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!
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