Camp Kupugani History
Dating Back to the 1800s
In April 1951, the Board of Directors for the 4-H Camp of Northwestern Illinois purchased an original parcel of 110 acres of Midwest timberland along the Leaf River from brothers Ben and Deed Sjoberg. Later donations brought the site to its present 126 acres.
The camp was named White Eagle, in honor of the old White Eagle Mill. Built in 1837 and located on what is now camp property, the mill was a significant source of the region’s livelihood. Exactly how the mill came to be named White Eagle is unknown. One legend is that a rare white eagle was seen in the area when the mill was founded. Indeed, on warm days, a strong upward thermal air wall rises from the Leaf River Valley. Soaring birds ride along this updraft and there are regular eagle sightings. Today, a large hawk controls the area. As it soars over camp, its white underside brings to mind the old White Eagle legend.
Honoring History While Looking to the Future
Camp Kupugani continues to honor the region’s history, with the mill wheel in our dining hall forming the base of the fireplace. Even when the mill wheel appeared at camp in 1951, the commitment to teaching quality character development, appreciation of nature’s beauty, and the development of valuable relationships was strong. For over seven decades since then, the camp has brought children together to celebrate nature, one another, and themselves. In this spirit, we look forward to our next seven decades!
“We are for difference; for respecting difference, for allowing difference, for encouraging difference, until difference no longer makes a difference.” – Johnetta Cole (former President of Spelman College)
