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SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KCAU) — The Western Plains Camp Salvation Army was joined by the Sioux City and South Sioux City Chambers of Commerce for the groundbreaking of their phase two project.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am for this milestone,” said Divisional Leader and Camp Administrator Major Jolinda Shelbourn.
Originally Camp Goodwill, the Salvation Army purchased the land at the far east end of 152nd Street in South Sioux City back in 2021, replacing its old camp near Omaha, which was wiped out by a 2019 flood.
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Since then, the Salvation Army has spent the last five years renovating and updating the existing facilities, working to instill values in campers that stay.
“It’s salvation through Jesus Christ, then nature and how to respect nature and how to work within it, and basic life skills,” said Shelbourn.
Phase one started with building nine camper cabins; the focus now shifts to a much bigger project.
“In phase two, we were supposed to build another lodge. We do have a lodge, rooms for people to stay in, like a little motel, but that money is going to go towards the tabernacle. Right now, the tabernacle is a big slab and dirt,” said Shelbourn.
Also encompassed in phase two is the construction of a storm shelter, restrooms, and showers near the campgrounds.
“We can keep the kids better contained, and we can keep an eye on them much better, because all of the activities will be in these areas,” said Shelbourn.
Campers will enjoy the improvements made to the decades-old camp for years to come.
“I’m just so excited,” said Shelbourn. “I can’t say anything else. I’m really excited and I really, really hope we are here so we can dedicate all of these buildings and get them going.”
Phase two is expected to be complete by July 2027, with the Salvation Army already considering a phase three to add a new lodge in the future.
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