The Salvation Army’s Gene Eppley Camp is temporarily closed due to the camp’s main septic system pump being under water. The flooding is a result of the high levels of the Platte River causing the water table to be higher than ground level. The excessive rainfall this summer added to the flooding.

Conditions are slowly improving as waters recede.  Three summer camp sessions were cancelled although officials hope to re-open on July 12 for a week-long camp for teen girls.  “We are identifying alternative locations for scheduled camps.  We are hoping that with a substantial clean-up of the camp grounds we can re-open for the session beginning July 12,” said Divisional Commander Major Paul D. Smith.

Over the past week, the camp’s pond had risen and covered the area behind the new pool house, the road by the chapel, and the grassy field to the west.  The flooding from the pond merged with the ground water seeping onto the camp property from Sokol Park and covered the only road that is used to enter and exit the camp. Water still covers the ball field. The recreation hall basement had several feet of water. The newer cabins’ septic tanks were also under water, which made them unusable.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services teams from Omaha, Lincoln and Norfolk have been providing emergency relief to communities in eastern Nebraska since the flooding began earlier this month. 

In order to clean up the Gene Eppley Camp grounds and continue providing clean-up kits to flood victims. The Salvation Army asks the community for monetary donations to replenish its supply of clean-up kits.  Only 14 kits remain according to John Kuzma, divisional director of emergency disaster services.  Clean-up kits contain items such as mops, brooms, buckets, work gloves and disinfectant. 

To make a monetary donation toward the purchasing of cleaning supplies visit www.givesalvationarmy.org or mail your contribution to The Salvation Army, 3612 Cuming Street, Omaha NE 68131 earmarked “Flood Relief.”

The Gene Eppley Camp and Retreat Center is a non-profit Christian camp owned and operated by The Salvation Army. The camp is located at 915 Allied Road just south of Omaha, NE, on 118 acres. Facilities and recreation activities are available for any age or physical ability. Each summer, during the months of June and July, The Salvation Army holds camps for children and families at a low cost.