March 2005 The Shoreline Page 7
Trinity Center
For Nearly Two Decades A Vibrant Setting For Relaxation, Renewal, Recreation, Learning and
By Ken Benson
“Alice Green existed that could be used all through the year
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Next time you drive west on Salter
Path Road to the western town limits of
Pine Knoll Shores, notice the Trinity
Center. You will be surprised what this
62-acre retreat and conference center has
to offer. It’s open year around and is
nestled in our pristine maritime forest,
extending from Bogue Sound to the
Atlantic Ocean.
Trinity Center is owned and operated
by the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina.
Greg Premo is its executive director. Here
is an early history of the Trinity Center
property taken from excerpts of former
PKS resident Flora R. Shedd’s “A Circle
of Love”:
Hoffman, a wealthy
New England
Colonial Dame,
began looking for
property near
Beaufort, North
Carolina, in 1911 as
rumors of war began.
After Alice visited
Mr. And Mrs. John
Royal in their lodge
on the Isles of Pines
(as Bogue Banks was
then known), she
purchased their
lodge and all the land
from present-day
Atlantic Beach to
Emerald Isle. Today this land is Pine Knoll
Shores, Indian Beach and Salter Path.
“C. R. “Ring” Davant of Morehead City
was a close friend of Alice, and when his
friend. The Rev. Thomas Henry Wright,
became bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina
on October 5,1945, Ring Davant wanted these
two Episcopalians to meet.
Mrs. Hoffman and Bishop Wright became
good friends. During one of Bishop Wright’s
visits, Alice Hoffman asked him how she could
donate some of her property to the Episcopal
Church. Could the Diocese of East Carolina
use the property as a camp for young people?
Bishop Wright, realizing that a larger summer
camp and a conference center than currently
would enhance the future ministry of the
diocese, readily agreed.”
Kent Cooper, renowned architect from
Washington, D.C., designed this contemporary
multi-use facility. He was the architect for
both the Vietnam Wall and the Korean War
Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was assisted
locally by architect Ken Burnette.
Trinity Center has been a place for people
to come for refreshment and retreat since its
doors first opened in 1986. The maritime paths,
the herons by the lagoon, the porch rockers all
invite guests to sit, relax, and enjoy the stillness.
Forty-four modern double occupancy rooms
with private baths are nestled in clusters among
the live oaks. Spacious meeting rooms are
available for 8 to 175 persons. Guests enjoy
three delicious home-cooked meals served each
day in the dining hall.
Youth are served annually with Trinity
sponsored programs. Camp Trinity is a summer
experience designed to serve the 74 parishes of
the diocese. This program offers young people
between grades 3-12 an opportunity to
experience camping in a beautiful setting under
the nurturing guidance of a professional staff
of camp counselors. In 2004, 640 campers
were involved in this highly rated American
Camping Association accredited site. Penn
Perry, camp director and coordinator of
Episcopal Youth events, proudly says “
Campers share in a Christian program that
helps them grow spiritually and emotionally
and provides them opportunities to develop
Environmental Conciousness
new interests, skills and friendships.” Four
dormitories, two cabins per dorm, house up to
80 campers each session. Campers use Bogue
Sound for sailing and canoeing. An Olympic
size pool is used for swimming lessons, free
swim and water carnival. Campers use the
beach for swimming, sand castle building,
games and beach walks. Other program
facilities include a covered recreation building,
an outdoor recreation field, a challenge course,
an assembly building, and an open pavilion on
the ocean side of the property.
Although many people know of Camp
Trinity, it may come as news that they also
have a day camp program that runs each week
over the summer. The Sound to Sea
Environmental Summer Day Program is an
important part of Trinity Center’s
environmental ministry. Here kids come for a
wonderful summer experience discovering and
exploring the various habitats on a barrier
island.
Last year, Trinity Center’s Sound to Sea
Environmental Day Camp hosted over 300
children (ages rising Kindergarten to rising
sixth grade). While at the program, campers
learn about the beauty of the earth around
them, and how they can help protect it. By
playing games and enjoying environmental
activities, they also learn the value of teamwork
and communication.
With the end of the summer, the Sound to
Sea Program is far from winding down. In fact
they are just gearing up for their busy season.
Whereas Sound to Sea during the summer
Continued on page 10
‘tired ofWaitma on YourseCi
in a (Buffet Line for ^Easter Vinner?
9lt the (Bistro, we serve you!!
Everyone is Served at the Table...
A Six Course Family-Style Dinner
for $19.95++p.p.
{Any course replenished upon need^
Join Us Thursday, March 17th
for St. Patrick's Day!
Irish Jigs Played on the Piano
Call252-247-2777for a reservation today!
4031Arende:
Morehead
252-247-2'
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