Calvin Crest History 1958-Present

Calvin Crest became a camp, conference and retreat center in 1957. The Synod of Nebraska chose a task force to look for a site to build a camp and conference center in the eastern part of the state with very strict guidelines:
1) The site had to be within 15 miles of the center of the Presbyterian population.
2) It had to be close to major north/south highways.

After walking thousands of acres the task force negotiated with the Jurgens family to sell 170 acres above the Platte River, just south of Fremont. The perseverance, foresight and dedication of the task force resulted in the Calvin Crest beautiful site on a scenic, high bluff above the river safe from flooding. The task force could have purchased land on the other side of the river for half the price. That land has been flooded many times and the camps that were located on the other side of the river are now closed.

There were no buildings so the first camp season featured a cook shack made out of plywood and cinder blocks. Meals were served at make shift tables with wooden benches. As funds were raised in the early 1960's a dining hall, caretaker's home, cabin #1, covered wagons and an a-frame were built. In the mid 1960's the swimming pool was built that became everyone's favorite summer camp activity. Throughout the 1960's new facilities were added as the funds were raised. The generosity of Presbyterians and their mission support created a foundation of facilities and grounds improvements for Calvin Crest.  Calvin Crest continued to grow so in 1970 an additional 80 acres was purchased. By 1974 Calvin Crest had added or upgraded the facilities to include four winterized cabins, two a-frame cabins, 12 covered wagons that could sleep up to six each, Eppley Lodge and an addition to the dining hall. Approximately 3,000 youth and adults utilized Calvin Crest that year.

Facility improvements have continued over the years as the following list documents:
1978 Summer cabin 5 and the picnic shelter in the Tent & Trailer area were built from used material from the Mead Ordinance Plant for approximately $80.00 and the efforts of a work camp.
1979 A new residence for staff was built, the first one on the right as you enter Calvin Crest.
1981 Cabin #6 was built.
1985 Two additional a-frame cabins were built.
1985-1988 Proett Conference Center was built.
1989-1900 The Huxtable Dining Hall rennovation and additions were completed. Calvin Crest can now serve over 300 for each meal.
1991 Cabin #7 was built.
1993 Cabin #8 and the administrator's home was built.
1994 Summer cabin #5 and the Volunteers In Mission house were built.
2001 Two bunkhouses were built at Ranch Camp by the Sr. High Work Camp and a mission work group.
2002 Four bunkhouses were built at Ranch Camp by a Presbyterian mission work camp from Colorado Springs, CO.
2005-2006 Built new maintenance shop building with donations from the Lichtenberg family. 

Calvin Crest now serves nearly 10,000-11,000 youth and adults each year, accounting for 20,000-25,000 'user days' each year. We continue to make improvements to the facilities, grounds, programs and amenities so that we can lead programs or host and facilitate programs that are meaningful, relevant and valuable. Our current development plans include a variety of potential named gift opportunities:
1) Build a new swimming pool. Half the funds are raised and we are actively seeking donations for the remaining half so that we can begin construction in 2006-2007.
2) Build an Activity Building with recreation space for indoor basketball, volleyball, climbing wall, meeting space and space for worship and concerts.
3) Rennovation to Eppley Lodge.
4) Improvements to cabins #1-8.
5) Improvements to the Proett Conference Center and meeting rooms.
6) Building new youth residential accommodations.
7) Retain the a-frame cabins for Christian Education and Outdoor/Environmental education.
8) Add additional 'hotel' style accommodations for adults.
9) Add recreational elements like: tennis courts, guided hiking trails, expand the Challenge course, add High Ropes, telescopes and more!

To find out how you, your church or your group can participate in Calvin Crest's development please contact the Calvin Crest office at (402) 628-6455, toll free (877) 795-7635 or by email at calvincrest@calvincrest.org