Below are answers to many common questions we receive on a regular basis, addressing everything from staying here to Mennonite culture to things to do in the area. We also encourage you to contact us with other inquiries you might have about Laurelville.
As you plan your visit
How much does it cost to stay at Laurelville?
Prices vary according to the type of accommodation and your group’s needs. We try hard to keep the cost of your stay affordable.
To view a price chart for our lodging options, click here.
To see meal prices, click here.
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How does payment work?
You are required to place a 10% deposit in order to reserve a space for your group. Full payment will be due upon your arrival. It is most helpful and efficient if you collect money from your group members prior to your visit and pay in one sum; often members of your group will owe varying amounts according to their length of stay, accommodation, etc., and we therefore do not have access to accurate pricing information on an individual basis. We accept cash, check or credit card payments (Visa/MasterCard/Discover).
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What kinds of groups do you host?
We host a variety of groups and events, from church and youth retreats to family reunions to wedding and anniversary celebrations to conferences and business meetings. Be sure to inquire how we can tailor our services to meet your group’s needs.
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Can you accommodate my large group?
Our facilities can comfortably accommodate up to 350 people, though for some youth events we have used rollaway cots and extra mattresses to host as many as 450. If you do have a very large group, be sure to plan your trip well in advance to ensure availability.
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Are day-use visitors allowed to come to Laurelville?
Yes. Day-use visitors are welcome at Laurelville, including community members wishing to use our swimming pool. We do ask that you check in at the office so we know you're here. If you're interested in coming to tour our facilities for a potential retreat or conference at Laurelville, please contact us so we can set up a time for you to visit.
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Can I have my wedding at Laurelville?
Yes. We host weddings both indoors and outside, and we can mark the occasion with banquet-style service for your reception. Laurelville is also a beautiful setting for your wedding day photography. Subject to availability; advanced reservations are required for your wedding and/or reception. If you plan to take your photographs here, there is no charge, but please notify us in advance. Contact reservations@laurelville.org to start planning your wedding at Laurelville.
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Can I bring my pet to Laurelville?
No, guests are not allowed to bring pets to Laurelville, assistance dogs being the only exception. Day visitors (hikers, walkers, etc.) may bring pets on campus, but they should remain on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in any building or in the swimming pool area (unless they qualify as an assistance dog).
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Can I smoke at Laurelville?
Sorry, but we do not allow smoking on our grounds. Please help us maintain a healthy environment for all our guests by refraining from smoking during your visit.
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Once you arrive
Where do I check in when I arrive?
If you are a group coordinator, please check in at the office. If no one is present upon your arrival, dial ‘6’ from the phone in the lobby (or in any other building) to reach our guest services host or hostess. If you are a guest with a group but are not the coordinator, you should check with your coordinator for instructions. Group names are typically displayed according to their lodging along the main drive of camp; find your group and proceed to your place of lodging when in doubt.
If you are here for a Laurelville-sponsored program, registration is typically in the Dining Hall Lobby. Here you can check in, pay your balance (if applicable), and receive your lodging assignment, program information, and further instruction.
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How do meals work?
We serve meals in the Dining Hall, typically using a buffet serving line with a self-serve drink bar. As you plan your visit, you should indicate the number of meals your group will require during your stay. We also work with you to arrange meal times according to your group’s schedule.
Learn more about meals and our Dining Hall.
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Which staff members will be available during my stay?
The Laurelville office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30. During weekend visits and after hours, you will be assisted by our guest services host or hostess, volunteers who are here to help make your stay comfortable and enriching. We encourage you to introduce yourself to your host or hostess and direct concerns (and appreciation!) to them during your visit.
The kitchen and dining hall staff also work very hard to provide you with exceptional service during your visit. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please introduce yourself to a member of the kitchen staff (your group coordinator should alert us of dietary needs prior to your visit) so they are aware of who you are and how they can accommodate your needs.
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What if I have a problem or special need/concern during my stay?
Problems and special needs/concerns should be directed to your host or hostess. While these volunteers are available throughout your stay, we ask that you contact them with a certain degree of discernment: if your need is urgent, you can dial ‘6’ from any phone on campus 24 hours a day; however, if your after-hours need can wait, we ask that you notify your host or hostess at breakfast the following morning.
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What if I have a medical emergency during my stay?
If you have a medical emergency, follow the instructions beside the telephone in each place of lodging. Before you dial emergency response, please dial ‘6’ to notify your host or hostess, informing them of your location. If your emergency requires immediate medical attention, proceed by dialing ‘9’, then ‘9-1-1’. Frick Hospital in Mt. Pleasant is the nearest medical facility with urgent care services.
Directions to Frick Hostpital:
Exit Laurelville and turn left on Mennonite Camp Road.
Turn left on Hwy 982
Turn right on Hwy 31; proceed through Mt. Pleasant
Turn left on Church St.
Follow Church St. until you see Frick Hospital on your right.
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Where can I purchase sundries I forgot to pack?
You can find a small selection of personal sundries in our Gift Shoppe, open daily at lunch in the Dining Hall lobby. You can also contact your host or hostess to arrange for the Gift Shoppe to be open at a different time. If you cannot find what you need, there are several drug stores and supermarkets in nearby Mt. Pleasant.
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Where can I use Wi-Fi?
We offer free wi-fi (wireless internet connection) in the Dining Hall lobby and the office lobby (network: blessing; no password required). If you have an air card or mobile device (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.), most buildings on campus receive adequate cellular coverage.
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When is the swimming pool open?
The swimming pool is open from 1-5 daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You may use our pool for free if you are an overnight guest; community members can swim for $2.50/person or $10/family. You can also rent the pool for after-hours use.A lifeguard must be on duty in order for you to use the pool. Learn more about our swimming pool.
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What are some things to do at Laurelville?
There are plenty of things to do here, from swimming and hiking to playing a variety of indoor and outdoor games.
Learn more about recreation at Laurelville.
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What are some things to do in the Laurel Highlands?
Our backyard, the Laurel Highlands, is filled with wonders for you to explore during your stay at Laurelville. Whether you're interested in architecture, arts and culture, history, great places to eat or outdoor adventure activities, you can find it here in the Laurel Highlands.
Learn more about the things to do in the Laurel Highlands.
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General questions about Laurelville
Who are the Mennonites?
Mennonites are Christians tracing their theological roots back to the Protestant Reformation and the beginning of Anabaptism. Named for famous reformer Menno Simons, Mennonites are traditionally a quiet, agrarian people who are committed to non-violence, simple living, and community, many of whom claim an ethnic heritage that traces back to Switzerland, Germany, The Netherlands, and Russia.
Learn more about Mennonites.
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Do I have to be Mennonite to stay at Laurelville?
No. In fact, roughly 80% of our guests come from a non-Mennonite background, and being Mennonite is not a requirement for staff (though many members do participate in a Mennonite church). We are happy to provide a safe space for everyone to experience rest and spiritual renewal, regardless of your religious background, culture, or beliefs.
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Do I have to be with a religious group to stay at Laurelville?
No. While many churches come to Laurelville for retreats and spiritual programming, there is not a faith-based requirement. Our largest clientele base is families celebrating family reunions, anniversaries, and birthday parties.
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What summer camps do you offer for youth?
Our summer camp programming is operated in partnership with Allegheny Mennonite Conference (AMC), a regional subsidiary of Mennonite Church USA. However, you do not need to be a member of an AMC congregation or identify with Mennonite Church USA in order to send your children to our summer camps. We offer camps to children ages 6-17. Learn more about our summer camps.
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What programs do your offer for adults?
If you’re looking for an opportunity to nourish your spiritual life and network with other creative, compassionate individuals, explore our programs. We strive to provide programming that supports one of three areas: faith & leadership development, worship & the arts, and environmental sustainability.
Learn more about our programs.
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Why is there Wi-Fi when there aren’t televisions in the rooms?
We understand the need to communicate electronically during your stay at Laurelville and wish to accommodate you in this way. We don’t provide televisions in the rooms because we feel there are simply so many other terrific possibilities for entertainment and recreation awaiting you at Laurelville.
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Can I fish at Laurelville?
Yes. Fishing is allowed with valid PA license (walk-ins only, please), but we ask that you show respect to our guests who wish to use the creek for other recreational purposes. Alcohol is not permitted on Laurelville's grounds.
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Can I hunt at Laurelville?
No. For the safety of our guests and day visitors, we do not allow hunting on our campus. Visit the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for information on places to hunt, licensing, etc.
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