The idea behind Rustic Falls Nature Camp is a simple one. It will be a camp for underserved, special needs and cancer survivor children. We want to create a place where kids have the chance to be kids and leave behind the pressures of everyday life, whether it be the grind of medical care or a neighborhood that has more than its share of violence. We hope that the camp will offer a real break to children and their families. Each of the camp sessions will be designed to the needs of the group.

For the past three years, as the land for the camp has been developed into something really beautiful, we have been taking small group trips to our house in Burlington with kids from Chicago’s west side. Each trip reminds us of how important a break from the everyday can be. On a trip this July, the laughter and excitement from the group of fifteen said it all. They were able to just be kids. They swam, visited a farm, played games, had a campfire, and above all had fun. For some it was their first trip, others were return visitors, but all of them plan to come back.

We were able to purchase the land for Rustic Falls Nature Camp three years ago. The countless hours spent working on the property has transformed it into something truly amazing. The rolling hills and the trails are just waiting for the lodge. The plan originally was to build the lodge in five years, but this summer an opportunity came along that will enable us to open the camp much sooner. We recently have been given the chance to purchase the land across the street which includes a historic cobblestone house built in 1860. The house can be rehabbed, with the help of several volunteer tradesmen, into a home for Rustic Falls Nature Camp. The renovation of the house will be approximately $75,000 in costs. We hope that kids will be able to start coming as early as next summer.

We have been very fortunate to have the support of some very generous donors that helped us raise the $25,000 we needed for the down payment on the Cobble Stone Farmhouse. We are now moving on the renovation of the house. We have two years to raise the balance of $110,000. The land is an acre and a half and includes a barn and small apple orchard in addition to the house. The wonderful thing about both properties is that they are surrounded by 85 acres of beautiful forest preserves. Enclosed is more information about the camp. We hope that you will consider supporting this project.