Give Your Child a Week to Reset, Play Outside, and be a Kid

Spanning 200 acres of scenic Pennsylvania woodland, Gretna Glen is where kids unplug, try new things, and discover who they're becoming, through adventure, friendship, and faith.

WHY CAMP?

More than Fun, A Week that Sticks

Camp isn't just a good time (though it's definitely that). It's where kids build confidence they carry home, friendships that last beyond the summer, and a faith that's theirs.

Grow in Faith

Feel closer to God through daily Bible Discovery, worship, and campfire conversations.

Stay Active All Day

Physical activity from sunrise to sunset, swimming, hiking, climbing, and more.

Make Real Friendships

Genuine connections built through shared adventure, not shared screens.

Reconnect with Nature

200 acres of woodland, trails, creeks, and open sky.

Build Life Skills

Teamwork, independence, resilience, and social skills that carry into the school year.

Unplug from Technology

A whole week without screens, and they won't even miss them.

Conquer Fears

Try new things in a safe, encouraging environment. Gain resiliency through real challenge.

Experience Success

Build confidence through achievement, on the climbing wall, in a canoe, or leading a team.

Unstructured Play

Time to be creative, explore, and just be a kid, no agenda required.

TRUST AND SAFETY

You Can Trust Us With Your Kids

Intentional

Year-round staff with decades of experience. Every program developed with the whole camper in mind.

Secure

Thorough hiring process. State and federal clearances. Ministry Safe training for all staff and volunteers.

ACA Accredited

Meets 300+ standards for health, safety, and program quality through the American Camp Association.

UMCRM Members

Proud members of the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association.

ACTIVITIES

30+ Activities - Something for Everyone

From the classics to the unexpected, every day is packed with choice. All activities are led by trained staff, and every camper, beginner or experienced, is welcome.

Archery

Aim, focus, release

Boating

Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards

Climbing

Tower, bouldering, high ropes

Swimming

Pool, waterslide

Campfires

Songs, s'mores, stories

Nature

Hiking, creek stomping, wildlife

  • Basketball
  • Creek Stomping
  • Games
  • 9-Square
  • Team-Building
  • Bible Discovery
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Volleyball
  • Challenge Course
  • Frisbee
  • Nature Study
  • Singing
  • Worship
  • Crafts
  • Gaga Ball
  • Night Games
  • Soccer
  • And More ...

Off-Site Day Trips

Some programs include trips like horseback riding, canoeing, water sports, and biking. All transportation and meals are included in the camp fee.

HOUSING

Three Options - From Lodge to Wilderness

Raab Retreat Lodge

Best for Younger Campers

Sleeps up to 36 with in-building bathrooms. A comfortable home base that still feels like camp.

Mainsite Cabins

Classic Camp Experience

Each cabin sleeps up to 12. Uses the modern Mainsite Showerhouse — ADA-compliant, heated floors, privacy stalls.

Ridge Outpost

True Wilderness

Rustic cabins and tent structures. Come to mainsite for activities and at least one meal daily.

summer-sitting-around-campfire
MEALS

Family-Style, Made Together

Meals are served family-style in the dining hall. Campers work together — setting the table, serving one another, sharing refills — learning community through the simple act of eating together.

Some meals happen around a campfire or on the trail as part of the program experience.

Have a food allergy or dietary need? Contact the office and we'll partner with you.

WHO COMES TO GRETNA GLEN?

Camp is for Everyone

Gretna Glen is owned and operated by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church — but camp is for everyone. We welcome kids from Pennsylvania and neighboring states, across denominations or with no church affiliation at all.

Eight weeks of summer camp run late June through early August, with programs for elementary through high school.

Ready to Find the Right Program?

Browse summer programs by age, interest, or week — and give your child a summer they'll talk about all year.

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