Frequently Asked Questions
General
. . . Summer Camp at Covenant Harbor
If there is something not answered here, please call our main office (262-248-3600) to be directed to the right person. For questions about Pier 30 or Alpha and Element programs, contact Rob Scott at extension 336. For questions about Day Camp, Kishwauketoe or Day Camp Counseling, contact Hannah Foss at extension 337. For questions about Family camp, contact Sarah Augustson at extension 329.
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What is the difference between all the camps?
Our summer camp offers four different programs serving campers currently in grades K-12. Day Camp, Kishwauketoe, Pier 30, plus 2 options for High School students. Each program takes place at Covenant Harbor at the same time and shares many facilities. The waterfront, lodge dining area, big field and other activities are shared by each program.
Day Camp serves our local community with many different programs: Summer Kickoff (K - 6th grades), Team 13 (K - 2nd grades), Club 46 (3rd - 6th grades), Day Camp Skills (K - 6th grades) and Endless Summer (K - 6th grades). The summer starts with Summer Kickoff. Then we offer alternating weeks of Club 46 and Team 13. Day Camp is a great opportunity for campers to experience camp without staying overnight. Our Day Camp Skills programs allow campers to choose a skill to focus on for the two days of camp. Our Endless Summer program lets campers wrap up the summer with fun. Each day of the Day Camp program is unique. Special activities for each age group and a new Bible lesson everyday make Day Camp the perfect choice for one week or more. Some highlights for Day Campers are the parent's night for Team 13 and an optional overnight for Club 46 campers.
Kishwauketoe (Kish) is a smaller camp of approximately 45 campers. Kish is intentionally designed for a camper's first camp experience. The program has a cozy feel, helping campers to feel right at home. Kishwauketoe Pathfinder is a three night option for campers who are currently in grades 1-3. Kishwauketoe Trailblazer is a week long camp for campers currently in grades 2-3.
Pier 30 is our largest camp of about 220 campers. Pier 30 offers a large group setting, while still providing the intimate cabin group experience. Pier 30 Explorer serves campers currently in grades 4-5, with a week long camp or a three night Snapshot program for Explorer campers in 3-5 grade. Pier 30 Navigator serves campers currently in grades 6-8 with an option to choose a skill to 'major' in for the week. Skill time offers a chance for our older campers to branch out and learn new things or practice something familiar.
High school students have several options. Element Camp is a week long camp for students in grades 9-12. Alpha Team is an opportunity for students 15 and older to get a taste of what it's like to work on summer staff in two week sessions. The Day Camp Counseling team (for students 16 and older) is a chance to spend the summer counseling for the Day Camp program and gaining leadership skills.
Visit our camps page to watch a brief video that explains the programs. CLICK HERE to watch the video.
How is "religion" incorporated into the program?
Covenant Harbor is a Christian camp, owned by the Evangelical Covenant Church and exists for the purpose of introducing people to Jesus Christ. Our primary goal with the campers is to love them, share the gospel with them and encourage them to know God more. We think this happens best in a fun environment where kids build relationships with staff who are living lives committed to Jesus Christ. We also build a Bible program where Biblical truths are presented in large group, small group and one-on-one times. We incorporate dramas, songs, skits, and games into our large group meetings to make the process of learning about Jesus fun and meaningful. Each truth is presented in an age-appropriate manner. Our goal is not to force campers to agree with us or make campers decide what to believe, but to answer questions the camper has by using text from the Bible and sharing how God has worked in the lives of our staff. CLICK HERE to read more about our philosophy.
Can we take a tour of Covenant Harbor?
During the summer camp sessions, no visitors, including parents, are allowed.
Beginning in March, we will offer a tour the 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 am. Due to the Easter holiday, the tour in April will be on the second Saturday of the month. This tour will give you a chance to see where your camper will eat, sleep, swim and experience all of the other great activities that we offer at Covenant Harbor. It is also a great chance to ask any questions and get comfortable with our staff. If you are interested in signing up for a tour call Hannah at (262) 248-3600 ext. 337.
How is your summer staff trained?
Our leadership staff arrives in mid-May in order to plan the Bible program and to get the activity areas ready and safe for camper use. Counselors spend 10 days in training. Areas covered include team building, small group leading, evangelism, age characteristics, daily role expectations, discipline, cabin group dynamics, and severe weather and emergency preparedness. Training is also an important time to build our summer staff community and sense of team. We take staff training very seriously and strive to create a team of summer staff that desire to serve campers with excellence.
Where does your staff come from?
All over! Most of our summer staff find out about Covenant Harbor from other people, through their Evangelical Covenant church, or a former camper or summer staff member at their college or high school. Most of our summer staff members come from Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin; though past staff members have come from Alabama, Connecticut, California, Washington and South Africa.
How do you hire staff?
We have a fairly rigorous application and hiring process to ensure that only the most qualified staff will serve at Covenant Harbor. Each staff member goes through at least two interviews and provides 4 references. References fill out extensive forms and are also contacted via phone. If offered a position, summer staff members must agree to strict expectations and also undergo a background check.
Are you accredited?
Yes, we are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). There is a rigorous process in order to be an accredited ACA camp. Covenant Harbor is checked every 3 years to ensure we meet those requirements. CLICK HERE to Learn more about ACA.
In addition to our ACA accreditation and membership, we are also members of 2 other organizations, ACCCCs and CCCA.
ACCCC is the Association of Covenant Camps and Conference Centers. The Evangelical Covenant church has different conferences located throughout the United States, many of which own their own camp like Covenant Harbor. We meet annually, have a governing board, and do a joint mission project each summer. CLICK HERE to learn more about the ACCCC's. CCCA, Christian Camp and Conference Center Association, provides resources for current trends in camping news, an annual conference and an educational program called Cairn Series. This is a great organization that helps us stay connected others in the same ministry. CLICK HERE to learn more about CCCA.
What denomination are you affiliated with?
Covenant Harbor is owned and operated by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, with headquarters in Chicago. The Central conference purchased the current property in 1947 and has been operating summer camps and year round availability ever since. Visit http://www.covchurch.org/ for more information about this Protestant denomination.
