HISTORY

An area youth camp was in the planning stages in the late 1950s. The project was initiated by the Lewis County 4-H Leaders Council; they were soon joined by the Granges, Lions, Eagles, Elks Clubs and others.

Lewis County 4-H Leaders Council joined with Thurston County 4H to develop a youth camp at Deep Lake in Thurston County. After the camp had been operated a few years by a volunteer group, it was decided to turn the camp over to the State Parks Department to be operated as a part of Millersylvania State Park.

Lewis County 4-H Leaders Council received $1,000 as their share of the proceeds, which became the seed money for a Lewis County youth camp. In 1952 a Water Resources Committee was organized in Lewis County to develop plans for the resources to become available from the creation of Riffe and Mayfield Lakes. The lakes were to be created by the construction of the Mossyrock Dam and Mayfield Dam by Tacoma City Light. Various camp sites were considered, but a decision was made to purchase the Mills farm of 35 acres on Winston Creek. In 1961, the property was purchased with the 4-H Leaders Council money used as the down payment. The purchase price for the property was $18,000 to be paid by December 26, 1961. To meet the money raising deadline, many community organizations held fund raisers, including scrap iron sales, auctions, a Harlem Globetrotters basketball game, bake sales and others. These efforts were led by the various Grange organizations of the area. Significant donations were made by many; the largest contributor was John Markham of Centralia. Other citizens contributing many volunteer hours and money were A.T. Flagg, James Petra, L.T. Murray, Col. W.C. Nelson, Ms. Harry Parnell, Ernie Kuper, Dr. Cornelia Van Prooyen and Paul Schwelder. The Tacoma City Light arranged through lease to give the Mayfield Lake Youth Camp an additional 20 acres, making the total site approximately 75 acres.

Articles of Incorporation were completed and became effective on January 8, 1962. Work began on developing the Youth Camp in 1963 and was headed by John Markham, a retired logger from Centralia, who drew plans and supervised the construction of a 36×140-foot lodge with kitchen facilities and 70 buildings, including sleeping cabins, showers, restroom facilities and staff quarters. Volunteer labor completed all of the buildings, land clearing, a well water system and other camp facilities which included a lakefront swimming and recreation area. The Mayfield Lake Youth Camp was originally designed to serve 600 campers.

The Mayfield Lake Youth Camp was dedicated on June 25, 1964 with some 2,500 people in attendance. Dignitaries such as Governor Albert Rosellini, Congresswoman Julie Butler Hansen and local Mayors participated in dedicating the camp and naming the new lodge “Markham Hall.” The Auditorium with stage was named Flagg Hall.

With the Mayfield Dam completed in 1963, a 13-mile-long Mayfield Lake was created for the enjoyment of the citizens. Mayfield Lake Youth Camp is on the Winston Arm of the beautiful lake and offers swimming, boating and other camp life to the youth of the area. The first group to use the campground and facilities was Lewis County 4-H with 130 campers on July 19, 1964.

MEMORIALS

In Loving Memory of Alan F. Schill
March 4, 1965 – February 16, 2022

Alan was born in Longview, Washington and graduated from Kelso High School in 1983. Later in life Alan went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Warner Pacific in Administration, Business, Accounting and Human Resources. Alan was well known for his love, patience and good advice. And, although he never had any children of his own, he was considered a second dad to Alyssa, Ema’Lee, and Jordan and Papa to their children. He enjoyed camping, the beach, and admiring all of God’s beautiful creation as he went for walks. He loved traveling with his older brother and his family… especially to Disneyland. But, most of all, Alan loved the Lord and loved playing gospel music and singing with family and friends. He led worship at his church as well as directed several choirs. Alan was a lifetime member of the Church of God (Cleveland. TN). Alan started his working career at 15 as a box boy for Safeway. He continued to work for them for more than 27 years moving his way up to the Division Offices in Auburn, Clackamas, and Phoenix. Alan also spent time working with his brothers in the paving business, for Henningsens Cold Storage, H&R Block and was co-owner of Advanced Performance. Most recently Alan worked for the Washington State Department of Revenue where he had been for 7 years. He also served as a board member and Director of Operations and Finance for Mayfield Lake Youth Camp.

Alan’s participation with Mayfield Lake Youth Camp dates back to the late 1970’s when he attended camp as a teenager with his family. Many exciting times and wonderful memories were made… these memories certainly helped pave the way to the future when he was later called to serve on the Board. Alan was a talented, kind-hearted individual who strived for excellence in all that he set out to accomplish. He was a devout Christian and enjoyed serving the Lord in his local church. He consistently put others ahead of himself. His creativity and organization were second to none. Alan’s commitment and dedication to Mayfield Lake Youth Camp, a place that he loved so much will be remembered for many years to come.

Thank you, Alan, for your generous contribution to Mayfield Lake Youth Camp.

In Loving Memory of Philip N. Trebnik
August 28, 1956 – August 11, 2021

Philip Trebnik was born on Aug. 28, 1956, in Auburn, WA. to George and Wanda (Meads) Trebnik, and moved from the Seattle area to Clatskanie in the fourth grade. He joined the Boy Scouts and not only earned Eagle Scout, but Order of the Arrow as well. He graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1974 and Northwest Christian College in 1978 with a bachelor’s in Bible and Psychology. Phil married his college sweetheart, Sidney Lane on July 4, 1982, in Gladstone, Oregon. They made their home in the Longview/Kelso area where Phil worked for Longview Fibre Co. for 34 years, first as a papermaker and eventually as an electrician. He retired in 2013. Phil enjoyed hunting, fishing, gun trading, hanging out with his hunting dogs, and leading a men’s group Bible study at Living Word Christian Center. He had a quick wit, and the gift of rhyme. Phil was loyal, genuine, honest, and rarely showed anger. He was a man after God’s heart.

Thank you, Philip, for your participation at MLYC throughout the years.