Kiwanis Camp

For many Nebraskans, the concept of a "campground" brings to mind visions of RVs and tents set up for family vacations. However, Kiwanis Camp in Norfolk, NE, offers a different, yet equally vital, kind of outdoor experience. This isn't your typical public RV park or tent camping site; it's a dedicated youth camp, meticulously maintained by the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club. Known formally as the B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp, it serves as a cherished resource for various youth organizations, scouting events, and community groups, fostering growth, outdoor appreciation, and camaraderie for the children of our state.

While Kiwanis Camp primarily functions as a facility for organized groups, its presence is a significant asset to the Norfolk community and surrounding areas. It provides a structured and safe environment where young Nebraskans can connect with nature, participate in diverse activities, and build lasting memories. The commitment of the Kiwanis Club to maintaining this beautiful property along the Elkhorn River ensures that its natural beauty and facilities can be enjoyed for years to come. Understanding its purpose and offerings is key for local users, whether they are part of a youth group, seeking a rental for a private event, or simply appreciate the dedication of community organizations.

This article will delve into the unique aspects of Kiwanis Camp, detailing its location, the services and facilities it offers, and why it is a valuable asset for local youth and community organizations in Nebraska. We’ll provide essential information to help interested groups and individuals understand how this dedicated camp contributes to the vibrant community spirit of Norfolk.

Kiwanis Camp is strategically located at 54972 Front St, Norfolk, NE 68701, USA. This address places it southwest of Norfolk, nestled along the picturesque Elkhorn River. Its location in Northeast Nebraska makes it reasonably accessible for youth and community groups from Norfolk and surrounding towns, as well as those willing to travel from further afield in the state. Being situated by the Elkhorn River provides a scenic backdrop and opportunities for river-based activities, enhancing the outdoor experience.

While specific driving directions might be best confirmed when booking, its proximity to Norfolk suggests it is easily reachable via well-maintained local roads. The camp's setting offers a sense of seclusion and natural beauty, yet it remains close enough to the city of Norfolk for convenient access to supplies, emergency services, and transportation. This balance of natural immersion and practical accessibility makes it an ideal spot for focused group activities and retreats.

Kiwanis Camp (B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp) is well-equipped to host various youth and community group activities, offering a range of facilities and services designed to support a comprehensive camping experience. These include:

• Cabins: Wood-structured buildings with bunk beds, accommodating groups ranging from 14 to 28 people per cabin. Some cabins include their own bathrooms.
• Bathhouses: Two main bathhouses, one in "upper Kamp" (Girls Hill) and one in "lower Kamp" (Boys Hill), offering individual toilets and showers. Showers are designed for child campers to bathe in swimsuits, and facilities are kept clean.
• Dining Hall & Governors Hall: An L-shaped building capable of feeding up to 200 people, featuring a commercial kitchen. This versatile space also doubles as a rainy day program area with a stage.
• Pool: A play pool, 4 feet deep at its deepest point, where campers can enjoy supervised swimming. Swim assessments are conducted before swimming sessions.
• Lake Janis: A man-made pond, fed by Sash Creek, used for canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating activities. All boating sessions are supervised by certified lifeguards, and life jackets are required.
• Health Center: A remodeled facility with beds in the main infirmary and an isolation room, staffed by at least one RN overnight, ensuring medical support for campers.
• Music/Dance/Drama Building (MDD): Houses a stage and costume closet, primarily used for evening activities and showcasing campers' creative skills.
• Arts & Crafts Shack: A dedicated building for arts and crafts programs, where children can engage in activities like tie-dying and creating art to take home.
• Discovery Center: Houses the camp library, encouraging reading, and also functions as a game room.
• Garden: A small garden where children can learn about growing fruits, flowers, and herbs.
• The Shoppe: Located in the Dining Hall, where campers can use earned tokens to purchase small toys and sweets.
• Tenting Village (Don's Gathering Place): An area for child campers to experience tent camping or stay in a large teepee.
• Sports Facilities: Various spaces for sports programs, including basketball, boxball (on blacktop), kickball (on a baseball field), volleyball (on grass), soccer, rugby, dodgeball, and water sports.
• Ivan Tarnapoll Amphitheatre: A recently completed outdoor activity space.

Kiwanis Camp (B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp) is distinguished by its comprehensive facilities and rich program offerings, making it an outstanding environment for youth and group development:

• Traditional Summer Camp Experience: The camp prides itself on offering classic summer camp activities that promote wholesome outdoor fun and growth.
• Diverse Activities: A wide array of activities including arts & crafts, biking, boating (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating on Lake Janis), fishing (catch and release), hiking, music, dance, drama, nature exploration, and a variety of sports.
• Focus on Youth Development: Programs are designed to teach new skills, encourage creativity, promote physical activity, and foster social interaction among campers.
• Dedicated Staff and Counselors: Activities are conducted with the assistance and direction of specialized counselors for each area (e.g., Arts & Crafts Counselor, Nature Counselor).
• Well-Maintained Property: The Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club dedicates numerous hours to mowing, painting, and maintaining the camp, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved and facilities are in excellent condition.
• Safe and Supervised Environment: All activities, particularly water-based ones, are supervised by certified lifeguards, and medical support is available at the Health Center, providing peace of mind for parents and organizers.
• Community Focus: Home to numerous Boy Scouting events, Youth River Camps by the Norfolk Area YMCA, and more, highlighting its role as a key community resource.
• Educational Opportunities: The Discovery Center and garden offer spaces for learning and exploration, while the MDD building encourages artistic expression.

Kiwanis Camp (B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp) operates primarily as a facility for organized youth and community groups, rather than a public campground with individual nightly rates. Therefore, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" as might be found at commercial RV parks are generally not applicable. Instead, its value is typically realized through:

• Group Rental Rates: For organizations looking to utilize the camp's extensive facilities, there will be specific rental rates, which vary depending on the duration of stay, the number of participants, and the facilities required (e.g., cabins, dining hall, specific activity areas). These rates are tailored to accommodate the needs of various groups, such as Boy Scouts, YMCA camps, or private events.
• Community Service and Youth Program Focus: The camp's existence itself is a service to the community, provided and maintained by the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club. While groups pay for their use, the underlying mission supports youth development and community engagement.
• Scholarships/Subsidies (for specific programs): For some youth programs hosted at Kiwanis Camps (though not specifically confirmed for this Norfolk location), the organizing Kiwanis Club or partner organizations may offer scholarships or subsidized rates to allow underprivileged children to attend. This would be handled by the specific program organizers, not directly by the camp rental.

Interested organizations or groups should directly contact the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club or the camp management for detailed pricing information on facility rentals and to discuss how the camp can accommodate their specific program needs. They can provide quotes based on the group's size, duration of stay, and desired activities.

For inquiries about Kiwanis Camp (B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp) in Norfolk, NE, particularly for information regarding group rentals or to learn more about the facility, you would typically contact the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club, which owns and maintains the property. Based on the provided information:

Address: 54972 Front St, Norfolk, NE 68701, USA

Phone: (402) 234-2217 (This phone number was provided in context with another campground, but it's important to note that specific camp rental inquiries might be handled directly by the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club. A general phone number for the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club is (402) 371-4862, which may be a better initial point of contact for general inquiries about the camp.)

Mobile Phone: +1 402-234-2217 (Same note as above regarding the primary contact for this specific camp.)

Website/Organization: It is highly recommended to search for the "Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club" online to find their official website or contact information, as they are the managing entity for the B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp. Their website or contact person will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking, availability, and specific camp features for group use.

Kiwanis Camp (B.E. Adkins Kiwanis Youth Camp) in Norfolk, NE, holds significant value and suitability for locals across Nebraska, particularly for those involved in youth development and community organizations. While it's not a public campground for individual RVers or tent campers, its existence and meticulous maintenance by the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club make it an invaluable resource for fostering positive experiences among the state's youth. For scouting troops, YMCA programs, school groups, or other organized youth activities, Kiwanis Camp provides an unparalleled environment.

Its comprehensive facilities, ranging from comfortable cabins and modern bathhouses to a dining hall with a commercial kitchen, ensure that groups can focus on their programming without logistical concerns. The camp's diverse array of activities—including boating on Lake Janis, fishing, hiking, sports fields, and dedicated spaces for arts, music, dance, and drama—offers a holistic approach to outdoor education and recreation. This rich program potential means that local youth can develop new skills, build teamwork, and create lasting memories in a structured and safe setting, all within the familiar landscape of Northeast Nebraska.

Moreover, the presence of a dedicated health center with an RN provides peace of mind for parents and group leaders, a crucial factor when planning youth camps. The fact that this resource is maintained through the tireless efforts of a local community organization, the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Club, underscores its commitment to the well-being and development of Nebraska's children. For local leaders, educators, and volunteers seeking a well-equipped, supportive, and engaging venue for their youth-focused initiatives, Kiwanis Camp stands as an exceptional choice. It represents a vital community asset that continuously enriches the lives of young Nebraskans, right here in their home state.