Mount

50th

Shepherd

RetReat CenteRs

AnniversAry MAgAzine

www.mtshepherd.org

Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine

Board of Directors

2011 Board Of Directors

Mark Key Chairperson Donna Miller Vice-Chairperson Billy Jarrett Secretary Johnny Harvell Treasurer Bill Johnson Immediate Past-Chairperson Larry Cahoon Connie Carroll Jay Councilman Jerry Crouse Arlie Culp Cheryl Freeman Kendall Glover Mike Holder Ed Ingle TG Madison Kristi Nameth Missy Rankin Ward Russell David Talbert Adam Vernon Jack Young Honorary Member J. Keith Crisco Ex-Officio C. M. Worthy Kent Shrader Staff Rev. Kent Shrader, CCD, Director Mrs. Page Parris, Secretary Mrs. Juanita Barber, Kitchen Manager and Housekeeper: Rev. Terri Lindquist, CPA, Accountant Mr. Sam Rankin, Maintenance:

From The Chairperson: These are exciting times for Mount Shepherd Retreat Center. Since this ministrys beginning in 1961, Mount Shepherd has grown from primitive camping sites to contemporary facilities with high speed wireless Internet, dining facilities, exciting outdoor activities and a growing summer camp. Were fortunate to have committed and gifted individuals on the Board of Directors. This is a working Board. Each person has hands-on involvement so that Mount Shepherds ministry will continue to grow and serve. Mount Shepherd has a vision for growth that includes development of facilities and programs for all ages in an outdoor setting suitable for spiritual growth, fellowship, renewal and recreation. Camping and retreat ministry takes its rightful place within The United Methodist Church when a ministry for the local church is provided. Camps and retreat centers are extensions of the local church. As such we are called by God to provide programs and facilities for the local church to plug into so the local churchs ministry may be strengthened. We hope youll visit Mount Shepherd and, better yet, have your next event at Mount Shepherd. With over 25 years of experience with hospitality and food service we will try our best to assure that your event will be successful. Sincerely, Dr. Mark Key, Chairperson Board of Directors

Published By:

Thank You Kent, Robin, Members of the Board of Directors and Staff for letting Us be a part of this very special occassion. Congratulations!
Dave & Sherry Johnson, Publishers of Asheboro Magazine AsheboroMagazine.com
The Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine was published by Crown Harbor Marketing, Inc., publishers of Asheboro Magazine. Any reproduction or duplication of any part thereof must be done with the written permission of the Publisher. All information included herein is correct to the best of our knowledge as of the publication date. Corrections should be forwarded to the Publisher at PO Box 1369, Asheboro, NC 27204-1369.

PUBLISHERS OF ASHEBORO MAGAZINE

336.698.3889

www.mtshepherd.org

Dave Johnson

Mount Shepherd Retreat Center, a ministry of the United Methodist Church and accredited by the American Camp Association, invites you to "a place apart." Throughout the year groups and individuals come to enjoy the beauty and peace of Mount Shepherd Retreat Center. Retreats, seminars, and meetings are enhanced with exciting, challenging and meaningful activities.

1045 Mount Shepherd Road Ext. Asheboro NC 27205-2844 T: 336/629-4085 F: 336/629-4880

mtshepherd.org

Mission Statement
On February 9, 2008, the Board of Directors held a day retreat to review Mount Shepherds Mission Statement. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Sills, Executive Director of FaithAction, the Board discussed the applicability of the current statement (Building Christian Commitment through camping and retreat ministries) that was developed in the early 1990s. A six-hour meeting included discussion of how much Mount Shepherd had grown physically and programmatically, the types of groups that are and hope to be served, and the vision of the United Methodist Church. It was believed that the old mission statement lacked a wow factor and failed to tell people what we seek to do at Mount Shepherd. At the end of the retreat and with a unanimous vote the Board adopted the following:

Vision Statement
We envision an oasis of Gods outdoor beauty where everyone can discover God and develop a personal relationship with Christ in an atmosphere of fun and fellowship.

Mission Statement
The Mission Of Mount Shepherd Retreat Center is to provide a Christ-centered place of welcome and beauty for growth, learning and fun.

Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine

Mount ShepherdS Story

By Bill Johnson

here is no shortage of history at Mount Shepherd Retreat Center, according to its Director Rev. Kent Shrader. We have centuries of it, he notes. This 542-acre tract is owned by the High Point District of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and located eight miles west of Asheboro.

It contains part of the Uwharrie Mountain range. Three centuries ago John Lawson, Surveyor General for the Carolinas, spent time with the Keyauwees, a small Indian tribe living near the foot of what is now called Shepherd Mountain. His notes were published in England in the early 1700s and this attracted many European settlers to

the area. One early settler, John Shepherd for whom Mount Shepherd is named, came here in 1771. Another early settler believed to be Philip Jacob Meyer came between 1775 and 1800 and built the countys first pottery manufacturing site near the Ridge Road at Mount Shepherd. Remains of this pottery have been excavated and preserved. In 2010

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Randolph County Commissioners and the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources declared this site a Historic Landmark. Shepherd Mountain is believed to be the tallest in the Uwharries at 1,157 feet above sea level. It has many unique rock formations along with varied plants and animals. For as many as 12,000 years, Native American tribes found this unique area to be an excellent refuge from storms, enemies and other dangers. According to John Lawson, they looked at this tall mountain as a haven for worshipful retreat and a place to be treated with reverence. The entire area is rich in significant history. In the mid 1800s a wave of national unrest swept across America and evolved into a Civil War. During this time, a secretive system developed in the South for helping slaves escape to freedom. It was called the Underground Railroad. Many Quakers and Wesleyans, in this area of Randolph and Guilford Counties, are said to have helped hide and transport slaves seeking a pathway to freedom. It is believed that steep rocky ledges and caverns in the Shepherd

Mountain area were used to hide runaways. During the early1900s special healing springs became popular as a treatment for diseases and sickness. People who could afford it, traveled to hotels and spent time bathing in springs of mineral waters believed to have healing powers. Mount Shepherd once had its own hotel with a mineral water healing spring, according to local folks. It was located near the camp entrance beside a small stream. The concrete spring house foundation is still there. Over the years large trees on Shepherd Mountain have served as a home for wildlife and a source of lumber for buildings and firewood. In 1939 Delos Hedgecock who was in the lumber and building supply business bought this large tract and began logging off timber. Friends say some of this lumber was sold to help build Fort Bragg and other military bases. So, you might say Shepherd Mountain grew some of the material to help us win World War II. In June 1961 Delos Hedgecock and his wife Mary donated the current tract of land that is now Mount Shepherd Retreat Center to the current owners. This generous gift by the Hedgecocks

ON 50 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

CONGRATULATIONS MT. SHEPHERD

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planted the seed from which would grow Mount Shepherd Retreat Center. The United Methodists of the High Point District quickly began to build camping and retreat facilities that could be used and enjoyed by thousands of people. Since that time a considerable amount of time and money have been spent building facilities and developing programs. In 1968 the Hedgecock Lodge was erected to serve as the pivotal point for the entire retreat and camping center. It was constructed from a kit using special logs shipped in from the Midwest. The lodge was recently remodeled and expanded to give additional meeting and dining space. Bethlehem Cottage was built in 2000 and is used for special retreat functions. It is designed to sleep 24 people and has

partial kitchen facilities. It has great rustic feel which provides a calm worshipful atmosphere. Six cabins sleep 9 in each and serve as housing for many summer camping programs. Recreation activities and facilities include swimming pool, lake with water slide, high ropes course, climbing wall, field athletics, golf, horseback riding (Pineview Stables), white water rafting (French Broad and Nantahala rivers), canoeing, peddle boats, fishing, petting zoo, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, observation tower and more. Rev. Kent Shrader has served as Director of Mount Shepherd Retreat Center since 1989. He manages all operations including a summer camp and year round hospitality, programs and food service. Over the past 50 years a Board of Directors has guided Mount Shepherd Retreat Center through growth and service. Several hundred people have served over the past half-century. The Board has set big goals. Its mission is to provide a Christ-centered place of warmth and beauty for growth, learning and fun. Its growth and development depends on committed people who share a belief in outdoor ministry and a faith in the generations of people to come.

HIN K LOCA L T

& CONSIGN SHOP

MOUNT SHEPHERD

CONGRATULATIONS

ON YOUR 50TH ANNIVESARY

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1520 E. DixiE Dr. SuitE L AShEboro North CAroLiNA 27203

50th Anniversary Celebration April 17, 2011

Enjoying some cake!

Children enjoying new canoes!

Tired after an afternoon of fun!

LoriAnn Owen, Robin Shrader, Cheryl Freeman

Dr. Mark Key, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and NC State Representative Pat Hurley

Summer counselors Chelsey Pany and Andrew Zidek discuss crafts for children!

Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine

Baby chinchilla!

Dr. Bob Shackleford, President of Randolph Community College and Mr. Keith Crisco, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce

50th Anniversary Celebration April 17, 2011

NC State Representative Pat Hurley speaks with Johnny and Nancy Harvell

Board Member Bill Johnson

Dr. Cheryl Freeman Jack and Charlotte Young enjoy the festivities!

Aquatic fun in the pedal boats!

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Hospitality Is Top Priority

Mount Shepherd Retreat Center has over 25 years of success and experience in providing facilities, food service and programs for retreats, meetings and seminars. Newly built and renovated buildings provide comfortable accommodations for guests.
Hedgecock Lodge sleeps 30. In the same building is a large dining hall with projection and audio equipment as well as a piano, round, foldable tables, a meeting area with new sofas, a large fireplace, and a new breezeway for outdoor meetings and relaxation. Bethlehem Cottage which sleeps 24, has it's own kitchen and dining area with a bay window, a meeting room with a lofted ceiling and exposed beams as well as a large stone fireplace, new sofas, and rockers on three patios. The same room and each of the bedrooms are carpeted. Hedgecock Lodge and Bethlehem Cottage have wireless high speed Internet. Also, easels, a dry erase board and a TV/VCR/ DVD player are available at no extra cost to help facilitate a success meeting for your group or team! Six cabins sleep nine in each. Each is heated and cooled for year-round comfort, has four bunks and one twin size bed, and two chests of drawers. Linen service is provided. Linen includes bedding with pillow as well as a bath towel and facecloth. Mount Shepherd has provides Grade A food services to all guests. To take the hassle out of shopping, packing, transporting, unpacking, cooking, serving, and clean-up Mount Shepherd prepares and serves all your meals. All meals are served in Hedgecock Lodge. The kitchen in Hedgecock Lodge is for use by Mount Shepherd staff only. Groups can prepare meals in Bethlehem Cottage where a limited number of utensils, pots, pans, etc. are available. The kitchen is inspected each quarter by the health department to assure compliance with statewide standards.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 50 YEARS

OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

10 Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine

HigH Adventure And AquAtics Will Add excitement to Your event!

The climbing tower has 20 and 40 climbing and rappelling sides. Built in 2004, the tower has been a challenge for youth and adults. And, yes, you will find a few muscles you never thought you had! The FUN side to it all is competing against one another to see who will ring the bell at the top first! Or try using only certain holds to get to the top. The high ropes course was renovated in 2010. Five elements include the cargo net, vine traverse, crisscross, balance beam and, the most fun of all, the zipline. The Wet Willie waterslide is Mount Shepherds newest aquatic activity. Installed in 2009, hundreds of children and adults have enjoyed going down the 100 slide! The slide has a capacity of up to 250 riders an hour. The unique design of the Wet Willie slide incorporates a cable suspension, multiple color combinations, flexible 18 oz vinyl coated polyester with varying lengths up to 150 feet, and it meets the Association for Challenge Course Technology

AVE YOU EVER PICTURED YOURSELF HARNESSED IN, TRUSTING THE ROPE AND THE PERSON ON THE OTHER END TO KEEP YOU SAFE AS YOU CLIMB A 40 TOWER? IF SO, ALL THATS LEFT IS FOR YOU TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE AND MEET THE CHALLENGE OF MOUNT SHEPHERDS HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM. TRAINED FACILITATORS PROFESSIONALLY OPERATE A 40 CLIMBING TOWER AND A HIGH ROPES COURSE. MOUNT SHEPHERD PROVIDES ALL THE EQUIPMENT AND LEADERSHIP.

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rigorous installation & inspection standards. United Methodist churches have purchased new canoes for the Retreat Center, and pedal boats add enjoyment to the aquatic program. Remember the blob? Age finally claimed this popular aquatic activity. But in the spirit of recycling, the blob is now used as a slip-n-slide. Located at the activity field and adjacent to the pool our youngest campers and guests can have a blast going down this 35 slippery slope! Near the slide is the zipline you can ride into the water! Pedal boats and canoes add to the aquatic fun! If you would like a tour of the facility and the opportunities available for your group or team event, please contact Kent Shrader at Mount Shepherd and hell be glad to show you around.

CommunityOne Bank is proud to support Mt. Shepherd Retreat Center. Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary and best wishes for the future.

336.626.8300 MyYesBank.com
2011 CommunityOne Bank, N.A., Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC

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Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine

Summer Camp
I was born and raised in the Greensboro, North Carolina area. Throughout my childhood I was a regular attendee of Jamestown United Methodist Church. I was involved and active with the Church through the youth groups and mission trips. My parents raised my brother and I in a very loving home surrounded by family and friends and taught us how to be kind and respectful to others. My life was very simple and I had no hard troubles or struggles as I grew. I suppose it was the summer of 1994 when I first attended Mt. Shepherd Retreat Center. I was 12 years old and scared to death being away from my family for a whole week! I arrived that day and unpacked my bags and walked to the cabins in the woods. I can still visualize the cabins; my bunk was the top bunk behind the screen door. I quickly formed a bond with 6 or 7 other boys from the area. I have many memories that flood my head when I think of those days. I often think of the hiking to watch the sun rise, the singing every night and the canoes on the lake. I think of activities such as playing games in the field, swimming in the pool and playing on the brand new blob that had been place in the lake. I also reflect on the quiet times and the Bible studies held each night. Most of the times there was a skit or a play involved but would relate to a story in the Bible. I could feel my soul stirring while I attended this camp and I knew something was different inside my heart. On the last night there was a large bon-fire held and all the campers and counselors attended. After several songs and speakers, we broke off into the small groups we had grown so close to. I dont remember the counselors name but I will never forget the talk we had. That counselor told the group how Jesus loved us and wanted us to ask him into our lives. After a few words the counselor asked if there was anyone that felt the need to pray a prayer of salvation. My hand went up as the tears came down. I prayed with that counselor and I asked Jesus to save my soul. Thank God for that counselor and his dedication to the cause of spreading the word of God

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and saving souls through the grace of Jesus Christ. I went back home after that quick week and told my parents about the decision I had made at camp. I remember just recently speaking to my Mother about the camp and how she remembered such a difference in my attitude and my spirit when I came home from that first trip to Mt. Shepherd. I went to Mt. Shepherd the 2 following years and continued to grow in my faith and love for Christ. Mt. Shepherd helped create a solid base for my Christian faith and the personal relationship I have with Jesus Christ. I strongly promote this Christian Organization to anyone who is seeking a fun time that will serve an everlasting purpose. In Christ, Mark Osborne Deputy Sheriff, Guilford County

TESTIMONIALS
This was the best year for my daughter and she has been coming to Mt Shepherd for 7 years now. Thanks. Thank you for giving my son a wonderful camp experience! Keep doing what you are doing! My daughter always has a wonderful time. My daughter enjoyed her first time at horseback camp!! Thank you so much for leading "Mission Camp". It was a joy to meet each of you and serve alongside of you during the week! Our youth had a wonderful time! I was blessed as I watched you plant and nuture seeds of faith in our youth and as I saw friendships develop between campers. I also found unexpected blessing and renewal as I worked, played, and worshiped with the JUMC youth and other campers. Your superb leadership freed me to truly enjoy my time with with the JUMC youth and other campers. Thank you God has used you tremendously this summer. Amber spoke about camp yesterday at church and said she had so much fun. I wanted to let you know when asked what she learned about God and Jesus this week she said "He's always with us, no matter what. You and your staff are doing a great job. Thank you. Thursday night talent show was a blast...what fun!

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Mount Shepherd Retreat Centers 50th Anniversary Magazine

Located at: 522 NORTH FAYETTEVILLE ST.

Hunsucker PRINTING CO., INC Printers - Lithographers

Congratulations on 50 Years of Serving our Great Community
Terry Russell PRESIDENT CELL: 336-653-5059 p: 336-629-9125 F: 336-626-3547 hunsuckerprinting@earthlink.net

KCLCreative.MtShepherd.Familyad.indd 1

Congratulations Mt. Shepherd on your

4/1/11 5:59 AM

50th Anniversary

Congratulations
Mount Shepherd on Your 50th Anniversary Elmo Yancey
Happy Anniversary to one of our favorite places! The Freeman Family Bryan, Cheryl, Lauren & Derek

From the Ingle Family,

Ed and Leonora
Mt. Shepherd is a Great Place to Encounter GOD!

Congratulations Mt. Shepherd on your 50th Anniversary

From Mark and Joy Key

Mt. Shepherd has a very special place in our hearts. What a wonderful display of God's beauty!

CONGRATULATIONS!
Staff, Thank you for being an efficient, friendly business and making Jonathans camp experiences something he looks forward to all year!
www.mtshepherd.org

The Bethels

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Congratulations Mount Shepherd Retreat Center On Your 50th Anniversary and to Kent And Robin Shrader & Staff For Your Service!

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