Camp Expansion and Improvements

The Sioux Falls YMCA camps are continually improving to meet the needs of the youth of the greater Sioux Falls area. Progress and changes will be placed on this private page, Access is limited to those directly involved in policy making and major changes.

2010 Archaeological Survey

of a portion of North Camp on Redwood Blvd.

The intent of archaeological surveys of new camp land is twofold.

First, we wish to create an on-going archaeological field excavating station that will be utilized by TeepeeTonka as part of the progression mode of our camps.

Presently, the older (8-9) Leif Ericson campers take part in a fun, exciting educational prehistoric dig under cover of a durable structure provided by Sioux Steel. This aspect of camp is unique to the United States, as would be a permanent actual on-going excavation.

The program was set up by professional archaeologists from the Augustana Archaeological Labratory, led by internationally recognized Dr. Adrien Hannus. Dr. Hannus continues to assist our camps' archeological/paleontology programs.

Second, the prehistorical/historical significance, preservation and educational utilization of any new property we might acquire should be considered as an assest to our camping programs.

Below is a photo of the lithic (stone) artifacts that were recovered in the October 2010 survey of part of our North Camp property.

(Each archaeological site is given a number, using the Smithsonian Trinomial System. Thus 39MH305 refers to South Dakota (39th state alphabetically). MH refers to Minnehaha County, and 305 refers to the 305 archaeological site in the county.)

BELOW THE PHOTO, CLICK SO YOU CAN SEE THE ENTIRE REPORT

Click here to download the 2010 archaeology survey file

Calling all YMCA Champions, Camp Alumni, & Friends of Camp!

For 90 years, the Sioux Falls YMCA has created, developed and established new camping experiences for the children and families of our community. We are passionate about providing quality programming that plays a vital role in the development of our community. It is through our strong history, traditions and experiences that we have successfully established a foundation that allows us to:

·         provide a natural environment for our youth to grow in spirit, mind and body

·         demonstrate Christian values in all we say and do

·         develop and promote leadership, social skills and teamwork

·         make camp scholarships available to lower income families

·         create employment opportunities for area youth

·         provide each child with the happiest two weeks out of the year

Today, we are asking you for the opportunity to help us expand and grow our programs in order to make it accessible to the growing number of youth in our region.

The Challenges We Face

·         Current location has reached its maximum capacity of 2,900 campers. Our 66 acre property is land-locked and unable to expand. The result is that we are unable to add additional programs for the growing number of school aged children.

·         Our existing locations are designated flood way/flood plain. When flooding occurs, it has a substantial impact on our programs; forcing us to evacuate and relocate all of our activities. Both our Leif Ericson and Xcel North Camp were flooded for two weeks this past summer.

How You Can Help

The YMCA Camp Expansion Committee is looking for individuals, foundations, or trusts to help us realize our dream for long term growth, sustainability and the ability to expand our programming activities. In short, we are looking for an additional camping destination to handle these needs. We want to continue to expand our 45 year legacy that has served over 68,000 campers since 1966.

Of course we have some specifications in mind; the most important of all is that the location be in a flood-free area:

·         Non-Flood Way, Non-Flood Plain (must have)

·         Within a 15 to 18 mile radius of Sioux Falls (must have)

·         Approximately 100 acres

·         Trees for tree houses, nature education and shade (great to have)

·         Flat ground for field activities and horse programs

·         Access to water close by for a boating program (great to have)

If you or someone you know has land that may fulfill our needs, who would also be interested in selling or donating land for this purpose, please contact Mike Gulick for more details about the YMCA’s Camp Expansion Project or to arrange a meeting with members of our Camp Expansion Committee.

Mike Gulick
President/CEO, Sioux Falls Family YMCA
mgulick@siouxfallsymca.org
605-336-3190

We appreciate any and all help that would help identify persons or organizations that can help us reach our goal.

Positively, Friends of Leif Ericson and TepeeTonka