Shelter Neck UU Camp
An Invitation: Come discover Shelter Neck Unitarian Universalist
Camp: participate in its past, present, and future. Enjoy an intergenerational
event; bring your family for a relaxing week-end; explore creeks in a
canoe; or just rock on the porch like you did at Grandma's. Shelter Neck
is more than just a place -- it's a "special place."
The Past: For over a century, Shelter Neck has been a meeting
place for Unitarian Universalists. Located in rural southeastern North
Carolina, Shelter Neck originated as a school for children who otherwise
would not have had access to education or broad cultural experiences. The
National Alliance of Unitarian Women established the school in 1902 and
provided students with studies in literature, languages, and fine arts
along with the "3-Rs". The students returned the favor by providing
Southern hospitality and devotion to their teachers and their school. Together,
they shared a certain warmth which is still experienced today and permeates
the atmosphere of the campus. In addition, the experimental farming at
Shelter Neck was a forerunner of the state's agricultural experiment stations.
After good roads and bridges were built, public school transportation
was available to the rural children, so there was no longer a need for
the school at Shelter Neck. According to legend, the Unitarians sold the
school to the Universalist Convention of NC
for $1.00 and a handshake.
The Present: Though available public education has long
since changed the purpose of Shelter Neck, nothing has changed regarding
its mission as a "SPECIAL PLACE." Over the years, local Universalist churches
have preserved the physical site as well as many of the experiential facets
of Shelter Neck. Generations of UU children have "grown up" at Shelter
Neck, participating in camps and conferences and giving of their time
and energy to its well-being. Intergenerational activities and special
conferences have expanded the Shelter Neck experience, and groups from all
over the state have begun to enjoy Shelter Neck as well. The one-time boarding
school is still a place for "city" and "country," for adults and children,
for learning and teaching, for sharing and fellowship.
The Future: A former lifelong participant of activities at
Shelter Neck left her estate for improvements of Shelter Neck. Several
others have willed smaller amounts. These funds plus proceeds from the
sale of timber from the property have been utilized for making extensive
renovations. A Wilmington consulting firm has worked with a UCONCI committee in formulating long-range
plans for future construction to include campsites, playground, bathhouse/restroom
facilities, volleyball and tennis courts, meditation and nature trails.
Shelter Neck is truly becoming what its founders envisioned it to be.
YOU, TOO, CAN FEEL THE SPIRIT, CAN BREATHE THE AIR, AND EXPERIENCE
THE LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP BY BECOMING A PARTICIPANT OF ACTIVITIES AT THAT
SPECIAL PLACE -- SHELTER NECK!