God's Place Apart ~ Transforming Lives
Gretna Glen is one of four camps in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church. Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center, Innabah Camp & Retreat Center & Carson Simpson Farm. Our mission and vision are the cumulative works of many of our volunteers, pastors, leaders, and friends.
To joyfully welcome all people into God’s creation, gathering together in community, and inspiring each other to do good.
Four Things That Guide Everything
These are not marketing slogans. They are the principles behind every decision we make, from the programs we run to the way we welcome guests.
The Power of Play
Play is not filler between the important parts. Play is how kids learn trust, build courage, and figure out who they are. We take it seriously by making sure it stays fun.
Real Summer Fun
The Importance of Faith
Faith at Gretna Glen is woven in, not forced on. Bible discovery, worship, singing, and reflection are part of the rhythm. Campers explore their own relationship with God in their own time.
Expand Your Faith
The Joy of Being Outdoors
Two hundred acres of forest, streams, trails, and open sky. When people step away from screens and schedules and into nature, something shifts. We have been watching it happen here since 1892.
Discover Nature
Together
Camp is not a solo experience. It is built on shared meals, shared cabins, shared campfires, and shared challenges. People grow faster when they grow alongside others.
Get Away. Together.
Growing What Was Planted
The campmeeting that started in 1892 was built on a simple idea: that stepping away from ordinary life and gathering with intention could change people. That idea still works.
We are a sacred space set apart that offers transformational opportunities for churches, communities, and individuals. We seek to provide profound experiences that foster growth and offer encounters with the beauty of God’s Creation. We strive to be a space where connections are forged, and individuals can deepen their understanding of God’s love for all people.
We are not trying to be the biggest or the flashiest. We are trying to be the place people remember when they think about the moment something clicked.
Finding Joy
Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center, near Mt. Gretna, PA is about 15 minutes east of Hershey, PA. Gretna Glen grew from the roots of Mt. Gretna Campmeeting that was founded in 1892 by the United Brethren Church. The success of that Campmeeting, along with many committed leaders and volunteers, provided for the journey into a new ministry built at our current location in 1959 as a part of The United Methodist Church. We celebrate the wisdom and commitment of those who planned for a place for all people to come and find joy in this sacred space.
Our campers and retreat guests come from all walks of life, church denominations, colleges and other organizations to enjoy our facilities and programs. We are grateful for the diversity of opportunities that abound from this space. It is truly a gift that we can meet the needs of such a vast population.
Gretna Glen has a year round staff of 6 dedicated people, a summer staff team of 40 and over 100 volunteers that serve with us throughout the year. Together we provide a safe environment that gives opportunities for growth in relationships for self, community and with Jesus Christ.
Rooted in Faith. Open by Design.
Gretna Glen has denominational roots and an open door. Both of those things have been true from the beginning.
Our Church Home
Gretna Glen is owned and operated by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church. Our faith tradition shapes our values, our programming, and our commitment to hospitality.
The camp's roots trace back to a United Brethren camp meeting in 1892. That heritage of gathering outdoors for worship and fellowship is still the heartbeat of everything we do.
Every Background. Every Tradition.
Gretna Glen welcomes campers, families, and groups from all denominations and no church affiliation. You do not need to be Methodist, Christian, or anything in particular to belong here.
We believe that the outdoors, community, and shared experience are gifts meant for everyone. If you are looking for a place apart, this is it.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries serve as sacred common ground for a great diversity of people from many backgrounds. Regardless of the varying theological perspectives among us, we all have a deep commitment to do no harm. More than this, we are committed to doing good.
We come together in the wide embrace of God to love and be the community for each other as children of God. Love calls us to eliminate all harassment, devaluing, bullying, lack of acceptance, and other actions that harm or isolate any individual or group. We endeavor to interact in ways that honor each person as one created in God’s image who is beloved beyond measure. Christian hospitality and deep welcoming are part of the enduring purpose of Camp and Retreat Ministries.
Find Your Place at Gretna Glen
A week of camp, a weekend retreat, or a day on the ropes course. However you get here, the experience starts with the same 200 acres.