For over a century, Shelter Neck UU Camp has been a meeting place for Unitarian Universalists from across the state. Located in rural southeastern North Carolina, Shelter Neck originated as a school for children who otherwise would not have had access to education with broad cultural experiences.
Over the years, the Universalist Convention of North Carolina, Inc. (UCONCI) has preserved the physical site as well as many of the experiential facets of the school, farmhouse and chapel. Generations of Unitarian Universalist children have "grown up" at Shelter Neck, participating in camps and conferences, and giving their time and energy to its well-being. Inter-generational activities and special conferences have expanded the experience. The one-time boarding school is still a place for "city" and "country," for adults and children, for learning and teaching, for sharing and fellowship.
Shelter Neck UU Camp is a volunteer/user operated facility. It is located eight miles from I-40 and thirty miles from Wilmington, NC and the Carolina Beaches.
For the past eight years, UCONCI has sponsored Shelter Neck Youth Camps during the summer, with the aim of connecting youth from small, mid-size, and large Unitarian Universalist congregations across eastern and central North Carolina in a cohesive, energetic and thriving community.
Over the years, the Universalist Convention of North Carolina, Inc. (UCONCI) has preserved the physical site as well as many of the experiential facets of the school, farmhouse and chapel. Generations of Unitarian Universalist children have "grown up" at Shelter Neck, participating in camps and conferences, and giving their time and energy to its well-being. Inter-generational activities and special conferences have expanded the experience. The one-time boarding school is still a place for "city" and "country," for adults and children, for learning and teaching, for sharing and fellowship.
Shelter Neck UU Camp is a volunteer/user operated facility. It is located eight miles from I-40 and thirty miles from Wilmington, NC and the Carolina Beaches.
For the past eight years, UCONCI has sponsored Shelter Neck Youth Camps during the summer, with the aim of connecting youth from small, mid-size, and large Unitarian Universalist congregations across eastern and central North Carolina in a cohesive, energetic and thriving community.
Directions to Shelter Neck
Shelter Neck UU Camp
3747 Croomsbridge Rd
Burgaw, NC
3747 Croomsbridge Rd
Burgaw, NC
From Raleigh and points west of Pender County/Burgaw:
Follow I-40 East to Exit # 390 onto Hwy. 117 South toward Burgaw; Go about 6 miles (look for and follow Well's Pork signs),
Turn left onto Croomsbridge Road - just past Dabby's Grill. Go about 3 miles, past Well's Pork Market, and over the NE Cape Fear River Bridge. Go another 3/4 mile to Shelter Neck in curve on left. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From Wilmington and points east of Pender County/Burgaw:
Follow I-40 West to Exit # 398, Exit onto Hwy. 53 NE toward Jacksonville. Go about 5 miles to left turn onto Croomsbridge Rd. Go about 3 miles. Look for a curve in the road with the chapel on the right as well as the three story house, schoolhouse, and gazebo. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From Morehead City and Beaufort (approximately 71 miles from Morehead to Shelter Neck)
Follow Hwy 24 about 43 miles though Jacksonville; join Hwy 258 for short distance and exit onto Hwy 53 toward Burgaw.
Follow Hwy 53 approximately 22-25 miles watching for Holland's Shelter Creek Campgrounds and Restaurant on left.
About one half mile after Holland's, turn right onto Croomsbridge Road and continue for about 3 miles. Look for a curve in the road with the chapel on the right as well as the three story house, schoolhouse, and gazebo. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From New Bern (approximately 64 miles to Shelter Neck)
Follow Hwy 17 approximately 36 miles to Jacksonville. Take Hwy 258 a short distance and exit onto Hwy 53 toward Burgaw. Follow Hwy 53 approximately 22-25 miles watching for Holland's Shelter Creek Campgrounds and Restaurant on left. About one half mile after Holland's, turn right onto Croomsbridge Road and continue for about 3 miles. Look for a curve in the road with chapel on the right as well as the three story house, schoolhouse, and gazebo. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From Greenville (approximately 91 miles to Shelter Neck)
Take Hwy 11 south through Kinston and Kenansville to I-40. Take I-40 east to Exit # 390 onto Hwy. 117 South toward Burgaw; Go about 6 miles (look for and follow Well's Pork signs). Turn left onto Croomsbridge Road - just past Dabby's Grill. Go about 3 miles, past Well's Pork Market, and over the NE Cape Fear River Bridge. Go another 3/4 mile to Shelter Neck in curve on left. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
Follow I-40 East to Exit # 390 onto Hwy. 117 South toward Burgaw; Go about 6 miles (look for and follow Well's Pork signs),
Turn left onto Croomsbridge Road - just past Dabby's Grill. Go about 3 miles, past Well's Pork Market, and over the NE Cape Fear River Bridge. Go another 3/4 mile to Shelter Neck in curve on left. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From Wilmington and points east of Pender County/Burgaw:
Follow I-40 West to Exit # 398, Exit onto Hwy. 53 NE toward Jacksonville. Go about 5 miles to left turn onto Croomsbridge Rd. Go about 3 miles. Look for a curve in the road with the chapel on the right as well as the three story house, schoolhouse, and gazebo. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From Morehead City and Beaufort (approximately 71 miles from Morehead to Shelter Neck)
Follow Hwy 24 about 43 miles though Jacksonville; join Hwy 258 for short distance and exit onto Hwy 53 toward Burgaw.
Follow Hwy 53 approximately 22-25 miles watching for Holland's Shelter Creek Campgrounds and Restaurant on left.
About one half mile after Holland's, turn right onto Croomsbridge Road and continue for about 3 miles. Look for a curve in the road with the chapel on the right as well as the three story house, schoolhouse, and gazebo. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From New Bern (approximately 64 miles to Shelter Neck)
Follow Hwy 17 approximately 36 miles to Jacksonville. Take Hwy 258 a short distance and exit onto Hwy 53 toward Burgaw. Follow Hwy 53 approximately 22-25 miles watching for Holland's Shelter Creek Campgrounds and Restaurant on left. About one half mile after Holland's, turn right onto Croomsbridge Road and continue for about 3 miles. Look for a curve in the road with chapel on the right as well as the three story house, schoolhouse, and gazebo. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
From Greenville (approximately 91 miles to Shelter Neck)
Take Hwy 11 south through Kinston and Kenansville to I-40. Take I-40 east to Exit # 390 onto Hwy. 117 South toward Burgaw; Go about 6 miles (look for and follow Well's Pork signs). Turn left onto Croomsbridge Road - just past Dabby's Grill. Go about 3 miles, past Well's Pork Market, and over the NE Cape Fear River Bridge. Go another 3/4 mile to Shelter Neck in curve on left. The driveway is between the green Shelter Neck sign and the chapel.
History of Shelter Neck
The Past: Located in rural southeastern North Carolina, Shelter Neck originated as a school for children who otherwise would not have had access to education or broad cultural experiences. The National Alliance of Unitarian Women established the school in 1902 and provided students with studies in literature, languages, and fine arts along with the "3-Rs". The students returned the favor by providing Southern hospitality and devotion to their teachers and their school. Together, they shared a certain warmth which is still experienced today and permeates the atmosphere of the campus. In addition, the experimental farming at Shelter Neck was a forerunner of the state's agricultural experiment stations.
After good roads and bridges were built, public school transportation was available to the rural children, so there was no longer a need for the school at Shelter Neck. According to legend, the Unitarians sold the school to the Universalist Convention of NC for $1.00 and a handshake.
(A wonderful resource in Pender County is the W. Dallas Herring Carolina Heritage Research Collection. It houses the complete genealogical and historical collections of Dallas Herring, noted Duplin County native and historian).
The Present: Though available public education has long since changed the purpose of Shelter Neck, nothing has changed regarding its mission as a "SPECIAL PLACE." Over the years, local Universalist churches have preserved the physical site as well as many of the experiential facets of Shelter Neck. Generations of UU children have "grown up" at Shelter Neck, participating in camps and conferences and giving of their time and energy to its well-being. Intergenerational activities and special conferences have expanded the Shelter Neck experience, and groups from all over the state have begun to enjoy Shelter Neck as well. The one-time boarding school is still a place for "city" and "country," for adults and children, for learning and teaching, for sharing and fellowship.
The Future: A former lifelong participant of activities at Shelter Neck left her estate for improvements of Shelter Neck. Several others have willed smaller amounts. These funds plus proceeds from the sale of timber from the property have been utilized for making extensive renovations. A Wilmington consulting firm has worked with a UCONCI committee in formulating long-range plans for future construction to include campsites, playground, bathhouse/restroom facilities, volleyball and tennis courts, meditation and nature trails. Shelter Neck is truly becoming what its founders envisioned it to be.
After good roads and bridges were built, public school transportation was available to the rural children, so there was no longer a need for the school at Shelter Neck. According to legend, the Unitarians sold the school to the Universalist Convention of NC for $1.00 and a handshake.
(A wonderful resource in Pender County is the W. Dallas Herring Carolina Heritage Research Collection. It houses the complete genealogical and historical collections of Dallas Herring, noted Duplin County native and historian).
The Present: Though available public education has long since changed the purpose of Shelter Neck, nothing has changed regarding its mission as a "SPECIAL PLACE." Over the years, local Universalist churches have preserved the physical site as well as many of the experiential facets of Shelter Neck. Generations of UU children have "grown up" at Shelter Neck, participating in camps and conferences and giving of their time and energy to its well-being. Intergenerational activities and special conferences have expanded the Shelter Neck experience, and groups from all over the state have begun to enjoy Shelter Neck as well. The one-time boarding school is still a place for "city" and "country," for adults and children, for learning and teaching, for sharing and fellowship.
The Future: A former lifelong participant of activities at Shelter Neck left her estate for improvements of Shelter Neck. Several others have willed smaller amounts. These funds plus proceeds from the sale of timber from the property have been utilized for making extensive renovations. A Wilmington consulting firm has worked with a UCONCI committee in formulating long-range plans for future construction to include campsites, playground, bathhouse/restroom facilities, volleyball and tennis courts, meditation and nature trails. Shelter Neck is truly becoming what its founders envisioned it to be.
