UUFH Fall Retreat at The Mountain
October 23-25, 2026
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center
- The Basics - What? How? When? Where? Why?
- Options and Offerings - Gatherings and Activities
- Halloween Party - Costume Contest, Potluck
- Photo Highlights - Photos from Previous Retreats
Letter from Rev. George
Hello! If you're receiving this, we have you on the list to attend our annual retreat at The Mountain beginning this Friday evening. Here are the key details you'll need to get the weekend started off right.
- Plan to arrive Friday between 3 and 5 p.m.
- Navigate to 3872 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 28741
- Join us for social hour at The Commons at 5 p.m.
- Enjoy dinner in the dining hall at 6 p.m.
- Call Rev. George if any issues: (314) 799-8585 — The Mountain is (828) 526-5838
We have a wonderful schedule of events, both social and spiritual. Please see the full schedule here. Paper copies of the schedule will be available on site, so no need to print this.
There will be an orientation after dinner on Friday evening, so bring your questions! If you have questions or concerns prior to Friday, please contact the UUFH office and we'll do our best to get your questions answered.
We look forward to having a relaxing and spiritually rewarding multigenerational weekend!
Blessings,
Rev. George
Why: Because being in community at The Mountain is restful, restorative, and soooo much fun!
When: Friday, October 23rd - Sunday, October 25th
How: You're already registered, so now you just need to get there!
Where: 3872 Dillard Road (Highway 106), Highlands, NC 28741
REMINDER: You can arrive and check in after 3:00pm at the office. See map for location by clicking here. At the office, they will give you your room assignment and other information. Social hour starts at 5pm in The Commons and is sponsored by The Mountain. The Commons area is in the same building as The Dining Hall.
Look for the Sign: There will be a small sign that welcomes you to The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center that turns onto Little Scaly Rd. Turn left onto the rather bumpy road that will take you up to the Mountain. The main office where you check in will be on your right near a parking lot.
Upon arrival, please check in at the office.
There will be a packet of information for you, and someone will be there to answer your questions.
The office is on the right side of the road at the end of the parking lot. Bedding and towels are included so you don’t need to pack any bedding or bath towels.
Schedule of Events
UUFH is offering activities, and we are invited to join activities offered by the UU of Columbia as well. If you prefer, you may just relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this sacred place.
The October 23–25, 2026 Mountain Retreat.
Friday, Oct 23, 2026
3:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In
5:00 PM: Social Hour in the Commons
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Campus Walk-Around: Introduction & Orientation Tour
8:30 PM: PJ Chalice Circle and Bedtime Story (Family Ministry)
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Meditation with Rev. George (Treehouse)
9:00 AM: Exploratory Time (Family Ministry)
10:30 AM: Yoga with Ms. Vicky (Bring mats, but we will have some, too)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Rec Room Fun Session (Games & group activities — Family Ministry)
3:00 PM: Forest Bathing with Rev. George (Amphitheater)
3:30 PM: Nature Walk / Scavenger Hunt (Family Ministry)
4:30 PM: Bubble Parade Starting at the Deck of the Lodge
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Bonfire with S’mores (Amphitheater)
7:30 PM: Halloween Costume Contest & Dessert Social
8:30 PM: PJ Chalice Circle and Bedtime Story (Family Ministry)
Columbia UU options include:
6:30 AM -- Meditation (Library)
12:30 -- Poetry Open Mic (on the Deck after lunch)
2:30 -- Trail Hike, Plant Identification Walk (Details TBA)
7:30 -- Joint Halloween Party with UUFH (Great Room of the Lodge)
Sunday, Oct 25, 2026
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Pack-up time*
10:30 AM: Informal Worship Service in the Tree House
11:30 AM: Closing Reflections & Group Photo
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Check-Out & Departures
*Note: Please strip your bed. Put all linens and towels inside the pillowcase, and then set it outside your door. Try to have your room vacated by 9 AM. Another group is checking in on Sunday afternoon, and housekeeping needs time to prepare for them.
Bonfire and Halloween Party with a Costume Contest
After dinner on Saturday night, there is a bonfire with s'mores at the fire ring near the Tree House followed by a potluck Halloween party and costume contest in the great room of the Lodge!
The bonfire and Halloween party are collaborations with the UU of Columbia and for many, the highlight of the fall retreat! You are invited to bring a snack or something to drink, costume-up and gather in the great room of the Lodge for some slightly spooky but mostly just hilarious good times!
