FAQ
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
HELLO! PLEASE PERUSE THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW. IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK, PLEASE CONTACT US HERE.
WHAT AGE GROUP IS THIS GEARED TOWARD?
We welcome those in their 20s and 30s to attend.
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IS THE RETREAT FOR SINGLES ONLY?​
Married couples are welcome! However, please note that married couples will bunk separately if staying on site.
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MAY I BRING MY CHILDREN?
No children please--except for nursing babies, of course. Married couples attending with a baby may not bunk on site. Please secure a local hotel or Airbnb and join us for daytime activities, meals, and studies!
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MAY I BRING MY PET?
This is a pet free campus
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I HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES. WHAT FOOD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
The campground will provide gluten free options for each meal. Be sure to note your allergies on the registration so that we have an accurate headcount. Should you have any other or more severe allergies, please feel free to bring your own food. Coolers are not allowed in the cabins, but you may store your food in the camp kitchen and access it when kitchen staff is on site (prior to and during each meal time).
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HOW ARE MEALS HANDLED?
Meals are served family style by the campground staff. The menu is pre-determined. If you need to know the menu ahead of time, please contact us and we can provide it to you when it’s made available to us.
​WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
In addition to personal items, you will need to bring a pillow, sleeping bag or twin size bedding, and towel. The cabins are heated. Weather in the mountains can fluctuate, so we recommend packing layers and keeping an eye on the forecast. We also recommend bringing a personal, reusable water bottle for drinking in between meals. If you like to snack, please bring some to share as food is not allowed in cabins. A table will be set up in the dining hall for sharing snacks.
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AM I REQUIRED TO STAY ON SITE?
No, you are welcome to secure your own accommodations and join us for meals, group activities and studies.
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WHEN CAN I ARRIVE?
You’re welcome to arrive any time after 3:00PM on Friday. We realize many may be traveling far distances and cannot arrive until later in the evening, or even Saturday morning, which is fine. Just come! :) Please review the schedule so you’re familiar with the weekend schedule of events.
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WHERE IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is about 2 hours away from Athens Y Camp. Asheville Regional Airport is a similar distance. If you are flying, please notate that on your registration and we would be happy to put you in contact with other air travelers to potentially ride share.
WHY ARE WE WORSHIPPING ON SITE INSTEAD OF AT A LOCAL CHURCH?
In early years of the retreat, we did gather with local saints in worship on Sunday morning. However, as of 2020, we grew to exceed the physical capacity of local church buildings, therefore had no other option than to worship on site. The service will be reverent and structured in similar format to what most are likely familiar with and will include the observance and partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
ARE THERE SMALL-GROUP SESSIONS TO DIVE DEEPER INTO THE STUDY MATERIAL?
Yes! Especially as the group continues to grow, we feel there is great value in facilitating opportunities for discussion in smaller group settings. Get ready to get to learn more about your brothers and sisters from across the country on a deeper level!
WHAT SPORTS WILL BE PLAYED?
Organized sports will include volleyball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, soccer, tug of war, and dodgeball. The grounds are expansive if you would like to get a group together to play anything else!
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WHAT ARE THE HIKING OPTIONS?
Hiking trails are available on the 500 acre campground. In years past, we organized off-campus hikes, BUT we will no longer encourage off-site hiking excursions because we want everyone to stay close by and get to know each other!
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITY OPTIONS DURING FREE TIME?
Musical jam sessions, canoeing, board games, corn hole, on-site hiking, crafts -- or just chill with other attendees! See the annual schedule for free time details.
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ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITY OPTIONS?
Yes! Join in on spiritual activities such as small group Bible studies and discussions with the speakers. You can also participate in more active (but low impact) options such as morning yoga and functional fitness workouts.
HOW LONG HAS THE RETREAT BEEN TAKING PLACE?
The first Christian Young Adult Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat began in 2015 with around 30 attendees. It was hosted in the Gaston’s neighborhood clubhouse, with attendees sleeping in the clubhouse basement and in the Gaston’s home. We have grown organically by word of mouth over the years. In 2023, we had just over 200 attendees and look forward to continued growth in the years to come!
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HOW IS THE EVENT FUNDED?
The majority is funded by the donation fee charged to each participant. The remaining expenses are funded by private donations of individuals in order to help keep the event even more affordable. Donations are also accepted to sponsor those who may need financial assistance.
IS THIS HOSTED BY A SPECIFIC CHURCH OR ORGANIZATION?
No, this is privately hosted by Jason and Jessica Gaston, who worship with Mountain View church of Christ in Cumming, GA. Jason and Jessica set up a non-profit entity, Blue Ridge Mountain Ministries, for insurance, liability and tax filing purposes. All donations are tax deductible and appreciated.
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