Gardner Camp Youth Programs

Gardner Camp Youth Programs offers Youth Waterfowl Hunting, Youth Deer Hunting, Youth Dove Hunting, Outdoor Education Astronomy, kayaking, fishing and other water-based adventure, trail hiking and outdoor skills, wetland and waterfowl ecology, wildlife education and management, outdoor classroom and school partnerships, archery, air rifle, and hunter and trapping safety. The program also lists activities for youth ages 10+ and says scheduled programming is open to the public.

Programs

• Youth Waterfowl Hunting — October - December
• Youth Deer Hunting — October - January
• Youth Dove Hunting — September
• Outdoor Education Astronomy — Monthly events or upon request
• Kayaking, Fishing & Water-Based Adventure
• Trail Hiking & Outdoor Skills
• Wetland & Waterfowl Ecology
• Wildlife Education & Management
• Outdoor Classroom/ School Partnerships
• Archery
• Air Rifle
• Hunter & Trapping Safety

At a glance

• Ages: 8–18 years old

About the provider

Gardner Camp was founded in 2012. Its mission is the promotion of outdoor recreational and educational activities with a primary emphasis on youth programs. The program serves youth in Adams and Pike County, Illinois, and surrounding counties in Illinois and Missouri, and it partners with visiting schools and organizations including John Wood Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Quail Forever, USA Archery, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Kroc Center, ICF, Western, Girl Scouts, Liberty Eagles, Central Panthers, ITA, Quincy Teen Reach, Exploring Trail Life, Whitetails Unlimited, YMCA, IL Extension, and The Art Center.

Gardner Camp is a not-for-profit, private foundation. It provides experiential, hands-on learning opportunities for youth ages 10+ and notes that availability for individual group activities may be limited. It also says scheduled programming is open to the public.

What families say

“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

Last updated August 22, 2026.