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F.O.P. PAL CAMP HISTORY
"Be a big pal, Help a little pal"
The greatest and, by far the largest public relations youth program of Lodge #73, is our own F.O.P. summer camp.
This camp, which is located on Happe Road, about seven miles northwest of the city, is owned an operated by members of the Lodge #73. It has twenty acres of land, including a newly renovated one acre lake, and was originally purchased in 1952 for the price of $9300. Frank Freihaut and Dan Hudson were responsible for the beginning and long range planning of the camp.
After purchase of the camp, members of Lodge #73 began clearing 20 acres of woods, poison ivy and undergrowth. They converted the wilderness into a modern day Youth Camp, with the primary function of helping the children of this community come the realization that a police officer wants to be, and can be a friend.
The facility consists of a large air conditioned shelter house with kitchen facilities and restrooms, a camping area, a large storage barn, two open shelters, a playground, a fully stocked lake for fishing and swimming with two lifeguards, a bathhouse, picnic areas, sand volleyball pits, horseshoe pits and concrete basketball area.
The camp is run by a director and supervised by the Board of Trustees. The director is responsible for scheduling all the camp events. This includes the summer camp program, the Easter egg hunt, EARC hayride and dance, the children's Christmas program and the Polar Pig swim.
The groups who use the facilities of the "PAL" come from various walks of life and organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Neighborhood associations, Washington Hillcrest Youth Home, Boy Scouts, ARC, Evansville YMCA Canoe Club, and various foster groups and group homes within Vanderburgh County. During the summer camp program more than 2000 children visit the camp. There is never any cost to the children or their organization.
The facilities of the camp area available to all members of Lodge #73. The camp is maintained by donations acquired through PAL fundraising, associates membership, and the very generous, civic-minded men and women of this community who feel they are investing in the future of our youth.
"It is to these people we wish to express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks"
Our newly remodeled Shelter House is now available for rental. Contact Brian Hildebrandt for more information
locate PAL Camp
photographs of the PAL Camp are available at the gallery.
Tax deductible contributions to the PAL Camp can be made to the PAL Foundation at
801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana 47708
Contact Brian Hildebrandt Camp Director
Camp Phone 812-963-6256
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