Happy Hollow Children's Camp, Inc.

Happy Hollow is a wonderful experience for local children. It gives them the opportunity to get them out of the city and enjoy the outdoors.

Happy Hollow camp works to provide children with a wonderful and education outdoor and overnight camping experience. The money that we raise goes to provide camperships to children who cannot afford to attend summer camp.

Want a way to help inner city children learn about and enjoy the outdoors while making friends along the way? If so you must support this Happy Hollow Children’s Camp. It is a remarkable place that enhances children’s lives.

My daughter was not excited about camp. She was nervous and scared. She's always been shy, lacking in self confidence, and motivation. Upon her return from camp she was sad, because she didn't want to leave camp. She was so excited to share her experiences, all she learned, & talk about the new friends she had made. She felt good about herself and proud of all she learned and the things she tried, even though she was nervous about trying them. She talked about camp the rest of the summer and I'm pleased to say the confidence and initiative she gained by going to camp, has not escaped her.

I have had the privilege of attending Happy Hollow Children's Asthma Camp as a nurse for about thirty years and have been on the board of directors for twenty-five years. We serve underprivileged intercity children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the outdoors that includes horses, a lake, canoeing, archery, campfires and hiking. We ask a minimum amount from their families as we write grants and fund raise for the dollars to send them to camp. Many of our campers have come back after growing up to tell up that we made a huge difference in their lives, which is most gratifying.

My kids love Happy Hollow. They were extremely sad the camp had to close this summer due to Covid-19. They can't wait until camp reopens.

My daughter started attending Happy Hollow asthma camp when she was in the 2nd grade. She went all the way through until she was no longer eligible to be a camper. At that point she became a CIT. After reaching the ceiling on that, she had aspirations on becoming one of the regular Camp counselors. Unfortunately covid-19 has prevented her from realizing that goal. Happy Hollow children's camps, in my daughter's words, "Is Awesome"! Along with their Day camps, they also have (sleep-away) Asthma camps & Diabetic camps for children dealing with those issues. The staff was always on top of things and extremely friendly! Happy Hollow is an all-around winner!

I absolutely loved this camp as a child. I have very fond memories.My sons were second generation campers. They loved it also. I learned about nature, sportsmanship, crafrs, canoeing and hiking. Singing songs areound the camp/bon fire was a favorite activity also.
I wish they had weeks for adults/seniors to stay at thye camp.
HAPPY HOLLOW is a wonderful place foe memories.

Sandy Garner

I attended Happy Hollow Camp many many years ago. I had to sale candy to go& enjoyed going so much I would sale enough to go the entire summer! I made friends that lasted a life time & I grew into a young adult that was employed at Happy Hollow too! Swimming , hiking, archery, & mud doggin' were my favorite activities. I can even remember the sweet camp songs I learned here...ha ha ha!

In today's climate it important to understand Happy Hollow has been focusing on the under-served population of Indianapolis and surrounding areas with a world class summer camping experience. So as the rest of the country begins to focus on this group of kids, Happy Hollow has been doing it for 60-years!
An awesome camp run by an awesome organization and people!

The underprivileged and under served kids that we give a free week of camp are the most vulnerable yet the most receptive. The influence we give them in one short week of a better way of life in the relaxed and stress free environment of our camp does make a difference in their lives. Unfortunately, since most of our alum are poor, we have a hard time with fund raising at times. Most folks say they care about underprivileged kids but rarely put their money to back up the claim. Thanks to a great group of folks who do back up their claim, we continue to serve.

I've been going to this camp as a camper/staff for more than half my life. I have loved every summer!

What a great experience for my foster son! He loved it so much we signed up for a second week of camp.

Getting opportunities like this means so much for underprivileged children. Thank you for being an excellent provider for kids in need.

I was thrilled to learn about this incredible organization over the past year and I continue to be impressed with its long-standing legacy!

Happy Hollow Children's Camp is an exemplary organization that benefits children that otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience camp life. Along with sharing cabins, large caferiteria meals and camp fires, the camp provides educational experiences that include archery, swimming, canoeing, fishing, biking, hiking and many others.

Happy Hollow is in a serene setting, away from the day to day noise, providing a time to focus on the outdoors. I encourage any of those reading this to research more, visit the camp and give to support the children served.

God Bless.

Not only was I a camper for 8 years, but I got to take part in the CIT program one summer, then returned as staff for 2 summers. I also, then, volunteered as a Respiratory Therapist for a few summers for Asthma camp. Happy Hollow offers so much to everyone who is involved. The kids get amazing experiences they wouldn’t normally get to have and they touch the lives of every person that’s there to help them.

Happy Hollow makes a big impact on kids going to the camp from the inner city that otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to build friendships, team work, and other skills like endurance during adversity that will help them throughout their lives. I've seen many kids come to the camp shy and scared and wanting to go home and by the time the end of the camp comes, they are crying because they don't want to leave . There is a lot of fundraiser work that happens throughout the year to make the cost to parents very low, since they are from underprivileged homes.

Happy hollow children's camp is the most positive environment for a young person. They provide a learning experience by encouraging kids to try new things and introduce a lot of them to the outdoors.

Top notch facilities including 800+ acres. Dedicated full time and seasonal staff. Wide-range of exciting programs and the food is delicious...

This camp provided my children with an experience that they will remember. The staff provided a safe social and allowed both of my children the chance to explore nature.

Child's first time away from home and not with family. Staff was accommodating and worked well with her. Motivated and encourage her through her fears and was very patient.

Happy Hollow Camp is an amazing opportunity for all children! Especially mine because I've always wanted to have him involved in as many things as possible but fundings are always alittle tight. This we can afford he's attended 2 years in a row and has not one thing negative to say about the place. Very active and busy camp. Great staff he really connects with(which is rare). We're just very grateful a friend had mentioned this camp to us because he plans to attend the next two years if possible until he's of age to not be able to go anymore. Hes always looking foward to the next year. Plus some of his friends from school go then they get to know each other better. Thank you Happy Hollow Camp for letting my son make memories that he'll never forget with you!♡!

my daughter and niece loved camp. the price was cheaper than daycamp. their experiences will be remembered forever

Great job Happy Hollow. My child had an absolute blast. Thank you for helping children develop and providing this experience.

I worked and lived here for two months and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so many new skills as a counselor and an instructor. This organization treats all of it's guests with respect. As a camp they teach children family values that may have been forgotten in many homes. We sing, eat, learn and play together as a big family with the children every week. The counselors get to be kids again and learn the role of being a parent/role model first hand. The kids get try new things they probably would never have tried if they didn't go to camp. I've seen kids get over their fears by holding snakes, riding a horse, going on a creek hike, and doing the high ropes course. They can learn to shoot a bow and arrow, go boating, learn new art crafts, and do team building challenges. Happy Hollow Children's Camp deserves all the praise it can get. This place changes peoples lives and I will be back next year for sure.

Great charity that has helped thousands of children experience nature for many years.

Happy Hollow Children's camp provides great camping experiences for children ages 7-14. Not only am I a BOD member, but I coordinate our annual Asthma camp each year. Which means I live at camp one week every summer and can experience first hand what the kids experience.

We love Happy Hollow Camp. We have sent both of our boys there and they have come back with so many stories of how much fun they had. There staff is top notch and the cmp is absolutely beautiful.

Rob Deppert

My children were nervous about going to camp now they are excited to return next year.

My son loved it. He felt safe and secured. He said that the listened to him. They really care.

My boys have went 2 summers and they love it !! They always come home and say how great their counselors are !!

For many, many years I have been truly impressed by the caring attention given to all the campers from all their various backgrounds. The camp itself is extremely well maintained and truly an asset to to the children of Indiana.

I love Happy Hollow camp!! 2017 was my child's and mine first time being away from each other and family and friends for her she had never had to fin for herself I also asked people about the camp and most of them had been as kids and they said that they had an excellent time to send her and also my daughters god mother use to be the secretary for happy hollow so she highly recommended that I send her. And from talking to one of the Happy hollow administrative staff members (EVERYDAY FOR 3 WEEKS) before I sent her she reassured me that they make them feel safe they teach them not to be afraid she assured me that they keep them safe and not to worry that and she assured me that Jason vendors from Friday 13th will not get her nor can he find them because the camp is so far out. lol and the time will pass by before you know it . she also told me that I can continue to call her while my daughter was at camp and she will call down and check on her and if that wasn't enough then I can call there myself and they will make sure that they got a message to call home and to make sure that they called home. well the day that I called they told me a certain time and they will make sure that she was there to receive my call they did and I did needless to say my daughter wasn't thinking about me because she was having so much fun and that she barely stayed on the phone because she was trying to get back to camp. that made me feel better. I still called the office to talk to the administrative team member. Although I knew I was getting on her nerves and she had to work she didn't say it she told me you know "I will be going to the camp on day this week and I will check on her myself" and she told me to make sure that I called so she can give me an update on her and she did. they also told me that I could write but it would be better to email because it would get to your child faster. so I did and it did. My child had the best time in her life away from home!! and (she didn't get any chiggers) lol so she will be going next year and all of the years that they are open and have room for her age group. THANK YOU HAPPY HOLLOW

My children have attended HHCC for the past 4 or 5 years. They love this place and we'll continue to come until they are too old to come. HHCC has taught them so many fun things to do and learn and has become a staple in our summers. It is also a safe place for them to go. Not only that, it's very affordable. We love HHCC!

My girls have attended Happy Hollow for the last two years. The highlight of their summer is attending camp at Happy Hollow. They absolutely Love it. The activities, the environment, and most of all the counselors. They do a great job with the kids.

The staff is exceptional !! My children had a wonderful experience . I would recommend this camp to any parent who is looking forward to their children having a awesome adventure .

This has been the best experience for my child. I would never be able to afford to send her to a camp like Happy Hollow. Due to the diligent efforts and the amazing people at Happy Hollow my daughter has had a childhood full of amazing camp stories.

My daughter stayed with you guys the week of July 16-21, 2017. Tamyra would stop talking about her time at camp. from all the next experiences she had and the new friends she met. The fantastic teachers and helpful team members. We are so excited for the 2018 camping trip.

Being part of this organization allows me to see the impact that getting children out of urban areas and into nature can have. Seeing the campers learn about different activites that are done outside of the city fills my heart. I highly recommend this camp to all parents. It truly is an amazing opportunity.

Happy Hollow is a wonderful camp for underprivileged youth. The joy that you see on their faces after a week of backwoods fun is priceless.

Happy Hollow is always searching for ways to better the campers' experiences and reach as many kids as possible. This organization has been a huge part of my life as a camper, a camp counselor, and now as a volunteer.

I was very impressed with this camp I sent my daughter to. The staff was very friendly and professional. They take great care to make sure that the campers are safe and have a variety of
activities orientated towards healthy exercise and fun. My daughter has a special need, that was taken into consideration and dealt was accordingly. I was very grateful that the camp was affordable and fitted to our financial budget. I would and have recommended Happy Hollow to all my friends and neighbors with children and or grandchildren. This was the second summer my child attended Happy Hollow and I was very satisfied with the whole experience.

I was initially attracted to working with Happy Hollow Camp because I personally believe an appreciation of nature is essential to being a well-rounded person and Happy Hollow was unique among the groups we support in that they were the only ones to provide an experience focused on the outdoors for the kids. I soon found that this camp is so much more than a way for kids to spend a week exploring the woods. Most of the summer campers come from extremely difficult family, social and economic situations and this camp offers many of them a first glimpse at an entirely different world; one which many of them have never even imagined. They are exposed to experiences they are simply not afforded in their normal lives, many of which can be personally challenging, but once they are able to overcome their apprehension and accomplish something they did not think they could, it changes them forever and gives them the confidence to change other parts of their lives. The physical and mental changes many campers experience in one short week are truly amazing. The number of children that return for multiple summers and who eventually become counselors, is a testament to the positive experience they have each year. I have come to appreciate Happy Hollow for being so much more than a simple summer camp. It is a place where kids can build confidence and learn to overcome obstacles and eventually change the world around them for the better.

Words can not express how wonderful this camp is. The camp dedicates a week for asthma camp. If you are looking for a fun filled week that is safe for your child, this place has it all! It is heaven on earth. The staff, volunteers, and leadership are all great. You can tell that their hearts are dedicate to kids.

Happy Hollow camp turns children who have never stayed away from home or been out in the country into nature lovers. They learn to enjoy creeks, horseback riding, new healthy foods, each other all while showing respect to the adult leaders and their surrounding. The camp program has a profound impact on the children who attend and their families. At the same time, counselors develop as leaders and build lifelong friendships with each other and give back to the camp for years to follow.

My kids love going to Happy Hollow Children's Camp. They look forward to it every year. They Love all the activities and the staff. I think the only time they ever have anything bad to say is if the weather is bad which is nothing the camp can do to change that. They do still try to have fun with the kids despite the weather. My kids will go for as long as they can and I think they will even want to become staff members too.

My girls did not like the fact that the counselors were not nice. Some said the screamed and not real friendly. Don't know if others had that problem

Happy Hollow Camp has provided Asthma Camp for many years now. I am a Respiratory Therapist and Certified Asthma Educator for Eskenazi Health which serves the underserved and low income families. My outpatient clinic has donated money to help send asthmatics to this camp for the past 6 years. The camp is life changing for our campers, we see such a difference in them when they return and almost all of them want to return year after year. We have had several campers become a counselor in training when they turn 16. Asthma Camp is such a valuable service for our community.

Thank you,
Annmarie Thomas RRT, AE-C
Eskenazi Health Asthma Coordinator

My children enjoyed their experience at Happy Hollow Camp. I would highly recommend this camp to others.

This year was my kids first year attending camp at Happy Hollow. Being a mother of 2 boys close in age, camps and activities become very expensive. Happy Hollow exceeded my boys expectation of camp. The 2 loved Happy Hollow so much! My boys went horse back riding, canoeing, hiking and so much more. Things that city kids do not experience. The staff was professional, organized and courteous. We are looking forward to next summer!

I have had a child in this program for the past 20 years. My oldest child is 28 and now my youngest is 10 and I even have a granddaughter that went.
I love this camp.
My 17 year old son loves it so much he has come back to be a camp counselor. I can't say enough about this program!

I have loved Happy Hollow Children's Camp for the past 16 years! I spent 3 years there as a staff member where I built life long friendships! Years later as a foster mom, I was able to send my children to camp! They have so many great memories as well! They are an amazing organization!

I have spent a total of eleven summer's at Happy Hollow. Five of those summers were spent as a camper the other six as a staff member. Words cannot express how much this camp and the people who run it mean to me. Being able to leave the city for a whole week as a child was a dream come true and it was something that my mother could afford. At Happy Hollow it may not always seem like it but they do really make a difference in the lives of others. Being able to give children who are less fortunate than myself or the staff a great week at camp was extremely rewarding and I would do it again and again if I could. I truly hope that HHC can continue to change the lives of little children like they have done for me and countless others.

We sent our 2 youngest to camp this past summer. We have always been skeptical of camps since our daughter has many allergies and our son is on medication.

The Happy Hollow camp's staff was wonderful. They made sure they understood everything and labeled each item with their name before we left for the bus.

Both of our children loved the camp and cannot wait until next summer!

For six years of my early life as an adult, I spent summers working at Happy Hollow. It was such a magical place. Having the opportunity to work with kids from Indianapolis has been one of the highlights of my life. I learned so much from the campers - one special talent I acquaire was the ability to cornrow and french braid. My daughter (now 22) and many of her friends benefitted from this skill that was honed at Happy Hollow.

I am a better person today because of the time spent working in the woods of Brown County with some of the most wonderful people - both staff and campers. It's been a few years since I last visited, but what remarkable changes have been made in the over 30 years since I was blessed to be a staff member there. I am amazed at what spectacular work Bernie and his staff have done.

My daughter went this last summer and can not wait to go again. She came back with confidence and many stories to tell.

We send students every year to Happy Hollow for team building and Community Service work. The staff is always very well trained and prepared. They take the time to be involved in prior planning and everything works smoothly even when unexpected weather events cause a change of plans. The kitchen staff provide nutritious, well-balanced meals that students and teachers actually like. Clean, well-maintained facilities add to the universal praise our school has given Happy Hollow. It is why we keep coming back.

Mitch Chabraja
Assistant Principal/IB Diploma Coordinator
International School of Indiana

Happy Hollow Children's Camp is doing great work in our Indianapolis community by helping underprivileged youth get to experience the joys of summer camp. For the last 65 years, Happy Hollow has been providing life skill and team building experiences for these children in a beautiful setting down in Brown County Indiana (about 40 mins south of Indianapolis).

I attended Happy Hollow Camp when I was a child, probably around 10 years old. It was a life-changing experience for me. I have never forgotten what a wonderful opportunity it was for me and my siblings. Our family didn't have much and we were eventually taken away from our parents, so to have an opportunity to go to Happy Hollow Camp meant the world to me. We learned so much and had so many wonderful activities. It felt good to feel like you belonged somewhere. I am 63 years old now and still so very grateful. Thank you.