This summer, Clubs participant Lizzy Sober will share periodic updates and reflections based on her experiences in the program. We invite you to read the latest installment below.
What Makes Montreat Clubs Special? – July 31, 2026
As this is my last summer as a Clubbie in Montreat, I have been reflecting on what makes Montreat Clubs so special and how it has given me so much. While, on the surface, Clubs is a day camp where children and teenagers play games and have fun together, it is so much more than that.
For me, Clubs has allowed me to feel like a kid again, even as a 17-year-old. Many of the traditions and activities in Clubs have stayed the same since I was a young child. Starting Monday morning with silly name games and writing the covenant has always been one of my favorite rituals, and it brings the whole group together in a fun way. Most importantly, Clubs has facilitated the formation of both long-standing and recent friendships, and I spoke with a few friends about why Clubs is so special to them.
My close friend McClain Raynor, whom I met in Pre-Clubs, finds that the familiar faces in Clubs make the experience unique. McClain also loves how the people in Clubs create an inviting community where she feels comfortable being herself.
“I love that the people who come to Clubs always come back. They come here every single year, and you usually only see them once a year, so when they come back, you click instantly with them. It’s very special seeing everyone again, and I feel like it is very accepting here in Montreat,” McClain said.
Another friend of mine, Lydia Marcum, whom I have only known for a year, has participated in both Clubs and Montreat Youth Conference. From her experience in Clubs, Lydia enjoys the variety of activities, such as art and music, and shares the same appreciation for the returning participants.
“Seeing all of the familiar faces warms my heart, and we mesh really well together. It’s purely just bliss. It is so much fun,” Lydia said.
Why We Love the Fourth of July – July 3, 2026
With the Fourth of July approaching, Montreat is getting busier as family and friends arrive to enjoy the fun and festivities. As a Fourth of July enthusiast, I have asked friends to share what they love most about the cheerful holiday in Montreat.
For me, my favorite part of the Fourth of July is the Big Circle Mountain Dance at the end of the day. Due to the huge crowd in town that day, the dance is hosted on the tennis courts instead of in the Barn. I enjoy the change of location because the tennis courts let me take in the beautiful Montreat sunsets. Aside from the events’ atmosphere, I also love dancing with my friends and family, some of whom I only see during Fourth of July week. I’ve always found the Big Circle Mountain Dance to be the best place to bond with the people I love.
After spending the Fourth of July in Montreat since she was in the PJs Clubs group, Helen Mitchell’s favorite part of the day’s festivities is the parade. Helen loves the intricate, festive decor on the floats and the fun outfits the kids in Clubs wear. “I really love the parade because everyone spends so much time working on all of their arts and crafts for the costumes. It’s a really cool and iconic part of the day,” Helen said. This year is Helen’s first time participating in the parade with the Senior High Clubs group, and she is excited to dress up as the founding fathers with the rest of the group.
Another Senior High Clubbie, Brenna Epstein, was in Montreat for the first time last summer during Fourth of July week, but was not in Clubs. After seeing the parade last year, Brenna decided she wanted to be involved in the Fourth of July fun. “I saw everyone having such a good time dancing and playing music, and I thought, ‘I want to be in Clubs next year so I can be a part of this,’” Brenna said. This year, Brenna is in Clubs for the Fourth of July week, and has been enjoying the cheerful Montreat community and traditions. “I feel like I’m actually in on the action now, and this week is so spirited. Everyone works together, and it’s such good vibes,” Brenna said.
Favorite Spots in Montreat – June 19, 2026
In the midst of Montreat’s summer season, the town’s natural beauty is evident. As the landscapes fill with vibrant green hues and Lake Susan glistens brighter than ever, spending time outdoors in Montreat is a necessity. Having spent most of my summers in Montreat, I’ve come across a few favorite spots to relax and enjoy nature, as have many of my friends.
My most cherished spot in Montreat is the porch of the Katherine and Thomas Belk Center at Left Bank. From the porch, I not only get to enjoy the delightful lake, but also revel in an incredible mountain view. This spot is the perfect place to read a book, hang with a friend, or even spend time in solitude. In addition to my own favorite place, I asked several other Clubs participants about theirs, too.
Off to the side of the lake, across from the Assembly Inn, George Pope enjoys lounging in his hammock. George finds this spot particularly serene because he can hear birds chirping and observe the wide variety of wildlife. Offering both a stunning view of nature and a cozy nook, the lake is George’s favorite place to socialize with friends or unwind in seclusion.
“I feel zen in my hammock spot because of the soothing nature noises,” George noted.
For Emma Sibley-Jones, the picnic area Monkey Bottom is one of her favorite places in Montreat. Emma particularly appreciates this spot because her older brother, who recently graduated, has had his birthday party there for the past few years, and hanging out in the area reminds her of those fun times.
“Monkey Bottom has been one of my favorite spots for a while now, not only because of the beautiful nature surrounding it, but also because of the many memories I share there,” Emma shared.
Lizzy Sober is a volunteer journalist for Montreat Conference Center during the 2026 summer season. She is from Jupiter, Florida, but has spent every summer in Montreat for 15 years, where she loves to spend time in the mountains.