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“I didn’t know what I would see,” recalled Matt Kinney, Covenant Harbor’s maintenance director, as he drove to camp on July 3rd. Around noon, a powerful storm swept through the Geneva Lake area, causing extensive damage throughout the community and across Covenant Harbor’s grounds. With campers and many summer staff members away for the Fourth of July holiday, Matt had been enjoying a rare summer day off.

“I live just five minutes away from camp,” Matt chuckled, “but not that day.” Downed trees blocked roads, turning his short drive into a journey of more than 20 minutes. Along the way, he braced himself for what he might find at camp.

The damage was extensive. Forty mature trees had been uprooted, and several low-rope course elements nestled in the woods were damaged. Yet, remarkably, no one at camp was injured, and no camp buildings sustained significant damage. We praise God for His protection!

With a daunting cleanup ahead, Covenant Harbor issued a call for volunteers. Help soon arrived from a neighboring camp. Reed Condon, facilities manager at Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, reached out to offer assistance, bringing Timber-lee staff and equipment to help with the recovery. For two days, Timber-lee’s team worked alongside Covenant Harbor staff and volunteers. Reed also generously left Timber-lee’s wood chipper at camp for two weeks. 

“They doubled our efforts,” Matt explained. “Their generosity significantly reduced the time, labor, and expense needed to clean up Covenant Harbor.”

We are deeply grateful to Camp Timber-lee and to every volunteer who gave their time and energy to clear fallen trees and branches. Their willingness to step in during a challenging time was a powerful reminder that we are not alone. Through their generosity and hard work, our neighbors helped Covenant Harbor recover and prepare to welcome campers back to a place where lives are changed.