March 31, 2018

Easter Means Spring Cleaning

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

(Psalm 51:10 KJV)

When the sun is warmer on one’s face and his light lingers longer in the evenings, thoughts and hands turn to renewal and rejuvenation. We forget the last of the of the cold and dark. We stretch out the kinks and knock off the accumulated rust of the damp, chill winters of eastern North Carolina. Trinity Center is no exception.

There has been a lot of spring cleaning going on at Trinity from power washing all the decks and rocking chairs to repainting dorms and meeting spaces. With many thanks to beloved and generous friends, we have replaced decking and carpet and landscaping. We have purchased new prayer books and hymnals or lovingly brought old ones back to life.

We are polishing up our best outwardly bib and tucker for our upcoming Open House on April 15th when we hope to celebrate the dawning spring with our favorite friends, old and new. We’d like to introduce ourselves to those who do not know us, and remind those who do what a very special place we are and how we can be all things to all if you’ll come visit.

The outwardly signs of spring cleaning are symbolic of the inward renewal that occurs with each spring rebirth coinciding with the Easter Season. This is a time of cleansing hearts, of renewed dedication to following spiritual paths, of the assurances of great love from the Universe as all life resurrects, and one life in particular.

You don’t have to wait until April 15th to come see us. Join St. Andrew’s of Morehead City on our oceanfront Pavilion for a Sunrise Easter Service as they proclaim in unison with the voices of the ages He is not here for He is risen… and find the renewal of spring and the rebirth of great love in your heart.

They would be wrong, however, to say He is not here, for as surely as the Divine is everywhere, He is certainly here at Trinity. You will find Him in eternal Pentecost walking our paths, talking, laughing, singing, praying with all those who come to this little slice of heaven on a small island off the coast of North Carolina.

Won’t you join us? We’d love to have you.

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 11:19 KJV)

November 20, 2017

Camp Trinity Reunion!

Camp in the middle of winter? Yes!

ATTENTION ALL CAMPERS!

Get ready for another Camp Trinity Reunion Weekend!

The 2018 Camp T Reunion Design Team was hard at work today planning another fun-filled weekend and wants you to spread the word! The Camp T Reunion will be held centrum 2016 January 12-14, 2018 for 8-12th grade. This is a winter youth event for new and returning campers!

We want YOU to spread the word. Mark your calendars and tag your friends! dance 2017

#camptreunion2018

#camptrinity

#camptrinityreunion2018

#trinitycenter

#haveohavens

#lovecampstaff

Register Early for the Giveaway!

The Camp Trinity Reunion Design Team has decided to give 3 special gifts to 3 lucky winners again this year! Remember, this is a January youth event for 8th-12th grade youth. Please note that you do NOT have to be a returning camper or member of the diocese to participate. This is a great youth event to introduce new friends to Camp Trinity!

DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES of winning by liking and sharing our post on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to tag us too! We will announce the winner(s) on Saturday, December 16th!

In order to be eligible, we must receive your registration by Friday, December 15th (youth event registration deadline is December 29th).

WHO? 8th-12th Graders walk 2016

WHEN? January 12-14, 2018

COST? $175.00 (Scholarships available upon request)

WHAT TO BRING: Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket, pillow, towels, & toiletries. It is recommended that you also bring a flashlight, rain jacket, regular jacket and extra shoes.

TO REGISTER: Adult advisors/staff will be provided by the Camp Trinity Staff. Complete the online registration form, write one check for your participants payable to Camp Trinity and mail both. Youth should bring completed Medical Release forms and Community Covenants to the conference or mail ahead of time to Camp Trinity. Everyone attending must have completed forms on site.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Friday, December 29, 2017

Please contact the Camp Registrar at with any questions.

1-888-874-6287

April 16, 2017

Happy Easter to You and Yours!

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom … Matthew 27:51

Sunrise at Seale Pavilion. Location of St.Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Morehead City, Sunrise Easter Service

There is more to communication than the spoken word. In the world of today, many forms of communication are open to us all from the constant contact we maintain through the cell phone in our pocket, to the written communications –sending, receiving, reading–we are incessantly exposed to though our computers, laptops and iPads. We are bombarded by the sway of advertising images and story lines, good, bad, and indifferent, from the televisions in our home, our bank, or our doughnut shop. Even in the checkout line of the grocery store we must close our eyes to escape communication from magazine and newspaper headlines—if we aren’t already ignoring them by texting while we wait…

Likewise, our physical bodies are affected, in ways science is only just beginning to understand, by the electromagnetic pollution all this communicating generates. We as a people are so deluged with the agendas, noise, nano-particles, and thoughts of other humans that we no longer notice it. We only notice the absence of it.

Private Beach Access

It is then we remember the sounds that birds make, find soothing the rhythm of the ocean, hear the loving whispers of the wind rustling the trees, and remember the joys of childhood or parenthood as familial laughter rings across water.

There is a common saying amongst those who know and love Trinity Center:

“The veil is very thin here…”

Trinity Center is unique among its kind in that we fight tooth and nail to keep from bombarding our guests with the pollution of the modern world. We want you to hear the hum of Mother Nature. We want you to notice the “still small voice” of your soul. We want you to connect and fellowship with the Creator in whatever fashion resonates with you. We want you to connect in fellowship with each other without the medium of modernity between you.

Salt Marsh Walking Trail

Whether you are embracing something new, releasing something old, facing a new set of
challenges, just looking for a moment to rest in the arms of the Almighty, or seeking the joy of fellowship with family and friends, Trinity is the place to fully experience these while cocooned in love and service. For the employees of Trinity, hospitality is a mission of ministering to temporal needs while leaving guests free to focus on their own spiritual paths.

The Spirit of peace imbues everything at Trinity. People from all walks are welcomed here with open arms.

Sunrise Yoga on the Beach

For those who communicate with the universe through rituals like Yoga or Tai Chi, our beach is the perfect place to match your breathing to the rhythmic breathing of the earth through the sounds of the waves, and to ground yourself by feeling the sand between your toes.

Sanders Point Outdoor Chapel

For those who practice formal prayer, there is the coziness of the Julian Chapel where an effigy of the Anchoress of Light’s beloved cat smiles benignly upon those who pray. There is the tangible hush of the outdoor chapel at Sanders Point where the earth holds her breath the better to hear heartfelt petitions. There are the Prayer Garden and Stations of the Cross Walking Trail where soothing green envelops the precant and the wind wings supplications on high to the throne.

Girl on Bench_Frank Leith Rd Scholar For less formal meditation there are benches and rocking chairs literally everywhere on property tucked away in random spots as an invitation to sit and contemplate. There are benches on Isle of Wright overlooking the fountain. rocking porch There are benches strewn along the pond path and lining the dock jutting into the sound at the end of the Salt Marsh Trail. There are benches overlooking the ocean on Seale Pavilion. There are rocking chairs on all of the decks and picnic tables tucked beneath the trees.

Wherever one wanders on Trinity’s sixty plus acre property, one is surrounded by the loving embrace of mother earth and the opportunity to tryst with the Divine. As the rending of the tabernacle veil signified for all of humankind in long ago Jerusalem, there are places to reach the mercy seat and find succor from the universal Father, one on one. Trinity is one of those places.

And while the world is only five minutes down the road, the veil is truly thin here on this little slice of sand on the coast of North Carolina. Everyone needs time away from the noise. Come visit us. Let us take care of you while you discover this for yourself.

cloud cover 2

March 26, 2017

UNPLUGGED RETREAT April 21-23

Disconnect to Reconnect: A Back-to-Basics Experience

It’s that time of year again. Spring has sprung and everything is gearing up for a busy summer season. The kids need to get to practice. The lawn needs mowing. Your phone is ringing off the hook at work…

Do Something For You! It’s time to unplug and recharge that battery before the real drain starts when school lets out for summer.

Three times a year integrative life and business coach Annelies Gentile and drum circle facilitator Greg Whitt co-lead a back-to-basics immersion for adults who need a break from their busy lives. Each event invites you to unplug in order to look within, get still, refresh and connect with others through creativity, mindfulness and the natural world.

Are you ready to Unplug?

Today, it takes way more human attention “bandwidth” to function and most of us are exposed to technology overload and noise pollution. You’re invited to get grounded and get away from the busy-ness of work and overwhelm of life! Reboot your system and recharge your own batteries with this back-to-basics retreat. Gain community and creativity, and learn easy tools on how to unplug at home and de-stress at work.

Join us for a bit of peace of mind!

You may be surprised at how valuable disconnecting will be to you personally and professionally. LET GO of your electronic tether and come play with us!

Discover your inner nature IN nature on the beautiful coast of North Carolina at Trinity Center on the Southern Outer Banks, about 2 hours 45 min from Raleigh. Trinity Center has over 60 acres stretching from Bogue Sound to the Atlantic Ocean, with private beach access and a variety of walking trails through diverse coastal natural habitats.

De-Stress to Success! Did you know slowing down helps you focus? This adults-only experience includes climate controlled accommodations on Bogue Sound with activities nestled within a protected live oak maritime forest or on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. All meals are included for a healthy and affordable experience. Take advantage of yoga, life coaching, de-stressing skills or utilize the generous built-in free time to get back in touch with nature at its finest!

Are you running on empty? JOIN US!

Here’s what others say about our Unplugged experience!

“I had so many incredible observations about me and the world! This was a huge eye-opener!!”

“I had tons of new ideas, just by slowing down! I’m more creative and productive at work now and I’m nicer to be around. I actually feel better about who I am because I learned new practices on how to unplug.”

“Instead of wasting my time endlessly checking email and social media, I sat outside in the sun. I kept asking myself, how did I get this far from my center? I’m so grateful to have stepped away.”

“In my busy life, I never have a quiet moment to myself. What a gift to unplug, get quiet and still. Thank you for reminding me to unplug!”

CONTACT ANNELIES Transformative experiences for you, your company, and your community. Integrative Coaching. Consulting. Workshops. Seminars. Team-building. Retreats. annelies@conduitforchange.com 919-345-8396 www.conduitforchange.com

February 17, 2017

Summer Sound to Sea Day Camp Camp Trinity Residential Camp: Registration is Open!

girl-sail summer-sts-2012-water-wonders-16 Our 2017 summer camp schedule and applications are posted on our website and registration is open for both camps so get your applications in now for a summer of sun, sea and sand! Summer Sound to Sea campers may register by phone.

For those new to the Trinity Center experience, during the regular school year Trinity Center hosts Sound to Sea, the only accredited environmental education program on the Outer Banks, offering schools a habitat based, multi-disciplinary, hands-on learning experience for their students with certified educators.

summer-sts-2012-sensational-science-2-22 During the summer, local children can have the same Sound to Sea experience through our Summer Sound to Sea Day Camp. As with our residential program, kids have a chance to explore the coastal habitat using dip nets to catch and study aquatic creatures, explore the maritime forest and learn about the animals that live among the live oaks, and create art and music. And of course, no beach camp would be complete without plenty of time in the ocean, and in our pool, with certified lifeguards.

adventurer Camp Trinity is a summer residential camp sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina at Trinity Center, and, this will be our 30th summer season! Camp Trinity is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association and while there is a strong Christian presence, Camp Trinity is open to all campers.

big-smiles Camp Trinity offers young people an opportunity to experience camping in an enjoyable and beautiful setting on North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks, between Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Unique opportunities not available at other camps are every day programs at Camp Trinity.

dance Traditional activities include:

Swimming instruction
Sailing and canoeing
A variety of sports
Challenge Courses and Teamwork Initiatives
Arts and Crafts
Evening entertainments (singing, skits, dances, etc.)

boat-dock The Camp Trinity program is administered by an experienced staff, of college-age and older individuals, with a ratio of one staff person for every four campers. The Summer Staff consists of trained counselors who are responsible for the care and nurture of campers in their cabin life and camp activities, program staff who plan and implement the recreational program activities for campers, a certified staff of lifeguards and instructors who oversee the swimming and boating programs, and a nurse who cares for the medical needs of campers. Camp sessions are led by volunteer leaders, clergy, and laity.

Call 1-800-874-6287 or email trinity@trinityctr.com for more information.

August 14, 2016

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Trinity!

But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind? Job 12-7-10.

MB pic One of the easiest ways to get assurance of the Divine is to take a good look at the world around. There is no better place to do that than Trinity Center through one of several programs on offer or with just a visit. From Ducks to Turtles, we have more wildlife than you can shake a stick at—not that we recommend shaking a stick at any of it. on the way

First and foremost is our Sound to Sea Environmental Education Program. Running during the standard school year, Sound to Sea is a non-profit educational service offered to public, private, and homeschooling school groups. Hawkins the Red Tail Trinity Center developed Sound to Sea to promote earth stewardship for upcoming generations. The classes and hands-on activities are open to all grade levels and meet the NC Standard Course of Study.

With three different Sound to Sea programs to choose from, all use the habitats of a Barrier Island System as an outdoor classroom. Being able to walk from Bogue Sound to the Atlantic Ocean in a matter of minutes and see the complex ecosystems they learn about in school has a tremendous impact on students.

Another option for the over 55 crowd is one of the marsh walk programs offered in partnership with the Road Scholar program. Road Scholar has been the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning and educational travel since 1975. Its mission is to empower adults to explore places, people, cultures and ideas, and in doing so, to discover more about themselves.

beaufort Trinity Center has combined Road Scholar’s unwavering commitment to lifelong learning with our beautiful outdoor and indoor classrooms and a talented teaching staff comprised of area professors and professionals, as well as our own staff of gifted instructors. Trinity provides programming covering a variety of subjects from the ecology and culture of the Outer Banks, to emerging technologies used to document and protect this fragile ecosystem. ponies

Offering programs to develop new or enhance existing skills in Digital Photography to capture North Carolina’s dynamic coast, to Birding in the Outer Bank’s coastal forests and island sanctuaries, to exploring the historic homes and gardens of some of North Carolina’s oldest communities, Road Scholar has something for anyone wanting to learn more about the beautiful coast of North Carolina.

Girl on Bench_Frank Leith Rd Scholar Lastly, if you just want a place to feel close to nature without schedules or obligations, try one of Trinity Center’s retreats hosted at the Pelican House. Spend your days communing with egret the universe and being one with all the nature on offer along one of our many walking trails, by our pond, or on our quiet beach. Take a pair of binoculars into the salt marsh or sit on the dock jutting far into Bogue Sound and revel in a glorious sunset.

We are a very special location with something for everyone. But over all, it is the nature of Trinity to rest one’s soul. So take time to take a walk on the wild side and come for a visit. Join a program, bring a group, or come on your own…there are many ways to enjoy the unique nature of Trinity Center.

on the beach at sunset

March 12, 2016

Do You Know the Sea?

To the Sea, to the Sea! The white gulls are crying,
The wind is blowing, and the white foam is flying.
West, west away, the round sun is falling.
Grey ship, grey ship, do you hear them calling? ~J.R.R. Tolkien

How well you do really know the Sea? The ocean is more than the summer frolic of colorful umbrellas, bathing suits and towels, or earnest adults fishing, running, walking, or watching bronze children digging in the sand. The Sea has a symphony for everyone, every day of the year.

There is a saying in North Carolina that if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute—it will change. The same could be said about the Sea. A never ending panorama of song, the Sea’s perpetual dance with the man in the moon plays to the audience of human eyes as tides ebb and flow, hiding and revealing the icons of life…an intricate shell here, a colorful bit of sea glass there, the solid and stoic lump of mangled iron, the occasional remains of unlucky sea creatures. The relentless rumble of the surf echoes the full cacophony of life crowding the dark depths of the beyond. To watch the sea is to see the hand of the Conductor God in motion.

In winter the Sea is desolate beauty. Heavy dirges of storm clouds chase each other for miles over empty sand and the wide expanse of the waterway to the other side of the world. One can see the edges in tangible contrast; a relentlessly moving line. Part of the fun is trying to guess just the right moment to slip away before receiving an unwanted cold shower. But if one needs to weep, there is no better time to weep than when the Sea weeps, and no better place than her shoulder of sand close enough to hear her heartbeat a capella.

In spring the storms march to a different beat. The energy of the brightening air is invigorating jazz. The updrafts whip enthusiastically, calling for kite flyers to come out and play. Then fickle Sea turns dark blue as the fine crackle of warm humid clouds confront stale dry air, and thunderheads rear, explode, then disappear in a shower of light rain under the freshly-washed-face of the smiling sun and the waters lighten to allegro green. It is no wonder we admire Benjamin Franklin for flying a kite in a thunderstorm.

In summer and fall, the sea is a deceptive thing of pastoral peace and tranquility hiding a possible crescendo of weather desiring its own name being born just over the horizon. Then the ocean truly shows its power even beyond the boundaries of land. But after the passing, the Sea is once again a tempo, our happy go lucky friend. The lullaby of sated waves sooth us in the warmth and safety of the sublime sunny day and we forgive all her atrocities.

Do you know, really know, the Sea?

Come share our Sea with us and learn the secrets of which she sings.

March 12, 2016

Camp Unplugged–Back to Basics Retreat!

Take A Tech-Free Getaway April 1-3rd weekend!

Being a passionate professional, a busy parent or entrepreneur is different these days. It’s harder on all parts of you. Today, it takes way more human attention “bandwidth” to function and while most of us are exposed to technology overload and noise pollution, many of us don’t, or feel we cannot, disconnect.

It’s important for your well-being, your relationships, and your work life to slow down. Through this incredible back-to basics experience you will…

time to rest, have fun, learn about you
gain practical de-stress tools to use at home and at work
kindle a little creativity and lots of awareness
network through real-time, real-world face-to-face conversations

Intimidated by the thought of slowing down a bit? It may feel risky to pull away from the activities that are associated with practically every moment of our busy modern lives. It’s normal to feel this way but don’t fret- you’ll be in good company! We’re all just like you! A bit overwhelmed, looking for the ‘how to deal’ tool. Unplugging is an excellent tool. Come, try it out with us. You’ll be so glad you took the time to recharge and reboot your human-side.

You’re invited to get grounded and get away from the busy-ness of work and over-whelm of life! Reboot your system and recharge your own batteries with this back-to-basics retreat. Gain community and creativity, and learn easy tools on how to unplug at home and de-stress at work. Join us for a bit of peace of mind!

You may be surprised at how valuable disconnecting will be to you personally and professionally. LET GO of your electronic tether and come play with us!

Discover your inner nature IN nature on the beautiful coast of North Carolina at Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores, about 2 hours 45 min from Raleigh. Trinity Center has over 60 acres stretching from Sound to Sea, with private beach access; dune, maritime forest and salt marsh walking trails; contemplative gardens, island and ocean front Pavilion; campfires and unique community-style facilities.

Retreat Activities

Special Pricing Through March 14th

FRIDAY

Welcome activity from 7:00-8:30pm
Campfire Connection (weather permitting)
Elements of Rhythm: Music in the WILD

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST
Mindfulness & Movement with guest yoga teacher
Fox Walk & Owl Eyes: Getting Grounded
LUNCH
Nature’s Muse: Collaborative Creating
Guided Trail Walk: known as shrin-yoku in Japanese, translates as “forest bathing“
DINNER
Campfire Connection (weather permitting)

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST
Mindfulness & Movement with guest yoga teacher
Morning Gathering with special guest Randy Senzig of C.H.E.R.
Retreat ends at 12pm

Lots of FREE-TIME will be available for you to chill.
Schedule activities and times may vary. Participation is optional.
Need more info? Send email to conduitforchange@gmail.com or Register Online.

January 14, 2016

Spend Family Time at Winter Camp!

We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Trinity is offering something new this year for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Sound to Sea Winter Day Camp. We still have spaces available!

Give us a call at 888-874-6287

Day Camp and Family Time Retreats!

clams During the 2016 Winter Break over Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Trinity Center’s Sound to Sea Environmental Education Program offers a hands-on Science Day Camp January 18th & 19th for first through fifth graders. Come for Monday or Tuesday, or both (!), and learn about our Barrier Island.

Costing $50 per day or $90 for two days, youth will explore the habitats on Trinity’s 60+ acre property. Campers will wear chest waders and use dip nets in Bogue Sound to fin disecting class d out more about the biology on a barrier island. They will explore the beach habitat and learn what creatures spend their winters at the beach. Campers will fish in the pond and dissect a squid. We will also have fun, unique programs to learn about Whales and Sea Turtles!

Sound to Sea will provide all the the materials for your day at pond class camp. The schedule will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Campers will receive a hot lunch and afternoon snack. Campers will need to bring a back pack with a refillable water bottle, long socks, an extra change in clothes, and appropriate winter accessories like scarves and gloves, or rain gear, depending on weather.

Take a Winter Break Yourself!

Parents or Grandparents who also have MLK Day free may want to take the opportunity for some quality Family Time and stay over Sunday and/or Monday evening. ponies

The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (just a mile away on Hwy 58) offers free admission on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day so bring the fa Cluster room_Frank Leith Rd Scholar mily and enjoy the property as one of our Family Time Retreats. Guest rooms are available at our winter rates starting at $45 per night (restrictions apply).

Let the kids romp with Sound to Sea duri beaufort ng the day while adults rest and relax, or go gallivanting in our coastal towns enjoying shopping, museums, the Aquarium… in the evening go see Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens (again!) at our local movie theater at Atlantic Beach Station or watch a family movie in one of our living rooms cozied up by the fire eating popcorn. Or, enjoy roasting marshmallows at one of our campfire rings.