenz Spuller. Bill Jacobs, geologist, will present an overview of the area. Freeman Owle, Cherokee educator, will discuss the significance of these mountains for the Cherokee peoples.
Out of area guests are encouraged to plan a personal retreat to enjoy the area, and possibly stay for the August 14 farm foraging tour and forest-to-table dinner.
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September 5–9, 2022
Open to the Public
Each day will have a central theme such as plants, mushrooms, and animals, with the program including talks, hands-on activities, and entertainment related to the theme.
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Thank you for your support!
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There is always so much happening at The Mountain.
Check it out in our archive of Mountain Matters.
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At the bottom of The Mountain's Home page add your email to sign up for Mountain Matters! |
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