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Montgomery Conference Center
Amidst the gently rolling hills of northern Florida, Montgomery Conference Center boasts 167 acres, and three spring fed lakes amid towering oaks and pines. This charming and picturesque conference center hosts over 200 people and features tasty food, with climate controlled meeting rooms and accommodations.

Quick Guide

Maximum Numbers: 200+ beds in Williams Lodge, Gregory Lodge, Cabins and the Inn
Size: 160 acres
Location: Starke, Florida (map)
Facilities: High and low ropes courses
Recreation: Basketball court, volleyball court, swimming lake, tree house
Waterfront: Lake Crystal, Little Crystal Lake and Lake Emerald; canoes and funyaks available
Accommodations: Groups typically stay in Williams Lodge, Gregory Lodge and cabins. Williams Lodge overlooks the lake and sleeps 40 people divided evenly between two wings with one large shared bathroom per wing, a large kitchen and meeting space. Gregory Lodge has a kitchen and living space, and sleeps a total of 20 people divided evenly in half, each with a shared bathroom. Cabins have decks that overlook the lake and sleep a total of 91 people; cabins 1-9 sleep 9 people each with two bathrooms and cabin 10 sleeps 10 people with two bathrooms. The new Inn building is designed like a hotel with 10 rooms total, each with a private bathroom and sleeping 1-4 people per room in two queen-sized beds; these are available for an extra fee, with linens provided.

Dining Room: All locations offer all-you-can-eat meals in climate-controlled dining rooms. Montgomery typically provides a salad bar, entrée and a vegetarian option, including dessert and an ice cream machine. Beverages include a variety of juices, milk, iced tea, with tea and coffee available at all times.

Challenge Course: A permanent low-ropes course is well maintained and ideally located in a shady wooded area. Twelve elements are available for intense team-building exercises.

High Ropes Course: This static course features eight elements and zip line, with all required safety gear. Static courses provide independent opportunities for participants to choose their elements and work them with encouragement from the group. Up to 13 participants can climb together. All participants are rigorously trained and closely supervised by certified high ropes instructors, both on the ground and up on the course.

Lakes: Montgomery Conference Center boasts access to three lakes: Lake Crystal, Little Crystal Lake and Lake Emerald. With 1400 feet of frontage on Lake Crystal, most of Montgomery is lakefront, providing an ideal place to canoe along the shoreline and into Little Crystal Lake, connected by a narrow canal. On longer canoe trips, groups can paddle to the headwaters of the Crystal Lakes where the spring water runs fresh from the ground. Up to 8 canoes are available per class period, each carrying 2-3 people. Paddles and U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are provided. Lake Emerald is secluded and undeveloped with crystal clear water and white sandy bottom ideal for swimming during free time and paddling in the funyaks, which are similar to kayaks.

Recreational Equipment: Montgomery offers recreational opportunities throughout the grounds including basketball, volleyball, a swimming lake with use of funyaks and a large playing field.

Ecosystem: Many nature trails meander through upland forests of pine and oak, including a walk along the lakes. At one time, Montgomery property was used to harvest turpentine from the pine trees and evidence of this practice of slashing the trees (called “cat facing”) still survives. Raccoons, owls, armadillos and wading birds are frequently seen.

Affiliation: Montgomery Conference Center is part of the St. Augustine Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Florida. Due to this affiliation, Montgomery offers facilities for worship and meditation. Participants are welcome to make use of these facilities during times when they are not participating in Pathfinder programs. Pathfinder Outdoor Education has no religious affiliation nor do we offer, support or focus any programs on spiritual or religious topics.

Visit the Montgomery website for more information at www.montgomerycenter.org