Bring a friend and join us for a Wreath Workshop on Tuesday, December 2, at Coastal Retreat! Rev. Mary Finklea hosts this program where participants will enjoy a relaxing morning filled with devotions, refreshments, and leave with an Advent/Christmas wreath to take home!!

Afterwards, we’ll gather for lunch and fellowship. Cost is $30/person and includes lunch and all program materials. Registration ends soon. Bring a friend or register as a group and join us for this fun event! Register Here →

NO SKILLS REQUIRED!  Come enjoy creating crafty arts, inspired fellowship, and ionized breezes over February 4-7, 2026 at “Creativity at the Coast”, hosted by Coastal Retreat.

Your creative spirit will be awakened with delightful artistic opportunities led by Kris Rife, former owner of Mount Pleasant Crafting hub, Beads and Brushstrokes.  We will strengthen connections together with puzzling, talent sharing, and contemplative devotions to accompany the crafting projects as all are guided through the construction of our own unique prayer beads, resin jewelry pouring, shell cross designing, and a few other surprises.

Together in small groups, each participant will assist with planning, donating, preparation, and cleaning up for ONE meal time during the retreat, allowing you to sit back and relax for the rest of your get-a-way.

You’ll come home with usable hand-crafted items to enjoy or gift, along with rich friendships and new crafty praxis.  Spots are limited, so register now and mark your calendar!

Have a “crafty person” on your Christmas list? This retreat makes the perfect gift and can be shared with someone you love!

Register Here →

Earlier this month, the staff at Coastal Retreat was overjoyed with the delivery of 20 new, double-sized mattresses.

We give thanks for the generosity of St. Paul Lutheran Church – Aiken, SC and Economy Furniture Co. (Batesburg-Leesville, SC) who helped identify and graciously fund this project. Equally as exciting was that members from St. Paul were staying on retreat that same weekend and were the first ones to enjoy this timely upgrade.

Please join us in sharing our gratitude for their continued support of this holy space and the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers!

Via: South Carolina Synod Children, Youth, & Family Ministry

“Wow, what a weekend! On October 4-5, 23 kids and 8 adults attended the Elementary Retreat at Camp Kinard and it was fantastic!

You could definitely see a few nervous faces—both kids and grown-ups—when everyone first got there. But honestly, by the time lunch rolled around, they were all acting like old friends, jumping into the learning and fun activities together.

The whole goal of the retreat was to give them a safe, nurturing place to discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We spent time praying, worshiping, serving, and learning. My prayer is that they left feeling more sure about their faith and purpose as young Christians.

Why These Weekends Matter

Honestly, retreats like this are huge for kids! They’re not just about fun; they’re an amazing environment for spiritual growth and personal development. By giving children a supportive place to explore their faith, we’re helping to lay a strong foundation that will stick with them for a lifetime.

I really can’t say it enough: these events are so important. They help kids grow closer to God and build stronger friendships through their shared faith. I truly hope every church will think about offering this incredible opportunity to their children and parents.

Hope to see you there next year!” Learn More → 

We give thanks for the opportunity the SCLRC staff had earlier this month as they spent several days in fellowship with hundreds of other ecumenical outdoor ministry professionals. This gathering was part of the Outdoor Ministries Connection Great Gathering, hosted by Lake Junaluska and Lutheridge

It was a joy to be with old friends from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and make new connections with so many others!

The following groups have recently hosted events or are scheduled to stay at Camp Kinard or Coastal Retreat this month. We appreciate their support of this ministry of hospitality!

7th Day Press (Neeces, SC)
Be Still Women’s Ministry (Lyman, SC)
Cardinal Newman School (Columbia, SC)
Pearl Baptist Church (Iron Station, NC)
St. Paul Lutheran Church (Aiken, SC)
Swan Lake Quilters (Sumter, SC)