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.

November 20, 2015

Camp Registration is Open!

Camp applications have been mailed!

Click Here for Forms

If you are not on our mailing list, or don’t feel like waiting for the postal service, you can go to our website and download registration forms. Forms can be faxed or mailed back to us.

For those new to the Trinity Center experience, Camp Trinity is a summer residential camp sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina at Trinity Center, and, this will be our 29th summer season!

In fact, our Executive Director, Penn Perry, is the former Camp Director (and a Camp Leech camper–Camp T’s predecessor) and our current Camp Director, Mary Beth Bradberry, is a former camper. We often joke that Mary Beth has been at Trinity Center longer than any of us since she’s pretty much been here since fifth grade!

Your Children are Safe with Us!

Camp Trinity is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association. Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, and health & safety issues, and requires us to review every facet of our operation every three years. In 2013, Camp Trinity scored high marks in all areas.

In 2015, around 600 campers came through Trinity Center. 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.

Traditional Camp Activities plus Unique Opportunities!

Camp Trinity offers young people (rising 3rd through 12th grades) 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. 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.)
Christian Education and Worship

Although most activities are groups of cabin mates, the camp program also offers additional “Shareshops” of special activities where a camper can choose their own interest and have a chance to mingle with campers in other cabins. Examples of these activities range from special sports (i.e. pool volleyball), intricate crafts (tie dyed T-shirts), and Sound to Sea Programs where campers meet Trinity Center’s Birds of Prey. tug of war

Each day ends with the sharing of the day’s events, singing, and stories (including the latest antics of the Doo Hammer who has been chasing kiddie campers for more than 30 years!) on the ocean side Pavilion, or around the campfire.

You are Never too Old for Camp!

For Senior High Campers (rising grades 10th-12th), a variety of activities will center around a
program theme. The activities will include vehicles such as discussions, skits, Shareshops, and worship exploring issues such as spirituality, Christian values, societal problems, and personal growth. There is structured group time and activities, and free time scheduled throughout each day.

Adventurers: Special Session for Special People!

All of Trinity Center looks forward to Adventurers week. The love and joy on campus are pure tangible entities. It is absolutely impossible to have a bad week when the Adventurers are around.

penn with adventurers This camp session is designed for persons of all ages with mental and/or physical special needs. The activities for this session are based on our traditional programs and adapted where necessary so everyone can have the “camp” experience in spite of limitations. We have one camper who has attended for over 20 years!

Camp Facility and Island Setting!

Camp Trinity is situated along the Bogue Sound and includes waterfront climate-controlled cabins with indoor bathrooms, covered recreation building, outdoor recreation field, challenge course, assembly building, dining room, boat docks, campfire circles, Sanders Point Outdoor Chapel, and oceanfront Pavilion.
Many different waterfronts are available to campers. Sailing, canoeing and marsh exploration take place in Bogue sound. Swimming lessons, free swim, and watercarnival events happen around the Olympic sized pool. Swimming, sand castle building, games, and beach walks occur on the Trinity Center private beach accessed by a tunnel under the island’s main highway.

Something for Everyone!

Like to attend Camp, or know someone who would, if only the family budget allowed? Camp Trinity has a financial assistance policy for those who might otherwise be unable to attend. Contact the camp office for a financial assistance form or more information. getting in sailboats Financial assistance applications are reviewed in the Spring when the total amount of available funds is known. Financial assistance scholarships are made possible through gifts and memorial contributions to Camp Trinity.

Can’t Wait Until Summer?

Already know and love Camp Trinity? dance
If you are 8th through 12th grade, get a taste of camp in January at the Camp Trinity Reunion. Every winter, former campers candlelight get together to see old friends an Centrum Goof d participate in both some well-loved camp activities as well as sample some new ideas that might show up at the next summer session. In any case, any reason to come to Trinity Center is a good reason. Call us for more information!

October 17, 2014

BIG SWEEP Saturday, October 18th

Come Sweep the Beach at Trinity!

During the month of October, communities of Carteret County are participating in the 28th Annual Big Sweep. Although the kick-off statewide is the first weekend, we extend participation throughout the month. Saturday, October 18th is the day Trinity Center and our Sound to Sea program contributes to the Pine Knoll Shores Big Sweep as part of our ongoing effort to keep our beloved beaches and waterways clean.

If you love our beaches, please join us on the Beach at 10:00AM, Saturday, October 18, 2014. Trinity Center will provide work gloves, trash bags and other tools. You bring the sunscreen and water bottle.

Volunteers will also log the amount and type of items collected, and how many animals suffered entanglements, to add to the statewide record tracking the types of trash ebb and flow over our waterways.

In 2013, 645 volunteers covered over 24 miles resulting in the removal of over 2500 pounds of trash from Carteret County waterways.

Some Big Sweep Tips for participation:

Take a hat or visor and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Wear old, comfortable clothes. You will get dirty.
Take a snack and a drink along. You’ll probably get thirsty.
Bring some insect repellent and a pair of gloves.
Make sure your shoes are sturdy and have closed toes. Your shoes may get wet. Do not go barefoot.
Stay with a partner or group, and be sure that children are supervised by an adult.
Wear a life jacket if you’ll be in a boat. Do not wade into the water to gather debris if the current is fast. Never enter the water unless you know its depth and are wearing a life jacket. Be safe and careful.
Watch for snakes and spiders. Be careful of poison oak and poison ivy.
Watch out for steep, slippery, and unstable banks. If you are unsure of conditions, find a safer place or ask for assistance.
Do not touch medical waste, chemical containers, barrels, pesticides, or other dangerous items. Note their location and tell your site coordinator.
Do not touch any animals, dead or alive. Trapped or injured animals may bite, and they can carry disease. Alert your site coordinator.
Have a safe, fun time!

June 14, 2014

Need a Personal Retreat?

Do you need to step away from your busy life? Can’t wait for our Pelican House Personal Retreat in July? Have some unexpected free time coming up and don’t know how to spend it?

Perfect for squeezing into busy summer schedules, Trinity Center has availability

for short-term Individual or Family Retreats on the weekend of June 20-22, 2014.*

Trinity Center is waiting for you! If you have stayed with us before for either a Group or Pelican House Retreat, then you know Trinity Center is the perfect place to take some deep breaths and indulge in much needed personal time for yourself, or quality time with your family.

Come relax on our beach, play in our pool, walk our dune and salt marsh trails, and enjoy our friendly staff and home-style hospitality. Spend some leisure time at local attractions like Fort Macon, the Maritime Museum’s Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge exhibit, or the N.C. Aquarium’s Summer Dinosaur Exhibit which is a big hit with families. Attending an outdoor music concert or movie is a unique summer treat as is just walking along the beach as the sun sets.

Our rooms include a double bed, single bed, and private bath. Guests share our central living rooms including comfortable furniture, a small kitchenette with ice and coffee machines, television and–if you must contact the outside world–Wi-Fi access. Buffet-style meals may be available for an additional cost in our common dining room at set times, or instead opt to enjoy one of the many local restaurants.

We are also now taking limited reservations for our well-loved Beachside rooms.

To inquire about June 20th or other available dates, call 1-888-874-6287 ext. 11 and speak to Mickie.

We’d love to have you come for a visit!

*Based on availability, Cluster rooms are $65/night for double-occupancy. There is an added $5 fee for each person over two, per room (roll-away beds are available). Credit card required to hold reservation. Meal-plans are at additional cost and must be booked at time of reservation. No cancellation/No refund policy goes into effect three business days before arrival.

January 22, 2013

Welcoming groups and sharing memories.

Trinity Center welcomes the Spinners and Weavers Guild of New Bern NC! This bunch of ladies have become dear friends of Trinity Center and are a pleasure to have on property every year.

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Groups choose Trinity Center as thier retreat destination for many reasons. We have multi-use facilities, great food, and of course the location is to die for! Who wouldn’t want to go to the beach for a retreat? Our year round oceanfront conferencing center is situated on 62 acres of the Mari-time Forest located in Pine Knoll Shores on the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our South facing island has 22 miles of white sandy beaches where you can see both the sunrise and the sunset. You may also know our area as the Crystal Coast.

Trinity Center welcomes groups from all church denominations, nonprofit organizations, corporate meetings, training sessions, youth retreats, family reunions and so much more!