Dining Commons: About the Project
A Place for Community
The Dining Commons succeeds the Lodge as the central gathering space at Covenant Harbor. With a large dining room, spacious, up-to-date kitchen, Welcome Center, expansive patio, camp store and fireside lounge, the Dining Commons creates opportunities for gathering and community for years to come. With fundraising well underway, construction is likely to begin in the fall of 2026.
Project Details
The Dining Commons will be on the site of the Lodge, slightly shifted to the southeast to take advantage of a wide view of the lake from the main dining room and patio.
In an exciting first for Covenant Harbor, the Welcome Center provides an obvious arrival location for camper families and guests. With a clearly marked entrance and drop-off, the Welcome Center is on the north side of the building, along a circle drive. Staff will greet and check in guests at a reception desk.
Designed to create space for community to be seeded, grow and thrive, the spacious dining room accommodates all campers in one seating. Entire cabins can sit at one table! Currently in the Lodge, campers eat in shifts and cabin groups often have to sit at multiple tables. Vaulted ceilings and expansive windows provide impressive views of the lake. Flexible dining configurations that include a private dining area allow for custom seating based on group size and needs. A separate serving area allows guests to arrive early or linger around the table without disruption.
The kitchen allows for expanded scratch cooking and menu options, as well as enhanced serving capabilities. Separation from the dining area permits guests to linger while kitchen activities continue. New storage, prep and clean-up areas, upgraded appliances and an efficient layout offer safety and quality improvements, as well as cost savings for labor and food storage.
An outdoor patio extends the ambiance of the Dining Commons into the fresh air. With a lake view and direct access from the west side of the Dining Commons, the patio offers tables for dining, gathering and conversation areas, window access to the camp store and snack shop (no more drippy swimsuits inside), and easy access to the Lakeside Cafe for Summer Sunday lunch.
A fireside lounge, mezzanine lounge, private dining area, welcome area, large patio overlooking the lake, camp store, snack shop, large restrooms and storage for summer day campers add additional gathering, fellowship and program storage space.
The current road will arc in front of the Welcome Center and continue into the current parking lot. The lot will be redesigned with more parking spots and landscaping.
Dining Commons | Exterior Views
Dining Commons | Floor Plan
Learn More
Have questions about the Dining Commons Campaign and what it means for Covenant Harbor? Find the answers here:
