Memorial Camp and Conference Center is operated by the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The camp is available to various businesses, schools, and organizations. It is ideal for conferences, banquets, training sessions, retreats, reunions, meetings, workshops or other educational activities. For more than 40 years, we've been assisting over 100 groups a year.
Since 1947, 4-H Memorial Camp has annually served thousands of 4-H youth as well as numerous groups from churches, civic organizations, educational institutions, and social organizations. Memorial Camp's facilities and 250 acres provide an ideal location for all types of residential camping and educational programs. Originally established as a youth camping facility, the grounds have been upgraded to offer the finest in adult and family retreat settings. We offer a place where you can just get away from it all, yet still accomplish important goals.
At 4-H Memorial Camp, concentrating on your group needs is our number one priority. The woodland setting surrounding the Conference Center helps you get down to business without interruptions and hassles. A lake and hiking trails complete the secluded atmosphere with everything located within walking distance.
We
are proudly accredited by the American Camp Association. This accreditation
verifies that we have complied with up to 300 standards for health, safety
and program quality, which are recognized by courts of law and goverment regulators.
You can visit the ACA website to learn more about the accreditation by clicking
on the logo.
4-H Memorial Camp History and Philosophy
History
In 1946, Robert Allerton
donated 250 acres of his estate
near Monticello, Illinois, to the
University of Illinois so it could
be utilized by 4-H members and
other organizations as a youth
camp. The property is now
administered by the College of
Agricultural, Consumer, and
Environmental Sciences
through University of Illinois
Extension and is known as 4-H
Memorial Camp.
The camp was formally dedicated in July 1948 to the memory of Illinois 4-H members and alumni who lost their lives in World War II. The transformation of the site into a premier youth camp facility was accomplished entirely with donated funds. A campaign to rebuild the original 32 cabins was successfully completed in 2004. The camp now serves over 8,000 campers annually.
Philosophy
The 4-H hands-on,
“learn-by-doing”
method of positive
youth development
is epitomized in the
4-H Memorial Camp
program. Campers
are afforded dozens
of choices of activities
and program offerings that
expand their horizons beyond
their home routine. 4-H Youth
Camp programs foster
independence, cooperative
living, and social growth—
all in an adventurous and fun
outdoor environment.
