History

Camp History
Historical Information

  • Nebraska Youth Camp became an official non-profit corporation on March 3rd, 1962.
  • The original Articles of Incorporation were signed by: Royce Blackburn, Colis Campbell, Howard Gurganus and Roger Hawley, all from York, Nebraska
  • The initial board of directors were: Royce Blackburn-York, Colis Campbell-York, LeRoy Davis-Omaha, Howard Gurganus-York, Roger W. Hawley-York, Glenn Larsen-Albion, Coleman Phelps, Jr.-Lincoln, Bruce Scroggin-Oak, and Harry Tubbs-Hastings.
  • First encampment was held on the York College campus.
  • Camp was held at Camp Kiwanis in Milford and in Fremont before the camp grounds by Kearney were purchased.
  • The camp grounds by Kearney were formerly called Camp Schwarzenau served by the church of the Brethren.
  • Reuben Sanner heard the camp was for sale and told his daughter and son-in-law: Helen and Raymond Hogins who informed the churches.
  • Reuben Sanner donated the first $50 towards the purchase of the property.
  • The walk-in cooler (used to be in the old Mess Hall) was purchased for $35 from a tavern near York.
  • The incinerator came from the Safeway store in Kearney in 1968.
  • A buffalo barbecue was held during a 4th of July celebration in the 1960’s.
  • The original two ovens were purchased from the Lincoln Public Schools.
  • The flag pole came from downtown Lincoln, 700 F Building at 13th and P.
  • The camp grounds were named Trail Junction because the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail and possibly the Santa Fe Trail converged in this area according to Dr. Manley UNL History Professor (1970’s).
  • Seven acres on the North side of the interstate were considered too dangerous for water activities and sold.
Original camp site. Original dining hall, wood bathhouse and seven cabins. Included lake north of the interstate.

Historical Timeline

  • 1950’s
  • Camp Schwarzenau, now Nebraska Youth Camp, was rented for summer camp use by local churches of Christ .
  • 1958?
  • A strip of land was purchased from the camp for Interstate 80.
  • A new lake was created south of the interstate.
  • 1962-1965
  • Nebraska Youth Camp, a non-profit corporation, was formed at York College.
  • Camp was held at various locations such as: York College, Camp Kiwanis in Milford and in Fremont.
  • 1966
  • Nebraska Youth Camp site near Kearney was purchased for $20,000.
  • The $8,000 down payment was raised from $100 donations from Church of Christ members.
  • Bruce Scoggins held note for $12,000 for two years.
  • Camp sessions started with all ages together.
  • Camp ran from August 14 to 27 at Camp Kiwanis, camper costs were: $15/1 week; $25/2 weeks.
  • 90 campers at 1st week; 75 campers at 2nd week.
  • Board enlarged from 12 to 15 members.
  • First donations for the purchase of the camp grounds in July of 1966 by Reuben Sanner of Kearney

  • 1967
  • A note program was organized whereas one or more $250 notes were held by members for a predetermined number of years and then either repaid or donated.
  • 1971
  • Camp increases to five weeks and divided ages – One week for Juniors, Two weeks for Intermediate and Senior sessions.
  • Barracks building remodeled for Nurse cabin on east end, women’s staff on west end and storage in the center.
  • Mohawk cabin constructed for $288, Apache cabin remodeled
  • Made arrangements to sell property North of Interstate
  • $11,000 left on property note.
  • 1972
  • 192 campers
  • 134 paid members, 13 life members.
  • 1974
  • $6,500 left on property note
  • 1975
  • Board decided to pay some counselors
  • 1976
  • Rewired the Kitchen
  • 282 campers
  • 1977
  • Increased to six weeks of camp
  • Purchased two canoes
  • 1978
  • Introduced campers to sailboards
  • North property sale completed for $3,900
  • $2,250 remaining on property note
  • 1979
  • Camp property paid off in November
  • 1980
  • Money raised for construction of new bath house
  • 1981
  • New Bath House constructed
  • 218 campers
  • 1982
  • Built Arapaho cabin
  • Introduction of Family Camp, 104 in attendance
  • 250 campers
  • 1983
  • Flood, only three weeks of camp, two weeks of Senior, one week of Junior.
  • 1984
  • Men’s Retreat held, 50 in attendance
  • 190 campers at seven weeks of camp
  • 1985
  • June Youth Rally, Men’s Retreat, Family Camp added to the schedule
  • 200 campers
  • Introduction of Dads & Lads, 101 in attendance.
  • 1986
  • Replaced floors in Oriole, Bob-O-Link, and Nunami cabins
  • New floating swimming dock to replace dock on poles
  • Introduction of Ladies & Lassies
  • 1989
  • Caretaker moved onto camp grounds – David & Sandy Hogans
  • Bell Tower constructed – Bell came from Geneva Church of Christ
  • 1990
  • New Chibcha cabin constructed
  • 1991
  • Theme: “Make a Difference”
  • New Comanche cabin constructed
  • 1992
  • Theme: “As Iron Sharpens Iron”
  • Introduction of three day beginner session, 44 in attendance
  • Caretaker moved to front gate
  • Long Range Planning initiated by the board
  • Board divided into three committees
  • 1993
  • Theme: “Children of the King”
  • Women added to Camp Board of Directors
  • Booster Clubs started
  • Four goals adopted by the board
  • Newsletter published quarterly
  • Remodeled canteen for office
  • Severe storm destroys tire tree
  • 1994
  • Theme: “My Way or Yahweh”
  • Construction of 1st Staff cabin – cost: $11,000.00
  • Camp flooded – foot bridge constructed to reach cabins
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Harold & Deena Tandy
  • 1995
  • Theme: “Into His Hands”
  • New Well dug and hooked up to current water system
  • First storm shelter installed
  • Architectural Design Assoc. helped master plan development
  • River bank stabilization initiated
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Harold & Muriel Luke
  • 1996
  • Theme: “Celebrate Jesus”
  • Electrical hookups for campers installed
  • Harrison/Hempe/Davis. Inc. Camp Planning / Development Consultants commissioned
  • 501(c)(3) Federal Tax Exemption status granted
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Reed & Betty Munsell
  • 1997
  • Theme: “Discovering God”
  • 405 campers
  • Nebraska state sales tax exemption granted
  • NYC Web Site started
  • 1998
  • Theme: “The Christian Walk: It’s a Spirit Thing”
  • NYC Cookbook “Recipes from the Heart” – 1st edition printed
  • 1st Annual Bike Trek across Nebraska
  • Beginners 2 session added
  • Intermediate 3 session added – Eight weeks of summer camp
  • New Entrance Sign Installed
  • 4 more Storm Shelters installed
  • 2 Picnic Shelters constructed
  • 1999
  • Theme: “Jesus, The Solid Rock, in a Quicksand World”
  • Basketball Court Completed
  • 2nd Annual Bike Trek
  • “Never Alone Retreat” added
  • 2nd Staff Cabin constructed – cost: $22,000.00
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Jerry Munsell
  • 2000
  • Theme: “Our God Reigns Always”
  • 605 campers – 17 baptisms
  • Website moved to www.nebraskayouthcamp.com
  • Mess Hall reroofed
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Coleman Phelps
  • 2001
  • Theme: Spirit Power “A Call to Believe”
  • Efforts made to purchase Camp Riverside at Milford
  • Blackfoot cabin restored after 10 years of non-use
  • Purchased Gateway modular home for caretaker house – $70,000.00
  • Caretakers: Eric & Jenny Tremaine
  • 617 camper weeks – 433 individual campers – 17 baptisms
  • 2002
  • Theme: “He Walked in My Shoes”
  • Caretaker’s house paid off with Camp Riverside donations that weren’t returned.
  • Caretakers: Doug & Cindy Houtz
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Opal Carmichael
  • 2003
  • Theme: “Got GOD?”
  • First year for week-long “Project Camp”
  • Finished picnic shelters
  • Added 48 cubic yards of sand to beach
  • 2 Family Camp sessions
  • 2004
  • Theme: “Keeping In Step”
  • Carwash in Omaha raised almost $10,000.00
  • KGBI Radio scholarships
  • First year for Leadership Camp
  • Maintenance Building constructed
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Lisa Dollen
  • 2005
  • Theme: “Jars of Clay”
  • Many improvements made to staff cabins, added sidewalk behind kitchen/chapel.
  • First year for Girls Camp
  • 2006
  • Theme: “Then God Said…”
  • 115 attend Dads n Lads camp
  • Building fund for Dining Hall surpasses $75,000.00
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Kelly Winkler & Bill Leinen
  • 2007
  • Theme: “Access”
  • Gazebo constructed by Y.A.C.
  • Building fund for Dining Hall surpasses $228,000.00
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Mary Munsell
  • 2008
  • Theme: “One Way”
  • 309 Campers
  • Building fund for Dining Hall surpasses $350,000.00
  • 130 at Dads n Lads
  • Caretaker: Jake Munsell
  • 2009
  • Theme: “All You Need is Love”
  • Grass fire destroys Arapahoe and Bobolink cabins, amphitheater and thousands of trees- March 23rd
  • New Arapahoe and Bobolink built for $35,000.00 for both
  • New amphitheater built
  • 399 Campers
  • Construction begins on new Dining Hall
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Jake Munsell & Cheri Clark
  • Caretakers: Jerry & Mary Munsell
  • 2010
  • Theme: “Occupied”
  • New Dining Hall completed – Cost: $500,000.00?
  • Annual Dinner at
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Ron Kahle (Electrician)
  • 2011
  • Theme: “Awake”
  • Girls Pergola built by Y.A.C.
  • Added Dining Hall driveway, ramp and stairs
  • 2012
  • Theme: “Good Soil”
  • New commons area next to Dining Hall created by Y.A.C.
  • Added covered porch to old Mess Hall
  • Added sand volleyball court and horse shoe pits behind Dining Hall
  • 2013
  • Theme: “Gifted”
  • First annual 5K Mud Run
  • Incinerator demolished and hauled in for scrap
  • Built Boat House at the lake with memorials for Don Bailey (North Platte)
  • 122 attended Midwest Youth Rally
  • Garage built for Caretaker’s house
  • 2014
  • Theme: “Least of These”
  • 575′ underground electrical line installed to Boat House
  • 2015
  • Theme: “
  • Heart of a Servant Award: Michele Tandy
  • Annual Dinner at Nebraska Youth Camp
  • 2016
  • Theme: “
  • 2017
  • Theme: “
  • Construction of Boys Bathhouse for $292,000.00
  • Girls Bathhouse remodeling began
  • Annual Dinner at Nebraska Youth Camp
  • 2018
  • Theme: “
  • Annual Dinner at Hastings Church of Christ