History

In 1946, the Indianapolis YMCA under the leadership of camp committee chairman, Earl Schmidt, purchased 103 acres of land along the Flat Rock River for $16,000. That original purchase grew into a 240 acre, year-round facility called the Ruth Lilly YMCA Outdoor Center.

The land was first inhabited by a group of anglos in 1820. Who owned what is still unclear. It does appear to have been land claimed by both the Shawnee and Lenape (Delaware) peoples. The first settlers were French/Germans from AlsaceLorraine, they named St. Omer in honor of their home town back in France. One name that stands out is the name 'Hendricks' indeed the property was still known as Hendricks Camp by at least 2 people from St. Pauls that I spoke with, they danced in the hall during the depression and war time to raise bonds!!

Read this newsletter on Flat Rock's first summer. Thank you to Ron Williams who was a staff member that summer. Page 1; Page 2; Page 3; Page 4

1946 Land was purchased by the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Cabins were donated by Camp Atterbury

1946 Camp opened it doors to young boys as the Flat Rock River YMCA Camp

1956 Pool was constructed Separate camp for girls

1956-58 Cabins on the hill were constructed

1955-70 Pond was built

1970's The Camp became coed

1984 Raggers program was started Began teaching Environmental Education Program Ranch moved to current location - grew from 12 to 24 horses

1985 Leathers Program was started Platform tent sites were created Dew Drop Inn was torn down Started programming February - October Teams course was built Ranch Programs were started

1986 Athletic Field was constructed

1987 Opened year-round Corporate Team Building Program began River hikes and rock climbing were added to camp program Divided into Main and Teen

1988 DAGS was created by Dave and Geoff

1989 Winterization of cabins on the hill

1990 New Property/Day Camp property was purchased Big Blue was purchased

1991 Renamed the Ruth Lilly YMCA Outdoor Center

1994 Pool Deck was enlarged

1995 Multi-purpose building was opened for use

1996 Bathrooms added to Dakota and Wyandot Lil' White was donated Lights were added to the pavilion

2005 Pool showerhouse was constructed Yurt Village was completed Wooden deck was added to pool

2006 Two new duplex cabins built on the hill. Iroquois/Kickapoo and Miami/Osage Putting Green installed Cherokee Cabin re-named "Uncle Mickey's Cabin"

2007 One new duplex cabin built on the hill. Shawnee/Wyandot The Baxter Boathouse was constructed The Amphitheater was constructed overlooking the lake.

2008 Pool Slide added to Pool

2009 Lake Telesce drained and dam replaced The Chapel was renovated.

2010 Gaga Pits installed

2011 Rope Swing added to Pond

2012 Tree House constructed

Call the Camp Office to register - 888-828-9622