What’s New at Phoebe Needles
A Gem Hidden in Callaway
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Callaway, Virginia lies a sanctuary built on love, connection and community. This special place has a rich 121 year history.
Phoebe Needles Center, Inc. is a nonprofit serving people of all ages throughout southwestern Virginia offering facility rentals and a variety of educational, spiritual, and renewal programs designed to nurture people in their spiritual formation. Phoebe Needles is best known for its wonderful and engaging summer camp programs for youth, Center for Lifelong Learning programs for seniors, and for spiritual retreats.
Upon this strong foundation, a vibrant future is planned by the PNCI Board and Inge Terrill, the new Executive Director hired this summer. She is replacing Reverend John Heck, who over a 25 year period designed, built up, developed programs and made PNCI the educational center and accredited camp that it is today.
Ms. Terrill comes to Phoebe Needles with a background in Biology, Environmental Science, and Education. Her vision for Phoebe Needles is for it to stay strongly grounded in its mission and current offerings while growing as an organization to help meet the current needs of local communities and to expand its program offerings for people of all ages.
“We will be looking for strong partnerships with schools systems, local groups, nonprofit organizations, and individuals going forward. We want to help youth and adults better navigate our ever-changing world and set them up for successes in life,” says Ms. Terrill. Three of our existing partnerships are with the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, Saint Peter’s-in-the-Mountains Episcopal Church in Callaway, and with the American Camp Association.”
“We welcome all people to our beautiful and relaxing 78-acre facility for events such as retreats, weddings, parties, family reunions, meetings and lodging, as well as to participate in our educational programs.”
On Sunday, October 1st , Phoebe Needles will be launching an annual fall festival fundraiser with music, storytelling, food, and family fun activities to help raise awareness about its programs and its outreach as well as raise money for programs. This event will include a tribute to Rev. Heck’s 25 year legacy at PNCI.
To get involved, make a donation, or learn more, please contact PNCI at 540.483.1518, pncenter@gmail.com, or phoebeneedles.org.
Robert S. Strong Summer Camp Fund Established
For more than 19 years, Bob Strong served on the Phoebe Needles Center, Inc. Board of Directors. For 12 of those years, he served as the president of the Board. Our Executive Director, John Heck, recently said, “There was no one more enthusiastic, faithful, and willing to promote our programs than Bob. He served as the medical director for our summer camp programs, recruited many board members and sent lots of donors our way.”
The PNCI Board of Directors has established the Robert S. Strong Summer Camp Fund in his memory. Speaking for the Board, Board President Bob Pohlad said, “The hope of the Board is to raise at least $25,000 to create a perpetual fund that will support the Summer Camp program for many years to come. Please consider making a donation to honor the memory of Bob Strong, and to assist the campers and staff who participate in our worthwhile summer camp programs.”
Donations may be sent to the Robert S. Strong Summer Camp Fund, Phoebe Needles Center, Inc., 732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA 24067. Checks should be made payable to Phoebe Needles Center, Inc. Or, donate online today!
Phoebe Needles in the News
- “Phoebe Needles to host Spring Gathering tomorrow”– Franklin News Post, April 2022
- “Music in the mountains at the Phoebe Needles Center benefits summer camp programs” – Franklin News Post, September 2020
- Check out our ONLINE CAMP program on Channel 12’s Facebook!
- “Phoebe Needles Center to offer virtual summer camp” – Frankln News Post, May 2020
- Carwash to be held Thursday – Franklin News Post, July 2019
- Active seniors see benefits from exercise – Franklin News Post, July 2019
- Phoebe Needles Center presents “The Struggle for Wilderness” – Franklin News Post, June 2019
- Phoebe Needles Center to host Spring Gathering – Franklin News Post, April 2019
- Center for Lifelong Learning Celebrates 15 Years – Franklin News Post, February 2019
- Local groups team up to give back – Franklin News Post, October 2018
- Franklin launches barlt train quil – Franklin News Post, September 2018
- International camp counselors come to Phoebe Needles Center – Franklin News Post, June 2018
- Phoebe Needles provides a great summer camp – The Roanoke Times, June 2018
- Seniors learn about safety at self-defense workshop – Franklin News Post, May 2018
- ‘Power of Slave Narratives’ explained – Franklin News Post, February 2018
- Calendars fill up with holiday cheer– Franklin News Post, November 2017
- English and Kiwi staffers add multicultural flair to Phoebe Needles summer camp – Franklin News Post, July 2017
- Phoebe Needles Center celebrates 100th anniversary – Franklin News Post, May 2017
- Ready for summer-time fun – Franklin News Post, April 2017
- Barn Quilt Trail’s popularity grows – Franklin News Post, March 2017
- Macklin to speak at the Phoebe Needles Center – Franklin News Post, February 2017
- Needles Center starts series – Franklin News Post, January 2017
- Rev. John Heck on Channel 12’s “Rise and Shine” show – March 2016
- Summer camps offer unique experiences – Franklin News Post, March 2016
- Phoebe Needles camps have international flair – Franklin News Post, July 2015
- Phoebe Needles camps ready to roll for summer – Franklin News Post, May 2014
- Phoebe Needles summer camps will start soon – Franklin News Post, June 2013
- Stations of the Cross: Eagle Scout chooses spiritual project – Franklin News Post, July 2012
- The Phoebe Needles Center: Historic mission school still focuses on youth – Franklin News Post, June 2012
- Phoebe Needles Center campers do great work – Franklin News Post, August 2011
- A Summer of Service – Franklin News Post, August 2011
- Suds and Snacks for Storm – Franklin News Post, July 2011
Phoebe Needles Center
The Center for Lifelong Learning program scheduled for tomorrow, February 11th has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 19th at the same time. This means there
Phoebe Needles Center
You could WIN THIS BEAUTIFUL GUITAR! We are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win this NIGHT STAR ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR from the Keith
Phoebe Needles Center
Don't miss our upcoming Center for Lifelong Learning on Tuesday, February 11th. Only $20 to attend and you'll get to enjoy an inspiring program about
Phoebe Needles Center
The Phoebe Needles Center is looking for individual or business SPONSORS for our 2025 Camp Season. Please email info@phoebeneedles.org for more info...or call 540.483.1518.
Phoebe Needles Center
Did you know that Phoebe Needles Center served 328 CAMPERS and 141 FAMILIES in 2024 -- or that our Campers provided OUTREACH to over 10
Phoebe Needles Center
The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwesterner Virginia at Hotel Roanoke is a wonderful way to reconnect with people each year and tell
Phoebe Needles Center
This amazing tea inspired program has been rescheduled due to unsuitable weather for January 28th. Please bring your friends to what will be an unforgettable
Phoebe Needles Center
Our January Center for Lifelong Learning program was rescheduled for 1/28/2025. We hope you all can join us!
Phoebe Needles Center
This wonderful program has been rescheduled for January 28 due to winter conditions. See you on the 28th! Hey Floyd!--- Pop on down the mountain