History
The camp was originally called Camp Playmore when if was founded in the late 1950s by Louie Reinke. In the early 1960s, Mr. Reinke, a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, invited the church to utilize the camp. In 1966, Mr. Reinke sold the camp to Ascension for $1 so that Ascension could continue his mission of using the camp experience to educate children and help them grow spiritually.
With new ownership came a new name: Indian Sands. Under the direction of Ascension's youth director, Bob Goelz, a traditional but innovative summer youth camping program was started. Mr. Goelz brought together children from several schools for delinquent youth with children from the middle class families of Ascension. This diversity became the camp's trademark for decades.
In 2007, Camp Indian Sands was incorporated as a separate 501 (C) (3) organization. In addition to its original youth programming, Camp Indian Sands has expanded its operations to include year-round retreat programs, summer camps for youth groups such as band camps, music camps, and athletic camps, and rental options for the general public.
To view historical photos, click here.
With new ownership came a new name: Indian Sands. Under the direction of Ascension's youth director, Bob Goelz, a traditional but innovative summer youth camping program was started. Mr. Goelz brought together children from several schools for delinquent youth with children from the middle class families of Ascension. This diversity became the camp's trademark for decades.
In 2007, Camp Indian Sands was incorporated as a separate 501 (C) (3) organization. In addition to its original youth programming, Camp Indian Sands has expanded its operations to include year-round retreat programs, summer camps for youth groups such as band camps, music camps, and athletic camps, and rental options for the general public.
To view historical photos, click here.
Mission
Camp Indian Sands will offer programs that strive to bring together church and community groups of diverse cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds with a strong emphasis on the urban youth of the Greater Milwaukee area. The outdoor camping experience nurtures an awareness of the environment, spiritual growth and renewal, and the Celebration of Life.
Vision
Camp Indian Sands will be both an active, fully utilized, year-round outdoor campground open to the public and a Christian education facility. A diverse team made up of enthusiastic staff, Board of Directors and volunteers support a dynamic, powerful and flexible outdoor camping ministry. Collaboration with friends and clients insures a greatly expanded funding and revenue base.
Directions
From the south/west on HWY 22: Turn east onto Duck Creek Ave. at Budsin Lutheran Church. Turn north onto Tuttle Lake Rd. The camp entrance is the first driveway on the left. If you find the public landing then you have gone too far.
From the south/east, HWY 73 in Neshkoro: Turn west onto County E for approximately 5 miles. Turn south onto Tuttle Lake Rd (first intersection past Brockway's Market on the left). Travel around Tuttle lake to the camp entrance on the right, just past the public landing.
From the south/east, HWY 73 in Neshkoro: Turn west onto County E for approximately 5 miles. Turn south onto Tuttle Lake Rd (first intersection past Brockway's Market on the left). Travel around Tuttle lake to the camp entrance on the right, just past the public landing.
Camp Indian Sands
P.O. Box 170497, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Phone: 414-610-7263
E-mail: camp@campindiansands.org
P.O. Box 170497, Milwaukee, WI 53217
Phone: 414-610-7263
E-mail: camp@campindiansands.org
