Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Christian Summer Camps & Retreats in North Carolina
Holston Camp & Retreat Center has provided transformative outdoor experiences since 1955, rooted in Christian values and a commitment to spiritual, mental, and physical growth. Our programs emphasize small-group camping, fostering nurturing relationships while encouraging youth to unplug from modern distractions and connect with nature. We offer age-specific summer camps for grades 1-12, including specialized programs like Wilderness Camp and Wildcat CIT, alongside year-round retreat accommodations for church groups, families, and corporate teams.Our 150-acre mountain facility features rustic cabins, modern lodgings, and adventure activities like zip-lining and rock climbing. Staff undergo rigorous training and background checks to ensure safety, while our chaplain-in-residence program integrates faith-based reflection through daily worship. We maintain partnerships with local ski resorts and cultural organizations to enhance seasonal offerings, and our scholarship program ensures accessibility for underserved communities.
Services
Summer Camps
Retreat Hosting
Family Reunions
Weddings
Ski Group Accommodations
Rock Climbing
Zip Lining
Team Building Courses
Canoeing
Archery
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of experience in faith-based outdoor education and youth development.
- Our staff undergoes rigorous background checks and two weeks of specialized training.
- We provide age-specific programs with a 1:8 counselor-to-camper ratio for personalized attention.
- Our facility includes two lakes, zip lines, and climbing walls maintained to safety standards.
- We partner with local churches to provide spiritual leadership through daily worship sessions.
What people say
Life-changing experience
Dedicated counselors
Beautiful mountain setting
Spiritual growth
Well-organized programs
Services
Summer Camps
Our summer camps provide immersive outdoor experiences for grades 1-12, combining adventure activities with spiritual reflection. Campers engage in team-building exercises, nature exploration, and age-appropriate programs that foster independence and Christian values. With options ranging from day camps to two-week sessions, our structured environment promotes personal growth through cabin living and guided activities.
Retreat Hosting
We host year-round retreats for church groups, corporations, and special interest teams in our mountain facility. Our accommodations include rustic cabins and modern lodgings for up to 130 guests, complemented by meeting spaces and recreational activities. Customizable packages include meal service, activity coordination, and spiritual programming through our chaplain-in-residence program.
Outdoor Adventures
Our 150-acre campus features zip lines, rock climbing walls, and water activities on two lakes. Guests access guided adventures like canoeing, archery, and team-building courses designed to challenge participants physically and mentally. All activities operate under trained staff supervision with safety-certified equipment and facilities.
Weddings
We offer scenic outdoor wedding venues surrounded by mountain vistas, including lakeside options for ceremonies. Full-service packages include lodging for guests, catering, and activity coordination. Our event specialists assist with planning ceremonies that incorporate natural beauty and spiritual elements aligned with our Christian mission.
Scholarship Programs
Our scholarship initiative provides need-based financial assistance for summer camp participation, covering up to 100% of fees. Applications undergo review by a board committee to ensure equitable distribution of limited funds. The program supports our mission to make transformative outdoor experiences accessible to all socioeconomic backgrounds.
People
Madeline Chandler
Executive Director
Overseeing Holston's strategic direction, Madeline brings decades of experience in Christian ministry and outdoor education. She ensures program alignment with our mission while managing facility operations and community outreach initiatives.
Richard Hamby
Property Manager
Richard maintains our 150-acre campus infrastructure, ensuring safe and functional facilities for guests. With technical expertise in mountain construction, he oversees repairs and improvements while supporting emergency response efforts.
Mitchell Cline
Office Manager
Mitchell coordinates reservations and financial operations, serving as primary contact for budget inquiries. He manages administrative systems while supporting donor relations and program logistics.
Chandler Director
Food Services Director
Chef Chandler leads our dining operations, creating nutritious meals for large groups. She manages kitchen staff to maintain high standards in buffet-style service while accommodating special dietary needs.
Madeline Horne
Program Director
Madeline coordinates volunteer programs and group activities, facilitating community service projects. She connects organizations with service opportunities while managing seasonal events like Holston Helpers work days.
Questions
What summer camp options exist for different age groups?
We offer programs for grades 1-12 including Boomers Day Camp (Grades 1-8), Wilderness Camp (Grades 9-10), and Wildcat CIT (Grades 11-12) with age-appropriate activities and supervision.
Can we host non-religious groups at your retreat center?
Yes, while our mission is Christian-based, we welcome groups of all faiths for retreats, weddings, and corporate events in our inclusive mountain environment.
What outdoor activities require additional fees?
Most activities like zip-lining and rock climbing are included, but specialized equipment rentals or guided adventures may incur extra charges arranged through our activity coordinators.
How does the scholarship application process work?
Submit applications by February 28 with registration details. A board committee reviews requests, and award decisions get communicated by March 31 for the summer season.
Are there winter activity options near your facility?
We partner with nearby Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts, offering ski packages with accommodations just minutes from major slopes and winter recreation areas.
What safety measures protect campers during activities?
All staff hold CPR/First Aid certifications with specialized training in youth supervision. Activity-specific protocols and qualified facilitators ensure safety during adventure programs and water activities.
Reviews (6)
Emily Pray
Jul 20, 2021
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Been going here for 36 years and it is my happy place and glad I can share it with my own daughter
Erin Kingsley
May 25, 2021
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My kids love the summer camps at Holston. Incredible on every level, and a highlight of their summer. Zip lining, canoeing, hiking, games like Capture the Flag--just like the summer camps they had in ye olden days when I was growing up. Highly recommend!
Bernese Life With Lucy
Dec 30, 2020
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My daughter wanted to do this camp all summer! Great camp w so many fun activities! Already ready to go back next summer!
Patrick Rhea
Sep 02, 2019
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Against my will, my parents made me go to this camp the summer before junior high. Afterwards I asked to go back year after year, and as my age advanced so did the activities. An astonishingly wonderful camp. For those who are taking advantage of its outstanding location and idyllic grounds, know that, if you meet members of the staff, youre talking with special people who watch over a very special place.
Nichola Nagy
Aug 11, 2019
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A great camp to learn, grow and have Fun. My daughter asked about going away to camp and this was a perfect fit. Local to our family and with a steller reputation, Holston truly fit the bill. She had a wonderful time, loved the hikes and all the shared experiences. She even enjoyed team cooking and learning how to become more independent and resourceful.
Valerya Hyrne
Jun 25, 2018
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Was there for a meeting last week. Camp buildings and grounds were clean, well-kept, food was fantastic! Staff was nice and considerate. Highly recommend!
