Nebraska 4-H Camp

On Sunday, October 2nd, 2022, the forest fire in the Nebraska National Forest caused major devastation at our camp. The Eppley Lodge as well as the cabins are a complete loss; it appears that the only structure remaining is the staff house.

• The Nebraska State 4-H Camp at Halsey, was dedicated in 1963 and was Nebraska’s first campsite.  Friends of 4-H from every community in Nebraska contributed to the campaign for funds. The winterized facility, which can accommodate 150-200 campers at a time, has served youth from nearly every community in the state.  Over the years, the State 4-H Camp has had an influence on thousands of young people and their families.  On May 4, 1965, a major fire burned through the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, destroying the boy ‘s bathhouse, six cabins, and many trees.
• Since its dedication, the camp has reached over 30,000 young people through summer camp programming, fall and spring outdoor education programs and a variety of other opportunities that focused on environmental education, skill development, and the capacity for life-long learning.
  • When asked about their experiences, 4-H campers and parents reported the following:
    • 96% of campers report that camp is a place where adults cared about them.
    • 94% of campers recognize camp as a place where it was okay make mistakes.
    • 65% of campers felt encouraged to plan for their future at 4-H camp.
    • Meeting new friends, exploring, zip-lining, tubing, camp-fire and the look-out tower were routinely shared as “my favorite thing about camp”.

If you wish to contribute to continuing the legacy of 4-H camp in Nebraska, you can donate directly to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation using the “Donate” button or gifts can be to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation.  Indicate you wish for your gift to go to the Environmental Education and Camping fund.

Nebraska 4-H Foundation
PO Box 4500
Lincoln, NE 68504
PH: 402.472.9019