Camping began at the Helena YMCA in 1915, but the young boys and their counselors went to a different location each time they camped until 75 years ago when they were given their own camp. Adelaide Child donated 17 ½ acres and $21,000 to the Helena, Montana, YMCA to build a residential camp on Lake Ellen near Elliston, Montana, in memory of her husband, Harry Child, in 1937. The camp is located tw
enty-five miles west of Helena along the Little Blackfoot River. It was to be used only for the purpose of youth of the YMCA. The lodge was constructed in 1940-’41 and the camp was dedicated on May 25, 1941. The first summer camping began in 1941 with approximately 60 boys sleeping in tents donated by Mrs. Since then, boys and girls of all ages enjoy camp each summer. During the early to late 1940s electricity was brought to the lodge and construction of six sleeping cabins and a bath house were completed. Over the next few years, a seventh cabin, a craft lodge, and a director’s cabin were added, as well as winterization of the original cabins. In recent years a new bath house has replaced the original one and a family cabin has been added. Many updates have been made to the camp by the Helena Y Service Club and other service organizations.
~ by Ila Steen, Helena Y Service Club
