Camp Tycony History
FOREVER LEARNING
At the Y, we proudly have more than 130 years of experience in providing a safe, thriving environment for young people to explore personal interests, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills, discover the creativity & health benefits of the outdoors, and make lasting friendships and memories. From the beginning, our mission at YMCA Camp Tycony has been to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our goal has always been to provide a safe environment for boys and girls to learn and excel in camp activities and skills. Competitive games, activities, and devotions are offered in ways to achieve our mission.
1954 - MacIver forms YMCA Camp Tycony
Millard Leigh MacIver was appointed to direct YMCA program activities on May 15, 1952. The Kokomo YMCA began offering day camp programs in what was then Malfalfa Park/Tynan Woods in 1953. In 1954, YMCA Camp Tycony formally began. Under the supervision of YMCA Boys Secretary and Camp Director Leigh MacIver, 32 boys aged 7-10 were the first to experience Camp Tycony. These campers were able to have the outdoor, camping experience, without ever leaving home. “For them there are no problems of laundry, mail and this – is – different – from – mother’s cooking, and they rest at night in their own beds,” reported the Kokomo Tribune on July 15, 1954.
1950s - A typical Camp day
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.
1956- MacIver leaves YMCA; new Camp director appointed
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.
1968- Kokomo Y's Men update Camp Tycony
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.
1973- Lodge construction begins; named in memory of Young
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.
1979 - YMCA adds Sports Field thanks to Marietta
in 1979, Martin Marietta leased 24 acres of neighboring land rent-free to the YMCA. The area of land leased to the YMCA is our Sports Field.
1989s - Severns named new Camp Director
In 1989, Trish Severns began directing Camp Tycony, as YMCA Youth and Family Program Director. Severns made a lot of important contributions to camp programming over the years, and has remained actively involved in the development and cultivation of Camp Tycony. She now serves as CEO of the Kokomo YMCA.
2000s - New programs launched at Camp
Over the years, additional programs have been launched at Camp Tycony. These include our Tiny Tot Camp and Leaders-in-Training Program.
A Word from
Our YMCA Camp Tycony Director
"Welcome Families! The YMCA of Kokomo, Indiana is looking forward to providing your children a safe, fun, and engaging program. Explore our site and see what your children can look forward to."
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It’s a wrap on Winter Camp!
It was "snow" much fun! Over 40 children participated in fun activities at Camp Tycony like making slime and Christmas ornaments to decorating gingerbread houses and ugly Christmas sweater cookies! We also had a special guest stop by: Wrangler & Friends! Thank you...
NIPSCO STEM Camp Registration is Open!
Registration for the NIPSCO STEM Camp is open! Spots are filling up fast. Please visit camptycony.com/stemcamp for more info. If you have any questions, please call our camp office at 765-434-3711 or email camp.tycony@kokomoymca.org.
Camp T-Shirt Day is Coming Up!!
Dig out those Camp Tycony shirts! International Camp T-Shirt Day is on Tuesday, November 9th and we want to see your pictures! Please use #CampTShirtDay and #CampTycony so we can see them.