Investing in Life Change

When parents testify to positive changes in their child as a result of a camp experience — more self confidence, willingness to try new things, interest in prayer and reading the Bible — we thank God for our faithful donors. The investment of every gift, regardless of size, yields the fruit of life change.

Since 1947, Covenant Harbor has been committed to loving kids and sharing Jesus. The results are different for each child, but all point to what God is doing in this sacred place where helping children, youth and adults know Jesus and walk with him motivates all we do.

Thank you for investing in Covenant Harbor’s mission. 

As our Lodge has aged, people have continued to gather there. While they have thrived, the building has not. It’s time to create a new dining and gathering space for Covenant Harbor’s community to flourish.

About Covenant Harbor

Carved out along the shores of Geneva Lake in southern Wisconsin, Covenant Harbor invites campers and guests to leave behind their routines and experience God through Jesus Christ in 52 acres of nature that promote spiritual and personal transformation. With its expansive lawn, hidden woods and unparalleled waterfront, Covenant Harbor serves children, youth and adults year-round, offering a variety of programs, accommodations and meeting spaces.

“Our daughter now corrects herself when saying, “Oh, my …. ‘Goodness!’ She wants to read the whole Bible, too.”
“My daughter attends camp alone, without other friends. She has grown so much – branching out and braving new experiences. Her growth from this camp has been amazing.”
“We have noticed a dramatic, positive change in our son’s behavior. He is praying before every meal, telling us how grateful he is to be part of our family, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ and being so kind to his brother!”

Get Involved

Since its founding in 1947, Covenant Harbor has greatly benefited from the generosity of generations of donors who have invested in our vision to create space for life change. Every gift, regardless of size, continues to ensure that the ministry of Covenant Harbor continues to thrive.

Our History

See how Covenant Harbor has grown and invested its resources into changing lives.

1947

Purchase of Covenant Harbor finalized.

1950

Two Triplets and the Dining Room (later called the Lodge) were built with volunteer labor. Third Triplet was added the next year.

1952 – 1956

Summer attendance grew to approximately 1,000 campers.

1957

Historical Mansion (“The Big House”) burns.

1958

Wisconsin Supreme Court sides with the Central Conference, allowing Covenant Harbor to replace the housing lost in the Mansion. Wings for housing were added to the Dining Room the next year.

1961

Central and Great Lakes conferences merge, Covenant Point becomes sister camp.

1962

Board rejects offer to trade Geneva Lake property for 332 acres on Lake Como.

1965

A fund drive leads to the addition of several facilities – Upper and Lower Compounds, maintenance shop and bathhouse as well as the remodel and winterization of the Lodge and the Twins.

1977

The original Hilltop House burns down, Carriage House is remodeled with the insurance money and the 30th Anniversary is a rededication of the Carriage House.

1977

Summer attendance of 716 campers. Hispanic Covenant Churches begin tradition of lake baptisms at Covenant Harbor.

1978 – 1983

Major capital campaign allows remodeling of the Harbor House and Staff House, and widening of the beach with a retaining wall.

1986

Ropes Course is built.

1989

Kishwauketoe programs begin in “Upper Compounds” and Geneva Bay Center is completed.

1991

Elderhostel programming begins in the Geneva Bay Center.

1994

Covenant Harbor runs its first Golf for kids tournament. Foundation for Covenant Harbor established.

1995 – 1997

Boat house renovated, front lawn landscaped, new Bath house and Ropes Course built, Worship Tent erected.

1995 – 1998

Fundraising campaign raises $2.3 million dollars to pay off debt.

1997

Day Camp programs begin.

2002

Engebretson Lodge is built.

2015

Carriage House burns and is restored.

2019

2,850 summer campers.

2020

814 summer campers (Day Camp only) due to COVID-19. Forced to lay off 70% of staff due to drop in revenue.

2020

Kishwauketoe Village is rebuilt.

2022

2,195 summer campers. Continued rebound from pandemic. Covenant Harbor celebrates 75 years of ministry!

2023

Twins cabins are built.

2025

Campaign is launched to build new Dining Commons. Learn more about this project.