History
The Beginnings
Camp Y'Shua, an inter-denominational Christian camp, is
located north of Tar-bone Mountain on 160 acres in the beautiful
Wichita Mountains. The camp, which derived its name from
the Hebrew for "Jesus," was established in 1984
to serve youth and families.
During
the early 1900's, the Kiowa Indians used this same land
as their winter campsite and hunting grounds. Jesse James
and his gang also found Camp Y'Shua to be a great hideout
from the law, and as legend has it, buried 2 million dollars
of gold that has yet to be recovered. A map of the treasure
was found in a kettle at the base of Tar-bone Mountain with
the names of Jesse's gang inscribed on the outside. Who
knows, it may be inches below the ground where campers might
find themselves for a weekend campfire or while hiking up
trails on Mt. Tar-bone. Or maybe stumble across a map landmark
while sunning on the beach or canoeing down Medicine Creek.
On
a typical day, campers might see a doe or buck prancing
across the valley, a bull elk protecting its turf,
or a mother fox teaching her young to hunt in the wooded
surroundings. Bobcats, raccoons, and wild turkeys are
plentiful as well.
The camp serves host to churches, businesses civic organizations,
and schools. Youth and children's camps, marriage seminars,
retreats
for groups or singles, family reunions, school field trips,
mission outreaches, and a number of other possibilities
exist for everyone.
Due
to the confidential financial support of many individuals,
the camp continues to operate as a service-based facility.
Thousands of children, youth, and adults from more than
twenty-five states have experienced the breathtaking view
and peaceful atmosphere of Camp Y'Shua.
Copyright
2009 VOHope
