Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic

MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.

The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499 Old Timber Road in Monticello, nestled within the scenic Robert Allerton Park. Since 1949, 4-H Memorial Camp has provided youth ages 8 to 16 with transformative summer experiences, offering activities like swimming, boating, archery, rock climbing, arts and crafts, STEM challenges, and more. The camp prides itself on every camper leaving with new skills, stronger friendships, and stories that last a lifetime.

The anniversary festivities begin with an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests of all ages are welcome to drop in and explore camp through hands-on activity stations, guided tours, historical displays, and memory-sharing areas. Lunch will be available for purchase. No registration is required for the daytime portion of the celebration.

The evening event, which requires advance registration, will feature a catered dinner, alumni reflections, and a traditional campfire complete with songs and s’mores. Seating is limited to 150 guests, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

“This anniversary is more than a milestone, it’s a homecoming,” said Niki Hoesman, assistant camp director at University of Illinois 4-H Memorial Camp. “For 75 years, this camp has been a place where young people grow in confidence, connect with nature, and create lifelong friendships. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to celebrate the stories and memories that make this place so special.”

Tickets and full event details are available on the camp website.              

About Illinois 4-H
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond. 

Media Contact: Niki Hoesman, Assistant Camp Director, hoesman2@illinois.edu

Writer: Sophia Schneider, Communications Intern