Since this is the last month of 2011 I would like to reflect back on the achievements and milestones of the past year as well as take a look ahead to 2012, one that promises to be an exciting and memorable year for The Mountain. 

Two key words that best describe the past 12 months must be transition and survival. I want to give a big call out to our hard-working, talented and dedicated staff - they have simply been terrific in their performance. We have had to ask each member of our team to be flexible and go above and beyond their normal job duties due to our lean staffing levels. We have had leadership transitions in nearly every department this year: Julie Brooks started in January as Finance Director; Beth Witte moved rapidly from YAR to Associate to Youth Coordinator in Programs, and Brian Buckley in the Kitchen, who started as a cook and baker in June, became Head of Food Service in August. I began my role as Interim Director in March. I am planning on continuing in this capacity until March 23, 2013. Penny Youngblood, our first shift cook, will move into a new role as Head of Housekeeping starting in January. Finally, Bill Posey, who first came to The Mountain as a volunteer in 2010, will become Head of Maintenance in January. We express true appreciation to Ian Denham, who is retiring this month after 22 years of service to The Mountain.

Although the Autumnal Equinox occurred just a few days ago, Summer 2011 seems like it ended a couple of months back in time. As more and more school districts start classes in early August the camping industry has been forced to shrink their summer season. The Mountain’s last session, Senior High Camp, ended on July 30th. I believe we honored the wonderful traditions and legacy of MountainCamp. Many great memories linger on.

Dear  Mountain Supporters!

Well over three decades ago, a group of individuals involved with the annual, week-long Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUUSI) began dreaming about a year-round gathering place for their children, themselves, and others.  This dream became a reality in 1979 with the purchase of Little Scaly Mt., and the establishment of what today is The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center.

The Board of Trustees has begun a process of gathering information from members and supporters of The Mountain to establish a shared vision for the future of the organization. We began this process at the annual Members’ Meeting Memorial Day Weekend with small group discussions.  We discussed what we can learn from our experiences when The Mountain has been at its best.  We also talked about things that we should try to preserve even as we change. Building on all this, we also proposed what kind of organization we want to be in the future.

June was a wonderful month here at The Mountain.  Nature Glory at its best, with the rhododendron in full bloom and the excitement of our campers filling The Mountain with energy and enthusiasm!