Events

Never a dull moment at Holston Camp & Retreat Center! Check out some of our upcoming activities that you may enjoy. We’d love for you to join us.

JOY Camp

October 9-12, 2026

Who says camp is just for kids? JOY Camp Just Older Youth is a weekend designed for adults and alumni who want to experience the fun, friendship, and renewal of camp all over again.

Spend a beautiful fall weekend in the mountains reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and enjoying the simple joys of camp life. Fill your days with as much adventure or relaxation as you’d like with optional activities including zip lining, archery, crafts, hiking, campfires, s’mores, songs, worship, and more. Whether you grew up at Holston Center or are experiencing camp for the first time, JOY Camp offers a welcoming place to laugh, reflect, worship, and create new memories.

All campers will stay in our cabins that are furnished with bunk beds. Everyone will be assigned to a bottom bunk, and will need to bring linens as well as toiletries.

Holston Helpers

April 17-18, 2026

Has Holston Center shaped your life, your faith, or your family? Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back, reconnect, and help shape the next chapter of this sacred place? Holston Helpers is the perfect opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to join together in service, fellowship, and vision.

Over the last year, our community has worked tirelessly to restore camp after Hurricane Helene. Thanks to incredible volunteers, much of our main campus is thriving once again. Now, we are stepping into a new season—not just rebuilding, but reimagining what Holston Center can become for future generations.

This year’s projects focus on preparing camp for Summer 2026 and breathing new life into beloved spaces. From refreshing our rustic and team-building areas to completing long-overdue sprucing and deep-cleaning, there’s a place for every skill set and every age level.

Event Schedule

Friday, April 17
Kick off the weekend with fellowship and connection! Enjoy a delicious dinner at 6:30pm crafted by Chef Caleb Chandler, followed by a special Holston-style devotion around the campfire.

Saturday, April 18
The work begins! Breakfast at 8am, project start at 9am. Lunch is served at noon, and we’ll wrap up by 4:30pm. Projects range from simple, family-friendly tasks to advanced skill-based work.

Who Can Attend

Everyone is welcome! Holston Helpers is a great retreat-style experience for youth groups, Sunday School classes, families, college organizations, civic groups, and individuals.
Elementary, middle, and high school youth are invited to participate; a supervising adult is required for anyone under 16.

There is no registration fee, and all meals are provided. Donations are gratefully accepted to help cover food costs and purchase project materials. If you need overnight accommodations, please contact Madeline Chandler at mchandler@holstoncenter.org.

Ways to Participate

Register for Holston Helpers — Click HERE to register!
Underwrite a project — If you can’t attend, consider supporting the cost of materials so volunteers can complete essential improvements.

Holston Helpers is more than a workday—it’s a chance to return to a place that has shaped countless lives and help prepare it for the next generation of campers, retreat guests, and community members. Let’s reimagine Holston Center together.