Mission:
Rhodes Grove seeks to advance our Christian community through personal renewal by offering experiential camping programs, Biblically enriching educational opportunities, and full-service retreats all in a naturally pleasing environment.

Core Values:
At Rhodes Grove we value being...

Biblically Based - where Christ is preeminent. We uphold Scripture as the ultimate guide in life and decision making. The Bible is the foundation for transformation and growth in the lives of individuals. We present Scripture in a relevant manner and as God's written Word. We remain committed to the basic essentials of the Christian faith, working to please a soon returning Lord.

Family Focused - where high value is placed upon family principles and togetherness. We support the inclusion and participation of family members of employees and guests. We are multigenerational friendly, creating opportunities for family memories to be made together. Respecting the old and embracing the new, recreational options, programming and lodging locations will be offered for people of all ages to serve families and the family of God well.

Community Connected - where working collectively achieves a greater good. We recognize our unique presence in the worldwide Christian community. We seek to remain connected in such ways as being associated with other Christian camps, and intentionally serving interdenominational and intercultural churches. Also being connected locally we participate in community building activities such as hosting public meetings, attending neighborhood events, and partnering with local schools and other nonprofit organizations.

Ministry Minded - where ministry to the whole person takes place. We seek to meet the needs of people intellectually, recreationally, socially and spiritually making them complete in Christ. By applying God's truth in all areas of life we foster an environment for changed lives encompassing the mind, body and soul in a loving, caring setting.

Rhodes Grove Camp & Conference Center's Confession of Faith.

In 1898 the Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church first applied for the use of the Rhodes Grove land to host a summer camp meeting. The owners of the land, Mr. & Mrs. W. Lee Rhodes, lived a short distance away to the south, along the Pennsylvania Railroad. This family also owned the farm which later housed the Milton Wright Memorial Home just across the field from the Rhodes Grove.

The first services held by the United Brethren in Christ Church at Rhodes Grove were facilitated by a simple roofed structure over the speaker's platform. The audience was seated on planks supported at either end by a short post in the ground. A few of the more enterprising folks brought tents for overnight shelter but the majority found a place to stay as best they could. Due to limited traveling options, only the few living a short distance away were able to travel home between services.

As the First World War was coming to a close, the conference decided to build permanent structures on the grounds. In 1917 they purchased the land from the Rhodes family heirs for $4,000. That same year a 100 X 150 foot tabernacle (in painting on the right) was built along with a dining hall, both for the sum of $6,000.

As folks caught a vision for what the camp could be they built additional structures. Starting in 1934 summer cottages were built on the grounds. Some were privately built and owned while the camp constructed a row of cottages to the West of the Tabernacle. The Christian Education building was built in 1937. Ten years later, four, double tile, cabins were built on the hill for campers. That same year the dining hall was enlarged to accommodate up to 250 people.

In 1975 the camp board decided to make Rhodes Grove a year-round facility. That year the Retreat Center was built. It is a winterized facility with two large dorms, a gymnasium, and a full-size fireplace. Rhodes Grove also hired its first, year-round director to manage the grounds and programs.

On December 30, 1988, the Rhodes Grove Camp Meeting Association was dissolved and camp ownership was turned over to the Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church. In 1997 the name of the conference was changed to the Mid-Atlantic Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church.

In 1989-1990, Phase 1 of the Meadows Conference Center was built. This facility contains a large, 450 seat conference room, with a new dining room and modern kitchen. The facility also has smaller meeting rooms and offices.

Just over ten years later, in the fall of 2000, Phase 2 of the Meadows Conference Center was started as the Miller Lodging Wing took shape. The new wing consists of 30 hotel-style rooms, 4 meeting rooms, offices, kitchenette and a large lobby with a fireplace. This addition completed the facility package to allow groups the opportunity to hold retreats and conferences throughout the year.

In 2003-2004 an emphasis was placed upon positioning Rhodes Grove for the years ahead. Decision making authority was transferred from the traditional board to a six-member Executive Management Team. The historic tabernacle was removed affording a wonderful view of the Meadows Conference Center. The Christian Education Building was transformed into a meeting space for 200, now called Kauffman Lodge. The basement was renovated to provide space for a variety of summer activities. Also renovated were the four double tile cabins on the hill, now called the Highland Cabins. They were enlarged, carpeted and insulated allowing a more comfortable lodging location in the summer months. These improvements and others have resulted in increased capacity, quality, revenue and ministry.

2005 brought more foundational change to Rhodes Grove as it incorporated independently for purposes of property ownership and liability. A board of 9 (with 2/3 United Brethren majority) was placed in authority to make decisions. A covenant relationship was signed with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA to preserve the heritage that birthed Rhodes Grove as well as affirm the mutually beneficial bond that both organizations share.

With our 100 year anniversary in sight we eagerly await what the future holds!

Marlane Martin - Food Service Director

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" Psalm 34:8

Marlane has been serving at Rhodes Grove since October 2000. She finds much joy in serving many returning guests who have become like old friends, as well as the many new faces that enter our gates!! It is pleasing to watch guests relax and retreat and enjoy good food and fellowship. It is always a compliment when a request is made for favorite recipe to take home!! Marlane and husband Dean have been married since 1982, have 3 grown children and are members of King Street United Brethren Church. Marlane's prayer is all of those who pass through our doors will experience God's peace and abiding love!

 

Angela Monn - Executive Director

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

Angela has been serving in her current role since January 2009. She joined the Rhodes Grove staff in June 2006 as the Conference Ministry Director. She has greatly enjoyed the opportunity to create an environment in which all can come and be refreshed and restored. Angela is married to Bill and they have 2 teenage boys. The active family enjoys ballgames, outdoor adventures and sharing their lives and the Lord with family and friends. They are members of Antrim Brethren In Christ Church where they also volunteer in ministry.

 

Chris Rotz - Conference Ministry Director

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

Chris has been associated with Rhodes Grove since 2007 as a Board member. In September 2009 Chris decided to step down from the Board and pursue a more active role at the camp and joined with the current staff as the Conference Ministry Director. "It is a true blessing to work in a ministry environment. It is very evident that God is at work in our ministry. Lives are touched, relationships are strengthened, and the kingdom is furthered as a result of our collective efforts each day!" Chris is married to Steve and they have two children. They enjoy sporting events, spending time outdoors, and fun fellowship with extended family and friends. Chris also manages her own candle business, Backntyme, and together with her husband homeschool their two children. They attend Antrim Brethren In Christ Church where they are currently active in the teen ministry.

 

Russell Gift, Jr. - Maintenance Director

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Rusty has been serving at Rhodes Grove since April 2010. He enjoys being actively involved in many types of serving ministries and would like to further his service in short term missions. “I am looking forward to being used by God, in whatever capacity He desires to use me.” Rusty’s hobbies are primarily hunting and fishing. “ I am continuously amazed at the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.” Rusty is married to Tammy his wife since 1985 and they have 3 daughters. They are currently attending Christ Community Church in Camp Hill Pa.

 

 

James Reaves - Program Director

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8a

James married his beautiful wife, Lorayne, in 1999. They have 4 children together: Shianne, Brennan, Gavin, and Alyssa. James has been affiliated with Rhodes Grove over the past 20 years. He was a camper here in the early 90's and worked as a counselor and on work crew. He has also been speaking to youth here on a semi-regular basis for the last 10 years. James joined the Rhodes Grove staff full time in September 2011. James has been in youth ministry for 11 years as a youth pastor (5 years) and a small group leader. He is excited to be working at camp as the Program Director. "I believe that people have been gifted uniquely for the sole purpose of buildings God's Kingdom in that uniqueness." James has a Master's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, with his undergrad degree received at Antietam Bible College. James' hobbies include playing with his kids, golf, disc golf, and video games. James and his family attend Tri-State Fellowship in Hagerstown, MD.