In the midst of ever-demanding ministry schedules, clergy often carry the weight of shepherding others while neglecting the sacred rhythm of rest God intended for all. Recognizing this need, the North Carolina United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries offers a haven of renewal through Clergy Sabbath Rest experiences at its three beloved camps — Chestnut Ridge, Rockfish, and Don Lee.
These Sabbath Rest opportunities invite clergy to step away from the pulpit, the inbox, and the endless list of needs, and instead embrace silence, stillness, and the healing presence of creation. Each site provides a unique expression of renewal while remaining grounded in the shared mission of nurturing body, mind, and spirit.
At Camp Chestnut Ridge, nestled in the rolling hills near Efland, NC, clergy find solace among tall pines and quiet trails. Whether reflecting beside the lake or walking the trails, Chestnut Ridge offers sacred spaces for prayer and personal retreat. Thanks to a generous gift from the Wardlaw family, Chestnut Ridge is home to the Wardlaw Clergy Retreat Cottage, a dedicated space built specifically for North Carolina clergy and staff serving in United Methodist churches and extension ministries. The cottage provides a peaceful and comfortable setting for rest, renewal, and time apart with God. In addition, cabins and retreat lodges across camp offer space for solitude or small gatherings of clergy colleagues seeking spiritual community and shared reflection.
At Camp Rockfish, located just outside Fayetteville, clergy are invited to experience rest in the midst of creation. Rockfish’s retreat spaces and trails are designed to support spiritual renewal, whether through individual retreat, small group Sabbath gatherings, or guided rest experiences. The Bergland Retreat Center enhances this experience by offering 24 hotel-style rooms complete with linens, towels, and climate control for year-round comfort. Each room includes a private, full bathroom—providing clergy with a restful, comfortable place to unwind after a day of renewal and connection with God’s creation.
Along the Neuse River at Camp Don Lee, clergy can experience rest shaped by the water’s rhythm and the sunrise over the sound. Don Lee’s peaceful waterfront and chapel spaces offer room for worship, silence, and renewal. Many clergy have found the combination of stillness and sacred community to be a profound gift for body and spirit alike. Camp Don Lee offers an amazing opportunity for Sabbath rest in the Wardlaw Clergy Cabin—a fully functional home away from home overlooking the Neuse River Estuary. Built by the NC Conference of The UMC especially for clergy and full-time employees of United Methodist churches, the cabin provides the perfect setting for Sabbath, family time, study, and personal renewal.
Together, these three camps create a network of sacred spaces where North Carolina clergy can step away to be refreshed and re-centered in their calling. The Clergy Sabbath Rest initiative is more than time off — it is an intentional invitation to rediscover the rhythms of grace, reconnect with God’s creation, and return to ministry with renewed energy and vision.
As one participant shared, “My time at camp reminded me that Sabbath is not a luxury — it’s essential to my soul and to the people I serve.”
Through these sacred pauses at Chestnut Ridge, Rockfish, and Don Lee, the ministry of rest continues — nurturing those who nurture others.
Interested in booking? Reservations are first-come, first-served.
Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center: Email info@campchestnutridge.org, or call 919.304.2178
Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center: Email info@donleecenter.org or call 252.249.1106
Rockfish Camp & Retreat Center: Email info@camprockfish.org or call 910.425.3529