Tanawha Family Music Camp is sponsored by the Blowing Rock Conference Center, a United Church of Christ retreat center, nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether shrouded in the mists or etched sharp in full sunlight, the view of iconic Grandfather Mountain across the valley evokes a feeling of restful serenity upon us. BRCC is a carefully managed conference facility hosting a wide variety of groups large and small. It has evolved from the original 75-acre Hughes Estate which once occupied the highest elevation in the area, to a multi-structure campus with variety of meeting spaces, exceptional dining services, and capacity to house up to 275 overnight guests. There are a variety of guest accommodations including rustic dormitories, newly renovated cottages, and motel style lodge rooms.

Rare plant species add moments of delight to hikers along the nature trails. Meditation spots, an outdoor sanctuary, and an indoor chapel provide areas for introspection and worship. Amenities include Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, billiards, a picnic shelter, campfire sites, gazebos, volleyball, and a gymnasium. Groups can also book expert climbing instructors to utilize the climbing wall, ropes course, and zip line on the property.

The development of Tanawha Family Music Camp has benefited by the growth and spirit at Blowing Rock Conference Center. Our faculty, staff and participants are continually inspired by the “can do” attitude of BRCC’s administrators and caretakers. No matter how complex the request, everyone on BRCC’s staff is dedicated to the comfort of each guest and total support of each group leader and program.

After The Walker Family Band had held a number of camps at BRCC, Bill Bourdon, then Executive Director, approached us with an offer to provide even greater support by including our camp as a “Special Program” sponsored by the Conference Center. Bill believed that our holistic “mind, body, and spirit” approach to our camp’s programming, whole family inclusion and involvement, and encouraging mentoring of younger musicians by our older and more experienced participants and teachers, closely aligned our values and objective with BRCC’s mission of providing a place “…so that all God’s people can gather for community development, education, and spiritual growth.”

Partnering with the Blowing Rock Conference Center has lifted our camp and made us stronger. It has enabled our program to operate with non-profit status which allows our supporters to make their contributions to our scholarship fund tax deductible. The support provided by Blowing Rock Conference Center’s management of the Karina Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund has made it possible for students needing financial support to expand their knowledge of traditional music through education, performance, and collaboration with musicians across the US.