RULES

AND

 REGULATIONS

OF THE

 ILLINOIS TURNER CAMP

Revised and Approved 1/13/03

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Salutation and History 3

 

Turner Camp Rules and Regulations 5

I. Privileges 5

II. Cottage Ownership 5

III. Cottage Rentals 6

 

IV. General 6

 

V. Building and Grounds 7

 

VI. Garbage and Trash Disposal 8

 

VII. Memorial Swimming Pool 9

 

VIII. Vehicles 10

 

IX. Youth Program 11

 

Enforcement 12

Auxiliary Organizations Rules & Regulations 12 Snowbaers 12

 

If you have any questions, please leave a message on the main Camp telephone number, 847-658-7114, or via e-mail at caretaker@illinoisdistrict.us. Include a brief description of your problem or question, your name, and how to contact you. Your message will be referred to the appropriate committee or officer.

 

ILLINOIS DISTRICT of the AMERICAN TURNERS

Salutation

The Turner Camp of the Illinois Turner District, located on the Fox River near Algonquin, Illinois, is dedicated to further the interests and aims of the American Turners.

It shall at all times be the duty of those delegated to manage this Camp, to conduct all activities therein to conform with the high ideals as set forth in the fundamental principles of the American Turners.

The purpose of this project shall be to promote the health and happiness of our members, and to enrich the physical and mental development of our children.

HISTORY

Alfred Wild, an intrepid Turner and lover of nature, recognized the advantages of establishing an outdoor playground where the younger generation could spend its summer vacations amidst the freedom of the great outdoors and its environment.

Under his leadership, pilgrimages were undertaken with his gymnasium classes and he taught them to appreciate the beauties of nature. The success of those journeys inspired other members to join this movement and the idea then was conceived of establishing a permanent location.

A small tract of leased land comprising an area of approximately five acres, located on the north bank of the beautiful Fox River near Cary, Illinois, marked the beginning of our Illinois Turner Camp. Gradually the members of the various societies of the Illinois Turner District envisioned the ultimate possibilities of this venture. Tents were procured, some by purchase and others by donations, and erected to provide shelter for those desiring to spend a few days in the Camp. A dining hall of limited capacity was constructed and equipped, and recreations such as bathing, boating, etc. were installed.

At first intended as a recreation spot for our youth exclusively, it was at once hailed by the elders of the Illinois Turner District as a medium for procuring a sounder affiliation between the members of every society, and unquestionably this objective has been achieved.

Due to the intermingling of members, closer friendships have been formed. It can justly be affirmed that this project has perpetuated the Turner ideals in Chicago and vicinity and, incidentally, assured a stronger bond between the societies of the American Turners.

After several years at the original location, the demand for accommodations had increased to such an extent that the facilities were entirely inadequate and it was found necessary to seek a larger place. In the fall of the year 1919, a plot of land located on the opposite shore of the Fox River, consisting of approximately 40 acres of partly wooded land, was purchased and our Camp was moved to that new location. In 1925 an additional 40 acres were acquired, and in 1927 an adjacent farm property, consisting of 44 acres with river frontage, etc., were added to our holdings. In 1969 additional property along the river was acquired with the purchase of an adjoining golf course.

From a modest beginning with a 5 acre leasehold, this Camp has now expanded by successive purchases of land to a tract approximately 117 acres in area, and instead of a few tents which were the only places of abode, 267 substantial cottages owned by individual members have been constructed. In addition thereto, a large community dining hall, kitchen, dormitories, Camp owned cottages and numerous other buildings were erected for the convenience of members and their families.

This Turner mecca has become the recreation ground of both old and young and annually, from the advent of spring until late fall, thousands visit this beautiful spot where good fellowship in the truest sense prevails.

The successful operation of this Camp was not attained in one season. Each year since the beginning, a great many problems pertaining to the welfare of our fellow members had to be solved. Their problems were both physical and financial, but thanks to the honest and faithful endeavors of all members of the committees, it was possible to surmount all difficulties. The results accomplished have truly laid a firm foundation upon which the perpetuity of this grand project shall endure.

As the Camp became an established reality, its members did not sit back in a state of apathy; instead, the various societies of the Illinois District, through the Camp Committee, brought forward new ideas to improve this playground for the benefit of all, from toddlers to grandparents.

Electricity, a beautiful new swimming pool, tennis courts, an athletic area with a children's playground, a new patio at the Rathskellar, and a more modern sanitary water system are some of the conveniences added for the pleasure of the members.

These new improvements do not diminish the original customs and traditions initiated by our Founders. Campfires, singing and hiking are still part of the Camp's broad and varied program.

In remembrance of the Founder, Alfred Wild, we have a Founders' Day program, which is held each summer. On this day the members and friends gather at the Alfred Wild Memorial Site. This memorial is unique, as a plaque was set in a meteor found on our grounds and moved to this spot. On this day, we also recall the basic teaching of Turner principles, lest we lose these philosophies.

A full program of physical education, swimming, organized games and handicraft, under the supervision of qualified instructors, is provided daily throughout the summer season for all children living in private cottages with their parents.

Our Dining room and Rathskellar are the principal source of revenue, and we stress the importance of your patronage. The service is first class in every respect, with prices as low as consistent with the cost of preparation of the best foods that the markets afford.

And so, as each generation passes from youth to maturity, each draws its pleasure and each injects its work and ideas to keep the American Turners a moving and expanding organization.

Non-member guests should be made familiar with the philosophy and the principles of the American Turners. Guests should be encouraged to join an Illinois District Turner Society, so as to enjoy all the privileges and benefits of Illinois Turner Camp.

Without the cooperation of the members of the Illinois Turner District and the members of the Auxiliaries, the achievement of the present goal would have been impossible. Those pioneer campers who, in the early years of our existence, labored and toiled incessantly can now point with pride at the results of their efforts.

Turner Camp Rules and Regulations

I. PRIVILEGES

The privileges of the Illinois Turner Camp are limited to members of Illinois District Turner Societies, their spouses and children under the age of eighteen, members of the Ladies Auxiliary, and visiting Turners.

 

A. All Turners, guests and children are subject, DURING THE ENTIRE CALENDAR YEAR, to the Rules and Regulations of the Illinois Turner Camp. All cottage owners are responsible for the actions of their family and guests.

 

B. All Turners and guests should be prepared at all times to properly identify themselves to Camp officials. Failure to produce proper identification shall be cause for expulsion from Camp.

C. The Illinois Turner Camp requires generally accepted behavior from all individuals on Camp property, who must also obey all local, state and federal laws. Behavior problems will go to the Camp Committee for resolution.

II. COTTAGE OWNERSHIP

The Illinois Turner Camp is owned by the Illinois District of the American Turners. A member in good standing of an Illinois District Society for at least three months is eligible to purchase a cottage on Camp property. The District continues to own and regulate the land and provides the cottage owner with a "ground lease" for the land on which the cottage rests.

 

All new cottage owners serve a probation period before receiving their ground lease. If you have been a member in good standing for at least three years, the probation period is one year from the date the cottage transfer was approved by the District Council. If you have been a member less than three years, the probation period is one year or until you complete three years of membership, whichever is longer.

Purchase Requirements:

• When both spouses are members, they may not purchase a second cottage either for themselves or another family to buy or rent. Previous multiple cottage ownership has been grandfathered.

   

• There is no multiple ownership of a cottage. Every cottage must be in an individual member's name.

   

• A cottage must be purchased by the person who is going to use the cottage.

   

Purchase Procedures:

• The District Council must approve the sale before an owner may finalize sale arrangements.

   

• All private cottage sales and lease transfers must be approved by the Council at a regular meeting.

   

• A properly completed "Ground Lease Transfer" form must be submitted in triplicate to the District Council.

   

• The new cottage owner must attend a New Cottage Owner Meeting.

   

• A new Ground Lease for the cottage will be issued bearing the signature of the President and Secretary of the Illinois District.

   

• The cottage owner must remain a member in good standing of an Illinois District Society.

   

• The cottage owner must obey all rules and regulations of the Illinois District and Illinois Turner Camp.

   

• The cottage owner must pay all fees and assessments when due.

   

• The cottage owner must also accept the responsibility of serving on the various Camp operations (Restaurant, Bar, Gate, Pool) when so requested. There is a fine for failure to honor any duty obligations.

   

Conditions for Continued Ownership:

III. COTTAGE RENTALS

The Illinois Turner Camp offers a limited number of cottages for rental on a nightly, weekend, or seasonal basis. A member in good standing of an Illinois District Society for at least three months is eligible to rent a cottage, either privately-owned or Camp-owned.

 

Procedures for renting a Camp-owned cottage:

• The occupant must be a member in good standing for at least three months.

   

• For a seasonal rental, a Coupon Book, individual pool tags, a car sticker and shower fee must be purchased in addition to the rental charge.

   

• Arrangements for rental cottages are handled by Camp's Facility Manager. A deposit must be made at time of occupancy, and will be refunded upon return of the key, provided the cottage is left in clean condition inside and out.

   

• The cottage renter enjoys the same privileges and accepts the same responsibilities as a cottage owner.

   

Procedures for renting a privately-owned cottage:

• The occupant must be a member in good standing for at least three months.

   

• All financial arrangements are between the cottage owner and the renter.

   

• The Camp Committee must be notified in writing by the cottage owner of the rental and the membership status of the occupant.

   

• The cottage renter enjoys the same privileges and accepts the same responsibilities as a cottage owner. When a privately owned cottage is rented, the owner waives his/her rights to pool tags and participation in the Youth Program. Any duties remain the responsibility of the cottage owner and any fines or penalties accruing during the rental period will be charged to the cottage owner.

   

IV. GENERAL

Children under the age of eighteen (18) are not allowed to occupy any cottage or building on Camp property unless a responsible member is staying with them.

 

Non-member guests may stay in a private cottage provided the host member is present in the cottage with the guest. Non-member guests must be accompanied at all times by the host member while on Camp property.

Year Round Living is not permitted at Turner Camp. You are welcome to use your cottage during the offseason for occasional weekend or vacation recreational purposes but not for regular daily and weekly living. Everyone must be out of Camp between November 1^{st and May 1st of every year. Violation of this rule will result in cancellation of your ground lease.}

 

Behavior:

Ball Playing will be permitted only on fields or areas specifically laid out for that purpose. Courtesy

and rules of sportsmanship should be exhibited at all times. Permission must be received from the

Camp Committee for an organized ball game.

Boats and Piers: Launching of boats or personal watercraft is not permitted from Camp property. The Illinois Turner Camp does not allow new pier construction. Existing boat piers are grandfathered. Lifts or piers cannot be removed from the water before November 1 and must be put back by April 1. By April 1 annually, all pier owners must provide the Illinois District Treasurer with a certificate of insurance for their pier listing the Illinois District/Turner Camp as an "additional insured" party.

Campfires are not permitted, except under the direct supervision or authority of the management. Outdoor grills or portable fireplaces are permitted with proper screens and lids in place, but their use must be properly supervised and controlled by the cottage owner in whose area the equipment is located. Yard waste, construction debris or garbage must not be burned.

Dogs are permitted at Camp. Dogs may not be at the Athletic Field, playground, or any areas devoted to youth sports activities. Animals may not be on a leash outside a cottage unless the owner is outside with the animal. If a cottage owner does bring a domesticated animal to Camp, it must be kept on a leash, kept reasonably quiet, kept under control and, when walked, the droppings must be picked up.

Dangerous Equipment and Weapons, including but not limited to firearms, fireworks, bows & arrows, and air rifles, are not permitted on Camp property. No hunting, trapping, or "War Games" activities are permitted on Camp property.

Picnicking in any public areas will not be permitted.

Solicitations are permitted within Camp for or on behalf of Turner organizations. All other solicitations are not permitted by anyone. Use of Any Controlled Substance by anyone, or alcohol by those under the legal drinking age, is prohibited in any part of Turner Camp and is against the law.

V. BUILDING AND GROUNDS

In order to maintain the natural beauty of our Camp, each cottage owner should take pride in the physical appearance of his cottage and the surrounding area. All cottage owners must accept the responsibility of maintaining Camp grounds, including the cutting of grass and weeds surrounding their cottage. If an owner fails to accept this responsibility, the Camp Committee will appoint someone to do so at the owner's expense. The first instance in a season will be $25, the second $50, and any further instances $100.

 

A. No tree may be cut down on Turner Camp property without permission from the Building and Grounds Committee. Failure to obtain permission prior to removing a tree will result in a fine to the cottage owner.

B. The laying of any tiling or pipeline must be approved by the Building and Grounds Committee.

C. Permission from the Illinois District Council must be obtained before arranging for telephone service or natural gas installation at a private cottage. These requests must be in writing and any request for natural gas must include the required $50 gas permit fee. All new telephone lines must be underground and at no cost to the Camp.

D. No cottage owner may tap into Camp water lines. If such a tap is discovered, it will result in a fine and the connection will be broken. A second instance by the cottage owner will result in cancellation of the ground lease.

E. Building Alterations and Modifications

1. All exterior alterations and modifications must be reviewed and approved by the Building and Grounds Committee.

    

2. The Illinois District Council has placed a moratorium on all new cottage and new room additions construction. Unless, or until, this regulation is amended, no application for a new cottage or new room construction will be considered.

    

3. Exterior construction, except for repair work as defined by Building and Grounds, is not permitted during the Camp season. If, for any reason, spring construction is delayed so that a project will not be completed by the start of the Camp season, the site must be cleared of all equipment and protection installed, to make the area safe for the children of Camp during the season. Work may be restarted after the close of the season.

    

4. To ensure that no work is in progress during the season, all applications for exterior alterations must be

    

received by the Building and Grounds Committee by the following dates: Spring Construction March 15 Fall Construction July 15

Sketches or drawings must be submitted to the Building & Grounds Committee for any exterior modification work. One set of drawings will be posted on the building site. This does not apply to repairs, provided structural work is not involved.

1. A cleanup deposit of $150 is required for all exterior repair or construction work. This deposit must be turned in to the Facility Manager or a member of the Building & Grounds Committee BEFORE work is started. The deposit will be returned once it has been confirmed that cleanup work has been satisfactorily completed.

    

2. The cottage owner is responsible for disposal of all construction debris. If use is made of the Camp dumpsters, arrangements must be made in advance with the Facility Manager, and any costs incurred for the disposal will be charged to the cottage owner. A minimum fee of $50 will be charged.

    

3. Camp vehicles and equipment are not to be used by, or on behalf of, cottage owners for hauling debris, cottage construction, or repair work.

    

F. Definitions/Requirements of common cottage features

1. Porches and Decks -Above ground level and/or have railings. Maximum size of a porch is 36 sq. ft. Oversize porches or decks are permitted up to a maximum of 200 sq. ft. A special fee is charged annually based on the size of the oversize porch or deck. All porches and decks must be approved by the Building & Grounds Committee.

    

2. Sheds -Maximum size/dimension of a shed is 36 sq. ft. or 6 ft. by 6 ft. Shed placement and style must be approved by the Building & Grounds Committee. A special fee is charged annually.

    

3. Patio -Ground level without fences or railings. Size is limited by available flat ground and proximity to other cottages. Consult the Building & Grounds Committee before starting any new patio construction.

    

4. Satellite Dish -Installation must be approved by the Building & Grounds Committee.

    

VI. GARBAGE AND TRASH DISPOSAL

A. All garbage must be placed in dumpsters.

 

B. Landscape waste must be placed in concrete bunkers in large parking lot and center of Camp.

• By county regulations, we may burn landscape waste ONLY in April-May and October-November. If we suffer major storm damage during other times, Camp management is permitted to burn on an emergency basis.

   

• Only the facility manager is permitted to light the landscape waste bunkers. Unauthorized lighting will result in disciplinary action.

   

C. Appliances may not be disposed of on Camp property.

D. A separate dumpster fee will be charged for large, bulky items such as roof removal waste, in-Camp construction debris and furniture. The amount of the fee will be based on the quantity of trash. The facility manager must be contacted before such disposal.

E. Garbage containers are not allowed outside any cottage.

VII. MEMORIAL SWIMMING POOL

A. No person allowed in pool or concession area without current ID tag or proper registration at office or with Lifeguard on duty.

 

B. Cottage owners receive pool tags for owner, spouse, and children 17 years and under. Individuals 18 years of age and over must join an Illinois District Society to purchase a season tag or pay daily member fees. All Illinois District Society members may purchase individual season tags or pay daily member fee. Non-member guests are subject to daily fees and must be accompanied by host member.

C. No shoes permitted in pool facility. All shoes must be removed at designated shoe rack area outside the pool facility.

D. No strollers are permitted in the pool facility.

E. All persons are required to take a shower before entering pool complex.

F. Infants and children who are not toilet trained are permitted in the pool or baby pool provided they are wearing tight-fitting rubber/plastic pants or approved swimming diapers.

G. Hair of shoulder length or longer must be tied back or capped.

H. Persons having any skin disorders or infections, eye infections or open sores will not be permitted in pool area. No bandages are permitted.

I. All bathers must wear swimsuits. Street clothes without shoes are permitted in Concession area only.

J. Children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by parent or guardian anywhere in pool facility. Parent or guardian must be in close proximity to the child at all times. Wading pool is limited to 5 years of age and under.

K. Food, beverages and smoking permitted in designated Concession area only. No glass containers allowed in any area of the pool facility including Concession area. No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the pool facility at any time. Turner Camp Staff is not permitted to serve in Concession area.

L. No unauthorized persons permitted in pool office at any time. No personal use of pool facility telephone will be permitted.

M. All posted rules in pool facility must be followed at all times. Running and ball throwing are not permitted at any time.

N. The use of kickboards, tubes and other water equipment must be approved by lifeguard.

O. Safety breaks will be called every hour. During Safety Breaks, children under 18 must be completely out of the water, off diving boards, and away from the edge of pool.

P. Only one person at a time is permitted on a diving board. Diving is not permitted until the previous diver has cleared the area. No swimming allowed in diving area. Persons must dive straight out from end of board.

Q. All injuries occurring on pool premises must be reported immediately to the lifeguard on duty.

R. The lifeguards communicate with swimmers and each other with whistles. One whistle is to get a swimmer's attention, two whistles is to get the attention of another guard; and three whistles signifies an emergency situation where everyone is to clear the pool immediately.

VIII. VEHICLES

A. The speed limit on all Camp roads is ten (10) miles per hour.

 

B. All traffic control signs must be observed.

C. All motor vehicles are restricted to roadways and service roads only. All service roads will be locked from November 1^{st to April 1st. Service roads are to be used ONLY for loading and unloading unusually heavy items.}

 

D. All motor vehicles shall have a current year only Illinois Turner Camp sticker affixed to the windshield. Season Camp stickers will be issued only to members who show a current American Turners membership card. Weekend fees will be collected for each vehicle entering Camp during the season.

E. All vehicles MUST ONLY be parked in a designated parking lot as indicated on the Camp map.

F. Any requests for handicapped privileges must be submitted in writing to the Camp Committee annually.

G. Any vehicles not parked in specified areas and/or abandoned vehicles may be towed at any time at owner's expense.

H. Boats, boat trailers, and snowmobile trailers must be parked in the designated storage area (see map), or will be towed at owner's expense.

I. Campers, house trailers, or other vehicles, which provide sleeping or cooking accommodations will not be permitted on Camp property from April 1 through October 31.

J. Any off-season storage of campers, house trailers, boats or other vehicles on Camp property must be arranged through the Facility Manager and the proper storage fee paid in advance.

K. The gate to the rear of Camp (swimming pool) shall be kept locked at all times. Only those who have keys will be able to use this entrance. This gate will be permanently locked from November 1 to April 1.

L. Bike riding, skateboards and in-line skating are not permitted on Camp property, including all roads.

M. All terrain vehicles, riding lawn mowers (used as transportation), golf carts, mini-bikes and all other non-licensed motor-driven vehicles are not permitted in Camp.

IX. YOUTH PROGRAM

All children at Camp who are 6 years old by September 1^{st or entering 1st grade are at all times responsible to the management for their behavior and observance of all rules and regulations of the Illinois Turner Camp and the Youth Committee.}

 

The Youth Committee and Staff are responsible for supervision of the Youth during all Camp-organized youth activities. The Parents are responsible for their children's behavior at all times.

A. The Tweenie and Junior Clubs are organized and administered by their members and volunteer adult sponsors, subject to Camp Committee approval. The Tweenie and Junior Clubhouses are under the supervision of their sponsors.

B. Children and parents/guardians not observing these rules will be subject to disciplinary action.All children under the age of 16, living for a period of three days or more at Camp, are required to participate in the Youth program. If a child does not participate in morning activities and swimming lessons, he or she will not be allowed free swim. We acknowledge the natural right of a parent to alter his child's participation in our program as the need arises.

C. No one under the age of 18 is to be left in Camp without designated adult member supervision on Camp premises.

D. Curfew throughout Camp is based on state law:

Sunday-Thursday Friday-Saturday Under age 10 9:00 pm 10:00 pm Ages 10 through 13 10:00 pm 11:00 pm Ages 14 through 17 11:00 pm 12:00 pm

All children must be in cottages, as specified by the above curfew.

Children in the Rathskellar on Friday and Saturday nights must be supervised by a parent/guardian. They are subject to the posted curfew for the Rathskellar area.

Enforcement

A. By the terms of their ground leases, all cottage owners have agreed to obey the rules and regulations of the Illinois District and Illinois Turner Camp.

 

B. Only the District Council at a regular or special meeting may change or make exceptions to these rules.

C. It shall be the duty of the Camp Committee to enforce all rules and regulations of the Illinois Turner Camp. Any complaints must be submitted in writing or in person at a regular or special Camp Committee meeting.

D. The Camp Committee will investigate any violation and implement appropriate action. Such action depends on the severity of the offense and could include, but is not limited to, written reprimand, community service, restitution, and/or suspension or expulsion. If the Camp Committee is unable to achieve a successful resolution of the violation, it will recommend to the District Council that the cottage owner's ground lease be cancelled.

Auxiliary Organizations Rules and Regulations

SNOWMOBILES (SNOWBAERS)

1. Note sign on post at Barenhohle when entering Camp. (Must be green for snowmobiling -minimum 4" of snow on frozen ground; 6" on unfrozen).

    

2. Must stay on trails laid out by Snowbaers.

    

3. When going through a flagged area you must stay between the flags.

    

4. No access to the river except for one designated trail to be determined by the Snowbaers each year when the trails are set up.

    

5. Any person may go off the trail to go to his or her or any other cottages to visit only by leaving the trail at the closest point to that cottage.

    

6. Roads may be used in Camp only at Camp speed limits.

    

7. If snow is worn down on any part of a trail it is a must that we stop and add snow to that area so the grass or machines will not be ruined.

    

8. No one under the age of 12 is permitted to drive a machine.

    

9. A child 12 to 16 is only permitted to drive a snowmobile after he or she has completed a safety course with the Illinois Department of Conservation and can prove it.

    

10. Helmets must be worn on Camp property.

     

11. Any member can stop anyone snowmobiling in Camp and make them aware of our rules.

     

12. Abide by Illinois State rules.

     

13. No trail riding around Camp after midnight.

     

14. You must be a member of the Snowbaers and submit proof of insurance to the Snowbaers to ride at Camp.

     

15. The Snowbaers are an Auxiliary of the Illinois District.

     

16. Snowmobiles and trailers must be removed from the parking lot by May 1st.