Our History

Nebowa Christian Service Camp was formed in 1950 by a group of Independent Christian Churches from Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa who wanted a place where their youth could attend camp.

Blue Lake, an old oxbow of the Missouri River located just west of Onawa, Iowa, was the perfect location. The camp got its name from the area it served when the ministers combined the names of Nebraska and Iowa to form Nebowa.

Over the years, the camp expanded its facilities and programming, incorporating a range of activities that promote both faith and community. Thousands of campers have called Nebowa home, with many giving their lives to Christ and being baptized in Blue Lake.

Today, Nebowa continues to serve as a destination for summer camps, retreats, and year-round events while fostering connection to God, one another, and the local church.