Daily morning chapel Chapels most always start with a few fun songs, usually followed by a skit with some sort of message, topped off with a prayer and a couple of songs at Camp Tecumseh. Many of the songs have hand motions. Most campers list chapels as one of their favorite things about camp. Photo provided Founded 85 years ago here in Carroll County, YMCA Camp Tecumseh has never served as many campers in a single year than its 35,000 participants this year. With 450 overnight campers, 160 day campers, and 140 staff members each week of the summer, Camp Tecumseh is a hub of activity for children and teens, as well as young adult counselors.

"While it is really satisfying to see so many families want this experience for their children," commented Dave Wright, executive director of the camp, "seeing the positive growth of the campers is what really makes us happy."

The camp's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

"Our daily chapel program and the evening cabin devotions really help campers to grow spiritually," Wright explained. "Once a family has been involved here they realize Camp Tecumseh is primarily a youth development organization, not just a place to canoe or ride a horse. Our counselors go through extensive training so we can use all the fun activities to help campers build positive character and values."

Country Hoedown Country Hoedown was one of the Friday night themed suppers in the dining hall at Camp Tecumseh. There is a different theme each Friday supper. The cabin groups eat family style with platters of food brought to each table. "You kill it, you fill it." is the rule meaning if you empty the platter, you must go back into the kitchen and ask for more. Photo provided Many camps for special groups take place at Camp Tecumseh each year as well. The Hoosier Burn Camp for youthful burn victims; Trails of Hope Grief Camp for young people who have lost a loved one; two Royal Family Kids Camps for neglected and abused children; Kidney Camp for youth who need special care for their illness; Touchstone Energy Camp where campers learn about electricity safety combined with a traditional camp experience. Camp Tecumseh has also hosted 4-H Camp annually since 1924.

YMCA Camp Tecumseh is a charitable, not-for-profit organization. Its facilities have been provided through the generosity of donors.

"Since the property was first purchased with contributions in 1924, Camp has been blessed by the support of those who believe strongly in the powerful impact Camp has on the development of youth," Wright said. "Thanks to hundreds of donors, this year more than $192,000 in direct camperships were provided for less advantaged children. Additionally, camp has provided more than $43,000 in community service to groups such as Leadership Carroll County, local church youth groups, as well as elementary and middle school classes."

Last winter the camp provided housing for flood victims. It also served as a distribution center for relief supplies. In January, Camp Tecumseh headed an effort of YMCA camps from 12 states to donate nearly $7,000 to flood relief efforts locally. This fall the camp has been providing free housing and meals to mission teams from other states coming to Carroll County to help rehabilitate flooded homes.

"These are tough economic times for all of us and we hope our donations and camp enrollments hold up in 2009. We want to continue this high level of community service every year," Wright reflected.