Scenic view of trees at camp

Tag: family


Staff Profile: Jan “Sugar Pop” Robertson

by Jenny Sowers Rutland

Jan Robertson

We got the chance to talk with Jan Robertson and hear what it’s been like to join Pine Cove later than most, how it has changed her life, and all the fun and challenges that come with pioneering a new camp. Oh, and she kept us laughing with the story of her engagement to her […]

Read More

How to Have a Hangtime with Your Kids

by Jenny Lay

Father swinging with son

Skits, camp names, and counselors jumping upon your arrival… all things that are an integral part of just about any Pine Cove camp experience. Another important  experience for youth campers (and children at family camp) is something called a hangtime. In Pine Cove’s staff handbook, a hangtime is defined as “an intentional time with just […]

Read More

Embracing Today’s Season

by Scott Kedersha

blog%2FScott-Kedersha-family

One of my biggest failures as a dad is how often I’ve wished away the parenting years. At first I couldn’t wait until my kids slept through the night. Then I couldn’t wait until they were out of diapers. After that I couldn’t wait until our oldest (twins) went to school. Then I was ready for […]

Read More

At the Table

by Michelle Brinson

IMG_1756_j7hese

As families race to activities like soccer practice, karate lessons, and piano recitals, it would seem that grabbing dinner on the go has become the norm. Between our microwaves, instant pots, and drive-thrus, the dinner table seems to have become a thing of the past. Instead, it’s become a place to toss the mail, our […]

Read More

More Than Survive: Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas

by Valerie Morby

insidethecove%2F17SH0903-85

December can be difficult, filled to the brim with to-do lists and busy schedules—not to mention finals if you’re attempting to finish up your semester! We understand that no matter where you are in life, you may find this time of year overwhelming. With that in mind, we wanted to offer you some tangible tips […]

Read More

20 Years of Family Camp

by Maggie Coffey

insidethecove%2FWeisen_family_2005

It’s week 2 during the summer of 1999, and the Wiesen family has just rolled into their first week at the Woods. Jumping and screaming counselors overwhelmed them, and Mrs. Julie Wiesen looked over and thought, “I don’t know if this is our place.” Little did they know that this would be their reality for […]

Read More

Camper Story: Celebrating Salvation

by Mario Zandstra

Cheering at Family Camp

Opening days at Pine Cove are filled with festivities. As families are driving into camp, the college staff are cheering and jumping, welcoming the arriving campers to camp for another exciting week. No matter the circumstance, the enthusiastic staff can put a smile on the most skeptical face. This particular week at the Bluffs Family […]

Read More

7 Ways to Prepare for Sunday

by Chris Sherrod

family reading on porch

If you’re like me, Sunday mornings can often feel hectic and anything but restful or even spiritual. As you’re thinking through changes for the New Year, I’d like to suggest some ways to help your hearing of God’s Word be more effective and to even make your Sundays less stressful. Why Prepare? Matthew 13 records […]

Read More

Get To, Not Have To

by Brent Bertolio

Camp Lagoon with Slide

Throughout the year, we receive numerous phone calls, emails, and letters from campers expressing their life transformation while at camp. These are just too good to keep to ourselves! Check out this mom’s story and how one of our counselors helped her re-focus on serving her family. When I got married, I had a very […]

Read More

Are You Living the Legacy You Want to Leave?

by Chris Sherrod

Father hugging daughter in pool

Have you ever noticed that we don’t really use the word “legacy” until someone is gone? Only then do we look back and reflect on what they’ve left behind. I did exactly that a year and a half ago when my grandfather died. In fact, when asked to lead his memorial service, I titled my […]

Read More


-->