4-H Camp is where boys and girls ages 8-15 come to Camp White Eagle in Adeline, IL, to live and play for four days and four nights. Camp week falls in early June.
Campersare assigned tocabins where they live with other campers their own age and gender. Each cabin of up to ten campers is supervised by at least one experienced 4-H counselor and a younger counselor trainee. Counselors live in the cabin with the campers and are extensively trained for their roles.
Campers are also assigned to a Family which is made up of campers of all ages. At times throughout the week, families compete against each other in friendly competitions and activities.
Camper applications are available from local 4-H club leaders and in the Extension office beginningmid-Januaryeach year.
4-H Camp Week is co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension in Stephenson, Ogle, and Lee Counties.
Activities
Each day is divided up into early morning activities,open choice activity periods, and evening camp-wide activities. Early morning activities are held for campers who like to get up really early-- even before the normal 7:30 wakeup bell! Hiking, swimming,andcanoeingmay be offered earlymorning withcampers arriving back at their cabins in timeto prepare for breakfast.
Open choice activity periods include things like:
- Swimming/swimming lessons
- Water Volleyball
- Arts & Crafts
- Field Games
- Nature Hikes & Study
- Canoeing
- Team Building
- Archery
- RockClimbing
- Challenges
In all activities, campers are encouraged to start with the basics and develop higher levels of skills throughout the week.
Special and Evening Programs
There are a variety of evening and special activities. The 4-H counselors from thesponsoring countiesset their own schedules each year. Typical evening programs include:
- Opening Campfire
- Closing Campfire
- Dances
- Invited Presenters
- Olympics
- Skits
- Talent Shows
What About Safety?
Camp White Eagle staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding. There is a qualified first aid person on-callat camp at all times. Campers choose their activities but their whereabouts are known and checked at all times. If there is any illness, accident, or problem the family is contacted immediately.
Who Is in Charge?
During 4-H Camp, University of Illinois Extension professionals from our county are at camp the entire time campers are present. They work closely with Camp White Eagle staff to plan all activities. Camp White Eagle staff are paid professionals, trained and certified in a variety of skill areas. These staff lead all activities, and only those activities approved by the Camp Director may be offered.
The volunteer 4-H counselors are all carefully screened and trained by both University of Illinois Extension and Camp White Eagle staff. Most counselors are past campers and 4-H members.
Who Can Attend Camp?
You do not have to be a current member of 4-H to attend camp. However, all campers and families accept the responsibility of following the high levels of personal behavior and expectations that are asked of all 4-Hers. Those not living up to those standards are counseled, and if they do not respond properly, may be asked to leave camp early.
