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Brown-sided cottages with white lattice skirting standing among oaks on the bluff above the Fox River at Illinois Turners Camp

Sound Mind • Sound Body • Since 1848

IL DistrictTurners

Hello, IL District of American Turners — turner campers. A cherished community of summer cottages nestled in the heart of Illinois.

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About American Turners

Nestled along the scenic Fox River near Algonquin, Illinois, Turner Camp of the Illinois District stands as a vibrant hub for the American Turners' legacy. Our mission is to ignite a spirit of community and lifelong growth, guided by the enduring ideals of the American Turners.

  • Summer Cottages

    A unique village of member-owned cottages surrounded by nature and community.

  • Year-Round Events

    From fish fries to holiday celebrations, there's always something happening at camp.

  • Strong Community

    Generations of families have called Illinois Turners Camp their summer home.

  • Rich Heritage

    Rooted in the Turner tradition of sound mind and body since 1848.

Four Turner Hall Gymnastics team members and a coach in team shirts

Our National Organization

We Are The American Turners

Turner is simply the German word for gymnast. For more than 175 years the American Turners have promoted the ideal of a sound mind in a sound body — from Friedrich Jahn's first outdoor gymnasium in Berlin to forty-seven societies across twelve districts today.

A Message From Our President

Welcome to the 2026 Season

Hello Turner Campers,

The 2026 season is finally here, and I am deeply grateful for the incredible support you have shown during my two years as president of IL Turner Camp. Your energy and trust have sparked real progress, and together we have created vibrant momentum.

There is still so much more we can achieve, and I am thrilled to share that we have exciting new plans to boost revenue for both Turner Camp and the district. Our event schedule is nearly ready, brimming with activities for campers of all ages as we prepare for a season to remember.

If you are eager to get involved, we would love to welcome you as a volunteer. The calendar is set, anticipation is being built, and I am excited to unveil our brand-new website. This site will make camp life easier and showcase the spirit of IL Turner and our entire community.

Thank you for your vote of confidence in my re-election as president, and for your ongoing support.

Have a great season!

Kurt PotthastIllinois District PresidentWTG — Wir Turnen Gemeinsam
A brown clapboard cottage with a covered porch, white window trim and white lattice skirting, standing under oaks at Illinois Turners Camp

Your Summer Retreat Awaits

The Illinois Turners Camp village features over 100 member-owned cottages, each with its own unique character and charm. Nestled among the trees with access to the beautiful lake, our cottages offer the perfect escape.

  • Member-owned summer cottages
  • Access to all camp amenities
  • Community of like-minded families
  • Year-round storage options
  • Youth programs and activities
  • Historic Turner heritage
Hand-drawn 1965 map of Turner Camp showing cottages, fields and the river

Camp Map

Find Your Way Around Camp

Over 100 cottages, the swimming pool complex, tennis courts, and the ball fields spread out along the Fox River. This hand-drawn map shows the whole village — including the original roads, the first water source, and the old flag pole — so you can get your bearings before you arrive.

Events & Activities

What's On At Camp

From national gatherings to camp fish fries, here is what is coming up.

  • Entertainment

    1st American Turners National Pickleball Tournament

    October 10 - October 11

    American Turners of Louisville

    Louisville Turners hosts the first American Turners Annual Pickleball Tournament on October 10th and 11th, coinciding with their Annual Oktoberfest. Registration is…

  • Food

    Louisville Turners 5th Annual Oktoberfest

    Saturday, October 10, 6:00pm - 11:00pm

    American Turners of Louisville

    Louisville Turners hosts their 5th annual Oktoberfest at the club on Saturday evening, following the pickleball tournament games. Food, refreshments, and entertainment.

Entertainment

1st American Turners National Pickleball Tournament

When
October 10 - October 11
Where
3125 River Rd
Louisville, KY 40207 United States

Louisville Turners hosts the first American Turners Annual Pickleball Tournament on October 10th and 11th, coinciding with their Annual Oktoberfest.

Registration is $75 plus tax for Men's, Women's or Co-ed doubles (an additional $25 plus tax to enter both). Tournament style is round robin with double elimination. Men and women play on Saturday, co-ed on Sunday.

The event is outdoors if weather permits, with indoor courts available at Pickleball Euphoria in Clarksville, Indiana if necessary.

Questions: Cindy Law, lt3125@gmail.com.

Food

Louisville Turners 5th Annual Oktoberfest

When
Saturday, October 10, 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Where
3125 River Rd
Louisville, KY 40207 United States

Louisville Turners hosts their 5th annual Oktoberfest at the club on Saturday evening, following the pickleball tournament games.

Food, refreshments, and entertainment.

Join Our Turner Family

Whether you're visiting for an event or looking to own a cottage, there's a place for you at Illinois Turners Camp.

Get In Touch

Questions About Camp?

Whether you are planning a visit, thinking about membership, or need to reach the camp office, we are glad to hear from you.

Send Us a Message

Our contact form is being set up. In the meantime, email us and we will get back to you.

corpsec@illinoisdistrict-turners.org