The Mission of Gardner Camp

is the promotion of outdoor recreational and educational activities with its primary emphasis on youth programs.

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About Gardner Camp

Gardner Camp is a not-for-profit, private foundation established by the generosity of the late John Willis “Jack” Gardner, II. Gardner Camp consists of approximately 540 acres of land located in the Mississippi River bottoms near the Village of Hull in Pike County, Illinois. Gardner Camp offers outdoor educational programming to youth in Adams & Pike County IL and surrounding counties including Hancock, Schuyler, Brown, Scott, Greene, Morgan, and Calhoun in Illinois and Marion, Lewis, Ralls, and Pike in Missouri.

Our Vision

Gardner Camp will become a recognized program of the highest quality for providing mentored youth hunting with outdoor educational opportunities to area youth.

“At each event the planning and experience level of the staff involved has been amazing. This is truly a resource that most youth never have the opportunity to benefit from. Gardner Camp is an example of what all youth outdoor programs should strive to become.”

- Parent

“Most definitely, each event we've attended over the years have been "WOW" experiences. Everyone of all ages have just really loved the facility, the people and the activities.”

- Girl Scout Troop Leader

“Yes, all of our kids loved going to Gardner Camp and would arrive early to make sure they got here in time to go. They were always so excited about attending any and all of the programs at the camp.”

- KROC Center Staff

“We love Gardner Camp and can't wait to continue coming for many years!”

- YMCA

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Gardner Camp Ultimate Outdoor Challenge

540

acres of land

280

acres of flooded wetland

260

tillable acres

2

miles of levees

3

pump stations

¼ mile

from the Mississippi River

10

wetland management units

17

water controls

3

lakes 

2

natural ponds + one 3 acre youth fishing pond

Visiting and Partner Schools & Organizations

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Looking for a speaker or a short, hands-on activity for your meeting or event?

Contact us to share information about Gardner Camp and its programs. We will lead your group on a mini adventure!

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Activities at Gardner Camp

  • Wetland & Waterfowl Ecology

  • Wildlife Education & Management

  • Archery

  • Air Rifle

  • Shotgun

  • Wingshooting