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.
Mission
To joyfully welcome all people into God’s creation, gathering together in community, and inspiring each other to do good.
Vision
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.
Our Purpose
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.
What we do...
Who we serve….
Summer Camp
In the summer, we hold eight weeks of summer camp. Camper families register their children for one week or more of our day and overnight programs that we host from late June to early August. Our campers come from our local community and as far as several states away. Some of our campers grew up in the church, and some have never been to church. We are grateful to serve all children and youth in our Christian outdoor ministry. Summer camp is about building community, and our focus is learning and growing together as we seek to SERVE
Non-Summer
During the non-summer season, we host various groups from schools, churches, clubs, organizations, and businesses that all come to retreat at Gretna Glen. Whether for a day, a weekend, or the week, we love to share our site with the community. On average, we host approximately 200 groups annually from the middle of August through early June. We can host multiple groups at a time and serve all ages.
Policy Statement of 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. Full Statement
History
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, denominations, and other organizations to enjoy our facilities and programs. We are grateful for the diversity of opportunities that abound from this space and enjoy being about to meet the needs of a variety of children, youth, adult and special needs groups.