You may have already heard about our brand new Edge and Life Teen Summer Camp: Covecrest – Hiawassee, Georgia. Maybe you heard about summer camp selling out so quickly at our other locations. Or maybe you are thinking about registering at this new camp. You could already be registered. But, how much do you really know about Covecrest – Hiawassee? After all, we are not just launching eight more weeks of summer camp, we are launching a brand new camp! Having visited this camp several times myself, I would love to share with you some details about this gem in the mountains.

First of all, lets make one thing clear. Covecrest – Hiawassee is not an overflow camp by any means. It is a unique property with distinctive features. It will also have the same commitment to excellence and strong Catholic identity as Covecrest – Tiger and Tepeyac. I thought I’d paint the picture of what to expect by providing some photos and giving you a description of your experience from the drive in. So, here is an account of my most recent visit from Atlanta to the camp.

The Drive

It’s a steep one! From the rolling hills in Atlanta, I keep climbing and turning up a road that even confuses my GPS. It is a beautiful drive though. Trees everywhere, a wide well-paved road, and 360 degree views of the mountains wherever I turn. It seems like the right location for a camp. I think I can already smell the firewood.

The Entrance

A big, camp like sign greets me and assures me that I am at the right place. A gravel road goes past a check point and through trees and fields. I see picnic tables, streams (I even cross a bridge at one point), and cabins until I come up to a small parking lot and the main lodge building. A fishing pond backs up to the parking lot and I immediately loose a cell phone signal. I am definitely at the right place.

The Dining Hall

I walk into a timber constructed building with a big deck and picnic tables. The entrance features a small store and a massive fire place. I am greeted and see dining areas on either side of the main entrance area. The smell of food and steady supply of coffee already tells me this will be a great gathering place.

The Grounds

As I tour the property, neighborhood dogs seem to guide me to the best places. Several trails lead to streams that I have to cross myself. One takes me to one of the biggest waterfalls I have ever personally seen. I am also pointed to a natural pool area that “will be perfect for a mud pit.” I can already picture it. There is a big open field for ultimate Frisbee and some in-ground trampolines that will have lines all day. I better warn our nurses!

The Cabins

I walk into each cabin and notice how unique they are. Some are small two room cabins and some are part of a bigger inn-like complex. All are nice, and I keep thinking how it resembles a retreat center instead of a summer camp. The large timber beams and rustic furniture keeps the setting fresh in my mind. It’s fun to see the camp so quiet – and know how full of energy and life it will be in a few months.

The “Main Room”

The room where all of the sessions happen is such an important part of summer camp. As I walk in, I am struck by two things: how unique it is and how big it is. Set-up in a many sided rough oval, there are windows and doors all around letting in tons of natural light. The large stage area will be great to bring the theme to life. Even having so many campers, there will plenty of room for everyone to have some space.

As I leave camp and drive back to Atlanta, I am so thankful that God has given us this facility to host summer camp. As we transform it into one of the best camps ever, I can already picture the sessions, the free time, the obstacle course, the high ropes … and the list continues. I can already picture all of the transformation – as teens have a lasting encounter with their Savior. I think how people will walk into this camp one person, and leave a totally different person. All I know is that I want as many possible teens to experience this.

Group leaders, if you are still on the fence about registering for summer camp, I encourage you to take the leap of faith. Maybe you have never gone before, or maybe you wanted to take the year off. Whether you have a group of 50 or 5, give your teens “the best week ever!” and register today before all of the spots are gone. To get up to date registration information, visit our Camps Registration Page.