Black Diamond Camp — Local services in Covington

~My husband and I went as part of an Army retreat program this past weekend, and the camp and staff were very accommodating and kind. (They went as far to give us a free blanket, and a mug with the camp's logo on it, as well as a punch card for five free drinks). We stayed in the hotel lodgings on the hill, which were very clean and the bed was the most comfortable I've ever seen in a hotel. There is no A/C, or television in the rooms, but there is wifi. We brought a fan incase it got hot, but the weather was cool and dry for the days we stayed. (There are also cabins available on the property, and they all appeared to be very nice). ~Due to covid, the food is grab and go, but it is good all the same. ~We took part in many activities, including the climbing wall, mountain biking, axe throwing and on the last evening a campfire where we had s'mores. ~Overall I'd definitely recommend for a family get away, or even a work retreat, because there are so many things available for a whole family to do. And you can hold seminars/classes in one/two conference rooms in the hotel. They also had childcare available throughout the day, so families with children could have some time for theirselves and...

I attended a quilters retreat at the camp. The area where we gathered to sew was spacious, well lit and had amenities like a refrigerator and coffee station. Everything one needs. The sleeping rooms are not fancy but I had everything I could need and it was very clean. My bed was comfortable.

The two stars are for the food. Straight out of the ARA or Food Services of America truck.

As an example our first dinner was frozen lasagne, salad, frozen green beans and a cookie. Breakfast was a frozen quiche, oatmeal or cereal. Orange juice and coffee were also provided. I didn’t see any fruit or even raisins for the oatmeal.

We paid about $320 each for 30 people, nearly $10,000, for three nights, six meals. It seemed like the food could have had a bit more variety, options besides salad dressing. We were always offered more of the same but if it isn’t good the first time it won’t be better the second time. And then we got the “privilege” of bussing our own table. They have a video shown before eating that explains the process from going into the kitchen to retrieve a tray of food for the table, to how to load the bus tub and wipe down the tables. Frankly I...

Sent my daughter here on the recommendation of her youth pastor. 2 days before camp I find out they take all the kids cell phones. My daughter is 13 years old and while I understand the reasoning for the kids not using their phones the whole time, there should be an easy way to reach my daughter to make sure she's ok.

The youth leaders get to keep their phones. When I called my daughter's leader she didn't answer her phone and only got back to me 2 hours later. While waiting for her to call me back I also called the camp office and a lady told me they were going to find my daughter and have her call me. That never happened.

This, to me, is unacceptable. While I'm happy there is a camp for my daughter to socialize and have fun, safety ahould always be Paramount. What if she got lost somewhere and didn't have her phone? How would she contact...