Adult Retreat Center

Frequently Asked Questions

The Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference approved the construction of an adult retreat center on the Pecometh property in Centreville , MD. The retreat center will include 24 hotel-style bedrooms, four (4) meeting spaces for up to 30 persons each, and a 125-person dining room. The project also includes repayment of a low-interest loan for the renovation of the Charlie Barton Rec Hall, a 2,328 sq. ft. maintenance building and a $250,000 retreat center capital replacement fund. The total project cost is $5,520,000.

Why do we need a retreat center?

Drayton was not sold because it was underutilized. In fact, it was booked nearly every weekend and turned away over 50 groups each year. Drayton was sold because it did not have sufficient bedroom or meeting space to accommodate the demand for retreat facilities or to generate sufficient operating income to cover the cost of maintaining an aging facility that was designed as a residence, not a retreat center. The adult retreat center at Pecometh will be the continuation of the great tradition of 40 years of adult retreat ministry at Drayton.  

Studies done for a Drayton strategic plan showed that demand for adult retreat facilities from Peninsula Delaware Conference (PDC) groups, other church groups and not for profit groups warrant a facility that can accommodate four (4) groups of 12-20 persons simultaneously. Our own experience with inquiries for adult facilities shows that, if anything, that demand is increasing. Successful completion of this project will ensure that adults in the PDC will continue the tradition of a place apart for God-inspired, life-changing experiences.

Exactly what will be constructed?
Click here to view a floor plan

Phase I will include 24 hotel-style bedrooms (18 doubles, 6 triples), a 125-person dining room, kitchen, four meeting spaces accommodating up to 30 persons each and administrative offices. Phase II could be considered approximately five years later, based on usage, and would include an additional 24 bedrooms and a 125-person meeting space/chapel.

What will it cost?

The estimated cost in late 2005 was just under $5.0 million. The project will be re-priced in late summer/early fall 2008.

Where will it be located?
Click here to view the proposed Pecometh site plan

The site plan locates the adult retreat center on the north side of the Pecometh property in what is currently the family campground about 300 feet from the Chester River. Proper consultation with local authorities should enable us to maintain the wooded shoreline while, at the same time, creating spectacular water views.

What would happen to family camping?

Family camping is no longer be available. However, guest groups (churches, scouts, etc.) will still be able to camp in the Grove Area.

How will the project be funded?

The $3,367,000 proceeds from the sale of Drayton Retreat Center are invested in short-term bonds therefore, the net amount needed is $2,153,000, which is the Tradition & Transformation Campaign goal.

How is a BOS-sponsored capital campaign different than a conference capital campaign?

A conference campaign authorizes the board to approach every church in the annual conference to support the campaign. A BOS-sponsored campaign asks individuals who have a passion and commitment for the project and for camp & retreat ministry to support the campaign. The latter approach has long-term benefits because it enables Pecometh to develop a strong donor base.

Will loans be necessary?

The Peninsula Delaware Conference (PDC) approved the use of "bridge" financing that would allow construction to be completed prior to the fulfillment of the capital campaign. Such "bridge" financing would be repaid through collections of capital campaign pledges.

The intent of the BOS is to complete the project without long-term debt. If it were determined that a modest mortgage were required, the BOS would bring a proposal to a subsequent session of annual conference.

What are the financial implications of the Adult Retreat Center?

There are two major financial implications for Pecometh, both positive. First, best practices in the camps & retreat industry demonstrate that financially healthy operations have BOTH a children’s camp AND an adult retreat facility.

 This is because summer camps are program intensive operations, with significant labor, equipment and supply costs. While summer camp programs may cover their direct costs, they rarely contribute to supporting overhead and capital costs. Conversely, adult retreats generate significant cash flow that not only cover operational costs, but also provide excess revenues to support ministry overhead and capital expenses. In short, adult retreat centers strengthen summer camps by providing needed financial resources (see chart).

 The second financial implication is the development of a long-term donor base, created by the campaign itself. Denominational camps/retreats have typically been supported by subsidies that come through church apportionments. Pecometh’s current level of support from the PDC is $138,950, or 12.3% of the 2008 budget. A wide variety of forward-looking not for profits, including camps and retreats, are gradually reducing institutional support and building a base of direct donor support. The Tradition & Transformation Capital Campaign not only attracts persons with a passion for Pecometh’s ministry to support the adult retreat center, but it connects them to the ministry in a way that makes a long-term donor relationship possible.

It is quite possible that Pecometh’s donor base will increase from a few hundred to more than a thousand persons by the time the capital campaign is complete. While, initially, their financial support will make the adult retreat center a reality, there is the great potential for ongoing contributions to support the ministry.

How will it affect summer camp?

Operationally, the proposed Pecometh River Retreat is located in a self-contained area, meaning that the adult retreats and summer camp or youth retreats can operate simultaneously without interfering with one another. As mentioned, it is expected that the retreat center will add financial strength to the ministry, ultimately providing resources to help support the summer camp ministry.