Mission, Vision & Values

In 1928, Bishop Kirkman Finlay envisioned a place in the mountains of Western North Carolina, rooted in the Episcopal Church, grown from the love of Jesus, and open to all people. We share the spirit of this place equally with all who desire its experience and affect in the world, and we welcome people of all religions, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, ages, abilities, sexual orientations and gender expressions.

Our Mission

Kanuga is a gathering place inviting all people to connect with each other, nature and the Creator.

Our Vision

To inspire a more mindful and compassionate world.

Our Core Values

Service

We seek to awaken a world of good by providing programs that transform and nourish the soul for work beyond Kanuga.

Respect

We honor the presence and image of God in every person and offer radical hospitality to all guests while striving for a work environment that supports staff with living wages and quality benefits.

Sustainability

We treasure God’s gift of creation and commit to using and teaching sustainable models that have the least impact on our land and resources.

Stewardship

We give generously while using our inheritance wisely, utilizing our resources responsibly so that Kanuga is preserved for future generations.

Our Motto

“In honor, preferring one another.” – Romans 12:10

Our Inclusion Policy

As an Episcopal ministry, rooted in the Baptismal Covenant, with God’s help, we strive to:

• Continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. The simple acts of daily life together: prayer, meals, rest, and play, bring us into closer relationship and community. Our community is rooted in the Gospel, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
• Seek and serve Christ in all people, loving our neighbors as ourselves. Our community seeks to listen to others’ stories, consider their perspectives, and learn to treat people how they would like to be treated according to their needs and abilities. This is the mindset we invite campers into as they navigate daily life in the community.
• Strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being. Our community strives to be a safe, inviting, and harmless environment for all people. We seek to love and respect others and their various elements of identity, like race, culture, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender, identity, spiritual practice, or personal belief. We stand against violence, aggression, intimidation, belittling, or bullying and have no tolerance towards slurs, phrases, expressions, or attitudes that marginalize or perpetuate stereotypes.
• Persevering in resisting evil, and, whenever falling into sin, repent and return to God. With God’s help, we work to maintain the safety and integrity of the whole Camp Kanuga community. By acknowledging that we might slip, we recognize both the awe-inspiring grace of God and the need to protect the integrity of the beloved community in which we choose to be in.

Camp Kanuga taught me a lot of life lessons that really made my life better. It taught me to broaden my horizon and explore my gifts.Gillian G.