You’ll get a complete schedule, with all the details at check in.

“Sandy Cove provided a beautiful, unrushed environment that allowed our family to reconnect.” David, Hopedale, MA

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

DonB!

DonB! is a one man variety show, and our favorite professional goofball. He’ll be here clowning around, spinning plates, juggling things, riding his unicycle and doing tricks all 5 weeks! Your whole family will love Don, and will look forward to seeing what he’ll do next.

“Our family came together in a way we haven’t in a long time and it was Sandy Cove’s talent show that did it!“ Vanessa, Brooklyn, NY

What’s the Food Like?

“The kitchen staff cheerfully took care of our special food requirements even though it made extra work for them.”   Steve & Annette, Huntington, NY

If you are a guest staying in the lodge, meals are a part of your package. These are served buffet style, typically with a “kiddie bar” featuring items kids are more willing to eat, as well as the regular “adult food” buffet. If you or a family member has food allergies, or other medically related food restrictions we can help with that – just fill out the “Food for Thought” form. Then let your server know when you come, so they can connect you with alternative food items when required.

If you are a guest in the Campgrounds, food is not included in that package, so you will want to plan accordingly. The log cabins have kitchenettes, but you’ll need to bring your own pots and pans.

Special banquet!
On Thursday evening, there is a banquet for the adults, while the kids eat pizza with their ClubCove and CrossWalk groups for dinner. If you have very young children you will have a chance to feed them before dropping them off at ClubCove. Adults from the campground are invited to the banquet as well, for no extra cost. This banquet is a good opportunity to dress up a little, but we’ll still feed you if a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops are the best you can do. Teens are permitted to join their parents at the banquet provided they sign up at the KWC before noon on Tuesday, and commit to participating as an adult throughout the evening.


“Food was once again very good. Combo of good food and family meals ADD to overall experience!”   Timothy, Bayside, NY

How Much Fun Will We Really Have?

Free time is fun time at Sandy Cove…not ONLY for the exercise, or to cool off, or to experience an adrenaline rush or to get sore muscles and feel like you’ve accomplished something. When we play together, we build bonds, strengthen relationships and make memories, and that’s what it’s all about!

Please note some of our activities are “age graded” for maximum safety and enjoyment of the participants.

“There truly is something for everyone!”   Anthony & Denise, Ephrata, PA

Fun stuff available at scheduled times:

Swimming
• Enclosed sports pool and hot tub
• Outdoor swimming pools/ kiddie pool.
Modest swimsuits are required for adults and children (one-piece for girls of all age, baggy shorts for men and boys)

High Adventure & Marina
These activities require a signed waiver and may have minimum age limits for participation.
• Zip line (must be at least 12 years old)
• Big swing (must be at least 12 years old)
• Rock climbing wall (must be at least 8 years old)
• Waterskiing
• Wave cutter/tube rides
• Pontoon boat cruises
• Parasailing $
• Canoes, Kayaks & Paddleboats

And Even More!
• Craft Cottage $ – ceramics, model rockets, jewelry, tie dye
• Paper rockets – build and launch
• Moon bounce (9 & under)
• Pony rides (100 lbs and under)
• S’mores
• Archery
• Archery Tag… it combines archery, paintball, and dodge ball type of ideas and is good fun! You use bows and arrows, with what look like marshmallows on the end.

“We connected as a family! Both kids want to come back.” Kim, Virginia Beach, VA

Fun stuff available almost any time you want to play:
• Fitness center
• Basketball/volleyball/softball (courts open for general use, but look for tournament times too!)
• Soccer/tennis (look for tournament times too!)
• Fishing (license required)
• Miniature golf/shuffleboard/Frisbee Golf (look for tournament times too!)
• Playgrounds
• Ping-pong/billiards/foosball/air hockey (look for tournament times too!)
• Carpetball
• Gaga

June 30-July 5, 2013, Homeschool Week
Speakers: Steve and Annie Chapman

With over twenty-five years of ministering through music and teaching, Steve and Annie continue to hold the family as their central theme with life-changing insight based on the truth of Scripture. Using songs from numerous recordings ranging in subjects from marriage to the challenges of parenting, the Chapmans present a concert of music and stories that is designed to encourage all who attend. Steve and Annie have made their home in the Nashville, Tennessee, area since their marriage in 1975 and have two grown, homeschooled children, Nathan and Heidi.


Sessions
1. Filled Up As An Individual
2. Filled Up As A Couple…Part 1
3. Filled Up As A Couple…Part 2
4. Filled Up As A Family


More about Steve & Annie


Life Coach: Joe Denner
Joe Denner is the President and Owner of Alliant Leadership, providing executive coaching, leadership training and team development services to assist leaders in creating sustainable, transformational leadership development within their culture. Before this he was the COO (and formerly CFO) for Proficient Data, which is where he became passionate about developing leaders. Joe is also the pastor of Dover Bible Church and has been pastoring for over 20 years. Joe also serves on the Boards of the Family Empowerment Center of Chicago and the Center for Coaching Excellence and is one of CCE’s Senior Trainers. Joe graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and passed the CPA exam in 1991. He, his wife Andrea, and their nine children reside in Dover, Illinois.


CrossWalk Speaker: Bobby Larew
I was once in a small group with the drummer from Newsboys and music artist Mat Kearney. Other than that I’m a pretty normal guy. I’ve been involved with youth ministry either as a volunteer or pastor since 1997. Most of my life has been lived in Pennsylvania, but I did live in Michigan for two years and Nashville, TN for four years. While in Nashville I pursued a career in the Christian Music industry. I met a lot of interesting people, wrote tons of music and even recorded a CD of original songs (my wife sang backup vocals on it). Although I was never able to make a living in music, I am grateful for the experience and encourage everyone to step out in faith and try something they’ve always wanted to do. Sandy Cove has been a great blessing to my family and I look forward to serving you and your family during Homeschool Week!

July 7-12, 2013
Speakers: Wm. Paul Young and C. Baxter Kruger

The Shack Revisited
Young and Kruger will be team-teaching the four morning sessions, Monday – Thursday.





William Paul Young is author of the breakaway hit, self-published book, The Shack. At #1 on the NY Times Bestsellers List for 49 consecutive weeks, and with over 20 million copies in print, this book is stirring up conversations about the Trinity, points people to Jesus, and ultimately to the love of God for us all. 2012 will see two new books written by Paul; a book of daily conversations called The Shack: Reflections (Oct) and a new novel, Cross Roads (Nov).

“For me, everything is about Jesus and Father and the Holy Spirit, and relationships. Life is an adventure of faith lived one day at a time. I have finally figured out that I have nothing to lose by living a life of faith. I know more joy every minute of every day than seems appropriate, but I love the wastefulness of my Papa’s grace and presence. For me, everything in my life that matters is inside the embrace of relentless Affection!” – Wm. Paul Young

More about Paul


C. Baxter Kruger is the Director of Perichoresis, an international ministry sharing the truth of our adoption in Christ with the world. A lifelong student of Psychology, he has a degree in Political Science, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree under Professor James B. Torrance in Aberdeen, Scotland. Baxter is the author of eight books including The Great Dance, Across All Worlds, and the international bestseller, The Shack Revisited. An avid outdoorsman who holds two United States patents for his fishing lure designs, Baxter teaches around the world. He and his wife Beth have been married for 30 years and have four children.

More about Baxter’s ministry


Life Coaches: Bruce & Karen McCracken
Bruce and Karen are partnering with Sandy Cove and filling the role of Life Coach during Weeks 2-5 of Summer Together 2013. As Life Coaches, they will do some teaching and be presenting different content each week. They will also do a lot of listening – helping you process and sort through what is going on in your life. Bruce is the founder and president of House on the Rock Family Ministries. House on the Rock exists to help churches build strong marriages and families on Biblical guidelines: “Families built on the ‘Rock’ today, will stand the storms of tomorrow.” Strong healthy families are vital to producing healthy people, stronger churches and a better society. Our goal is to help men and women see how to apply Biblical principles to their family lives. Because it is not a matter of IF the storms will come … but WHEN they will strike our homes. We want you to have your “House on the Rock!”

Visit House On the Rock Family Ministries


CrossWalk Speaker: Jason Heim
Jason Heim is the Pastor of Student Ministries at Bible Fellowship Church in Yardley, Pa and has served in full-time church ministry since 1996. Jason and his wife Leah have three sons and two daughters. Jason graduated from Messiah College where he majored in Speech Communications and minored in Church Music. At Bethel Seminary of the East, he also received his Masters of Divinity. “Life is way too short to waste time doing average things, since average things produce average results. I would rather search for the greater things in life and die searching; better this than to never search and always wonder” (Anonymous author). Jason claims that the search is over. He has found something worth investing his life into and that is the spiritual growth of teenagers. Spiritually invest into teenagers, impact the present, and change the future is Jason’s philosophy. In his role as Pastor of Student Ministries, Jason is able to help students develop a relationship with Christ that is intimate and lasting, challenge them to continually grow as disciples, as well as teach them how to share the gospel with their friends and family members. His desire is to create a ministry to youth that is both culturally relevant and life changing, drawing on the truths of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the lives of teens. His passion to know, love and serve the only true God spurs him to lead by example and build into the lives of both his youth staff and the teenagers he serves.

July 14-19, 2013
Speaker: Ted Cunningham

Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO. He is the author of Trophy Child and Young and In Love and coauthor of four books with Dr. Gary Smalley: The Language of Sex; From Anger to Intimacy; Great Parents, Lousy Lovers and As Long as We Both Shall Live. He is a graduate of Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary. Ted is a regular guest on Focus on the Family, Life Today, and Moody Radio. Ted and his wife, Amy, have been married 15 years and live in Branson, MO with their two children, Corynn and Carson.

More about Ted’s church


Life Coaches: Bruce & Karen McCracken
Bruce and Karen are partnering with Sandy Cove and filling the role of Life Coach during Weeks 2-5 of Summer Together 2013. As Life Coaches, they will do some teaching and be presenting different content each week. They will also do a lot of listening – helping you process and sort through what is going on in your life. Bruce is the founder and president of House on the Rock Family Ministries. House on the Rock exists to help churches build strong marriages and families on Biblical guidelines: “Families built on the ‘Rock’ today, will stand the storms of tomorrow.” Strong healthy families are vital to producing healthy people, stronger churches and a better society. Our goal is to help men and women see how to apply Biblical principles to their family lives. Because it is not a matter of IF the storms will come … but WHEN they will strike our homes. We want you to have your “House on the Rock!”

Visit House On the Rock Family Ministries

CrossWalk Speaker: Eric Hine
Eric has been an Associate Pastor at Millersville Bible Church since 2001. Prior to entering full-time local church ministry, Eric served for 2 1/2 years as the Director of Rumney Bible Conference in Rumney, NH. Eric’s teaching and programming experience, coupled with his physical education degree from Houghton College (1989) and Master of Divinity from Baptist Bible Seminary (1998) combine to equip him for the various ministries in which he is involved. As associate pastor, Eric is responsible for oversight and development of the Missions program. In addition he oversees MBC’s athletic outreach ministry and Millersville Bible Camp during the summer. He and Amy are also deeply involved in discipling young married couples. Beyond their ministry at the church, Amy shoulders daily responsibility for three of their four children: Gabrielle, Josiah, and Ethan. Aubrey, the oldest, is now a student at North Carolina State University. As a housewife and home school mom, she balances the demands of family and church, participating in the various women’s ministries, and even finding time for discipling young wives, as well as reaching out to neighbors. Like most mom’s, Amy’s day never ends. In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with the family, reading, sports and creating videos.

July 21-26, 2013
Speaker: Rob Whittaker

Rob Whittaker was born in Lancashire in the North West of England in 1946. Converted at Capernwray Hall in his late teens, he took a degree in Physics before attending London Bible College and completing a Theology degree in 1972. Rob was, until 1997, Senior Pastor of Calvary Christian Fellowship, a church he and his wife planted in 1974 in Lostock Hall, a small mill town to the south of Preston. Beginning with 12 members and initially meeting in homes, the church family grew and met in a converted shoe factory, where in the early 1990ʼs they saw 450 people attending on a Sunday morning. CCF is a member of the Evangelical Alliance. In 1998 Rob joined the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers and in 2001 became Principal of Capernwray Bible School. He preaches extensively throughout Europe in churches, Bible schools and conferences, and more recently his travels have taken him on numerous occasions to Australia, Canada and the U.S.A. He and his wife Barbara have two children, Zoe and Abi. Rob lists as his hobbies D.I.Y., walking in the mountains and reading detective novels. He is an ardent supporter of a little known football team based at Old Trafford. Robʼs passion is to take the life giving teaching of the Bible and mesh it with 24 – 7 living in a transforming friendship with Jesus.

More about Capernwray


Life Coaches: Bruce & Karen McCracken
Bruce and Karen are partnering with Sandy Cove and filling the role of Life Coach during Weeks 2-5 of Summer Together 2013. As Life Coaches, they will do some teaching and be presenting different content each week. They will also do a lot of listening – helping you process and sort through what is going on in your life. Bruce is the founder and president of House on the Rock Family Ministries. House on the Rock exists to help churches build strong marriages and families on Biblical guidelines: “Families built on the ‘Rock’ today, will stand the storms of tomorrow.” Strong healthy families are vital to producing healthy people, stronger churches and a better society. Our goal is to help men and women see how to apply Biblical principles to their family lives. Because it is not a matter of IF the storms will come … but WHEN they will strike our homes. We want you to have your “House on the Rock!”

Visit House On the Rock Family Ministries

July 28-August 2, 2013
Speaker: Bryan Loritts

Bryan is the Lead Pastor of Fellowship Memphis Church, a multicultural church ministering to the urban Memphis community. Bryan has a Master’s Degree in Theology and is currently working on his PhD. In addition to serving the community of Memphis, Bryan’s ministry takes him across the country as he speaks to thousands annually at churches, conferences, and retreats. He is the author of God on Paper and his book A Cross Shaped Gospel. He was also a contributing author for the book entitled Great Preaching. Bryan was recently voted as one of the top thirty emerging Christian leaders in the country by Outreach magazine. Bryan is married to Korie, and is the father of three sons: Quentin, Myles and Jaden.

You can follow Bryan on twitter: @bcloritts
More about Bryan


Life Coaches: Bruce & Karen McCracken
Bruce and Karen are partnering with Sandy Cove and filling the role of Life Coach during Weeks 2-5 of Summer Together 2013. As Life Coaches, they will do some teaching and be presenting different content each week. They will also do a lot of listening – helping you process and sort through what is going on in your life. Bruce is the founder and president of House on the Rock Family Ministries. House on the Rock exists to help churches build strong marriages and families on Biblical guidelines: “Families built on the ‘Rock’ today, will stand the storms of tomorrow.” Strong healthy families are vital to producing healthy people, stronger churches and a better society. Our goal is to help men and women see how to apply Biblical principles to their family lives. Because it is not a matter of IF the storms will come … but WHEN they will strike our homes. We want you to have your “House on the Rock!”

Visit House On the Rock Family Ministries

Lodge packages include 15 all-you-can-eat meals, Sunday dinner-Friday lunch. No cooking required!

Campground packages include Thursday night dinner – banquet for the adults and the kids eat in ClubCove/CrossWalk.

What is Family Max?
It means that after you pay for 4 people, the rest of the family members in your room are FREE! The purpose of family max pricing is to provide affordability for parents with children through a simplified rate structure. We define family as related members living in the same household. If you can claim them on your taxes, they count toward family maxes! Please bring friends and pay for them at the same rate you paid.

Choices to fit your budget

Children 0-3 are FREE!

Rates are per person (pp), ages 4-104

Chesapeake Lodge Rooms
Check out Cabins and Campgrounds

Want a suite or additional room to accommodate the size of your family? Add $350

There is a minimum occupancy of 4 in each cabin.

Don’t let finances keep you away - scholarships are available – up to 50% provided through generous donations!

Scholarship Applications for Summer 2013 will be accepted beginning March 1, 2013. We encourage you to register with your $100 deposit and begin making equal monthly payments based on 50% of your balance due. After your scholarship application is processed, you will be notified of the amount awarded and arrangements will be made for any remaining balance due.

NEW! 10% military discount for all events for ALL military personnel.
This discount is available to any member of the armed forces, any branch and their immediate family members living in their household.

Here’s how it works…
Pay equal monthly payments from the time you register until June…it’s that simple. Reservations made before September 1: pay $100 deposit and then begin easy monthly payment plan on September 1. If you register online, you will be asked to pay in full at time of reservation. If you would like the easy, finance free monthly payment option, please call 800.234.COVE (2683) / 410.287.5433 and ask for reservations.

What if I have to cancel?
No problem! Our “No Fault” Cancellation policy lets you cancel by April 1 and get everything but $100 back. Kids 0-3 are always FREE!!

Prices subject to change without notice.

Will My Kids Really Like This?

Simple answer? YES!!  :)

During each week of Summer Together Family Camp there are special “Clubs” for kids! Kids can go to their club in the morning and sometimes in the evening, during adult teaching times. The “Clubs” are run by trained staff who have planned all kinds of fun and safe stuff that each age group will like the best. The hours are filled with swimming, crafts, games, sports, music, Bible teaching and new friends! Meanwhile, parents enjoy their own times of worship teaching and fellowship. Your family will gather together again for meals, afternoon fun and other special activities!

“Having our kids enjoy themselves gave us parents time to seek God and spend time with each other.” Paul & Shirley, Odessa, FL

ClubCove
Kids are divided into age groups from infant through age 11
Infants from 0-3 are part of “ClubCrib” – which allows them special early drop off times in ClubCove. Babies are well-cared for – with accommodations for napping and changing. You may see them getting stroller rides around Sandy Cove!

“The ClubCove counselors took great care of my child and did so joyfully!”  Julie, Turnersville, NJ

We try to keep the “Clubs” as small as possible for ages 4 – 11. Typically two year age spans are grouped together (4s & 5s, 6s & 7s…you get the idea!) Bible lessons and singing are an integral part of ClubCove. Fun activities include playground time, crafts, swimming, water games, mini-golf, scavenger hunts and lots more!

Intentional Bible study designed to help students grow as disciples of Christ are taught by experienced pastors and youth pastors. Special activities are planned and facilitated by dedicated CrossWalk staff who have the energy and expertise to create spectacular experiences!

“The CrossWalk speaker did an amazing job!”  Abbie, Newark, DE

For the safety of your children a background check is done on every applicant over the age of 18, which is also required by law. The ClubCove and CrossWalk directors, professionals in the fields of childcare and/or youthwork, not only supervise the staff, but work alongside of them to provide a safe and fun experience for your children. In addition, many of our staff are Elementary and Secondary Education college majors with “hands-on” experience with children and young adults. There are always 2 staff working together with groups of children, to ensure no child is left alone with a single staff member. If you have concerns, please feel free to contact us at info@sandycove.org

This is the place to look for all the details…
Maybe even find some answers to those very specific questions you didn’t know you had!

Q. Can we bring our pets?
A. No. (well, maybe…) Though we don’t allow pets here at Sandy Cove in the lodge or the Pioneer Campground & RV Park, there is a beautiful, new, pet boarding facility a mile before you get to Sandy Cove on Rt. 272. Call Chesapeake Country Pet Lodge (410-287-6670) for more information.

Q. Can we bring our bikes?
A. You can, but there are not really any good places to ride them. Our road is narrow and has many blind curves, and everything else is sidewalk or parking lot with cars and/or people. Some of the campgrounders use bikes in the campground and for some back and forth, but in general their safety liability outweighs their helpfulness, so it’s not worth the trouble. If you choose to bring bikes, please bring and wear helmets. For bikers under 16, helmets aren’t just a good idea – they are the law.

Q. What about skateboards?
A. Ditto the above.

Q. Can we bring our boat?
A. Yes. (maybe) Our marina is tidal, and tends to be rather shallow. Therefore boats do best on moorings, away from our floating docks. We have a few extra moorings for guests to use, and we can also help launch you. (Though it typically takes high tide and our tractor to do it) It is best to call ahead to discuss specifics with Nate (ex. 432) before trailering in. If you are calling one of our campgrounds home, please know that your boat/trailer cannot live at your site with you. You may park them in the large parking lot between the tennis courts and the playground.

Q. Well what can I bring??
A. Sometimes people forget sunglasses, sunscreen, favorite hat, flip flops, softball glove, swimsuit (one piece, modest, of course), camera, Bible, notebook, beach towel, blanket (for sitting out on the grass in our “amphitheater”), bug spray, Pittsburgh Steelers t-shirt, fishing pole, toothbrush, and/or a smile (we have extras of these, we can give you one).

Q. What should I forget?
A. Don’t pack firearms, fireworks, fire ants, illegal drugs, alcohol, llamas or javelins.

Q. How much money should I bring?
A. All of it. You won’t actually spend that much – sure there is the 10th Hole Snack Shop, the Craft Shop, the Bookstore, parasailing, and the soda machine, but beyond that it’s all included… But that just leaves more for the offering on Thursday, right?

Q. What is the water in front of Sandy Cove and can I fish there?
A. Technically, it’s the North East River, untechnically, the top of the Chesapeake Bay, poetically “the headwaters of the bay.” Any who, you can fish from our pier (being aware of other guests walking by) or the rip-rap or jetty. (casting off the jetty AWAY from the canoeing area.) Maryland/Chesapeake Bay regulations apply, and licenses can be purchased at Wal-mart on Route 40, or Herb’s Tackle Shop on Main Street in North East.

Q. What should I wear?
A. Dress at Sandy Cove is casual, and you should prepare for temperature extremes. Outside is typically hot and humid; inside the lodge is generally 42 degrees. (OK, it just feels like that when you come inside on some afternoons) In keeping with the idea of community, we encourage the idea of dressing modestly. Naturally, there is a wide range of opinion on what this actually looks like, but the goal is to avoid being a temptation or distraction to others, particularly of the opposite gender. So, clothing that is very tight, low cut, revealing, etc, is best left at home. Also, we promote, and to a degree require, modesty at the pool. Our guideline is that everyone wear a “one piece, modest” bathing suit. This means baggy trunks or board shorts for the guys instead of Speedos. (And for the record, boxer shorts and/or cut offs are right out!) It’s trickier with the gals, as some tankinis have good, modest coverage, and we smile on that… Where some one piece suits are cut (low, high and in between) in a way that does not cover very well, and we frown on that – well, only half a second before asking you to put on a t-shirt and carry on. Let’s all remember the goal, as many in the community appreciate the efforts of others in keeping our pool and waterfront moderately modest. (redundant, I know, but I like it!)

Q. Where can I get a snack?
A. The 10th Hole Snack Shop is our poolside snack shop, with a good lineup of sandwiches, and other “real food” besides the ice cream, milkshakes, candy, drinks, etc. They have hours each afternoon and evening, and offer a reasonably priced alternative to “roughing it” for lunch out there in the campgrounds, as well as snacks between meals for everyone! The Campground Store offers some of the basics – including candy, drinks and ice cream novelties. There are several vending areas for drinks and snacks in the lodge, and there is also complimentary coffee 24 hours a day at the Kalbach Welcome Center and morning and evening at the Front Desk.

Q. What is a QuikTik?
A. This is a system we use for just a few popular activities, to help people not spend too much time waiting in line. The ticket is for a specific activity on a specific day and time, and holds your spot for you. Most of our activities have little or no wait, but we’ll use QuikTiks for any activity involving being dragged behind a boat: wavecutter, tubing, waterskiing, kneeboarding, & wakeboarding. Our goal is to give at least one ride on one of these to everyone who is interested – you’ll just have to decide on the method of dragging each family member would prefer. A couple weeks before your arrival, we’ll email you instructions to select your QuikTik so it’s ready when you get here. Also we’ll use QuikTiks for Pony Rides, because efficiency is good when you have 4 year olds waiting in line… Those will NOT be online – just pick them up at the Kalbach Welcome Center when you come. Likewise, tickets for the pontoon boat will be at the KWC when you come.

Q. Can I do laundry at Sandy Cove?
A. Sure! The housekeepers will be glad for the help. Oh. You mean your own laundry? Yes, you can do that too – both the lodge and the Pioneer Campground have coin op laundry facilities.

Q. What’s this I hear about parasailing?
A. Yeah we have a subcontractor, Captain Glenn, who runs Old Town Parasailing and comes over here during the summer to pick up business. Stop by the welcome center for more info, and you can sign up and pay there as well. Rides are about 10 minutes and Captain Glenn gives us a really good deal on the per person price.

Q. What is a LifeCoach
A. We have a different LifeCoach here each week of the summer – they are individuals who will be doing some teaching, and also a lot of listening. They are especially skilled in helping people process and sort through what is going on in their lives, in order to become more like Jesus and respond to life’s circumstances in the best possible way. If that sounds good to you, listen for details about how you can sign up for a meeting with the LifeCoach while you are here.

Q. Why do you have a Summer photographer?
A. Wouldn’t you like to see your family’s smiling face in next year’s brochure? Our staff photographer/videographer will be taking candid and posed shots all summer long to use in publications and promotions for Sandy Cove or future Sandy Cove programs and events. If you are opposed to having your picture taken and possibly used in this way, simply indicate that to the staff member with the camera, and your wishes will be respected. Otherwise, your registration for this event indicates your permission to use your photo for promotional purposes.

Q. Where’s the TV and why is my internet connection so slow?
A. We encourage people to disconnect (from cell phones, TV, computer, etc) in order to reconnect (with God, family and friends) and this is the main reason we do not have televisions in the guest rooms. Even people with initial misgivings about this are usually thankful for a break from TV by the end of their stay. We also understand that not everyone can completely disconnect, and therefore we have limited wireless access throughout the Chesapeake Lodge and a computer kiosk in the Morning Cheer Café beside the Front Desk. Due to the rural location of Sandy Cove, WIFI and cell coverage is limited. There is also a TV room on the 1st floor just off the main lobby that you can access with your room key, as well as a TV in the fitness center.

Q. Are there a bunch of rules?
A. We are not really about rules, but hopefully you have seen that we are big on community. Part of this involves everyone looking out for the interests of others, for the benefit of all. For example, many appreciate Sandy Cove as a safe place for their family, but that only happens when the rest of the community makes it so. This means that instead of taking a vacation from their kids, parents are still actively supervising them, knowing where they are and what they are doing at all times. This also involves guests recognizing that other guests may be resting in their rooms and limiting noise and activity in the halls and near the sleeping areas. (particularly after 10 PM) We all have rights, but in community, sometimes we can be so right, we are wrong… This is a great environment to teach, model, and practice consideration of others.

Q. Why do you have waivers & age limits?

We have a number of activities that require a waiver form be filled out and signed for all participants. These are activities that can be dangerous, particularly if participants ignore rules and instructions or do not use common sense. The waiver makes people aware of risk, and allows them to limit our liability in exchange for permission to participate in these activities. The activities requiring a waiver are: rock climbing, big swing, zip line, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, etc. (anything on the bay)

We have some age limits to help make sure people are ready to handle the activities, are the right size, and have things to look forward to. It looks like this:

Moon Bounce: 9 and under
Rock Wall: 8 and up
Zip Line: 12 and up
Big Swing: 12 and up
Hot Tub: 15 and up

It is most efficient to have families look over and validate a waiver in advance using the internet, and you will be sent a link in your pre-event email to easily do this. but we have paper copies people can sign here too. If you have validated a waiver, we give you colored wristbands to wear for the week – white means you are 8, 9, 10 or 11 and can do the rock wall and trapeze, purple means you are at least 12 and can do the zip line and/or big swing. Wavecutter, water skiing, tubing, kneeboarding, etc are more of a parent’s judgment call in terms of what age. And canoes, kayaks, paddle boats (as well as swimming) require a parent’s supervision if under 12.

Q. Who is in charge here, anyway?
A. Well, these guys are the “three headed monster” that plan and program Summer Together Family Camp. And of course there is a cast of thousands helping to actually pull it off!

Nate Ransil, Assistant Director of Program Ministries
Stephen Weaver, Director of Program Ministries
Mark P. Fisher, President and Head Innovation Coach

Q. Is that all the questions I have?
A. That’s a good question.