School Counselor Experience
July 13–17, 2026
Calling all high school and independent counselors! Come visit Lees-McRae College in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains for a week-long educational program and getaway for 20 select counselors.
Explore our mountain home located in beautiful Banner Elk, North Carolina. Learn about some of our innovative academic offerings including Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Outdoor Recreation Management, Ski Industry Business and Instruction, and Wilderness Medicine and Rescue. Tour our 1,000-acre campus and visit the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station, Brigham Classroom at Beech Mountain Resort, Esports Gaming Room, and May School of Natural and Health Sciences.
The fun doesn’t stop there. While you’re in town conquer the Mile High Swinging Bridge at nearby Grandfather Mountain, visit downtown Boone and the historic Mast General Store, attend a Lees-McRae Summer Theatre performance, and enjoy a welcome reception at a local winery.
Space is limited. For more information, contact Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips at 828.898.8944 or phillipsk@lmc.edu.
DAY ONE
3–5 p.m.
Check In at Shelton Learning Commons
5–6 p.m.
Break
6–8 p.m.
Welcome Reception and Dinner at Banner Elk Winery
Grab a glass of wine and enjoy dinner served by the famous Dan’l Boone Inn Restaurant.
DAY TWO
8–9 a.m.
Breakfast in The Summit Dining Hall
9–10 a.m.
Overview and Information Session in Tufts Room
Meet President Lee King and Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips. Learn about our 50+ academic programs, campus life, experiential education, admission process, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, career and life planning, and student success.
10:15–11:30 a.m.
Campus Tour
Take a tour with current Lees-McRae students and dive deeper into student life on campus.
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Criminal Justice Overview
Learn about the Criminal Justice program from professors and instructors.
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Lunch in The Summit Dining Hall
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Tour the Fred I. Dickerson Athletic Complex
Learn more about our NCAA Division II athletics program and student-athlete life at Lees-McRae.
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Tour of South Campus at Grandfather Home
Learn about the newest addition to campus from Director of Residence Life Richard Dellavechia.
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Visit the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Meet our on-site veterinarian, Dr. Sam Young, and interact with our ambassador animals.
4:30–6 p.m.
Break
6:15–9 p.m.
Dinner and Evening in Blowing Rock
DAY THREE
8–9 a.m.
Breakfast in The Summit Dining Hall
9:15 a.m.–1 p.m.
Trip to Grandfather Mountain
Experience amazing views, walk the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, and visit the Nature Museum and wildlife habitats.
1–4 p.m.
Lunch in Boone and Explore Downtown
Visit King Street and explore the world-renowned Mast General Store and local artisan shops.
4–6:30 p.m.
Meet with the Office of Student Affairs
Hear about support for students through the areas of Campus Life, Campus Recreation, Counseling and Wellness Services, Health Services, and Residence Life.
7–8:30 p.m.
Dinner at Sorrento's Italian Bistro
Experience one of Banner Elk’s most beloved restaurants on Main Street.
DAY FOUR
8–9 a.m.
Breakfast in The Summit Dining Hall
9–10 a.m.
Visit the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station
Meet and explore the preserve with Professor Mike Osbourn.
10–11 a.m.
Learn about the School of Business and Management
Hear about Business Administration, Outdoor Recreation and Management, and Sport Management.
Noon–4 p.m.
Trip to Beech Mountain Resort and Lunch
Eat lunch at the Beech Mountain Club and ride the chairlifts at Beech Mountain to the 5506’ Skybar.
4–7 p.m.
Break
7–8:30 p.m.
Dinner and Farewell Reception at Town Tavern
DAY FIVE
8–9 a.m.
Breakfast in The Summit Dining Hall
9–11 a.m.
Check Out
Included in the program:
- Accommodations on campus (single occupancy bedrooms) in the Hemlock Village
- Four breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners/receptions (additional meals or snacks will be on your own)
- All transportation during the program
- Entrance fees for Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain Resort
- Presentations to include an overview of the college and information on admissions, financial aid, academic programs, experiential education, student success and advising, and NCAA Division II athletics.
Not included:
- Transportation to Lees-McRae College via car and any airfare to and from Charlotte, Asheville, or Tri-Cities airports
- Any personal expenses
College of Distinction
Recognized nationally and statewide as a College of Distinction, with special nods to our academic programs in business, education, and nursing.
Best Regional Colleges South
Lees-McRae ranked among top colleges and universities in the Southeast by U.S. News and World Report and recognized for our efforts to increase social mobility.
Top Adventure College
The college took historic gold in the Top Adventure College competition hosted by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine by becoming the first smaller school to win the overall title.
PROGRAMS
With 26 majors and 21 minors housed within four distinct schools, there's something for everyone.
FINANCIAL AID
Our tuition is 15 percent less than other private institutions in North Carolina, and we don’t charge more if you come from out of state.
LIFE
Life extends beyond the classroom at Lees-McRae. From clubs and organizations to leadership opportunities, there are countless ways to get involved.
Banner Elk: Our Mountain Home
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re inspired every day by all that surrounds us. There are breathtaking vistas, shady valleys, and clear, gentle streams in every direction.
We have countless trails in the area—in fact segments of the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail wind through Avery County. If you’re looking to climb even higher, visit one of the local peaks including Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, or Beech Mountain.
If driving is more your speed, you can take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway just miles from campus. Or head over to one of our neighboring towns, such as Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville, for a day of window-shopping or dining in style. Our hometown of Banner Elk hosts concerts, markets, and community events throughout the year, including the famous Woolly Worm Festival.
There is so much to do in the High Country, you’ll want to extend your visit for more adventures!