Robert Krohn Livingston, a Cincinnati University School and Cornell University engineering graduate, was decorated with honors after frontline service with the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. Returning to the U.S., Lieutenant Livingston tragically succumbed at 24 years of age to the influenza epidemic of 1918.

Determined that his son's name would live on to inspire other young people, and with memories of his beloved with, Bertha Krohn Livingston, who died 10 years earlier in 1908, Henry Sandy Livingston, Rotarian, a clothing and real estate businessman, established the Robert Krohn Livingston Memorial Camp in 1920.

With his daughter, Therese Livingston Steiner, later Therese Livingston Easton, Henry Sandy Livingston worked to nurture and support the original 18 acre camp site in Indian Hill adjacent to the Little Miami River near Cincinnati. Both father and daughter were convinced that at Camp Livingston a strength and yearning for health, laughter, survival and freedom might save a life, then build a future for each child, especially for all children in need.

From 1942-1945, Therese's daughter Margery Steiner Wolf served on the Camp Board. After Therese's death in 1947, her son, Robert Livingston Steiner, and later, his cousin Corky Steiner, provided the family continuity of leadership and support when both served terms as President of Camp Livingston's Board.

On June 8, 1969, the Camp opened its new location on 680 wooded acres, on gentle hills, open fields and private lake in Switzerland County, Indiana. In 1972, as a result of a recommendation from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and the Community Chest and Council, Camp Livingston and the Jewish Community Center merged, and in 1984 became a regional camp serving Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis and Louisville.

As such, hundreds of children from these Jewish communities and many others, together share the unique cultural and camping environment that Livingston has become, and as its founder dreamed-- still remains a place that nurtures aand builds the future of each child brought into its trust and care.