Hemlock Center

- 957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA 17032

For residents of Pennsylvania looking for a different kind of recreational space, the Hemlock Center in Halifax offers a unique and versatile option. Unlike a typical commercial gym, Hemlock Center is a part of the larger Camp Hebron, a Christian camp and conference center nestled on 340 acres of beautiful wooded sanctuary. This means that while it provides a fantastic indoor space for physical activity, it does so within a serene, nature-filled environment that is ideal for groups and retreats. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Hemlock Center, detailing its purpose, location, and the specific amenities that make it a valuable resource for the local community and beyond. Whether you're a sports team looking for a place to practice or a group seeking an indoor space for a retreat, understanding what this facility offers is key to planning your next event.

The Hemlock Center stands out because it's not simply a membership-based fitness center. It is an integral part of the Camp Hebron property, which serves as a year-round destination for various groups and individuals. The center is a "gymnasium" in the truest sense of the word, providing a full-size indoor space for recreational activities. Its primary function is to serve guests of the camp, offering a place for them to stay active, especially during inclement weather. This purpose-built design for groups and events means it is well-suited for a range of activities that a standard gym might not accommodate. We'll explore the specific features of the gym, from its rubber flooring to the sports lines, and explain how groups can reserve the space for their own use. This overview aims to be a factual, informative resource for anyone in the Pennsylvania region considering the Hemlock Center for their recreational or event needs.

As we dive deeper, you'll learn about the practical aspects of using the Hemlock Center. We'll detail its convenient location near the Appalachian Trail, providing a sense of its peaceful surroundings. We'll also provide a clear breakdown of the services it offers, such as private rentals, and highlight its key features, including its meeting room and sports-ready floor. Finally, we'll offer the necessary contact information so you can easily inquire about bookings and reservations. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear picture of what the Hemlock Center is and why it's a worthwhile choice for a variety of recreational and group-oriented activities in the Halifax, PA, area.

Hemlock Center is located at the address: 957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA 17032, USA. It is part of the extensive Camp Hebron property, which is situated just north of Harrisburg. The location provides a peaceful, secluded setting, surrounded by 340 acres of woodland. This natural environment makes it an ideal spot for retreats and events that value both indoor activities and outdoor exploration. For visitors with mobility needs, the Hemlock Center is designed to be accessible. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that all guests, regardless of their physical abilities, can comfortably enter and use the facility. The proximity to major roadways while still maintaining a sense of being "away from it all" is a key feature of its location and accessibility. Its quiet, rural setting is a deliberate choice, intended to help people "get away and be invigorated."

Services Offered

• Indoor Recreational Space: Hemlock Center functions as a full-size gymnasium. This is its core service, providing a large, sheltered area for a variety of sports and activities.
• Private Rentals: The gym is available for private rental by the hour. This service is ideal for sports teams, community groups, or individuals who need a dedicated indoor space for practice or events. The cost for day groups is $50 per hour, while overnight groups associated with the camp can rent it for $35 per hour.
• Meeting Facilities: Located on the upper level of the Hemlock Center is a meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 people. It is a separate space but an integral part of the center, making it a valuable resource for groups that require both a physical activity area and a meeting space.
• Group Accommodations: While not directly a service of the Hemlock Center itself, the gym is part of Camp Hebron, which offers a wide range of accommodations, including cottages, cabins, and lodge-style rooms. This allows groups to stay on-site and easily access the gym for their activities.
• Sports Equipment Rental: The center is equipped for sports like volleyball and basketball, and while specific details are not provided, it is common for such venues to have equipment available for use with reservations.

Features / Highlights

• Versatile Indoor Gymnasium: The main feature is the full-size gym with rubber floors and marked lines for volleyball and basketball. This makes it a multi-purpose space suitable for a range of sports and recreational activities.
• Rubber Flooring: The rubber flooring is a key highlight, as it provides a safe and comfortable surface for physical activities, reducing the risk of injury. It is a common feature in professional gyms and sports facilities.
• On-site Meeting Room: The Hemlock Meeting Room is a notable highlight. Its location within the same building as the gymnasium offers convenience for groups. It is equipped with audio/visual equipment and has large windows that let in natural light, making it a pleasant space for meetings, workshops, or team briefings.
• Part of a Larger Retreat Center: Being part of Camp Hebron is a major highlight. This means that users of the Hemlock Center have access to the camp's other amenities and natural surroundings, including hiking trails on the Appalachian Trail, a lake, and various outdoor activity spaces.
• Accessibility: The wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot are crucial features that make the Hemlock Center an inclusive space for people of all abilities.

Contact Information

Address: 957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA 17032, USA

Phone: The general contact number for Camp Hebron, which manages the Hemlock Center, is (717) 896-3441.

What is worth choosing

For those in the Pennsylvania area, the Hemlock Center is a compelling choice, especially if you're looking to book a space for a group or a specific event rather than a traditional gym membership. Its primary strength lies in its versatility and its unique setting. Unlike a commercial fitness center, the Hemlock Center offers a full-size gymnasium that can be rented for private use. This is a significant advantage for sports teams, youth groups, or corporate teams that need a dedicated space for practice, team building, or recreational activities away from the general public.

The facility itself is well-equipped for its purpose, with a full-size gym, rubber flooring for safety, and lines for key sports like basketball and volleyball. The added convenience of having a separate, modern meeting room on the upper level means that groups can combine physical activities with meetings or educational sessions without having to move to another location. This "all-in-one" solution for retreats and day events is a major draw. Furthermore, the center's location within the tranquil Camp Hebron property provides a serene backdrop that enhances any event. The ability to use the gym while also having access to 340 acres of hiking trails, outdoor recreation, and lodging facilities makes it a perfect destination for a full-scale retreat or a day-long event that balances activity with relaxation and natural beauty. The Hemlock Center’s commitment to accessibility, as evidenced by its wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, also makes it a welcoming and inclusive venue for all. In essence, while it may not be a daily-use gym for a solo workout, it is an invaluable resource for the community as a premier spot for group recreation and events, offering a peaceful and well-equipped environment that is truly worth considering.

Hemlock Center

957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA 17032, USA