Resident Camp is where boys and girls, ages 8-15, come to Camp White Eagle to live and play for almost a week. Campers are assigned to cabins where they live with other campers their own age and sex. Each cabin houses up to 10 campers. Each cabin is supervised by extensively trained and screened high school and college age 4-H counselors–many of whom are past campers and 4-H members. Additionally, the Camp White Eagle staff and at least one adult University of Illinois Extension representative from the sponsoring counties oversee campers the entire time they are present. During camp week, campers are assigned to a family or tribe consisting of campers of all ages. At times throughout the week, these families/tribes compete against each other in fun competitions and activities.
ACTIVITIES
Each day is divided up into early morning activities, two or three open choice activity periods, and evening camp-wide activities which are planned and conducted cooperatively by Camp Staff and Extension. Early morning activities are held for campers who like to get up early – even before the normal 7 a.m. wake-up bell. Hiking, swimming, nature hikes, or canoeing may be offered with campers returning in time to eat breakfast. Typical open choice activities are:
Swimming lessons Water Volleyball Arts & Crafts
Field Games Nature Hikes & Study Canoeing
Team Building Archery Fishing
Climbing Camping Skills Challenges
In all activities, campers are encouraged to start with the basics and develop higher levels of skills throughout the week.
SPECIAL & EVENING PROGRAMS
There are a variety of evening and special activities. The Camp White Eagle staff and 4-H counselors for each camp week plan and carryout these activities. They include things like:
The Camp White Eagle staff is certified in First Aid, CPR, and Life Guarding. There is a qualified First Aid person on-call at 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. Except in emergency situations, campers and counselors are not allowed to make or receive phone calls. Correspondence with campers must be accomplished by mail or email. Cell phones are NOT permitted at camp.
WHO CAN ATTEND RESIDENT 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.
Camp White Eagle is owned and operated by the Gordon Family. They live on site and offer a wealth of expertise to the program.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact Camp White Eagle directly, or visit with the Extension Youth Development Staff in one of these counties:
Kimberly Christman
Educator, Youth Development
Stephenson County Unit
Highland Community College Building R
2998 W Pearl City Rd
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-235-4125 FAX: 815-232-9006 christma@uiuc.edu
