Theo Van Hof  is 13 years old and a member of Trinity UMC in Lincoln.  He had always enjoyed participating in youth activities, but had never gone on a mission trip.  His opportunity came when his youth leader asked him to help clean up a camp near Chadron.

Camp Norwesca was established as a camp for Christian education in 1954, and covers approximately 40 acres bordered by Chadron State Park to the north and the National Forest on the other three sides. In 2011, a devastating wildfire struck Camp Norwesca with 32 of 40 acres suffering burn damage. This fire destroyed seven of the ten cabins and the shower house.  

Area destroyed by fire (looking towards Camp Norwesca's chapel)

Theo had never been to western Nebraska, and expected to see nothing but plains.  He was surprised to see so many trees, and saddened by the blackened path the fire left behind.

 Theo spent his first few days picking up debris, then planted new trees and helped with the building of two new cabins.  However, the decrease in available cabins has resulted in a dramatic decrease of attendance - only 45 youth registered for camp in the summer of 2014, compared to an average of 200 youth each summer before the fire in 2011.  

Funding is needed to help complete and build new cabins; renovate existing facilities to qualify them as handicap accessible, and provide scholarships for youth in need.

Above left is one of the original cabins that survived the fire.  To the right is one of the two new cabins, built with features such as screened porches, bathrooms, and maintenance-free decks and siding. Most importantly, special reinforced structures on raised concrete pillars bypass any erosion problems and assure the cabins' longevity for 50 years or more. 

 At least two more new cabins need to be built to accommodate an additional 36 campers, bringing total occupancy up to 95 and a potentially significant increase in revenue. 

Theo enjoyed worshiping in the outdoor chapel every evening, because he felt closer to God.  He says, "At camp, you have a closer relationship with the people there and get to know them better.  I was surprised how pretty and scenic it is. I think it could be really beautiful with more new cabins, new trees and more opportunities for kids to come and experience it." 

If you are interested in making a gift to support Camp Norwesca, please call NUMF at 1-877-495-5545 or go to www.numf.org./donate.html