Date
August 11 – 15, 2025
Registration deadline is July 15. Registrations after that date will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Location
Cove Valley Camp 5357 Little Cove Rd Mercersburg, PA 17236
Situate between two mountains in rural south-central Pennsylvania, our setting is one of refreshing natural beauty. Follow your wanderlust in exploring 169 acres of forest trails and grassy swards, or be surrounded by scenery while playing sports, fishing on the lake, or simply from your motel porch. Lodgings are rustic, well-designed, amply furnished.
Activities
- Morning services including congregational singing and the morning message.
- Breakout sessions after the main service.
- Bible Hour—let’s delight ourselves in GOD’s Word! We are asking for families and individuals to prepare verses or passages from the Bible to share through reading, recitation, singing, and/or playacting.
- Talent Exhibition—introduce yourself through your special skills and interests! Group, family, and individual participation are all encouraged.
- Holey Canoe Race. Can you row and bail at the same time?
- Doubles Volleyball Tournament, pairing guys with girls to form two-person teams—we can pair you with someone, or simply sign up as a team with your friend or spouse!
- Family Activities—all ages please join!
- Spikeball Tournament, pairing guys with girls to form two-person teams.
- Activities for singles ages 16 and older.
- Morning Bible studies and prayer.
- Early morning men’s challenge.
- Other spontaneous/organized activities could include: volleyball, nine-square-in-the-air, biking/skateboarding, talking, horseshoes, gaga ball, fun on the playground, talking, disc golf, swimming in the pool, talking, fishing in the pond, hiking, climbing trees, talking, card/table/board games, group singing, campfires, talking, cornhole, talking, and maybe even a water-balloon fight!
Guest Speakers
To be assigned!
Meals
For an added fee, you can sign up for the FULL CAFETERIA PACKAGE which includes all meals from Monday supper through Friday breakfast (11 meals total), or for the PARTIAL CAFETERIA PACKAGE which includes lunch and supper (no breakfast) from Monday through Thursday evenings (7 meals total). This year we have again decided to manage the cafeteria ourselves in order to provide good quality, healthful food: for this reason, our cafeteria cost is somewhat higher than it has been in the past. Please see PRICING for more details. Dietary restrictions? Gluten sensitivities are the primary dietary need we’re able to accommodate.
The cafeteria is optional ; you are welcome to bring your own food if that is your preference.
We are offering free registration for a supper carry-in or potluck, where families bringing their own food can share evening meals. Potlucks are held in the primary dining area along with the cafeteria. If you are interested, please select this option at registration.
What to bring
- Soap, towels, washcloths, and bedsheets.
- Blankets (if you’re staying in a cabin).
- Enough clothes for the week. Camp laundry facilities are limited.
- Bible, pen, and notepad.
- Verses or passages of Scripture for the Bible hour: options include music, interactive reading, recitation, foreign languages, playacting, and more!
- A special skill or project for the talent exhibition. Ideas range from playing a tune on your Aeolian harp to passing around your sketchbook of wild zebra sightings—everything in between and beyond!
- Musical instruments.
- Gear for volleyball, fishing, disc golf, spike-ball, cornhole, soccer, badminton, or any activity that is important to you.
- Card games, board games, etc.
- Camera.
- Lawn chairs.
- Hymnals.
- Modest swimming clothes for the pool.
- Bug spray.
- Umbrellas.
- First Aid kit.
- Bicycles or skateboards. Within certain guidelines, the use of these is permitted.
- Supplies to set up as a vendor.
- A testimony to share!
Rules
- Each individual or family is responsible to clean their own rooms before leaving the Shindig.
- Please wear modest clothing. Low-cut shirts and bikinis are not permitted. Please wear skirts, dresses, or shorts to below the knees, and wear a shirt at all times including swimming. Thanks for understanding!
- Please do not post photos or videos online or on social media without prior permission from all persons photographed.
- No smoking, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
- Adults must carefully monitor campfires, biking, skateboarding, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
- Camp quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
After the Shindig
Because the camp needs the premises clear by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, we are planning a time of extended fellowship at Cowans Gap State Park on Friday after the Shindig. At this park there will be informal carry-in meals on Friday for lunch and supper as well as games and fellowship. You may sign up upon registration or wait until the Shindig to sign up. (Some may also wish to stay a night or two at Cowans Gap with their RV.)