Black Rock Retreat

Overview

Black Rock Retreat is a non-profit Christian organization located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1954, it serves as a year-round retreat center and summer camp. The organization provides facilities and programs designed to foster spiritual growth and restoration amidst nature.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of Black Rock Retreat is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthen the church. It aims to create a refuge where individuals can experience spiritual and personal growth through various programs. The organization believes in the sacredness of human life and promotes values such as dignity, respect, and love for all individuals created in God's image[1].

Programs and Services

Black Rock Retreat offers a diverse range of activities and services for different age groups, including children, pre-teens, teens, adults, and families. The programs include:

• Conference/Retreats: Hosts conferences and retreats for Christian churches and organizations.
• Summer Camps: Operates both overnight and day camps during the summer.
• Outdoor Education: Provides interactive outdoor learning experiences for public, private, and homeschool students.
• Team Building: Offers team-building activities through indoor and outdoor recreational facilities.
• Special Needs Programs: Offers sessions for guests with moderate physical disabilities and mental impairments[5].

Facilities

The retreat center is situated on nearly 100 acres, featuring a variety of accommodations such as motel-style rooms, cabins, and dormitories. Recreational facilities include a full-size gym, hiking trails, campfires, hayrides, a spring-fed lake, and an outdoor pool with a waterslide. Meeting spaces are available to accommodate groups of different sizes[4][5].

Affiliations

Black Rock Retreat is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) and the Mennonite Camping Association (MCA)[1]. It operates on a non-denominational basis, welcoming diverse Christian groups[5].

Core Values

• Ministry: Focuses on evangelism and ministry, adapting to serve diverse needs.
• People: Treats everyone with dignity and respect, valuing each individual.
• Teamwork: Encourages collaboration and mutual support among staff and volunteers.
• Stewardship: Manages resources responsibly to ensure sustainability.
• Quality: Strives for excellence in all programs and services.
• Safety: Ensures physical and emotional safety for all guests[1].

[1] https://www.blackrockretreat.com/about-us/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackRock [3] https://www.mennonitemission.net/serve/placements/black-rock-retreat/ [4] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/directory/black-rock-retreat/ [5] https://www.ccca.org/assnfe/CompanySearch.asp?MODE=DETAIL&COID=1776&PAGENUM=13