Fun right down to the wire. . .
We are a non-denominational, Christian retreat facility located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We provide quality facilities and meals for groups ranging in size from 30 to 300 people, while allowing them to create their own programming.
Keywords: Camp, Retreat Center, Refreshing Mountain, Group Activity, Christian, high adventure, zip lines, family
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since December of 1983.
What is your primary product or service?
We are a retreat center with a full spectrum High Adventure program, helping groups and families relax and enjoy their vacation time.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
In the early 1980s, Marlin and Sharon became aware of a camp called Circle T Ranch, owned by the Lancaster Youth for Christ. The facility had not been utilized for a few years and had come into disrepair. At the time, Marlin was a property manager at a retirement community and Sharon was working as a part time housekeeper and also in their home raising two young sons, Justin age 4 and Josiah age 2. They shared a desire to find a line of work where they could work together, raise a family, and minister to families. The "idea" of running a camp seemed to fit those parameters, though it seemed like quite a step of faith, especially since there was no business base to start with. They decided to take that step and moved here in December 1983. Initially, there was no functioning plumbing and Marlin says, "It was so overgrown, we were here a few weeks before we knew there was a pond on the property".
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
RMC was founded in 1983 upon the vision of Marlin and Sharon Harnish to provide a place where families could be refreshed. What began with two bunk houses and a stable on the grounds of a run-down horse camp has now blossomed into a facility that hosts hundreds of groups and thousands of individuals on an annual basis.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have 85 acres, with new projects annually
Provide detailed directions to your location
Directions from Philadelphia
PA Turnpike (Route 76) West to Exit 286 (Old Exit 21)
Route 272 South to Route 322 West
Route 322 West to N. Clay Road (approx 3-4 miles)
Right onto N. Clay Road
1.1 miles to Hopeland Road. Turn Right
0.5 miles to Kleinfeltersville Road. Turn Left
0.8 miles to Forest Hill Road. Turn Right
0.4 miles to Furnace Hill Road. Turn Left
0.5 miles to Refreshing Mountain Camp.
Turn Right into the Camp Entrance.
Directions from Harrisburg
PA Turnpike (Route 76) East to Exit 266 (Old Exit 20)
Route 72 North to Route 322 East
Route 322 East to N. Clay Road (approx 10.4 miles)
Left onto N. Clay Road
1.1 miles to Hopeland Road. Turn Right
0.5 miles to Kleinfeltersville Road. Turn Left
0.8 miles to Forest Hill Road. Turn Right
0.4 miles to Furnace Hill Road. Turn Left
0.5 miles to Refreshing Mountain Camp.
Turn Right into the Camp Entrance.
Directions from Lancaster
Route 222 North to Route 322 West (Ephrata Exit)
Route 322 West to N. Clay Road (approx 6-7 miles)
Right onto N. Clay Road
1.1 miles to Hopeland Road. Turn Right
0.5 miles to Kleinfeltersville Road. Turn Left
0.8 miles to Forest Hill Road. Turn Right
0.4 miles to Furnace Hill Road. Turn Left
0.5 miles to Refreshing Mountain Camp.
Turn Right into the Camp Entrance.
Directions from Baltimore
Interstate 83 North to Route 30 East (in York, PA)
Route 30 East to Route 222 North (Lancaster)
Route 222 North to Route 322 West (Ephrata Exit)
Route 322 West to N. Clay Road (approx 6-7 miles)
Right onto N. Clay Road
1.1 miles to Hopeland Road. Turn Right
0.5 miles to Kleinfeltersville Road. Turn Left
0.8 miles to Forest Hill Road. Turn Right
0.4 miles to Furnace Hill Road. Turn Left
0.5 miles to Refreshing Mountain Camp.
Turn Right into the Camp Entrance.
Directions from New York City
New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) South to PA Turnpike (Interstate 276) West
PA Turnpike (Interstate 276) West to PA Turnpike (Interstate 76) West
PA Turnpike (Interstate 76) West to Exit 286 (Old Exit 21)
Route 272 South to Route 322 West
Route 322 West to N. Clay Road (approx 3-4 miles)
Right onto N. Clay Road
1.1 miles to Hopeland Road. Turn Right
0.5 miles to Kleinfeltersville Road. Turn Left
0.8 miles to Forest Hill Road. Turn Right
0.4 miles to Furnace Hill Road. Turn Left
0.5 miles to Refreshing Mountain Camp.
Turn Right into the Camp Entrance.
What type of payments do you accept?
Check, Cash and Major credit cards
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The Harnish Family.
What are your hours of operation?
9-4, M-S, 1-4 Sundays.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
They enjoyed their stay.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
" that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." - Acts3:19
Contact REFRESHING MOUNTAIN CAMP INC:
