The Salvation Army Western Division Announces Purchase of Summer Camp
Top Salvation Army Western Division officials joined leaders from Goodwill of the Great Plains on Jan. 8, 2020, in South Sioux city, Iowa, to announce that ownership of Camp Goodwill is changing hands.
The Salvation Army Western Division recently purchased the nearly century-old camp from Goodwill of the Great Plains. Salvation Army officials began researching for options for a new camp after its longtime summer camp, Camp Gene Eppley, was destroyed by flooding in March 2019.
“This is the perfect opportunity at the perfect time,” said Maj. Lee Ann Thompson of The Salvation Army Western Division. “We had been hoping and praying that we’d find a suitable replacement for Camp Gene Eppley, and we ended up finding it right here in South Sioux City. We’re honored to carry forward the community-focused spirit of Camp Goodwill as the facility enters the next chapter of its long, rich history.”
The camp will temporarily be renamed The Salvation Army Western Division Camp while officials work on establishing a permanent name.
Going forward, children from communities served by The Salvation Army around the Western Division’s three-state area—Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa—will enroll in the camp each summer. Additionally, the camp’s meeting, lodging and dining facilities will continue to be available for large- or small-group rental.
“We are excited to see the future of this camp unfold under The Salvation Army’s ownership and leadership,” said Goodwill of the Great Plains President-CEO John Hantla. “When we put the camp up for sale, one of our main goals was to make sure that its new owner would honor the spirit and direction that the camp had always taken in serving the community. We’re thrilled to know it’s going to be in good hands.”
The Salvation Army Western Division Camp will be under the leadership of Maj. Lee Ann Thompson.
Summer camp will open in June 2020. Visit The Salvation Army Western Division Camp website for more information.