Summer Camps

Gene Eppley Camp & Retreat Center

Long hot summer days, a dip in the pool, star-filled nights, camp fires, roasted marshmallows, pillow fights, cabin devotions, emblem work, seeing old friends, making new ones. Expanding horizons and creating memories.

That's what camp is about. For more than 100 years, The Salvation Army has recognized the value of camping. It has witnessed the difference it can make in people's lives. For an underprivileged child who's only known city concrete, the blare of car horns and whirl of mass transit, it opens a whole new world. For a single mother it represents a cherished respite and bonding time with her children. For older adults camp symbolizes independence, a trip down memory lane and desperately needed companionship.

There are camps where kids learn the basics of playing a horn and camps where advanced musicians refine their craft. Teen camps feature organized sports, interesting programs and classes addressing life issues to help them navigate through challenging years. Children who participate in The Salvation Army's character-building ministries in their own hometowns come to camp to learn new skills and increase their knowledge while having fun earning emblems.

There are more than 50 Salvation Army camps throughout the United States. Each one is unique to its geographical area, but they meet high standards in housing, nutrition and safety according to the Christian Camping Association or the American Camping Association. Salvation Army camps are attended by more than 100,000 people of all ages, races and socioeconomic levels each year. The camps are conducted by competent staffs of dedicated Christians who serve together throughout the summer and are committed to making the camping experience special for each individual.

As in all of its programs, The Salvation Army views camping holistically, a ministry that addresses the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of people. After camp The Salvation Army continues its care for individuals and families at the local level primarily through its corps community centers.

The variety of camps is amazing, but they all provide a gorgeous setting, a caring environment and activities that enrich life. Whether learning to swim, baiting a hook for the first time or discovering new wonders while hiking a nature trail, learning is a big part of the camp experience. Along the way many learn something even more wonderful. They learn about themselves—how very special they are. And in the process they gain self-confidence, enthusiasm and courage. They also learn about community. They begin to understand the importance of working together for a common good, pulling together for something bigger than themselves. And they learn about God and the difference He can make in their lives and in their world.

There's a great big world out there just waiting to be discovered! Camp is a great place to start.

-Information from the Central Territory Website

The Salvation Army offers a variety of Summer Camps for people of all ages. If you are interested in more information on Salvation Army camps, please contact a Salvation Army Corps Community Center near you. If you do not have a Salvation Army near you, check this website:

Find The Army Near You

NOTE: If you are outside of the 11 central states shown on the map, click the National Directory link, find the nearest center and call them, telling them you would like information on summer camp.

If you live in Nebraska, South Dakota or western Iowa, Gene Eppley Camp is your local Salvation Army Camp. Here you can download the 2008 Summer Gene Eppley Camp Calendar.

The following are Camps available at Gene Eppley Camp, outside Bellevue, Nebraska (unless otherwise marked):

Older Adult Camp - June 2-5, 2008

	For older men and women
	This is an opportunity for older women and men fellowship and gain spiritual awareness while enjoying nature and each other's company.

Jr. Girls Adventure Camp - June 10-13, 2008

	For girls who are going into 1st - 6th grades (at least age 6 and have completed kindergarten)
	Girls can learn and expand their creativity and sense of adventure through crafts and skill-building activities, cabin games, swimming, kayaks & paddleboats, making new friends.

Service Extension / Community Center Camp - June 16-19, 2008

For boys and girls ages 8-12

This is a time for boys and girls to come together to experience camping through fun activities, team building and nature classes.

WAMI (Worship Arts and Music Institute) - June 21-28, 2008

For boys and girls age 9-18, going into 4th - 12th grades

Boys and girls can come and experience the camp life through various music opportunities (vocal & instrumental).

Jr. Boys Adventure Camp - June 30-July 3, 2008

	For boys going into 1st - 6th grades (at least age 6 and have completed kindergarten)
	Boys can learn and expand their creativity and sense of adventure through skills classes, educational activities and lots of fun- swimming, kayaks & canoes, making new friends.

Sr. Girls Encounter Camp - July 7-12, 2008

	For girls going into 6th - 12th grades
	Teenage girls can encounter many aspects of learning to grow into a responsible adult through fun activities, educational classes and team building.

Extreme Camp - July 7-12, 2008 (at the Black Hills Camp, SD)

	For boys going into 6th - 12th grades
	Teenage boys can go to the extreme by learning the basics in outdoor living which includes camping, nature study and orienteering.

NEW THIS YEAR -Sports Camp - July 14-17, 2008

	For boys and girls age 8-18
	Fun with Sports, including Soccer, Basketball, Cheerleading, High Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Canoes & Kayaks - plus some goofy stuff kids and teens won't want to miss!

Also at Gene Eppley Camp...

Family Pilgrimage Weekend, (with Teen Track) - July 18-20, 2008

Junior Soldier Camp - July 23-26, 2008

Men's Camp - October 10-12,2008

For men of all ages

This is an opportunity for men to get together and gain spiritual awareness while enjoying nature and each other's company.

Each camper under the age of 18, must have a parent/guardian complete a Summer Food Service form and a Health form. You will receive each of these forms when you register at a local Salvation Army Corps or Community Center. If you have any questions please contact your local Salvation Army Corps or Community Center, or email the Divisional Youth Office and ask.

Where Christ can be found in our service, hospitality and the great outdoors.

Click on the Shield to link to the Western Division Website or click here to go to The Salvation Army, Omaha website.