THE SALVATION ARMY WONDERLAND CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS


THE SALVATION ARMY WONDERLAND CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

Thousands of Chicagoans have enjoyed the outdoors at Wonderland Camp since 1924

SALEM, WI (August 16-18, 2024) — Wonderland Camp officially opened on July 4, 1924, and has continued to transform from its humble beginnings. It began as a Salvation Army “Fresh Air Camp,” which provided a retreat for low-income mothers and their children. It allowed them to escape the stress of inner-city life and experience the outdoors.

Wonderland Camp was expanded in 1934 thanks to a generous donation from American Humorist, Actor, and Philanthropist Will Rogers.

The camp was renamed Wonderland Camp and Conference Center in 1983. From 1995 to 2005, The Salvation Army continued to build, refurbish, and refresh, constructing the Wonderland Chapel, the Wonderland Lodge, the Sharp Activity Center, and a modern dining hall. Wonderland Camp now ranks as one of the Midwest’s largest camp and conference centers, with over 700 lodging accommodations in year-round heated and air-conditioned facilities.

Just last weekend, thanks to a generous donation from Craig and Janet Duchossois, a new state-of-the-art playground was unveiled to give children a place to play and develop life-long friendships. 

“Wonderland Camp and Conference Center is so special because families have come back for generations,” said Lt. Colonel Barbara Rich, Divisional Leader for Officer Development & Wonderland Camp Administrator. “This may be the one constant in their lives, and it brings joy to know they are returning to the same camp that their relatives did.”

Today, Wonderland Camp serves hundreds of at-risk children every summer. Their lives are enriched physically, personally, and spiritually through healthy outdoor activities in a safe and caring environment.

“Wonderland is a beautiful facility that offers a holistic way to refresh a person’s spirit and soul,” said Lesley Webster, Wonderland Camp Executive Director. “Camp allows people to step outside their regular day-to-day life and focus on something away from the distractions of everyday life.”

Counselors spend one-on-one time with campers every summer, building close relationships and earning their trust. Campers receive three nutritious meals per day, enjoy clean parks, and experience a safe atmosphere that some don’t have at home. Many campers say this is the first time they’ve walked in the woods, seen stars, or heard birds sing. For most children, camp is more than a vacation; it is life-changing.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Laticia Holbert of ComEd