ORLEANS — The Indiana South Wesleyan District Camp is set to undergo a major transformation following the announcement of a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.. The funding, awarded through the Endowment’s Capital Project initiative for Residential Youth Camps, is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of youth programming across the state.
Located along State Road 37 in Orleans, the historic campgrounds have served the community since 1952, hosting various camps and events for children and families. This new investment marks a significant chapter in the site’s nearly 75-year history.
The grant will fund several infrastructure projects designed to modernize the grounds and expand their utility beyond the summer months
- New RV Park: A 32-spot RV park featuring full hook-ups will be constructed at the south end of the property.
- Dormitory Winterization: Leaders are currently updating two dormitories with new windows and individual heating and cooling systems for each room. This winterization is key to the district’s goal of offering year-round facility use.
- Dining Hall Upgrades: The kitchen and dining areas will receive all-new equipment and energy-efficient windows. Additionally, new restroom facilities are being added to the building.
- Future Planning: The award also covers design work for a brand-new dormitory, which is slated for completion by the 2027 camp season.
The improvements to the dining hall will also allow the camp to serve as a venue for weddings and other special community events.
The Indiana South Wesleyan District Camp is one of 69 camps receiving implementation grants during this second phase of the Lilly Endowment initiative. The Endowment, an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937, maintains a deep commitment to its home state of Indiana by supporting community development, education, and religion.
For more information regarding the upcoming projects, contact Robert F. Henderson at 812-653-1212.
