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October Email Newsletter 2025

From the Camp Director,

Well, I am happy to report we applied for a 1.5 million grant from the Lilly Foundation:  The board has been working diligently at taking what they accomplished through the vision casting with Randy Pim to highlight what we would like to accomplish through this Lilly Youth Initiative Grant.  Below are the projects identified through the Vision Casting as most critical: 

Facilities - $400,000
New Maintenance Shop: A new maintenance shop will replace the existing outdated structure that no longer supports the scope of upkeep required for a 200-acre campus. Reliable maintenance operations are essential to keeping camp facilities safe, functional, and welcoming for campers year-round. 

New Cabin: $120,000 project: $60,000 in requested LEI support and $60,000 from a previously awarded Wheeler Foundation grant—will add modern, well-equipped lodging to the main campus. Designed with two toilets, two showers, and multiple sinks, the cabin will improve camper comfort, reduce pressure on existing housing, and increase overall bed capacity.

Wastewater Treatment Facility: $800,000
The camp’s wastewater treatment plant, built in 1976, was designed for a 20- to 30-year lifespan and is now nearing 50 years of continuous operation —the system is at the end of its useful life. T.A professional engineering firm has confirmed its urgent need for replacement. Installing a new WWTF will not only secure reliable treatment that meets modern environmental standards but will also reduce staff time spent troubleshooting and provide the additional capacity required for future cabin and program expansions.

Three Backup Generators: $70,000

Power outages currently pose a significant risk, threatening food preparation, water availability, and wastewater processing. Three backup generators will be purchased and installed. The installation of strategically located (WWTF, kitchen, campus well) backup generators will eliminate these vulnerabilities, ensuring that critical systems remain online regardless of external utility disruptions.

New Well at Wilderness Camp: $20,000

A well at wilderness camp will be installed. The camp can provide reliable water to this section of the campus, opening the door to expanded programming such as wilderness retreats, outdoor education, and specialized youth camps.

Parking and Driveway Improvements: $140,000
Safe and efficient access is vital to camper and family experience. Currently, a single entryway and limited gravel parking areas create congestion during check-in and check-out, presenting safety risks for pedestrians and accessibility challenges for those with mobility needs. Installing a second driveway will improve circulation, reduce risks
on high-volume days and create a more welcoming first impression for families arriving at camp.

Together, these projects form the backbone of the camp’s infrastructure. They address immediate risks, such as system failures and safety concerns, while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and growth. By investing in these critical systems now, Hanging Rock ensures that it can continue to serve thousands of youths each year in a safe, healthy, and spiritually enriching environment.

Please keep this in your prayers. We will be notified in December if we were selected to receive this grant and be awarded a check for these projects. 

Donations
 

2025 Fundraiser Banquet 

 

Volunteer- We need volunteers for this banquet. One way that you could support us is to volunteer. We will need you 2 hours before the show and 1 hour after the show. 

Volunteer

Table of 8 are $300 - Buy a table of 8 and invite your friends to a great show. Just remind them that this is a fundraiser. So, bring your money. 

Tickets

Individual tickets are $40 per person. It is okay if you just want to come as a single or a couple. We will make room for you. 

Tickets

Labor Day Family Camp 2025 - Great Weekend 275 in attendance. 

 
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New Dining Hall Addition Update:

We are so excited about this new addition and how it has helped serve our campers and our retreat groups better and more efficiently. Giving everyone a more enjoyable food service experience at Hanging Rock. We are happy to report that we are so close to paying this building off. We are just $30,000 away from paying this off. Our hope is to have this paid off by the end of this year. If you could help us eliminate this debt, we would really appreciate it.  

Donate
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Summer Staff Applications Are Officially

OPEN!

We have opened up applications for summer staff to serve during the summer of 2026. If you are interested or know someone who might be looking for a summer job, we would love for you to fill out an application. We have a variety of positions available that we will need to hire to help us have another phenomenal summer.

APPLY HERE

Available Positions:

Camp Intern

Program Staff

Wilderness Intern

Kitchen Assistant

Maintenance Assistant

Creative Assistant (Photographer)

First Aid Attendant

Pool Manager

Lifeguard

Dishwasher

 

 

Social Media

Stay up-to-date with current activities and future events by following us on your favorite social media channels.

 
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Where to find us

www.hangingrock.org

6988 South State Rd 263

West Lebanon, Indiana 47991

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6988 South State Road 263 None | West Lebanon, IN 47991 US

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