Welcome to
Holston Camp and Retreat Center
Since 1955, Holston has hosted summer camps in North Carolina for kids seeking refuge from the seasonal heat and a sanctuary for spiritual, mental, and physical growth. Now, as a year-round facility, we welcome groups of any faith to respond to a higher calling and join together in the wooded mountains of Holston Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
View our Overnight Camp Handbook and Day Camp Handbook for a list of what to bring to camp and everything else you need to know to prepare for an awesome time at Summer Camp!
HURRICANE HELENE
CLICK HERE to make a donation to Holston Center’s Hurricane Helene Recovery.
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene hit Banner Elk, Avery County, and the surrounding areas. Historic flooding rushed through the valleys, wiping out everything in its path. High winds downed many trees and damaged homes above the valleys. The flooding in the town of Banner Elk caused extensive damage to the water and sewer lines.
After the storm, Holston Center was blessed by many volunteers showing up to camp to help remove trees from buildings, and clear many roads and trails throughout camp. While we are so grateful to everyone who has shown support to Holston Center in the month following the storm, we also recognize that recovering from Helene is going to take years.
Ways you can help
- Mark your calendars for our annual Holston Helpers event. This is a camp work day where all skill levels are welcome. The event will be held May 9-10, 2025. Registration for Holston Helpers opens in January.
- Plan a volunteer visit. Reach out to Program Director, Madeline Horne, if you would like to bring a group of volunteers. We ask that all volunteer groups coordinate with Madeline in advance so that we can be sure to have supplies and tools ready for your group. You can reach Madeline by emailing her: mhorne@holstoncenter.org
- Donate to Holston’s Recovery. You can make a gift directly to Holston Center to help us repair bridges, zip lines, team building activities, buildings, docks, and so much more. To make a donation, click HERE.
- Subscribe to our Newsletter to continue receiving updates as we make progress to restore our beautiful spaces. To subscribe to our newsletter, click HERE.
