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Western Plains Camp: Moving Forward Image

Western Plains Camp: Moving Forward


Western Plains Camp: Moving Forward

"This camp is a tremendous blessing. This is holy ground to those of us at The Salvation Army, and we are here today to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in our camp’s history.” – Maj. Lee Ann Thompson


Groundbreaking

On Sept. 1, 2021, The Salvation Army Western Division broke ground at the Western Plains Camp, signaling the beginning of phase one of planned upgrades and construction that will improve the facilities and allow for an increased number of visitors.  

Dozens of community leaders and donors attended the ceremony, including: Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott; South Sioux City Mayor Rod Koch; Regan Zeller, senior project manager at Dicon Corporation; Michael Breclaw, principal at FitzGerald Associates Architects; Kristi Quinn and Chris McGowan, presidents of the South Sioux City and Siouxland Chambers of Commerce, respectively; and officers from the Western Divisional Headquarters in Omaha.

Lt. Colonel David Harvey, territorial secretary for business administration, and Lt. Colonel Darlene Harvey, officer resource and development secretary, also attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

“The children who will come to this place are looking to us to welcome them as family,” said Lt. Colonel David Harvey. “They will come into this godly space and realize how much God loves them.”

The camp welcomed a limited number of children over the last two summers, but Majs. Greg and Lee Ann Thompson are hopeful that a decrease in COVID-19 cases will allow the camp to operate at full capacity in 2022.

“We have a clear vision for the camp as we move forward,” said Maj. Greg Thompson. “We are confident that as we turn the dirt today, we will also be burnishing The Salvation Army’s nationwide reputation as a premier provider of youth summer camp programs.”

 

Phase One

Estimated completion: May 2022

      

  • Upgrades to the nine sleeping cabins, each of which will include new private bathrooms and air conditioning

  • Construction of a new 16-unit lodge to accommodate families and other guests

  • Construction of a new boathouse to store canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and additional recreational equipment

  • Construction of a nurse’s station

Phase Two calls for the construction of a chapel, pavilion and additional guest lodges.

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