FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VISIT THE CAMP?

Any person of any age with any disability that limits their access to the outdoors may visit our camp. Family members, friends, and caregivers of eligible campers are also welcome to attend in order to share in the experience.
 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

There is no charge for anyone to visit our camp. We do accept voluntary donations which are used for the operation of the camp, but this is certainly not a requirement for anyone to attend.
 

HOW MANY CAMPERS MAY COME AT ONE TIME?

We can accommodate up to twenty campers and five volunteers for up to three days in any week.
 

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED AND HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Our camp is located in Northern Fulton County approximately five miles west of Farmington or one hour west of Peoria, Illinois off of Illinois Route 116. A detailed map with both graphics and text directions may be downloaded from our website by clicking on Location and then clicking on the map and/or text directions. We suggest that you download both to make sure of our location.
 

If necessary we will make arrangements to meet you in Farmington or at another agreed-upon location near the camp and escort you to the camp from there. We usually ask that you call us when you arrive in Farmington on our cell phone number of 309-635-6104 or 251-6597. We will meet you at the yellow gates indicated on the map on Markley Road and escort you back to the camp. If you are unclear on the directions or if you get lost on your way please call 309-635-6104 for clarification.
 

For those of you with global positioning devices, our location at the yellow entrance gates is:
              40.39.721 North     90.07.828 West

 

This is a remote location so please plan to bring what you will need for your stay. Groceries, gas, and meals are available in Farmington, a fifteen minute drive from the camp.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING AND WHAT IS PROVIDED?

Just visit our website and click on the Camper Equipment Checklist and the Camper Orientation sections to see what we provide and what you need to bring.

 

WHEN IS THE CAMP AVAILABLE?

Our camp is open primarily from April 1 to October 30 although alternate dates are available with previous notice and planning by request.

 

WHAT ABOUT YOUR RULES OF THE CAMP?

Click on the General Guidelines to review our rules of behavior while you are our guest. We expect everyone to abide by these guidelines and depart if requested for any violation of these guidelines. Generally speaking, common courtesy and respect of others and the property will pretty well insure your stay at the camp.

 

HOW DO WE SIGN UP TO VISIT THE CAMP?

To schedule your visit to our camp just call us at 309-243-9268 or 309-635-6104 and ask to speak with Brad Guidi.

 

Prior to your arrival please download the camper registration, waiver and release, and general guidelines forms. These must be completed, signed, and returned to us by mail or handed to us upon your arrival. Simply click on the Forms section to download and print these forms.

 

All visits must be scheduled and confirmed in advance. Please do not just show up at the camp and expect to gain access.

 

HOW MANY CAMPERS CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE OVERNIGHT?

At the present time we can sleep up to 5 non-ambulatory and 7 ambulatory campers in our platform tent and cabin total. The platform tent has two bunk beds and a cot. The cabin has two bunk beds downstairs and a sleeping loft. Access to the sleeping loft is by an eight foot vertical ladder which a person must be able to safely climb in order to sleep in the loft area.

 

WHAT ABOUT RESTROOMS?

We have one accessible port-a-potty located at the pavilion/fishing pier activity area and one accessible and one standard port-a-potty at the campsite area.

 

WHAT ABOUT BATHING?

We do not currently have bathing facilities so we encourage you to bring clean water, a basin, soap, and washcloths and towels.

 

WHAT ABOUT A POWER SOURCE?

At this time our power source consists of a 5000 watt Honda generator which is available to charge batteries and to run our air conditioner for the cabin if necessary. The cabin also has a bank of charged batteries with an inverter which provides a limited amount of 110 volt power to run fans, radios, and other low amperage devices.

 

Lighting is provided by propane and battery powered lanterns throughout the camp.
 

A propane powered refrigerator, stove, and oven are available in our camper but most campers elect to bring coolers with ice or cooler packs for their stay.

 

WHAT ABOUT ASSISTANCE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?

We strongly recommend that you bring a cell phone with you to our camp. In the event of an emergency dial 911 and you will be connected to the Fairview Fire and Rescue Squad. This response team has been to our camp and they have a key for access. They are located in Fairview, just minutes from our camp. The Fulton County Ambulance Service is also familiar with our location.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAVILION/FISHING PIER AREA HAS THE WORST RECEPTION FOR CELL PHONES AND THE CABIN CAMPSITE HAS THE BEST RECEPTION.

 

WHAT ABOUT FISHING?

You may fish in either of our two lakes. Marj-El Lake is about five acres in size and has a 12 foot by 20 foot accessible and roofed fishing pier which accommodates up to five for fishing while another seven or so may observe seated. The pier is located on flat ground adjacent to our 24 foot square roofed pavilion. These two structures are connected by a wheelchair accessible trail-way.

 

Bruce’s Lake is about 14 acres and you may fish from our floating dock or from our accessible 17 foot fishing boat, which holds two to three campers in wheelchairs, or from our 24 foot pontoon boat. The lake is ˝ mile long, providing over one mile of shoreline fishing.

 

Both lakes contain healthy populations of Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Red Ear, and Channel Catfish. We ask that you return any bass over 12 inches in length to insure future catches, and to observe our limits indicated in our general guidelines section.

 

Due to an arrangement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources you are not required to possess an Illinois fishing license to fish at our camp.

 

We have plenty of rods, reels, tackle, cane poles, dip nets, and fish baskets. You should bring live bait in the form of red worms, wax worms, night crawlers, or crickets. Cheese bait is recommended for the channel catfish. If you like, we can secure the bait for you with prior notice.

 

CAN WE BRING A CAMPER?

This depends upon the size of the camper. We do not currently have hookups for water or electricity but will consider allowing small campers on a case by case basis.

 

DO YOU HAVE FIRST AID KITS AVAILABLE?

Yes. A large kit is located in the cabin and a smaller kit at the fishing pier. We also have a poison ivy kit at the cabin. Each boat is equipped with a small first aid kit.

 

HOW CAN WE HELP SUPPORT THE CAMP?

You can help us in different ways.

 

First of all, you can apply to become a volunteer with our organization. Click on the Volunteer Application Process section to find out more.

 

Second, you can help us financially through tax deductible contributions of cash, building materials, equipment, etc.

 

Third, you can help to spread the word in your community about our organization and the opportunities we provide.

 

Finally, if you belong to an organization that would be interested in making a contribution and/or volunteering for a specific project, advocate on our behalf with your membership and convince them that our mission is worth their support.