The funds were awarded as a matching grant from former NFL Defensive Back Steve Fitzhugh, who founded A Good Name Leadership Summit to offer mentoring opportunities to urban young men. The program pairs NFL clubs with metropolitan police officers and urban youth during a weekend retreat at Covenant Village and plans to impact 150 at-risk youth annually.
Fitzhugh also serves as president of the board for Covenant Village Retreat. “This is a win-win, for our inner cities and for the local clubs that comprise our NFL,” said Fitzhugh. “But it’s also a great improvement to the property at Covenant Village Retreat, providing a powerful venue for team-building for all our campers.” One vital outcome expected of the new ropes course is a greater sense of trust and decreased tension between police officers and teens.

Covenant Village has supported the Summit since its inception, offering a neutral setting, far from the hustle of the city, where youth learn respect and dignity. In this natural landscape, where churches and other groups from the DC, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh areas gather for retreat, campers experience teaching, reflection, mentoring, and recreation.
SUMMER WORK CAMPS A GREAT SUCCESS
Thanks to all the churches and service organizations that have given us sweat equity this summer! We just couldn't do it without you! Special thanks to Shady Grove, Broadneck EP, Cheswick Christian Fellowship, and Catholic Heart for taking the time to make our retreat the very best it can be so that others can experience the power of camp! We can always use another hand! In fact, we have a short list of projects just waiting for you! LEARN MORE HERE!
P OWER TO THE PEOPLE
Few things are more frustrating than losing power, just as a large group arrives for the week. But it happened often this summer, amidst unprecedented rainstorms, with limited back-up electricity. Campers were, quite literally, in the dark for several hours while we waited on the utility to restore service. In this rural setting, Covenant Village has lost power twelve times over the last year.
But the future is looking brighter, as CV received a generous $50,000 grant this month to cover the purchase and installation of two professional-grade Kohler generators, which will keep our campers in the light, even during an outage. The funds are sufficient to supply complete back-up power to our commercial kitchen and the Farmhouse, as well as transfer switches at eight more locations for easy generator hook-up in the future.

"Back-up generators, provided by this grant, will allow us to continue operations seamlessly," remarked Facility Manager Juls Wood. No more threats of spoiling food or interruptions to heating, cooling, or camper programming and fun.

Juls credits Tony Greene at Big D Electric for his help and advocacy. In fact, the efforts of Big D Electric, owned and operated by Betsy Delozier, were instrumental in securing the funds.

The grant does not cover associated expenses, such as the purchase of large propane tanks or pouring the cement pads that will hold them. Juls estimates the additional set-up will cost $8,000. But just as God provided for this larger need, he is confident generous hearts will supply the lack for their set-up.
How do our guests feel about Covenant Village? We sat down recently with Bryan Logan, Connections Pastor at The Way Bible Church in Warrenton, Virginia, who brought 40 kids out for their annual youth retreat here in August. Bryan gave us some candid feedback about the experience:
 
What do you like best about Covenant Village?
Both the wide open spaces and the freedom from distraction. Covenant Village provides ample space, support, activities and, most importantly, a place the students can connect with God. I love the atmosphere and just being able to unplug and be with the students and with God. And
seeing God’s creation and being able to connect with that has been amazing. 
 
How did Covenant Village address your needs?
Really, they were amazing. Everything we need support-wise was provided to us - from letting us come and set up early, to making sure we had water for the slip and slide. The staff at Covenant Village has helped every step of the way. 
 
What would you say to another church group who is trying to decide whether to retreat at Covenant Village? Just give it a try. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but Covenant Village provides an amazing opportunity for you to take your students through their journey with Christ. 
 
YOUR EVENT IS IMPORTANT TO US!
Covenant Village offers a beautiful escape for church groups, outdoor education, and youth gatherings. Youth retreats are just one example of the kinds of programs hosted at Covenant Village. Guests report we’re easy to work with and cater the Covenant Village Retreat experience to your group’s needs. LEARN MORE!
CAMP MANIA!
The Bear Necessities camp store is fully stocked with new t-shirts and sweatshirts! Today, we feature our "I Climbed the Mountain" t-shirt, now back in stock, with a fresh design by Katie Wilson.

How to get your shirt:
Step 1: Climb mountain
Step 2: Buy shirt at Bear Necessities for $10
OR email Juls at office@CovenantVillageRetreat.com for USPS delivery. Shipping and handling are $9.95 for a total of $19.95. These awesome shirts are currently available in gray, light blue, and sand. Sizes are Small through 2X.
Covenant Village provides endless hours of recreational fun in the great outdoors, on over 400 acres of pristine mountain and meadow. And all for very affordable rates. Check us out on the web. Or better yet - come, see us! We'll show you why so many have fallen in love with Covenant Village Retreat.
T HE HERB GARDEN
Our first growing season for the Herb Garden was a resounding success! We grew herbs and tomatoes and flowers in this long bed - the first tier in our terraced garden - which was constructed by our faithful volunteers. Campers enjoyed the "fruits" of the garden!
O UR PROPERTY IS FUELED BY YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS!
Thank you for giving! Your gift helps us extend this magical destination to even more campers!
Give us a call today to schedule a private tour of the facilities: 703.203.1033!