Capital Campaign
Support Highland's life-giving ministry
For more than 65 years Highland Retreat has been committed to providing spaces and experiences where people meet Jesus, explore nature, and build relationships. We are blessed to serve so many Christ-centered organizations and families! And, because of full facilities, we are having to work extra hard to find availability for these groups.
Now it is time for a Capital Campaign to tackle projects that will:
- Address crucial infrastructure needs
- Provide better access to people and groups we can't currently accommodate well
- Increase our margin to support, grow, and bless a small staff team
- Bring in additional revenue to support key initiatives related to Christian formation for summer staff and campers
Join us in this life-giving ministry by making an above budget gift or pledge in 2026 and 2027.
How is the campaign going?
This progress bar shows all gifts and pledges as of February 1, 2026 (the pre-campaign).
What projects are included in the capital campaign?
Our list of projects includes several dozen specific items, which are grouped by category and summarized below. Please note that this list does not necessarily reflect the order in which the projects will be completed.
Projects that address infrastructure needs: about $200,000
Help us keep Highland functioning well by fixing aging systems and making us less vulnerable to emergencies!
Specific projects include:
- Septic system fixes near the Upper Campground
- Rerouting and replacing water lines in the Lower Campground
- New pumps and filters for the swimming pool (installed January 2026 -- pictured)
- Adding an electrical transformer in the lower camp to address a voltage drop issue
- Upgrading our dump trailer
- Adding some necessary navigational signs around the property
Projects that bring new lodging options to properties across Rt259: about $300,000
Help us purchase the Gehman residence (across from the main office) for staff and volunteer housing and turn Green Valley House into a facility to host mid-sized guest groups in their own private corner of Highland's grounds!
Specific projects include:
- Purchasing the Gehman residence (pictured)
- Creating a new driveway (with an entrance directly opposite Upper Highland Drive) that will safely serve both buildings
- Landscaping and adding outdoor gathering spaces for Green Valley House guests
- Minor interior finishes and some additional furnishings
Projects that improve group camping experiences: about $105,000
Help us include more people in group camping experiences by adding new dry cabins in our campgrounds!
Specific projects includes:
- Installing four dry cabins (14'x20' with porch, electricity, and AC, but no water), two in the Upper Campground and two in the Lower Campground (cabins are being built by Massanutten Technical Center students - pictured)
- Furnishing the dry cabins (each would have a queen bed and a set of bunks inside, plus a picnic table and fire ring outside)
Projects that improve cottage exteriors: about $30,000
Help us make the outside of Dogwood cottage (pictured) as nice as the recently-renovated interior! Dogwood is used by guests most of the year, and during the summer camp season it houses our camp nurses.
Specific projects include:
- Building a covered porch at Dogwood's front door (so campers waiting to see the nurse can be out of the weather)
- Replacing siding on Dogwood and Laurel (the Summer Program Director's residence next door to Dogwood)
Join us in this life-giving ministry by making an above budget gift or pledge in 2026 and 2027.
What if we exceed our fundraising goal?
Never fear, there are always other capital improvements on our to-do list! The secondary project list below includes things that are important but not as urgent as those in the primary campaign. We would need an additional $500,000 or so to complete all of the projects below (listed in priority order):
- Improve the porch and back deck area at Green Valley House
- Upgrades to electric, HVAC, windows, etc. in the new staff residence (the Gehman home)
- Expand the pavilion in the Upper Campground, doubling the size and improving the kitchen space to better serve groups in that area
- Replace or renew several playgrounds
- Renovate bathroom(s) in the new staff residence (the Gehman home)
- Add a zip line off the Climbing Tower
- Repurpose the baby pool area
- Upgrade exterior lighting in lower camp outdoor areas
- Purchase a 4x4 utility vehicle, primarily for summer camp use
- Add a screened in porch to the back of Dogwood cottage
