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MountainCamp 2009

 
For more information, contact: Brian Gifford
Youth & Environmental Programs Manager, The Mountain Youth Programs


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

Packing List   |   Work & Adventure Packing List
ASCENDER Application Packet   |   CIT Application Packet
What IS It About MountainCamp??

All Camper application forms for 2009 are now available!

MountainCamp 2009 Dates
5 weeks – 11-12th grade
Sunday, June 14– Friday, July 17
7 weeks – 12th grade +
Sunday, June 14– Saturday, Aug. 1
Beginning Camp 1 week – 1st-3rd grade Sunday, July 12– Friday, July 17
Elementary Camp 2 weeks – 4-6th grade Sunday, July 5– Friday, July 17
2 weeks – 7-9th grade
Sunday, June 21– Friday, July 3
2 weeks – 10-12th grade
Sunday, July 19– Saturday, Aug.1
2 weeks – 8-12th grade
Sunday, July 5– Friday, July 17
   

NOTICE: Please note that the ASCENDER and CIT programs are application-based programs. You can download the applications from this website (see below). Contact Brian Gifford at 828-526-5838, ext. 253 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 nearly 30 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 14 – Friday, July 17
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 other participants and 2 mentors. Throughout this 5-week program, the youth have the opportunity to participate in various training and leadership activities, and adventures in the surrounding area. ASCENDERs 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 for ASCENDER Application Packet. Contact Brian Gifford at 828-526-5838, ext. 253 for more information.

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$1,174 CITs (Counselors-in-Training)
Sunday, June 14 – Saturday, August 1
Rising 12th graders and 2009 Graduates

The Mountain’s CIT program is an exciting way for rising 12th graders and 2009 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 CITs assist with camp 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 for CIT Application Packet.
Contact Brian Gifford at 828-526-5838, ext. 253 for more information.

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Beginning Camp
Sunday, July 12 – Friday, July 17
Rising 1st – 3rd Graders
$479

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 campers and counselors have the chance to get to know one another!

So, if you are ready to start your camper's Mountain experiences with Beginning Camp, sign up and get prepared for some serious FUN!!

Click here for Registration Form. For additional information, contact Brian Gifford, Youth & Environmental Programs Manager, at 828-526-5838, ext. 253.

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$1,009 Elementary Camp
Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 17
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 something of your very own in arts-n-crafts, or explore one of our many trails for the secrets of nature. The adventures are endless! Every day brings something new, giving you memories to last a lifetime.

Sign up NOW and join us for Elementary Camp 2009!!
Click here for Registration Form. For additional information, contact Brian Gifford, Youth & Environmental Programs Manager, at 828-526-5838, ext. 253.

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Junior High Camp
Sunday, June 21 – Friday, July 3
Rising 7th – 9th Graders
$1,040
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, 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 for Registration Form. For additional information, contact Brian Gifford, Youth & Environmental Programs Manager, at 828-526-5838, ext. 253.

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$1,122 Senior High Camp
Sunday, July 19 – Saturday, August 1
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, working on our organic gardens, discussing the prejudices and stereotypes we carry with us through life, learning about environmental issues 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 for Registration Form. For additional information, contact Brian Gifford , Youth & Environmental Programs Manager, at 828-526-5838, ext. 253.

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Work and Adventure Camp
Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 17
Rising 8th – 12th Graders
$1,040
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 by working on a 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, 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 pavilions. Enjoy a community of people that are learning new skills together.
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 for Registration Form. For additional information contact Brian Gifford, Youth & Environmental Programs Manager,
at 828-526-5838, ext. 253.

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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 & Environmental Programs Manager, Brian Gifford, at 828-526-5838 ext. 253. All applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2009 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 2009 NEW STAFF Application Form
Click here for 2009 RETURNING STAFF Application Form
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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

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