In the early years, campers would meet at the Downtown YMCA, where a bus would take them out to Camp Tycony. They would begin the day at 9:00am, raising the flag, singing songs, and participating in devotions, much like our campers nowadays. After opening assembly, the campers would participate in a variety of activities and games very similar to the ones our present campers enjoy. At 3:15pm, the campers would board the bus and head back to the Y, where they would swim in the old pool.

MacIver left the Kokomo YMCA in 1956, after accepting a position to direct Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Minnesota. He was quoted saying “I shall always feel indebted to the Kokomo Association for the years of happy, inspirational and educational experience that has prepared me for my new task. I shall also feel a close kinship to the Kokomo Young Men’s Christian Association because of the Christian fellowship this ‘Y’ enjoys.” Succeeding him as Camp Director was Carl Johnson. Duane Bishir was appointed Camp Director in 1964.

Between 1968 and 1971, the Kokomo Y’s Men completed a number of projects at Camp Tycony. These include creation of our man-made pond, building the caretaker’s house, as well as the pavilion. The proceeds to complete these projects were from the sale of over 3,000 Christmas trees at the Y’s Men’s annual Christmas Tree Sale.

Construction on the current lodge began in 1973, after the completion of a capital campaign. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Camp Tycony on April 30, 1973. Don P. Button, then President of the Kokomo YMCA’s Board of Directors, spoke at the ceremony. The lodge is named in the memory of Phillip A. Young.