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On Sunday, August 2, Covenant Harbor gathered to celebrate the retirement of a beloved part of camp history: the Lodge.

For generations of campers, staff, families, and guests, the Lodge has been more than a building. It has been a place of meals and laughter, worship and conversation, friendship and service, and countless moments when people experienced God through Jesus Christ. 

Eric Anderson, Covenant Harbor’s Executive Director, reflected on the Lodge’s history during the celebration worship service.

“The Lodge is definitely one of the heroines of Covenant Harbor history,” Eric said.

Eric’s own memories of the Lodge go back to 1984, when he first experienced it as a camper. Over the decades, the building served many purposes: dining hall—serving more than 3 million meals, meeting room, camp store, offices, check-in area, and even the site of the first Maple Fest.

But the Lodge’s greatest stories are about people. Campers gathered around the fireplace for skits and Bible lessons. Staff served meals, made cinnamon rolls, shared jokes, and somehow produced countless meals from an inadequate space. Generous churches and individuals helped build, repair, and care for the building through the years.

And within those walls, important conversations happened.

“Campers and guests,” Eric recalled, “had life-changing experiences within these walls.” Eric remembers many conversations he had decades ago with campers and fellow counselors about life and faith. 

The Lodge has been lovingly maintained and adapted over the years, but eventually reached the limits of what it could provide. Covenant Harbor needs a building with a solid foundation, more space for growing programs, and room for conversations, games, hospitality, and meaningful connection around the meal table.

That vision is becoming reality through the new Dining Commons.

During the August 2 celebration, Eric announced that Covenant Harbor had reached its $8.1 million fundraising goal, allowing the project to move forward fully funded and without debt. Hundreds of donors, including campers, parents, staff, churches, and friends of Covenant Harbor, helped make it possible.

“I am in awe. Thanks be to God,” Eric said. “The generosity and trust given to Covenant Harbor have been remarkable and humbling.”

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion anticipated around Christmas 2027.

The Dining Commons will not simply replace the Lodge. It will carry forward its purpose: to be a hub for meals, gathering, conversation, community, and ministry.

“The spirit of the Lodge will live on,” Eric said, “but in a building that is a little stronger, safer, and better suited for tomorrow.”

We are grateful for the Lodge, the memories made there, and the generations whose lives were shaped within its walls. And we look forward with hope to the ministry still to come.

To God be the glory.