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Hearty Thanks and Fond Farewell

For generations of campers and guests, the Lodge at Covenant Harbor has been a place of fellowship where meals, stories, and laughter shaped relationships that lasted long beyond camp. For more than 75 years, it has been more than a dining hall, hosting worship, programs, and countless conversations that nurtured faith and made lasting memories.

In its first year, about 5,000 meals were served in the Lodge. This past year, nearly 100,000 meals were served in the same space serving summer campers, retreat guests, and outdoor education groups. After decades of faithful use, the building is showing its age, with increasing maintenance needs and limited capacity. The time has come for a new facility that can serve today’s campers and guests well.

With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, Covenant Harbor has launched a campaign for a new Dining Commons designed to serve generations to come. The new facility will more than double dining capacity and include a welcome center, camp store, café, and fireside lounge. It will also provide modern kitchen and serving spaces so our staff can serve with greater efficiency and hospitality.

The response from friends and supporters has been deeply encouraging. With a campaign goal of $8.1 million, commitments totaling $7.55 million have already been received. With groundbreaking planned for late summer, we are confident this vision will become a reality through the generosity and faithfulness of our community.

Before construction begins, join us on August 2, following the Summer Sunday Worship service, for a retirement celebration honoring the Lodge, our “old friend”, beloved by generations of campers, alumni and retreat guests. We’ll gather to reminisce, give thanks, and celebrate God’s faithfulness. 

As part of the Lodge retirement celebration, we invite former Covenant Harbor staff for lunch and reconnection with other alumni.  Please mark your calendar and come as we offer a hearty thanks and fond farewell, and look ahead with joy to what is yet to come.  Details on how to RSVP and register for Alumni Sunday will be available March 1st.

 

Lifelong Learning Programs for Adults return to the Shores of Lake Geneva 

They’re back! 

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news, onsite Road Scholar programs are returning to Covenant Harbor’s Geneva Bay Center!

For over 30 years, Covenant Harbor has proudly partnered with Road Scholar, a nonprofit dedicated to lifelong learning and educational travel for adults. Together, we’ve hosted a variety of enriching experiences, both offsite and onsite. While our Door County program bounced back quickly after the pandemic, Road Scholar took a thoughtful, strategic approach to restarting programs held at retreat centers like ours. After more than a year of collaboration and planning, Road Scholar has officially approved the return of onsite programs to Covenant Harbor the first since 2019!

The first group will arrive in late April 2026 for a weeklong program titled Learning at Lake Geneva: Watercolor, History & Lakeside Beauty. Designed for beginners, this immersive experience combines hands-on instruction in watercolor painting with an enriching look into the history and natural charm of Lake Geneva. Participants will develop their artistic skills under the guidance of a professional artist, all while enjoying the inspiration and tranquility of our lakeside setting.

Even better, this is just the beginning. There will be a total of six Road Scholar watercolor programs at Covenant Harbor throughout 2026, making Covenant Harbor a Midwest destination for creative adult learning retreats.

We can’t wait to welcome lifelong learners back to our camp and retreat center for these one-of-a-kind experiences.

Learn more about Road Scholar at Covenant Harbor and explore upcoming programs HERE

 

Women’s Retreat at Covenant Harbor – A Time of Renewal and Connection

 

September 12–14, 2025 | Covenant Harbor 

The weekend of September 12–14 brought together women from across the region for the Women’s Retreat at Covenant Harbor. In years past, this annual retreat, Fall Fellowship, was directed by the Women’s Ministries of the Central Conference (WMCC). This year, Covenant Harbor partnered with WMCC to reshape this beloved event, serving women of the Evangelical Covenant Church and other congregations. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Geneva Lake, the retreat provided a sacred space for rest, renewal, and reconnection with God and one another.

The featured speaker for the weekend was Prajakta David, who serves as the officer of Donor Engagement and Stewardship for the Evangelical Covenant Church. With wisdom and authenticity, Praj presented different women of the Bible and the meanings of their names, encouraging attendees to deepen their faith and trust in God’s presence and provision in every season of life. Her messages were filled with insight and inspiration, offering both challenge and comfort as participants reflected on their own names and the meaning behind them as it impacts their spiritual journeys.

Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced the warmth of Christian community, enjoying meaningful fellowship marked by shared stories, laughter, prayer, and quiet moments of reflection. Whether gathered around a meal, walking the scenic paths, or worshiping together, women were reminded of the beauty and strength of togetherness. “I love to come here for the fellowship with other women who love God the way I do.” –Attendee.

The retreat was a perfect time to slow down, breathe deeply, and be fully present—with each other and God. For many, it was a much-needed pause from the busyness of life, a chance to refocus and recharge.

As the weekend came to a close, hearts were full, friendships were strengthened, and spirits were refreshed. We are deeply grateful to all who made this retreat possible, and we especially appreciate Prajakta David for her faithful witness and encouragement. May the seeds planted during this time continue to strengthen women’s faith, leadership, and spiritual formation.

Want to learn more? Visit our events page to learn more about the Women’s Retreat and plan on registering.

 

A Lasting Legacy

For decades, Covenant Harbor has benefited from the support of loyal friends and the churches of the Central Conference. These gifts have sustained our operations and funded major improvements, including the ongoing campaign for a new Dining Commons, an example of our donors’ long-term commitment to our mission and vision. Annual contributions through the Covenant Harbor Fund help address critical needs beyond our regular budget, and we are deeply grateful for all gifts that enable us to fulfill our mission.

While many friends may not be able to make significant one-time gifts during their lifetime, they often contribute faithfully each year. Another meaningful way to support Covenant Harbor Bible Camp is through a bequest in your will or living trust, an option that requires no immediate contribution. Many individuals have yet to establish a will or have outdated estate plans; incorporating a bequest ensures your support endures beyond your lifetime.

Bequests can take various forms, including a specific dollar amount, designated property, or a percentage of your estate. Including Covenant Harbor as a beneficiary helps create a lasting legacy and offers flexibility, particularly through a gift to the Covenant Harbor endowment. An endowment preserves the principal while allowing the income generated to support our work, ensuring stability through future uncertainties. Currently, our endowment is modest, and increased support would greatly benefit our mission.

Consider including Covenant Harbor in your estate plan, and take a step toward leaving a lasting legacy. Our team would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how this can work for you and help ensure Covenant Harbor continues to impact lives for generations to come.  Contact our Development Team HERE.