BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — For more than a century, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina, has served as a retreat for growth, leadership and community. But when Helene struck last September, the storm left behind widespread destruction, forcing the historic retreat to close.

What You Need To Know

  • YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly has been closed to the public since Helene hit

  • A partial reopening is planned for the summer with 350 campers

  • About 30,000 visitors come through every year, generating an economic impact of about $7.5 million

 

As the organization pushes toward reopening, it faces the challenge of restoring not just buildings but also the connections and traditions that define it.

Founded in 1906 by Dr. Willis D. Weatherford, the 1,200-acre campus has hosted youth camps, conferences and retreats for groups from around the world. Set against breathtaking mountain views, its mission has always been to develop young leaders.

"Our founder believed if we were going to make any significant societal changes, you must start in the hearts and minds of young people," said Melissa Logan, president and CEO of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly​.

One of the most historic buildings, Eureka Hall, got its name from Weatherford’s first impression of the view from land.

"When he saw it, he said, Eureka! I have found it. And so that's how the building got its name," Logan said​.

But Helene changed everything.

Buildings lost, memories preserved

Among the hardest losses was the old gym, which had been a gathering place for generations.

"We were saying goodbye to the building, but we were also saying goodbye to all the memories and all the activities and things that happened there," Logan said​."We were saying goodbye to the building, but we were also saying goodbye to all the memories and all the activities and things that happened there," Logan said​.

Now, the land is an open field after construction crews finished demolition this month. They were able to salvage parts of a wall containing staff signatures dating back some 70 years.

"Our goal is to find places around campus to repurpose that piece of history so that it's honored somewhere else," Logan explained​.

Another major loss was the pool, a staple of summer camps for families and children.

"There were so many kids that actually learned to dive off a diving board because you don't really get to do that too much in today's world," Logan said. "One of my favorites was the belly flop contests. The pool would be packed, and people would line the fences to watch."​

The dining hall also suffered severe flooding with thick mud covering floors and tables still set with cups and napkins. Parts of the building still don’t have power.

"This is probably some of the most heartbreaking to see, you think about the power of place, the power of people and the power of programs. This was where community was formed," Logan said​.

Rebuilding and looking ahead

Despite the setbacks, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is determined to reopen and continue its mission.

"Leadership development, character development and spiritual growth, that is really what we're focused on here," Logan said​.

Logan knows firsthand the impact of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. Nearly 30 years ago, she arrived as a college student working a summer job. She rose from food services and now leads the very organization that shaped her career.

"I was at that crossroads, do I want to go into nursing, or do I want to do this? I loved my summers here," Logan recalled. "My mom said, no matter what you do, make sure that you love it because you're going to have to spend so much time there."​

Her mother was the first call she made when she landed her current job eight years ago.

While a partial reopening is set for June, Logan said there’s still a long road ahead. She compares the recovery to an ultra race, rather than just a marathon.

For Logan, the true return won’t be measured in construction milestones but in the people who come back.

"To see that first group drive on campus, there’s going to be a joyful noise. Blue Ridge is their home away from home, where they take the weight of the world, and it just schleps off of them," she said​. "So to have that opportunity this summer to say, 'Welcome home,' that is just going to be so incredible."

YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly has already spent $4 million to $5 million on recovery efforts and needs about $6 million more for the first phase of reopening​.