History of Camp Erdman
For nearly 100 years, the site of YMCA Camp Erdman has been a place to celebrate the outdoors, forge friendships, and more.
1916 — Frank C. Atherton returned from a mainland trip enthusiastic about a YMCA camp near Seattle and thought having a dedicated camp site would be of great service in Hawaii. Mr. Atherton proposed a committee to seek a site.
1926 — H. E. Holt, Sr. took a committee to a 10-acre site at Mokuleia, near Kaena Point. Owner of the property, Walter F. Dillingham, leased what became Camp Mokuleia to the YMCA for $1 a year, provided that campers planted 1,000 ironwood trees on the property each year.
1931 — Walter F. Dillingham’s sisters, Marion D. Erdman and Mary Dillingham Frear, donated Camp Mokuleia in 1931 to the YMCA on Christmas morning in memory of Mrs. Erdman’s 26-year-old son, who had been killed in a polo accident. They asked that it be called Camp H. R. Erdman “so his spirit of contribution to the happiness of others carries on.”
1967 — The YMCA of Honolulu worked with the Hawaii Department of Education to provide camping and outdoor education for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
Today — YMCA Camp Erdman continues to offer opportunities for thousands of all ages to explore our ‘aina (land), find new talents, try new activities, make lasting memories, and through a multitude of programs and camps, experience the Hawaiian culture and values connected to this special place:
- ‘Imi ‘Ike—pursuit of knowledge
- Malama—to take care
- Aloha—love and welcoming
- Kuleana—privilege of responsibility
- Na‘au Pono—trusting your gut to do what’s right; very important to trust your gut—teaching children to know when something does not feel right
- Lau Lima—many hands make light work
