Big Changes Coming To Santa Claus Campground This Summer

Historic Santa Claus Campground Gets a Big Boost

If you’ve ever spent a summer night at camp or heard stories from your parents or grandparents about going to camp as a kid, this one’s going to hit you right in the nostalgia. Historic Santa Claus Campground just received an $861,224 grant from Lilly Endowment, and it’s all about keeping those memories alive for generations to come.

A Campground With Serious History

This isn’t just any campground. Historic Santa Claus Campground has been around since the 1850s — yes, *the 1850s*. Long before Santa Claus, Indiana became the festive destination we know today, thousands of people were already gathering there for fellowship, community, and spiritual revival. The iconic Tabernacle has stood since 1884, and for many families, this place holds memories that span generations.

Why This Grant Matters

The grant is part of Lilly Endowment’s Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps and is one of just 69 projects selected statewide. The goal? To improve youth camp experiences across Indiana by upgrading facilities and creating safer, more engaging spaces for kids.

And Historic Santa Claus Campground has some big plans.

Safety First (But Make It Look Nice)

Thanks to the grant, the campground will be adding entry gates, fencing, trees, and landscaping to improve safety and security. New entry and perimeter signage will also help campers know where they’re going — and what’s expected — making the whole experience smoother for kids and counselors alike.

More Showers, Less Waiting

Anyone who’s been to camp knows the evening shower rush is real. The Samuel and Susannah dorms will get restroom additions, plus new shower houses to make those post-campfire cleanups quicker and easier. Welikit Lodge will also get its own shower house, helping everything flow a little better (literally).

Teamwork, Trust, and a Little Adventure

A brand-new team-building and low ropes course is also in the works, designed to help campers build confidence, character, and teamwork. Think problem-solving, encouragement, and maybe conquering a few fears along the way.

The Big Splash Everyone’s Excited About

The most exciting update? Swimming is coming back to the lake. A new beach area will allow campers to swim again, and lake dredging will improve conditions for boating, fishing, and other water activities. Basically, summer camp just got a whole lot cooler.

Looking Ahead to Summer

Camp leaders hope to have most of the projects finished by the start of summer camp, with some construction happening later in the year to avoid interrupting the camp experience. Each summer, Historic Santa Claus Campground hosts eight to ten youth camps in partnership with 4-H and local churches — and now, those campers can look forward to an even better experience.

A place with this much history isn’t just being preserved — it’s being reimagined for the next generation.

Get our free mobile app