History of Ceta Canyon

Mrs. T. C. Delaney of Memphis, TX brought girls to this beautiful area in 1918 when she was Conference Director of Youth Work for the Missionary Society. A stained glass window in the tabernacle states Mrs. Delaney’s camp motto, “OTHERS.” Ice blocks were brought in twice a week. Tents were used for sleeping, lanterns were used for light, and campfires were used for cooking food. The charge for one week of camp was $1.00.

2,500 campers used the camp. A dormitory was sponsored by the young people of the Conference, and propane was installed in the dining hall. Also, the Trustees requested $2,000 in apportionments to assist in the liquidation of indebtedness and improvements for the year. At that time there was a nine hole golf course here with no fairways, 9 sand greens, and a very rough rough. A concrete swimming pool and telephone lines came in 1940.

15 army barracks were brought in “to be used for a few years” as cabins.

During the 1960’s the new swimming pool was built, as was Ceta Lodge, with rooms for 80-100 people. The swinging foot bridge was also completed.

The first non-denominational, interracial week of fun in a camp setting took place for the mentally handicapped. This would later be called Camp New Dawn.

In 1992 through the vision of Ms. Madeline Hegi the Chapel was built. She wanted a quiet place to go and pray with a camper.

In 2000 the seven “boys” army barracks were torn down to make room for the 20 room Garrison Retreat Lodge, a first-class motel-style retreat center with a huge central meeting room.

In 2006 “The Glen”, known as Ceta Glen was added into the ministry of Ceta Canyon. This addition will allow accommodations for over 600 guests.
our historyQuote from Chuck Fisher Hi Plains Area Minister “For nearly fifty years the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) in the High Plains cared for the camp known as Ceta Glen. After much prayer and discussion we sensed that God was leading us to entrust the stewardship of the property to Ceta Canyon. Now we know it was God leading. We are especially pleased to see improvement in facilities and management. The camp has never been in better hands. It is good to see what Christians working together can accomplish.”

Outdoor Learning Center Opens.