SIDNEY, NE — A campground meant for enriching the lives of area kids marked a milestone on Monday. 

The Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp celebrated its 50th year anniversary with an Ice Cream Social and performance by the Sidney Dance Team Monday, June 28. 

The 7.5 acre site has served as a camping ground for local boy and girl scout troops as well as other community groups focused on the education and recreation of kids in Sidney and the surrounding area. 

The camp is the brainchild of Ivan Liljegren, who was a Cheyenne County extension agent at the time. Construction on the first of the four cabins began in 1971. The Monica McNish Memorial Lodge, which now serves as the main building of the youth camp was completed in 1976. Monica McNish was born with a heart defect and died when she was 13. The lodge was named in her honor after her parents donated $9,000 towards its completion when initial fundraising efforts came up short. 

Today, the camp remains open for reservations for any groups looking for educational or recreational opportunities for youth in the area. It also is home to certain annual events like Sidney's Arbor Day celebration and tree giveaway.