Camp Kern acquires 100 acres

YMCA Camp Kern spent $1.1 million on a 100-acre parcel of farmland to expand its property.

The Warren County education, retreat and summer camp organization bought the farmland to protect the area from future development. The purchase brings the camp's total acreage to 525 acres. Camp Kern will pay for the land with fundraising and the potential sale of a 40-acre parcel.

The purchase comes after the camp opened its $1 million conference center and assembly hall last year.

Part of the Greater Dayton YMCA, the 96-year-old camp hosts 30,000 guests each year and has an operating budget of $2.6 million. It offers year-round programming in outdoor education, conference events and retreats, corporate team building, summer camps and equestrian programs.