A Little History on 4-H Memorial Camp

In September 1944, with the war ending, a Joint 4-H Advisory Committee proposed a memorial for 4-H members and alumni who had died in battle. They decided it would take the form of a State 4-H Camp.

In July 1946, philanthropist Robert Allerton donated 250 acres from his estate in Monticello, IL, to host the camp. Excited about the project, he also offered his nearby mansion for 4-H use.

As fundraising for buildings began, Piatt County, raised money by hosting a community jamboree featuring fried chicken lunches, a pie auction, a cake walk, and a turkey raffle among other activities.

Buildings were constructed as funds became available. By 1948, a dam was built to create a two-acre lake, along with a shelter, bathroom, and well-house. Although still under construction, the 4-H Memorial Camp opened for basic camping in July 1948.

In the following decades additional facilities were added including cabins, a diving tower, boat docks, a recreation shelter, a craft shop, offices, a laundry building, and sporting courts. The lake was eventually expanded to 16 acres and featured a beachfront.

“Seventy-five years ago it would have been hard to imagine that over half a million 4-H Campers would have added a treasured camp memory from their experience at 4-H Memorial Camp.”

https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/4-h-memorial-camp/camp-history