Illinois 4-H Memorial Camp will benefit from a $5,000 grant from The Grainger Foundation. The grant will allow for an expansion of activities geared to increase youth interest in science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM).
Working with the Illinois 4-H Foundation, this financial support from The Grainger Foundation will allow for building an archery and STEM programs facility at 4-H Memorial Camp near Monticello. More than 100 groups and 8,000 people are involved in camping programs at 4-H Memorial Camp, said Camp Director Curt Sinclair. When inclement weather occurs, these groups are often unable to do the activities they had scheduled, Sinclair said.
"This building will allow the continuation of these educational programs regardless of weather," Sinclair said. "Campers still love swimming, boating, rock climbing, fishing, archery and painting; but the popularity of these new STEM activities is phenomenal.
"What started at a picnic table under a shade tent in 2006 has now outgrown our current capacity to provide the best educational experience for the youth in the STEM areas," Sinclair said.
"Grainger employs more than 23,000 people and its commitment to service extends into the local communities where team members live and work," a company spokesman said. "From disaster preparedness and response to promoting technical education and the skilled trades, The Grainger Foundation uses its resources and expertise to help build stronger communities."
Since 1954, the Illinois 4-H Foundation has raised funds from individuals, corporations and organizations to supplement state and county 4-H programs.
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Judy Mae Bingman, University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager
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