Reading PA Rotary - Camp Neidig

The present Rotary District Camp Neidig, a program for high school juniors which provides an intensive week of leadership training, had its origins in 1950 with what was then known as Tomorrow's Leaders Camp held at Camp Delmont, a YMCA day camp near Green Lane, Pennsylvania. In 1958 the location was changed to Camp Hill Top, a Philadelphia YMCA camp near Downingtown, and in 1960 the location was again changed to Camp Conrad Weiser near Reading, and was held there through 1994. From 1995 through 2000, Camp Manatawny near Boyertown hosted the camp. In 2001 Camp Neidig moved to the Pocono Valley Resort. Three years later, in 2004, the camp returned to Camp Manatawny, where it is held today. In the 1961-1962 Rotary year our club sent information about the Camp to 135 districts in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda encouraging those districts to begin similar camps. In 1961 the Camp was held at Indian Springs Day Camp in Chester County.

The Tomorrow's Leaders Camp was first called Camp Neidig, its present name, in 1963. The name was given in recognition of the effort District Governor Joseph S. Neidig (1950-51) gave to the successful conduct of this program which began during his term as Governor.

The Reading Club has participated in this major effort to provide leadership training for young future leaders since 1951.