1942

     The story of Glad Tidings Bible Camp began in 1942, when leadership from the Bible Church in Creighton, Nebraska held the first summer camp in a field North of town. They called it, "Camp Joy." 

early 1950s

     In the early 1950s, the group moved the camp to the old Niobrara State Park and renamed it to be, "NIOBRARA BIBLE CAMP." 
     A new church was planted in Bloomfield, Nebraska, and the new pastor, Bob Ostrander, was given the responsibility to direct the camp. He called Niobrara State Park, and found that in 1956, the State Park was planning on doing work on the park in connection with building Gavins Point Dam.  The camp was welcome to come use the State Park, but they would have to share it with workers ... who happened to be convicted felons from the State Penitentiary. Bob decided this wasn't the best idea, and that it was time for the camp to have its own property. 

1956

     In 1956, Charlie Kracht donated land for the camp to call its own. The camp was incorporated and GLAD TIDINGS BIBLE CAMP was born!  

--> Present

     So many incredible people have been involved with Glad Tidings Bible Camp since its inception. It would be impossible to list everyone who has contributed in some way. 

• Bob Ostrander - Had the vision for the campground. Envisioned some day having a pond on site. 
  
• The DeFord Family - Pastor Lyle, the pastor of Community Bible Church for 30+ years, his wife Emily, and his whole family were all highly involved in the camp. 
  
• Dennis K. - At the camp since day one, Dennis has been highly involved with many of the building projects on site. 
  
• Terry S. - Donated concrete for many (if not all) of the building projects.  

T-Shirt History

Flip through this digital photo book of the history of Camp T-shirts! 
(try looking at it full-screen)