Our mission is to help people connect with God and each other in order to be transformed into the image of Christ, through His Word, His creation and community.

Since 1946, Sandy Cove's non-denominational, non-profit ministry has provided life-changing experiences through camps and conferences. In addition to hosting hundreds of church groups each year, Sandy Cove provides innovative programs for families, adults, and children in two locations.

Our year round conference center on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in North East, MD includes overnight accommodations of up to 1000 in the Chesapeake Lodge, seasonal cabins, RV-sites and campgrounds.

Our 300-bed summer children's program operates at Camp Sandy Cove in High View, WV

Camp Sandy Cove is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Winchester, VA in High View, WV. Read more about Camp Sandy Cove here.

Sandy Cove's 150-room hotel and conference center rises majestically above the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland.

Listen to Mark's radio interview

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, God provided an unusual opportunity for Dr. George Palmer, pastor of Haddon Heights Baptist Church in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, to host one of the earliest Christian radio broadcasts. During this time when businesses, banks and government were failing, the daily Morning Cheer broadcast brought good news and hope, reminding all who listened, that God is still in control, through the teaching and its theme song, that "Jesus Never Fails."

The response was overwhelming and provided further ministry opportunity for this young visionary preacher in 1946. Property was acquired on the North East River in Cecil County, Maryland for establishing a summer tent revival and camp meeting facility. Camps were built for children, numerous mission projects were accomplished around the world, and Sandy Cove was born.

A new vision for Sandy Cove was cast with the addition of the majestic Chesapeake Lodge Hotel & Conference Center during the 1980s. This spacious facility continues to serve as a focal point of the ministry, offering comfort and hospitality which rival many fine hotels.

In its 60 years of history, there have been only five presidents for Morning Cheer, Inc., now known as Sandy Cove Ministries: Dr. George Palmer, his son, Bob Palmer, Neil Fichthorn, Dr. Sandy Outlar, and our current president, Mark P. Fisher. In those years, multiplied thousands have received Christ, grown in their spiritual life, been spurred on to full-time ministry, and enjoyed meeting together and vacationing with other Christians.

In July 2006, we were blessed to have the Rev. Jack Palmer, the son of our founder, speak to us at our 60th anniversary.

He described the "Landmarks of Sandy Cove," the boundaries that define the parameters, set the limits, remind us of the past and are restrictions for the present and the future of Sandy Cove Ministries.

1. Prayer
2. Faith
3. Bible teaching
4. Spiritual Retreat
5. The Lord's Day
6. Salvation of the Lost
7. Building up the saints...
8. Glorify God
9. World missions
10. Sacrificial giving

More about the Landmarks...

Some have said, to understand where you want to go, you must often look at where you've been. Sandy Cove is no exception... set on a foundation of biblical truth, built with stones of faith and led by godly innovation.

The ministry of Dr. George Palmer, and his family, created a legacy so rich and so deep that it should neither be forgotten nor ignored.

We invite you to watch and listen as Mark P. Fisher recalls the story that not only shaped this ministry for the last 60 years, but sets a course for what it will become for years to come.

View or download the video