Dustin Kunkle

Cowboy Weekend

Join us during PA Cowboy Weekend for a time of family-friendly fun!

about cowboy weekend

This celebration of cowboy culture immerses visitors in the most unique movement of the 1800s. The Wild West movies from the 1950s to today romanticize the life of the cowboy (and cowgirl) and make us all want to be participants in the cowboy life.

This family-friendly event includes:

• An interactive cowboy carnival in the heart of New Freedom
• Live train robberies aboard the No. 17
• Authentic cowboy camp at Summit Grove
• Performances by musicians, magicians, buskers, and brawlers
• Cowboy shootouts with the good guys and the bad guys
• A Sunday morning service for those who worship
• Cowboy story-telling around the campfire
• Cowboy-centric entertainment for children
• Onsite cowboy camping for interested attendees
• Interactive elements for volunteer guests

lodging options

We offer lodging during Cowboy Weekend! Choose from our variety of lodging options — our campsites, RV sites, motel, Lodge, A-Frame Cabins. Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing lodging.

Maintenance Assistant

Assist in buildings, equipment, and grounds maintenance and operational preparations.

Summit Grove is a growing camp and conference center, with a small team and family-oriented staff, serving church retreat groups, day camps, and family-oriented events, generally for 30-200 people at a time. 

Job Title: Maintenance Assistant

Role: To assist in buildings, equipment, and grounds maintenance and operational preparations under the supervision of the Facilities Director. Must enjoy working with your hands; possess a positive work ethic and a servant’s heart. This person must also be self-motivated and able to work by themselves or with others. This is a part-time position.

Qualifications:

·         Committed Christian, active in their church, and growing in faith.

·         In agreement with the mission, vision and core values of Summit Grove.

·         Friendly and eager to engage with staff, cottage owners, and retreat guests.

·         Flexible in work schedule (some weeks may require evenings and weekends.)

·         Proficient communication skills and proactive attitude toward the needs of the camp and guests.

·         Team player—able to work well with people of all ages.

·         Relational skills, friendly, approachable.

·         Organized, demonstrates initiative, and attitude of service.

Important Skills:

·         Knowledge, experience, and/or willingness to learn in a variety of maintenance disciplines.

·         Attention to detail in cleanliness and upkeep of grounds and buildings for guests.

·         A general knowledge and experience of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and auto/small engine mechanics is helpful.

Responsibilities:

Building, Grounds & Equipment Maintenance:

·         Work with Facilities Director to complete maintenance projects.

·         Perform duties as assigned by Facilities Director and/or Guest Services Manager to prepare spaces for guests.

·         Work with volunteers to prioritize upkeep and improvement of facilities and grounds – including lawn and garden maintenance, beautification, cleaning, trash, cleanup after guests, and ongoing maintenance of grounds and equipment.

·         Other duties may be added or changed depending on person’s skills, abilities, and desires.

Guest Services & Group Preparation:

·         Complete work orders from guest services and other staff to keep the lodging spaces, meeting rooms, kitchens, restrooms, and facilities exceptional for positive guest experiences. 

·         Assist in preparing grounds, facilities and equipment to accommodate upcoming guests, camps, and retreat groups needs. This may include things such as preparing A/V equipment, rearranging floor plans, taking out trash, moving heavy objects, and coordinating with other staff to ensure a space is ready for guests.

Physical Demands:
Able to lift up to 50-pounds and help move bulky or large items as needed. The physical effort typically applied in this job includes: Lifting, Carrying, Reaching, Pulling, Pushing, Stooping, Standing, Bending, Climbing, Walking, Speaking, and Listening.

Reports to: Primary: Facilities Director | Secondary: Operations Manager.

Time:  Part-Time, 20-25 hrs/week, including some Saturdays and Sundays.

Compensation:  TBD, DOE

 

 

 
To apply, please email us a cover letter, along with a copy of your resume.

Operations Manager

Assist in buildings, equipment, and grounds maintenance and operational preparations.

Summit Grove is a growing camp and conference center, with a small team and family-oriented staff, serving church retreat groups, day camps, and family-oriented events, generally for 30-200 people at a time. 

Job Title: Operations Manager

Role: The ministry of Summit Grove Camp and Conference Center is in need of someone to oversee and manage the camp events, programming and day-to-day group accommodations through cooperative efforts with the Executive Director, Facilities Director, Guest Services Manager, and Day Camp Director. We are in need of someone with a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ who demonstrates His love to those around them, and will work for His glory in a professional manner to serve those who come onto the Summit Grove grounds. This position will supervise and oversee housekeeping, the kitchen staff, other employees, and volunteers that are responsible for helping to implement the duties of the Operations Manager.

Qualifications:

  • Committed Christian, active in their church, and growing in faith.
  • In agreement with the mission, vision and core values of Summit Grove.
  • Friendly and eager to engage with staff, cottage owners, and retreat guests.
  • Flexible in work schedule (some weeks may require evenings and weekends.)
  • Excellent communication skills with professional and courteous interactions with all people.
  • Strong servant leadership skills, with a team mindset.

Important Skills:

  • Good overall knowledge of business procedures.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Makes good decisions based on available information.
  • Operates effectively and efficiently under pressure and with last-minute changes.
  • Focused on retrieving accurate data to improve customer experience and camp efficiency.
  • Sets appropriate deadlines and holds self and team responsible for meeting them.
  • Effectively builds schedules; coordinating people and resources to meet programming, event and guest needs.
  • Works within budget.
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Establish and coordinate the schedules of multiple guests and groups; preparing the facility, staffing and resources needed for them before, during and after their stays including clean up/reset of camp spaces.
  • Assist with creation (at times) and/or retrieve menu for guests and groups.
  • Communicate with housekeeping on spaces and items needed.
  • Liaise with Maintenance team on damaged or broken items, or equipment needing repair.
  • Recruit, hire and train part-time staff or volunteers as necessary.
  • Ensure that guests or groups properly clean up their lodgings as per contractual agreement.
  • Establish schedules of events and locations between guests and groups in cooperation with the Day Camp events and locations.
  • Coordinate with all other camp functions including Day Camp Director with daily Day Camp logistics, needed supplies, equipment set up and clean up/reset as needed.
  • Effectively market Summit Grove events, programs and stories using newsletters, online channels, website, social media, and to the community. Knowledge of social media, website development, and/or advertising/promotion is helpful.
  • Organize volunteer groups and activities, including volunteer work days, volunteer projects, and volunteer groups that help throughout the year, and other special events.
  • Willing to help all other functions including Kitchen Staff, Housekeeping, or Maintenance if needed.
  • Supervising day-to-day functions of the office and camp – such as IT needs, HR/hiring and recruiting procedures, event planning and preparation, safety plans, and church engagement.

Physical Demands:
Able to lift up to 50-pounds and help move bulky or large items as needed. The physical effort typically applied in this job includes: Lifting, Carrying, Reaching, Pulling, Pushing, Stooping, Standing, Bending, Climbing, Walking, Speaking, and Listening.

Reports to: Executive Director

Time:  Full Time, Year-Round

Compensation: Salary + Housing, Salary based on experience.

 

 

 
To apply, please email us a cover letter, along with a copy of your resume.

Summer Camp Counselors & Support Staff

  • Apply to join our Day Camp Summer Staff Team! If you are between the ages of 16-24, and have a few weeks of your summer available, we welcome you to apply! First-year staff start at $1,500/summer! Learn more and apply at https://summitgrove.campbrainstaff.com. If you have questions or would like to connect with the Day Camp Director, Nate Jones, please call 717-235-3656, or email at camps@summitgrovecamp.org.
  • Staff-in-Training roles are also available! If you are between the ages of 13-15, you are welcome to apply for this volunteer role and will gain valuable experience while having a blast with campers and fellow staff. Please apply using the same staff application link.

Summer Camp Staffing Opportunities:

Counselors: will lead campers through and participate in daily camp activities, including singing, Bible, nature, and recreation. Daily commitment approx. 7:30 am-5:30 pm. Counselors must possess a solid understanding of the Bible, strong relational skills and lots of enthusiasm. Preferably 16 or older, but persons aged 13-15 can apply for the volunteer role of Staff-in-Training, which has similar responsibilities and will work alongside the Counselors or Support Staff. This role serves Mondays through Fridays including a Sunday evening preparation meeting.

Support staff: will help serve in multiple areas of camp including leading games, chapel, registration, housekeeping, running snack bar, maintenance, serving as photographer, leading worship, and encouragement to all staff and counselors. Individuals must be flexible, take initiative, and have an attitude of service.


Apply Now

Spring Volunteer Work Day

Spend a morning serving at Summit Grove!

Families, churches, youth groups, sports teams, individuals – you’re ALL invited to join us for a day of serving on the grounds of Summit Grove!

There are many projects that need to be done before the beginning of this season, so please consider joining us!

Lunch will be provided, and you are welcome to stay for the afternoon to spend time on the grounds and play games in our Activity Field!

2025 Spring Projects:

  • Cleaning & preparing buildings for summer
  • Preparing the activity field
  • Cleaning out gutters
  • Small repairs and upgrades
  • Reset pavilions and grills
  • Pressure washing
  • Raking & yard work
  • Trail cleaning, groundskeeping

Unable to join us in person?

Would you considering financially supporting our Work Day? We appreciate every amount donated!  We also have an Amazon Wish List if you would like to donate by purchasing anything off that list!

You can mail a cash/check made payable to Summit Grove to 140 S. Front St., New Freedom, PA 17349 or give online below. Please indicate ‘Work Day’ on your donation note.

 

Family Camp

Join us and hundreds of others for a week of Family Camp! Summit Grove’s biggest event of the year!

Save the Dates!
July 19-26, 2025

listen to 2024 sermons!

For decades, Family Camp has been hosted at Summit Grove. It is organized by a committee from churches in the Eastern PA and Mid-Atlantic Districts of the Alliance, and includes many fun and spiritually-engaging  programs for all. View and download the brochure below for information on the schedule of events, key speakers, and more!

Highlights Include:

  • Daily spiritual growth – preaching, training, and ministry opportunities
  • Daily fun – free time, family activities, social activities, water activities
  • Daily community – lodging, meals, and plenty of time for connecting with family and friends
  • Special Event Saturday! – Free Dinner 5:30 pm, Family Games with Prizes 6:15 pm, Family Movie 7:30 pm

View/Download Brochure

Lodging:


Overnight lodging & meals are available on site! See our 
full list of lodging options, pictures, and amenities here. Anyone is welcome to attend any part of the week for free without lodging and meals selected. Pre-registration is required at least two weeks in advance IF you will be registering for lodging or food.

Lodging Options:
1) Lodge Room (4 beds)
     (private bathroom, linens provided)
2) Motel Room (Renovated) (2 beds)
     (private bathroom, linens provided, microwave, mini frig)
3) Motel Room (Standard) (2 beds)
     (private bathroom, linens provided)
4) A-Frame Cabins (6-8 beds)
     (bathhouse, no linens provided)
5) Dorm Rooms (6-8 beds)
     (bathhouse, no linens provided)
6) RV Sites (10 sites)
    (water, sewer, electric hookups, 30/50amp)

Meals:

OPTION 1: Weeklong Meal Pass: 
Gives access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner (19 meals total!) from Sunday breakfast (7/20) to Saturday breakfast (7/26).

  • Adults (ages 12+): $160 
    (avg $8.42/meal)
  • Kids (Ages 3-11): $80
    (avg $4.20/meal)
  • Kids 2 and under: Free

OPTION 2: “Pick 10” Meal Pass:
Select up to 10 meals and save! This allows you to hand pick which 10 meals you will plan to eat. Any additional meals are at the walk-in rate.

  • Adults (ages 12+): $110
    (avg $11/meal)
  • Kids (Ages 3-11): $55
    (avg $5.50/meal)
  • Kids 2 and under: Free

ImportantIf you selected the “PICK 10” Meal Plan Options, the menu will be available for your selection 2-4 weeks before Family Camp, and you will receive an email from which you can select your meals.

OPTION 3: Walk-in / Ala Carte Meals:
All walk-in or ala carte meals under 10 meals are $13/Lunch and Dinner $11/Breakfast for adults and $7/Lunch and Dinner $6/Breakfast for kids ages 3-11.  Walk-ins will need to wait 10 minutes past the start of serving time to ensure meal plan participants receive their meals. Walk-in meals are only available while supplies last.

SPECIAL OPTION: Women’s Luncheon:
Wed 7/23, 11:30 AM – Banquet Room. Our annual special luncheon just for women! The rate for this luncheon is $15. Women’s Luncheon must be registered for separately below. GF (some Gluten Free) options will be available. 

Menu: Coming Soon!

Meals Registration is OPEN! If you have any questions please email familycamp@summitgrovecamp.org

Purchase Meals for Family Camp

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Dining Hall

The Dining Hall is a free-standing building that can hold approximately 200-guests roundtable style. It has a full-size commercial kitchen adjacent to it. This kitchen can be rented as well during the availability season, or food services can be purchased.

The bathrooms are in the same building, and are accessible from an outside entrance. Because this building has limited climate control options, it is only available mid-April through mid-October. Its best seasons for use are Spring and Fall.

Family Retreat Cottage

Completely renovated in 2023! Our new Family Retreat Cottage comes fully furnished and fully stocked with everything you may need to have a wonderful get-away as a family at Summit Gove. The cottage has two bedrooms (sleeps up to 5), a living room with a kitchen area, a closed-in porch, and a small bathroom with a shower. The kitchen area includes a full refrigerator, oven, microwave, coffee pot, and sink.

The Cottage includes linens and towels, and comes fully stocked with kitchen supplies, cleaning and bathroom supplies, games, and more! The cottage is cooled by window A/C units, and is not available in the colder months.

Max Capacity No. of Units No. of Beds / Unit Max People/Rm Linens Provided Electricity Bathrooms Kitchen Other
5
1 cottage
4 + sofa
3
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fully stocked