717-328-3055
Who We Are
Cove Valley is a year-round camp and retreat center owned by God and operated by a Christian association. God has bestowed on the camp a beautiful setting for a growing camp. Trails, streams, and wildlife are found throughout the camp’s 169 acres. With two motels, eight cabins, a retreat center, and more, the camp is able to accommodate groups of up to 170 or more people including food service.

Our History

Cove Valley Christian Youth Camp is a non-profit Christian organization that has its roots in the Anabaptist heritage. It began in 1966 as an idea that God put on a few mens’ hearts, and is still reaching out to more and more people every year.

Our Team

 

Allen was hired in 1992 as the first full-time Camp Director at Cove Valley. After a period away from 2000 to 2004, he returned to serve in the same role, focusing on managing guest groups and overseeing the camp’s finances. Alongside his wife, Sarah, he has raised their five children at the camp. Four of their children are now married, and they are excited to soon welcome their 12th grandchild.

Throughout his years of service, Allen has witnessed God’s abundant blessings at the camp. Under his management, the summer camp program grew from 175 participants in 1991 to 374 in 2000, it is now over 400 campers. The number of guest groups also expanded significantly, from 29 in 1991 to 126 in 2024.

“Cove Valley is a wonderful place to work and serve the Lord,” Allen shares. “I love seeing how God transforms lives.” He takes great joy in seeing the children of past campers and staff return to the camp, continuing the tradition by becoming campers themselves or serving as summer staff.

 

Paul has been the Maintenance Director since 2002.  He has previously served as a board member, volunteer, camp counselor, summer maintenance helper, and challenge course instructor.  He grew up going to Cove Valley Camp as a camper.  Camp is in his blood.

Paul and his wife Amy have 2 grown children, Josh and Emily.  When Paul is not working at camp, he enjoys RV camping with his wife Amy.  He is also involved in mission work in Los Toros Dominican Republic.

One of Paul’s favorite Bible verses is Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.  He tries to employ this in his work and teach this work ethic to those he works with.

Eric has been the Program Director at Cove Valley Camp since 2011.  His past Cove Valley Camp experience includes being a counselor in the 90’s, a speaker for a few weeks of summer camp, and for a couple winter retreats.  Eric and his wife Valerie have 3 boys, Samuel, William, and Seth.  Their house is full of energy, excitement, sports, and music.

“I’ve been blessed to be able to serve here at Cove Valley Camp for a large portion of my life.  Cove Valley has played a central role in my faith and drawn me closer to God.  I love talking to people about what I have seen God do in my life and in the campers’ lives!”

 

 

 

Allen was hired in 1992 as the first full-time Camp Director at Cove Valley. After a period away from 2000 to 2004, he returned to serve in the same role, focusing on managing guest groups and overseeing the camp’s finances. Alongside his wife, Sarah, he has raised their five children at the camp. Four of their children are now married, and they are excited to soon welcome their 12th grandchild.

Throughout his years of service, Allen has witnessed God’s abundant blessings at the camp. Under his management, the summer camp program grew from 175 participants in 1991 to 374 in 2000, it is now over 400 campers. The number of guest groups also expanded significantly, from 29 in 1991 to 126 in 2024.

“Cove Valley is a wonderful place to work and serve the Lord,” Allen shares. “I love seeing how God transforms lives.” He takes great joy in seeing the children of past campers and staff return to the camp, continuing the tradition by becoming campers themselves or serving as summer staff.

 

Paul has been the Maintenance Director since 2002.  He has previously served as a board member, volunteer, camp counselor, summer maintenance helper, and challenge course instructor.  He grew up going to Cove Valley Camp as a camper.  Camp is in his blood.

Paul and his wife Amy have 2 grown children, Josh and Emily.  When Paul is not working at camp, he enjoys RV camping with his wife Amy.  He is also involved in mission work in Los Toros Dominican Republic.

One of Paul’s favorite Bible verses is Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.  He tries to employ this in his work and teach this work ethic to those he works with.

Eric has been the Program Director at Cove Valley Camp since 2011.  His past Cove Valley Camp experience includes being a counselor in the 90’s, a speaker for a few weeks of summer camp, and for a couple winter retreats.  Eric and his wife Valerie have 3 boys, Samuel, William, and Seth.  Their house is full of energy, excitement, sports, and music.

“I’ve been blessed to be able to serve here at Cove Valley Camp for a large portion of my life.  Cove Valley has played a central role in my faith and drawn me closer to God.  I love talking to people about what I have seen God do in my life and in the campers’ lives!”

 

 

Amy has been involved at Cove Valley since 2003.  She has served in many aspects of camp including a few summers of teaching crafts and nature, managing the Trading Post and cooking in the kitchen.  By far, her favorite is working in the kitchen because she enjoys trying new recipes and feeding everyone.

Working at camp with her husband, Paul, has been an incredible journey.  It’s been a blessing to raise their two children, Josh and Emily, at Cove Valley.  They have been able to see the impact of camp ministry up close.  Now they are both grown and enjoy helping in different ways at camp.  When she’s not in the kitchen, Amy enjoys traveling, scrapbooking and helping with missions work in Los Toros, Dominican Republic.

Lynn attended Cove Valley Camp as a camper for 10 years, and started working as summer staff in 2020. When she experienced summer camp for the first time, it amazed her how much people talked about Jesus, and they genuinely seemed to love Him. Ever since then, she knew that she wanted to work here.

“Over the years, camp has been a place of so much growth and getting out of my comfort zone; through the highs and lows, God has used my time here as a camper and as a staff member to shape me and draw me closer to Him. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t started going to camp. It’s no surprise then that Cove Valley is a second home to me, and I have many fond memories from this place. I also chose to be baptized here in September of 2024, and that was amazing! It is truly a blessing to serve here and use the gifts He has given me.” – Lynn Hanson

 

Darlene has been the head housekeeper at Cove Valley Camp for many years. Her and family have participated and volunteered for many camp activities over the years as well. Darlene’s role is essential to making Cove Valley operate and we appreciate everything she is able to do for us.

Amy has been involved at Cove Valley since 2003.  She has served in many aspects of camp including a few summers of teaching crafts and nature, managing the Trading Post and cooking in the kitchen.  By far, her favorite is working in the kitchen because she enjoys trying new recipes and feeding everyone.

Working at camp with her husband, Paul, has been an incredible journey.  It’s been a blessing to raise their two children, Josh and Emily, at Cove Valley.  They have been able to see the impact of camp ministry up close.  Now they are both grown and enjoy helping in different ways at camp.  When she’s not in the kitchen, Amy enjoys traveling, scrapbooking and helping with missions work in Los Toros, Dominican Republic.

Lynn attended Cove Valley Camp as a camper for 10 years, and started working as summer staff in 2020. When she experienced summer camp for the first time, it amazed her how much people talked about Jesus, and they genuinely seemed to love Him. Ever since then, she knew that she wanted to work here.

“Over the years, camp has been a place of so much growth and getting out of my comfort zone; through the highs and lows, God has used my time here as a camper and as a staff member to shape me and draw me closer to Him. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t started going to camp. It’s no surprise then that Cove Valley is a second home to me, and I have many fond memories from this place. I also chose to be baptized here in September of 2024, and that was amazing! It is truly a blessing to serve here and use the gifts He has given me.” – Lynn Hanson

 

Darlene has been the head housekeeper at Cove Valley Camp for many years. Her and family have participated and volunteered for many camp activities over the years as well. Darlene’s role is essential to making Cove Valley operate and we appreciate everything she is able to do for us.