#GetReadyForMontreat2025

Check here for updates and announcements about the camp.  During camp, daily announcements will be posted under the announcements on your camp's website, texted to your cell phone, and on the white boards in the Montreat Conference Center, and on the corkboards in the Bill Wilde Tennis Center.

Montreat Camp #2 starts Sunday, 5/18/2025, and here are some links to the website and announcements for you.

Updates will be sent via text and email to your registration form's phone number and email.  If your information has changed, please let us know.  

NOTE: Some cell phone providers block mass text messages, so you should contact your provider before camp to ensure you can get a mass text message. 

In addition, the updates will be posted on this website in the announcements section, which can also be accessed via the link to the camp website or by using the QR Code that will be posted on the white boards in the main lobby upstairs by the check-in desk, and at the Tennis Center. 

Multiple resources are available for camp updates, so if you want to know what's happening at camp, check your resources each morning and throughout the day for updates.

Most of the information about the camp can be found on the website at https://suncoastpickleball.com/camp-5-2024

ADDRESSES
Montreat Conference Center
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757

Bill Wilde Tennis Center
317 Texas Road
Montreat, NC 28757

INDOOR FACILITY - USED IN CASE OF RAIN
Creekside Racquet Club
195 Dogwood Lane
Black Mountain, NC  28711

TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES

There are several transportation companies in the area, including Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other specialized companies, that provide transportation from the Asheville Airport to Montreat, in addition to providing transportation in the Asheville area. 

In the past, many players and pros have had good service from Roger at Asheville Affordable Transportation.  You may call or text him at 828-779-7882 or email him at rogerraaac@gmail.com

CLICK HERE for a list of Asheville Transportation Companies

CAMP CHECK-IN

• Check-in to the camp begins at 12 noon on Sunday, the first day of your camp, at the Bill Wilde Tennis Center.  After checking in, you can play Pickleball on the courts and warm up for evaluations.
• Check-in to your hotel room at the Montreat Conference Center starts at 3:00 pm, and you can check in after evaluations.
• Bring a copy of your camp confirmation and an ID.  Either a physical copy or a copy on your phone will be acceptable.  Your camp confirmation will be emailed to you.
• Beginning at 2 pm, there will be a mandatory evaluation session.  You must attend this session to be in a group with similar-level players. 
  • Evaluations will consist of the pros observing everyone playing Skinny Singles, where 2 players play one-on-one. We will use rally scoring. Rally scoring means that a point is scored EVERY rally whether the server won the rally or the receiver won the rally. There will be one skinny singles game going on per court. You will play both cross-court and straight ahead based on your score and your opponent's score. When your score is even, you will be on the right side of your court. When your score is odd, you will be on the left side of your court. For example, if the score is 1-2 and you are serving, you will be serving on the left side of your court to your opponent, who will be receiving from the right side of his/her court. Since we are using rally scoring, you will change sides of your court if you win the point, whether you were receiving or serving. Each game will last for 3-4 minutes, and the highest score is the winner at the end of the 3-4 minute game. If the score is tied, then you will play one more point to determine the winner. Winners will move up a court and split, and losers will move down a court and split. You will play 9-10 rounds. We will do evaluations in 2 groups. Upon arrival, you will either be assigned to group 1 (from 2-3 pm) or group 2 (from 3-4 pm). You should come ready to play and warm up accordingly, but do not warm up so much that you are more fatigued during evaluations.
  • Here is some information on Skinny Singles: https://thepickleballsource.com/skinny-singles-pickleball/
• After the Evaluation Session, you can check in at the hotel.  Dinner will be from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and then we will have announcements at the Barn after dinner.
• For your convenience, below are some links to get information about the camp.  Click on the heading to get to the website.

CAMP WEBSITE

This includes information about the camp.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to see daily announcements, player groups, and how to contact the pros at that camp for private lessons.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about camp.  If you have any other questions, please send an email to us.

SCHEDULE

The schedule will provide the training sessions' days, times, and information.  Note the subject is scheduled to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

You will find current announcements about the camp.  These announcements will provide information about the camp or changes to the schedule for the day.

PRIVATE LESSONS WITH THE PROS

The Montreat Pickleball Camp Pros will be available for private and small group lessons on Friday morning and before and after the training sessions. Some instructors may start earlier or later than 8 am. They may also have times available before and after each daily training session. Private and small group lessons are a great way to get personal guidance for developing your Pickleball skills in a private or semi-private setting. These lessons will allow you to receive instruction on the specific skills you want to improve. You can do a session with 1 and a pro, 2 and a pro, 3 and a pro, or 4 and a pro. Each instructor will set their lesson price, make their own reservations, and collect payment for the lesson. It is best to schedule your private lessons before camp because these private lessons generally sell out quickly. Pro contact information is available using the link above or by scrolling to the bottom of the page. Don't miss out on this chance to get private or small group instruction from these superb Pickleball Pros and Trainers!!!

PLAYER GROUP RATING EVALUATIONS

To get everyone in a similar skill set group, players will be evaluated on their self-rated skill set on the Sunday arrival date of your camp. Player evaluation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the courts.  For evaluations, you will play games. The winner and the loser will move down a court.  See the game evaluation process listed under CAMP CHECK-IN.  At the end of the session, you should be with similar-level players.  Be warmed up and ready to play to be in the right group.

GROUP PICTURE

The group picture will be taken on Monday morning at 8:15 am on the Tennis Courts in Montreat, NC. All participants and Pros are asked to wear their camp shirts for the picture.

GREEN INITIATIVE AT MONTREAT CONFERENCE CENTER

Montreat Conference Center has launched a Green Initiative to reduce waste. As a result, they are requesting that we use water bottles for drinking water instead of paper cups. Don't forget your water bottle so we can work to reduce waste at the Montreat Conference Center.

MEAL CARDS

A meal card will be provided to you for your meals.  You must provide your meal card when entering the Dining Hall, or you may not be able to get into the facility.  You should write your name on the back of your meal card with "Pickleball Group" in case it gets lost.  Montreat will not replace lost meal cards.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING

• Refillable water bottle (Montreat Conference Center does not provide cups due to a green initiative)
• Notepad and Pen/Pencil
• Chair
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito/Insect repellent
• Cooler
• Light Jacket
• Warm Ups
• Hiking Shoes
• Playing Cards
• Board Games
• Plenty of Clothes
• Other Outside Gear as Needed

WARM-UPS AND STRETCHES ON THE COURTS

Consider doing appropriate stretches, exercises, or a short brisk walk to avoid potential injuries.

ICE  & WATER AT THE COURTS

Remember to stay hydrated during camp.  At the courts, there will be Igloo coolers with ice water, and you will need a water bottle to drink this water, as noted in the Green Initiative mentioned above.  A separate ice chest with ice will be available to fill your water bottles with ice.  There is a scoop to get the ice from the container into your water bottle.  Please DO NOT dip your water bottle or use your hands to get ice or water out of the containers.  Use the pitcher or scoop to get ice for your water bottle. Consider starting your hydration process before camp to ensure your body is hydrated. 

TRASH
Please do not leave trash on the courts. Put your trash in the trash cans. There is a trash can by the steps outside, at the far end of the courts by the table, and inside the tennis center. If you are inclined to recycle anything like plastic, metal, paper, or glass, there is a recycling bin inside the tennis center.

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS

Lost and found items will be put on a table labeled "Lost & Found" in the Tennis Center.

COVID PROTOCOLS

We will adhere to all Covid protocols mandated by the local and national governments and the Montreat Conference Center.  If there are any changes in the COVID-19 protocols, they will be announced before camp.

If you have Covid symptoms while at camp, you must leave the camp and get a Covid test from a medical provider or health facility. If your test is positive for Covid, it is your responsibility to contact the Suncoast Pickleball Staff by email, phone, or text with your certified test results. To return to camp, you must have documented proof of a negative test from a medical or health facility in addition to a documented recommendation from a doctor that you can return to camp and are not contagious with Covid.

If you get Covid while at camp, you will have to leave the camp, and there will be no refund. Anyone directly exposed to you, such as a roommate or spouse, will have to leave the camp with no refund and be required to get a Covid test from a medical provider or health facility. Even if they test negative and you test positive, the person or persons with close contact will not be allowed to return to camp and should isolate themselves according to CDC Guidelines. There are no refunds for these Covid-related situations, so we highly recommend getting travel insurance to cover any losses caused by this unforeseen incident.  This policy applies to both in-house and commuter players.

DEADLINES FOR FULL PAYMENT

Total payments are due on the date specified below by 5 pm ET.  If full payment is not received by the deadline, then your reservation in camp is subject to a $50 late fee and may be canceled.  If your reservation is canceled, your payment is subject to the terms outlined in the Cancellation / Refund Policy.

May Camps: February 3, 2025
Sept Camps: April 21, 2025

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS 

The Montreat Conference Center provides various options for people with dietary restrictions. 

The kitchen routinely handles peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, seafood, wheat flour, dairy, onions, garlic, and other potential allergens. While we follow all NC Environmental Health Department guidelines for proper food handling and preparation, we are not an allergen-free kitchen.

We strive to accommodate special requests/dietary restrictions but are limited in our offerings. Highly restrictive diets, outside of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, may be challenging. Those with other dietary restrictions should consider bringing supplementary foods such as snacks, cereals, breads, and salad dressings. Or your own portioned, ready-to-microwave meals.

Assembly Inn rooms are not equipped with refrigerators, but you may contact the kitchen about storing food, using the refrigerator in the kitchen on the first floor by Convocation Hall, or bringing a cooler.  There are ice machines on each floor.

We encourage guests to contact the kitchen upon arrival to review specific needs during their stay. Please note that if you have a special diet (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free), you may be instructed to retrieve your meals directly from the kitchen. This is to ensure we have enough food on hand to meet your needs.

Important Allergy/Intolerance Disclaimer:
Montreat Conference Center's food service department makes every attempt to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for guests with food allergies. Along with employee training, our food service team labels items that contain the big 8 FDA allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soybeans); however, there is always a risk of contamination. There is also a possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time without notice. Guests concerned with food allergies need to be aware of this risk. Guests with food allergies or other food intolerances should consult a chef for specific ingredient questions. Montreat Conference Center will not assume liability for adverse reactions to foods consumed or items one may come in contact with while eating in the Galax Dining Room, at pre-ordered food/beverage breaks, or at events catered by the Assembly Inn kitchen.

LUNCHES

There will be no more box lunches. Lunches will be served at the Assembly Inn Dining Hall, so we will have to walk to the cafeteria at the Assembly Inn for lunch. It’s about a 5-minute walk. We have added 15 minutes to lunch to accommodate everyone.

WEATHER (CURRENT)

For Sept, generally, morning temperatures are dipping into the upper 50s and lower 60s. Day temperatures are approaching the upper 70s and lower 80s, so bring a light jacket and appropriate clothing.

INCLEMENT WEATHER & RAIN POLICY

If it rains, we have the option of using the indoor courts at Creekside Racquet, ONLY if they are available.  Otherwise, we will go to the barn for video, training, and Q&A sessions. If we go to Creekside, the available courts could be limited.  Inclement weather policy notices will be sent via text and email to the phone and email address you provided at registration.

MASSAGES AVAILABLE

Massages are available from massage therapists in the area.  Be sure to mention you are with the Pickleall camp.  A list of these therapists are as follows:

- Lisa Birnesser with Black Mountain Massage at 828-674-6188 if you want a massage in Black Mountain or Asheville. Black Mountain Massage also has other massage therapists on staff if Lisa is not available.

- Black Mountain Massage at 828-674-6188 (Text/Call)
   https://www.blackmountainmassageandwellness.com/

MASSAGES

Massages will not be available onsite.  If you want a massage, you will need to do an internet search to find a local massage therapist.

MONTREAT PRAYER PATH AND LABYRINTH

Prayer Path: http://www.montreatlandcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Master-Outdoors-Brochure-March-2018.pdf

Prayer Labyrinth: https://www.prayerideas.org/outdoor-prayer-labyrinth-montreat-north-carolina/

THURSDAY NIGHT OUT

For Thursday Night Out, everyone will be on their own for dinner. CLICK HERE for a list of restaurants in Black Mountain. A few restaurants are not on the list, such as Trailhead and Foothills Butcher Shop, so you can also do an Internet search on restaurants to find other dining establishments in the area.

From 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, after dinner, everyone is invited to the Mountain Ale House or Pisgah Brewery to hear live music and mingle with the pros and other campers. This is a fun time for everyone.  An announcement will be posted on the website and sent to you for the location.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE STAYING AT THE MONTREAT ASSEMBLY INN

• The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day, and our staff are pleased to assist you and serve your needs. You may call them at 828-419-9844.
• Wi-Fi is available in Assembly Inn. Access information can be found on the back of your key card packet or at the Front Desk.
• Check-in is at 3 pm. Room doors at Assembly Inn use radio frequency locks and automatically close and lock behind you. Please keep your key card with you. Doors are unlocked by holding the key card up against the lock.
• Check-out is at 11 am (late check-out fees apply). Please return all keys to the Front Desk at check-out.
• All rooms have either one king bed, one queen bed, or two twin beds. While some guest rooms have private baths and others have connecting baths, all baths are tiled and equipped with tubs and showers.  Suncoast Pickleball players do not use the connecting baths unless they are requested.
• Standard guest rooms do not have TVs, phones, refrigerators, microwaves, or coffee makers. A limited number of hair dryers and irons can be checked out from the front desk.
• We provide all linens and towels in the rooms at Assembly Inn and bar soap for the bathrooms. We do not provide shampoo, conditioner, etc. However, those items can be purchased at the front desk of Assembly Inn or the Montreat Store.  There is also an Ingles Grocery Store about 10 minutes away in Black Mountain.
• Quiet hours in Montreat begin at 11 pm. Please keep noise at a minimum after 11 pm to stay within compliance with the Town of Montreat sound ordinance.
• Parking: There is limited parking near the Assembly Inn for guests with ADA needs/ handicapped placards. There is additional parking along Lake Susan and at Anderson Auditorium. Please see the green Ps on the map. We recommend that guests drop off their bags at the Assembly Inn before parking.
• There are no laundry facilities at Assembly Inn.
• If you are eating meals in the Galax Dining Room, meals are served buffet style, and individuals are expected to bus their own dishes. Please carry your meal card with you. It will be checked at the door to the dining room. To-go boxes/cups are available - dining room cups/plates/utensils should not be removed.
• Montreat is a tobacco/smoke/vape-free environment. Please ask the front desk for directions to the designated smoking area.