Camp Illiana has been a source of inspiration to the thousands that have experienced its tranquility and beauty since 1949. The Camp is located four miles south of Washington just off of Troy Road on East County Road 450 South. The first camp was held in the summer of 1950.

A group of local men in the late 1940’s saw a need for a Christian camp and began making plans. Some notable names were A. Burton Clark, Desco Newton, Floyd Bennington and Rufus Gerkin. The group borrowed $5000.00 to start the project.

Since its opening in 1950 there have been eight camp managers. A. Burton Clark, 1950 to 1954. Rufus Gerkin, 1955. Ben Ray Bean, 1955 to 1962. Ronald Cordrey, 1963 to 1969. Earl Beaty, 1970 to 1973. Alex Troutman, 1974 to 1988. Ed Furnas, 1989 to 1992. Doug Bowman, 1992 to 2006.  David Bean began as the current Executive Director in the spring of 2007.

Over the past 58 years, many improvements have been made at Camp Illiana. The original camp consisted of six cabins, a dining hall, office, several shelters, concession stand and a manager residence.

The 70’s brought a new chapel building, swimming pool, and a maintenance building. In 1983, a second manager’s house was built. 1994 was the beginning of renovation and replacement of many of the camp’s buildings.

Lake View Lodge was constructed where Hudson and Wabash cabins once stood. Completed in 1995, it sleeps 116 people in ten rooms; it also has a worship area for 250, two large modern restrooms, a kitchen and three classrooms. That fall, Sullivan, Washington and Jackson County cabins were taken down to make way for Valley View Lodge. Completed in 1996, this building houses 132 beds in 11 rooms, has a full size gymnasium, modern restrooms, stage and three classrooms. Both buildings also provide much needed storm shelters.

During this time, the Dining Hall, Maplewood cabin, Dogwood cabin and old manager’s house also received extensive renovation, making Camp Illiana completely winterized and ready for year round use. 1996 saw the paving of all the camp roads and parking areas. 1998, the camp office was remodeled and added on to, and now houses six offices and a storage area.

Many additions were added in the area of recreation as well. A 25 foot climbing wall, giant swing, 700 foot zip-line, water slide and repelling tower were built from 1996 to 1999. In 2000, a second swimming pool was constructed beside the first pool, giving us swimming capacity for over 150 campers. 2003 brought a five station high ropes course, purchased with a grant from the Daviess Community Foundation. In June of 2008, a pool-side spiral waterslide was added.

Camp Illiana has had myriads of volunteers and workers through the years who have functioned in various areas.  From Grandma Brinson to Dick Smith, the camp has been blessed by men and women who have loved and served Jesus at Camp Illiana.  Omission of names or all who served is simply an alternative to leaving out someone who may have taken a vital role in the camp's ministry. 

The camp was run by the manager and his wife only (along with volunteer help), until the spring of 1995, when a full time assistant manager and registrar, Tom and Julie Watson, were hired. In 2001, Rex and JoAnn Burton replaced the Watsons as Building and Grounds manager and Registrar/Guest Group Coordinator.  Ellen Raymond joined the staff in 2002 as Program Director.  She also produces all the publicity and has the responsibility of website management. Tucker McPherson took over for Rex in July of 2008, filling a part-time maintenance role. Terria Moore began as head cook in 2004 and lives at camp in Dogwood Lodge.  And last, but certainly not least, is our veteran staff member, Fred Baker.  Fred has been at camp as a volunteer and employee on a part-time basis since the early 1970’s, working in the areas of construction, maintenance and landscaping.