Some have had to reduce hours or services and others are using reserve funds to continue. Although these groups receive funding from Prairieland United Way, those funds are also limited and were already allocated before the budget battle began. As a way to raise awareness and support for some of these agencies, Prairieland United Way and the Journal-Courier are providing profiles of the groups. These will appear every other Sunday in the Journal-Courier and online at myjournalcourier.com.
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Western Illinois Youth Camp
Reaching us: 2244 4H Club Road, Jacksonville, IL 62650, 217-673-3771, contactourcamp@gmail.com or online at wiyc.net and through Facebook and Instagram
What we do: We offer outdoor experiences to individuals and groups through summer camps and weekend rentals.
What areas we serve: Any surrounding area community members can reserve our facility.
Our story: Founded in 1948 as Western Illinois 4H Camp. As 4-H numbers decreased at the turn of the century, community members did not want to see the doors close and formed the Western Illinois Youth Camp board. With a summer focus on youth, the day camps incorporate educational aspects of reading, writing, team-building and physical exercise in nature. Weekend rentals have grown in recent years to include beautiful lakeside weddings.
Our needs: Our goal is community-building and maintaining a summer camp for youth. Our needs vary with the seasons.
How to help: Donations and volunteers are welcome. See the wish list on our website.
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Western Illinois Youth Camp is one of the agencies supported at least in part by Prairieland United Way, which helps in providing services to more than 45,000 people. For more information, call 217-245-4557.
