News Archives
Previously posted news items
Fall 2009
Fall Fellowship 2009
Covenant Harbor was pleased to host the Central Conference Women Ministry Fall Fellowship retreats again this September. More than 500 women attended over the two weekends. The retreat speaker, Pastor Karen Hinz, discussed the decision to wait on God, referencing theme verse, Isaiah 40:31, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Pastor Hinz noted that it was during the act of waiting that God renews our strength; it’s not just a result of our efforts.
Worship was led by Dru McLeland from Naperville Covenant Church the first weekend and Brandi Brame from Oakdale Covenant Church the second. Participants were blessed by spiritual dance and mime throughout each service.
Sixteen seminar options let participants choose a topic that fit their mood. Some explored Bad Girls of the Bible while others rolled their own chocolate truffles. Pontoon boat rides, line dancing, beading and walks along the lake filled free time in the afternoon.
The Jackson Family Activity Center was buzzing with activity as all participants dined together for the first time in years. Worship services were also held in the new facility, as well as break-out sessions, the ministry fair, bookstore and Night Owl games.
Our thanks to the Chicago South district for their efforts planning this retreat.
Save the date for next year: 9/17-19, 2010 or 9/24-26, 2010.
Golf For Kids
Thanks to the continued wonderful support of our friends, the 2009 Antwan Williams Memorial Golf for Kids event was a success! 100 golfers and sponsors together raised more than $20,000 in scholarship funds for children-at-risk. Given the fact that Covenant Harbor distributed $33,000 in camp scholarships this year, one can see that the event has a major impact in meeting this need. It is also great because it occurred in a year when golf events across the country have seen significant decline in participants, and in some cases had to be canceled. Thanks to everyone who made this another successful year for Golf for Kids!
It is not too late to share in this worthy cause. If you would like to join in seeing children have a life-changing experience at Covenant Harbor, children who otherwise would not be able to attend, you can send your gift to Covenant Harbor and note that it is for Golf for Kids scholarships.
August 2008
Jackson Family Activity Center Opens
Sunday night, August 3rd, more than 300 campers and staff filled the Jackson Family Activity Center for the first time. Pier 30 and Kishwauketoe campers kicked off the first Prime Time with a ribbon cutting and classic camp songs. The Jackson Center will be used for Pier 30 Real Faith and Prime Time, and will be an important indoor activity space in inclement weather. The Jackson Center will be used year round for Guest Groups, programmed retreats and other Covenant Harbor guests. Funds are still needed for the building, please contact our Director of Development, Jim Steere, for more information.
Staffing Changes
Covenant Harbor Youth Ministry Director, Pam Klockars, decided this spring that this will be her last summer at Covenant Harbor. Pam has been on year round staff for 6 years and was a summer staff member and camper for years before that. Pam will be dearly missed, and we are grateful for the ways that God has used her here.
May 2008
Activity Center matching challange met!
On March 27 the matching challange was met! Since December 1, our donors have given more than the $200,000 needed to meet the requirements of the $100,000 match. This means that $1,827,500 has been pledged or given for the activity center. Thank you for your generosity. However, fundraising continues so that the building can be completed and in use by June. Your generostiy is appreciated but there is more to do. For more information about the activity center, click here. To see pictures of the construction click here. To follow progress on the matching challenge, click here.
Covenant Harbor in Florida
A recent article in the Palm Beach Post highlighted the Harbor's Elderhostel program. The Post interviewed four women who had attended our "Midwest Architectual Gems" program which will be done again May 5-8 and May 19-22. We welcome Floridians and people from anywhere else to our Elderhostel programs. For more information click here.
New Adult Programs
Covenant Harbor isn’t just for kids. We invite you to experience a different side of camp. Get away to Geneva Bay Centre, our hotel-style retreat center, for well-balanced meals, enriching classes, and plenty of down time to relax and explore. Click here for a list of our 2008 Retreats and Events
New Camp Store items available now!
Covenant Harbor merchandise and clothing is now available online. Check out our new zip-up sweatshirt, beanie hats and baby bibs. Look at the options, download an order form and mail or fax it to Covenant Harbor today! Great clearance items are available. Click on "camp store" on the blue bar at the top of the site or check out the Harbor gear here.
Summer 2008 Registration Open
Online registration is open and forms are also available to be downloaded and then mailed or faxed to Covenant Harbor. Click here for registration information. Brochures have been mailed to homes and are available now. Click here to request a brochure. Learn more about our summer camps under the summer camp heading.
Gift Certificates Available
Give the gift of camp! Gift certificates are available now in any amount between $5 and $500. Gift certificates can be used in the Chart Room or toward any Covenant Harbor programmed event. Order a gift certificate here.
December 2007
Christmas Dinner and Concert a Success!
Nearly 200 attended the Christmas dinner and concert last Friday and Saturday evenings. A succulent prime rib dinner was served followed by a concert by Impact of Brass from the Madison area. Many of the guests stayed overnight, enjoying a full evening of relaxation and breakfast the following morning. Next year the dinners are planned for December 5 and 6.
Christmas Dinners and Concerts
The Impact of Brass, a sextet from Madison, Wisconsin will provide the musical part of our Christmas dinners and concerts on December 7 and 8. This group of professional musicians are a delight to hear! Plan now to start your holiday season with an enjoyable, inspiring evening at Covenant Harbor's Geneva Bay Centre. Come for just the dinner and concert or stay overnight and have breakfast too! More information here.
November 2007
Activity Center under way
There are exciting sounds coming from the hill above the triplets. The sounds of power shovels and dump trucks mean that the activity center, after many delays, is finally under construction. For more information about the activity center, click here. To see pictures of the construction click here.
Summer Staff 2008
The search has begun! Applications are now available for high school and college students interested in serving on summer staff next year. We'll hire 80 students in a variety of positions - from counseling and waterfront to program leadership and administrative staff. We need a variety of gifts to serve our campers. Learn more about summer staff here.
Position open
After nine years at Covenant Harbor , Dave DeVries, our Business Manager, is retiring. We are seeking a successor to Dave. If you are interested in that position, click here to look at the job description.
GOLF for kids is a success
Covenant Harbor gives more than $40,000 in scholarships to several hundred campers each summer. One of the major ways of raising these funds is through the GOLF for kids tournament. This golf classic was held Friday, September 28 at Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva. More than one hundred golfers enjoyed the perfect weather, great golf and delicious banquet at Geneva Bay Centre.
60th Anniversary Memories
A few copies of the 60th anniversary book, "The Mansion Years, 1947-1957" are available. We also have some anniversary T-shirts (powder blue or olive) on hand. The Books sell for $39 and the shirts for $8. Call Dave Auker for more information at 262-248-3600 ext.334, or email dauker@covenantharbor.org.
Thank you!
On summer Sundays, Executive Director Ray Warren mentioned the need for two new golf carts. In the past weeks two sizable gifts have been received and one cart has been purchased. About $2,500 is still needed for the second cart. If you would like to contribute to this need, please send a check or credit card information. We are sorry but online giving is not yet available.
October 2007
Fall Fest and Carpetball Tournament
If your child had a good time at summer camp and would like to return for a weekend retreat, we have some options: Check out Fall Fest for for 4th-6th graders, October 12-14, or the Carpetball Tournament on October 14. For older campers check out Deep Freeze Retreats in January and February.
Refuel/Men's Retreat
There will not be a Men's-Father/Son retreat this fall. Plans will be made which will address this issue at a later date.
September 2007
GOLF for kids is next week!
Covenant Harbor gives more than $40,000 in scholarships to several hundred campers each summer. One of the major ways of raising these funds is through the GOLF for kids tournament. This golf classic will be held Friday, September 28 at Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva. More than one hundred are registered but there is still room for more. Find the details about GOLF for kids here.
August 2007
Summer Report
We are very thankful for a successful summer. Approximately 2200 campers had a great time and many responded to "Go All Out" for Jesus (see John 10:10b). Plans are already being developed for next summer. A tentative schedule for the summer of 2008 is available. Registration materials will be available in November.
The Harbor Stays Busy
If you think that Covenant Harbor quiets down after summer camp, that is not the case. A total of 60 groups will be on the grounds the last half of August and throughout September. If you have a group that might be interestied in using Covenant Harbor during any midweek or weekend period, please contact Sue at 262-248-3600 ext.333.
