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 see more historical photos in addition to the ones displayed below, 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 see more historical photos in addition to the ones displayed below, click here.
