Craft Shoppe Staff - 1971 or 1972
Top left to right: Mary Powers, Nancy Parker O'Brien
Bottom left to right: Chuck Brewer, Mark Eskridge
Nancy Parker O’Brien – 63 Years of Camp, Community, and Creativity
When Nancy O’Brien talks about YMCA Camp Eberhart, her eyes light up—not just with nostalgia, but with the pride of someone who has invested more than six decades in shaping something meaningful. From camper to counselor, from behind-the-scenes organizer to the creative force behind the revitalized craft program, Nancy’s Camp Eberhart journey began in 1963 and still continues today.
Nancy’s first introduction to camp came by way of her childhood pediatrician, whose sons had attended Camp Eberhart in the summers. Growing up in Danville, Illinois, Nancy nearly missed the opportunity to attend, but a twist of fate—specifically, the closure of Studebaker—meant camp enrollment opened up just enough for her to be accepted. That summer changed everything.
“I came for two weeks that year,” she said. “And the next year, I wanted to stay all three.” Determined, young Nancy earned her third week by running a donut delivery route with her brother, saving her share of the profits to fund her summer adventures. That same entrepreneurial, can-do spirit would define her lifelong connection to Camp Eberhart.
Nancy’s passion for arts and crafts found fertile ground at camp. She spent her counselor years leading the craft program and, decades later, came back to find it needed a revival. “It was mostly paper and crayons,” she recalled. “But we used to do real crafts.” She rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Nancy restructured the entire program, creating beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels for each craft discipline—from bead-making and mosaics to basketry and decoupage. She introduced the proficiency award system that still exists today, giving campers a tangible sense of achievement and pride. Each name added to the wall wasn’t just a decoration—it was a celebration of learning, persistence, and creativity.
Behind the scenes, Nancy kept the program running with precision and passion. She developed inventory systems, ordered supplies based on usage data, trained new staff each summer, and compiled a comprehensive instruction manual for counselors. “They needed to know more than just how to hand out beads,” she joked. Thanks to Nancy, generations of campers have learned not only how to complete a project—but how to master it.
A studio art major from Saint Mary’s College, Nancy’s creative background led her down unexpected paths. She was hired by IBM to sell mainframe computers to banks—despite being an art major with a French minor—because she had the kind of personality and confidence that couldn’t be taught. “I could talk to strangers,” she laughed. Later, she managed a retail arts and crafts store and restored stained glass windows while raising her son, Conor, who also attended Camp Eberhart in his youth.
Now retired, Nancy continues to come back to camp, though she’s slowly stepped back as younger generations take the reins. “It’s nice to see the next wave teaching others,” she said. “That’s how you know it’s working.”
Nancy’s legendary lifetime with YMCA Camp Eberhart runs deep—not only in the programs she shaped but in the friendships she formed. “They’re family,” she said of her fellow alumni. “I’ve never been to a high school or college reunion, but I’ve never missed a Camp Eberhart reunion—except the year my son got married!”
Nancy’s story is one of commitment and creativity. From donut delivery girl to the heart of the craft program, her contributions have helped shape not just a summer camp—but a community.
Help the Next Generation Craft Their Legacy
For Nancy O’Brien, Camp Eberhart has been a lifelong source of friendship, purpose, and creativity. From camper to counselor to the visionary behind the revitalized craft program, Nancy’s 63-year journey shows just how deeply camp can shape a life. Today, Camp Eberhart continues to inspire young people with the same sense of belonging, skill-building, and self-discovery.
Your support makes that possible. Donations toward camp scholarships ensure every child—regardless of background—has the chance to build their own legacy at Camp. Donate today and help the next generation discover who they’re meant to be.
For more about YMCA Camp Eberhart’s programs or to get involved, visit campeberhart.ymcagm.org or follow the YMCA of Greater Michiana on social media.
