YMCA Camp Eberhart is an extension of the Michiana YMCA located in South Bend, Indiana. Camp Eberhart began building the camp in 1909. The camp was the first YMCA camp in the country to offer a summer program for young women. Camp Eberhart was fully co-educational in the 1970s. Today, the camp serves both children and adults. Camp Eberhart is situated on 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land with over a mile of shoreline on Corey Lake, in Three Rivers, MI.
On July 24, 1909, Harris Eberhart traveled to Illinois. While driving, his car stalled on a set of railroad tracks in Munster, Indiana. As a speeding train was approaching, Harris and friend Richard Flagg were sleeping in the car, unaware of the approaching train. The train hit the rear of the car and dragged it for several hundred feet. This accident killed Richard Flagg. Harris was found 50 feet (15 m) from the scene of the accident. He was found unconscious and suffered from life threatening injuries. Harris was rushed to a hospital in Hammond, Indiana, and died several hours later.
Harris's family found his diary with camp establishment details on Corey Lake. They quickly made a large donation to the YMCA. Harris's father came to Michigan purchased 17 acres (69,000 m2) of land, and started laying out the camp just as his son had planned.
