History & Awards

Our Story

With humble beginnings, Camptown started with the passion of founder Tom Lehman and the faithful support of his wife Beata. Tom loved the outdoors – the wilderness – as a place of rest, of trial, of growth and enjoyment. He loved kids, and was drawn to help those less fortunate than him. Tom was a college football player, a United States Marine Second Lieutenant, a tough yet compassionate man. He was adopted at a young age and realized that the life he was given by his adopted parents was a gift, a gift that many others in his circumstance had not received. He was compelled out of his gratitude to give back. He envisioned connecting kids with holistic growth opportunities – physical, social, mental, emotional, spiritual – through the outdoors.

In 1991 Tom and his wife Beata took a leap of faith to launch Camptown, eventually leaving the stability of a successful business career to help kids in and around Indianapolis. Unfortunately, Tom passed away in 2003 after battling an illness but his legacy lives on! Tom wanted to give youth from all backgrounds an opportunity to expand their views beyond their current environment and his goal was that the Camptown experience would enrich the lives of the youth and give them a positive life-changing experience.

Camptown has since grown to over 20 employees who are furthering the mission, helping lead youth to a better path. At least 50,000 youth have now been impacted by Camptown adventures after those humble beginnings over 30 years ago.

Camptown is a 501c(3) non-profit organization as designated by the IRS and the Internal Revenue Code.