Sioux Falls Camp Leif Ericson Needs Your Help After Massive Flood

A popular and beloved Sioux Falls camp is asking for your help after experiencing damaging floods surrounding its campgrounds.

YMCA Camp Leif Ericson in Sioux Falls is sending an "urgent plea" across the Sioux Empire to "Help Us Rebuild Camp Leif Ericson." Camp staff is calling this situation an "unprecedented crisis."

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A historic flood has submerged the YMCA Camp Leif Ericson. While volunteers are essential to this camp, staff with the YMCA Camp Leif Ericson really need monetary donations to help bring back the camp.

According to a Facebook post from the camp's page, the goal is to raise $100,000.

Why We Need Your Help: Restoring Camp Leif Ericson ensures future generations can continue to experience its magic. We’re committed to rebuilding our camp stronger than ever, but we can't do it alone.

Spread the Word: Share our story with your friends and family.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 to cover immediate repair costs and begin the rebuilding process.

YMCA Camp Leif Ericson is a fantastic spot in the Sioux Empire where kids can enjoy the great outdoors all summer long. Activities at YMCA Camp Leif Ericson include horseback riding, archery, nature hikes, boating, fishing, and so much more. In a heartfelt message, staff explain this camp "continues to be a place where dreams come true and memories are made."

Parts of South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota continue to clean-up damage from the incredible flood. This is the time to help those in need. Donations to the YMCA Camp Leif Ericson can be made here.

Let's help rebuild this camp together! It's for the kids!

Sioux Falls: Then and Now

The City of Sioux Falls has changed dramatically over the past several years. Some of the streets, landscapes, and neighborhoods look vastly different than just 10-15 years ago.

Here's a look at Sioux Falls, then-and-now. See if you can recognize some of these old buildings, businesses, and city streets.

Gallery Credit: Andy Gott

The Remaining Drive-In Theaters In South Dakota

If you were born last century...you know, in the nineteen hundreds (ugh)...you may have spent a summer evening in the car watching movies. I don't mean on your phone, I mean at the drive-in movie theater!

If you were in Sioux Falls in the 1970s and '80s you may remember seeing Jaws and Indiana Jones at The East Park or the Starlite Drive-In. Both drive-ins opened just after World War 2.

The East Park didn't make it out of the '70s, closing in 1978. The Starlite survived long enough to see the birth of home video, closing in 1985.

FLASHBACK: Remember the East Park and Starlite Drive-in Theaters in Sioux Falls?

Drive-in movies had a bit of a resurgence during the pandemic. They were a way to go out and do something social without getting out of your car.

If you tried one during that time, or you remember the fun of a warm summer evening watching movies on that giant screen there are still places in South Dakota and around Sioux Falls you can do it.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

Source: Sioux Falls Camp Leif Ericson Needs Your Help After Massive Flood

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