Camp Rules& Regulations

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.

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.

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.

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 be referred to the Camp Committee for resolution.

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 one year 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.

Cottage 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.

Cottage Purchase Procedures

• The District Council MUST APPROVE the sale of ALL cottages before an owner may finalize sale arrangements, and/or transfer ownership of the cottage and ground lease.
• A properly completed Ground Lease Transfer form and the Cottage Owner Prequalification form MUST BE attached and submitted to the District Council.
• ALL private cottage sales and lease transfers must be approved by the District Council at a regular meeting.
• A new Ground Lease for the cottage will be issued bearing the signature of the Secretary of the Illinois District.
• ALL new cottage owners are REQUIRED to attend a New Cottage Owners Meeting.

Conditions for Continued Ownership

• 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.
• ALL Cottage Owners are encouraged to attend the Cottage Owners meetings.
• The cottage owner must pay all fees and assessments on or before the date due.
• The cottage owner must also accept the responsibility of serving on the various Camp operations (Restaurant, Bar, Pool) when scheduled. There is a fine for failure to honor any duty obligations.

Annual Timeline

• 4th Monday of September – Illinois District Council approves the operating charge and overall ground lease charges.
• 1st Week of October – annual ground leases are distributed to all cottage owners. Full payment is due by November 1.
• It is the responsibility of the cottage owner to notify the Illinois District Treasurer in the event they do not receive a ground lease by October 20. Non-receipt of a ground lease invoice is not a valid reason for non-payment by the specified due date.
• November 1 – ground leases not paid in full begin to accrue 1% interest per month on unpaid balances in excess of $100, including unpaid fines.
• January 1 – deadline for submission of hardship requests.
• March 1 – ground leases with a balance of $100 or more are assessed a late fee of $50 and are given until the first weekend of the camp season to pay in full or their cottage will be padlocked and ownership reverts to the Illinois District.
• First Weekend of Camp Season – final ground lease payment is due.

Hardship Requests

• Requests for hardship considerations must be submitted in writing to the Illinois District Council by January 1, with details of specific request/payment plan desired.
• If the requested payment plan approved by the Illinois District Council is not adhered to, the ground lease will revert to normal consequences.

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 is eligible to rent a cottage, either Privately-Owned or Camp-Owned.

Renting a Camp-Owned Cottage

• Rental Season is June 1st to September 30th.
• The occupant must be a member in good standing for at least three months, and/or a recent 18-year-old, or staff member of a Turner family.
• Seasonal rental will include a Coupon Book and individual pool tags.
• 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.

Renting a Privately-Owned Cottage

• The occupant must be a member in good standing for AT LEAST ONE YEAR.
• All financial arrangements are between the cottage owner and the renter.
• New seasonal cottage renters are REQUIRED to attend one new cottage owners meeting; preferably the June meeting.
• The cottage owner is responsible for providing their renters with the Rules and Regulations of Illinois Turner Camp.
• The Camp Committee must be notified in writing by the cottage owner of the rental and the membership status of the occupant.
• 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.

Occupancy & Guests

• Children under the age of eighteen (18) are not allowed to occupy any cottage or building on Turner 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. Non-member guests must be accompanied at all times by the host member while on Turner Camp property.
• Residency in cottages is prohibited from November 1st to April 30th of each year. Violation will result in disciplinary action up to and including cancellation of your ground lease.
• Year-Round Living is not permitted at Turner Camp. During the off season, you are welcome to use your cottage for occasional weekend or vacation recreational purposes, but no more than two consecutive days within a week's period.
• Cottage Owners are responsible for the behavior of their guests.

Activities & Conduct

• Ball Playing is permitted only on fields or areas specifically laid out for that purpose.
• Boats and Piers: The launching of boats or personal watercraft is not permitted from ITC property. Lifts or piers cannot be removed before November 1 and must be put back by April 1.
• Campfires are not permitted, except under the direct supervision or authority of the management.
• ALL cottages MUST have their cottage number clearly posted on their cottage.
• Outdoor grills and portable fireplaces are permitted with proper screens and lids in place; they must be properly supervised by the cottage owner.
• Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash, kept reasonably quiet, and droppings must be picked up. Dogs may not be at the Athletic Field, playground, or youth sports areas.
• Dangerous Equipment and Weapons, including firearms, fireworks, bows & arrows, air rifles, and paint ball guns are NOT permitted on Turner Camp property.
• No hunting or trapping is permitted except as permitted in the Property Management Policy.
• Private parties in public areas must be approved in advance by the Camp Committee.
• Mail and package deliveries may be received during the camp season, but Camp CANNOT be used as a permanent mailing address.
• Solicitations/Fund Raising are only permitted for Turner organizations with Camp Committee approval.
• The launching of Drones from Camp property is PROHIBITED unless approved by the Camp Committee.

Substances

• Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages is only permitted for those 21 years of age or older.
• ANY Unlawful Use of Drugs or Illegal Substances is prohibited on any part of Turner Camp property.
• Cannabis Policy (IL HB 1438): Adults 21+ may possess up to 30 grams. Use is EXPLICITLY RESTRICTED to inside cottages by members 21+. Use near anyone under 21 is PROHIBITED by state law. Use is PROHIBITED in any other area of camp.

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, the Camp Committee will appoint someone to do so at the owner's expense: first instance $25, second $50, and further instances $100.

Key Regulations

• No tree may be cut down without permission from Building and Grounds. Failure to obtain permission will result in a fine.
• The laying of any tiling or pipeline must be approved by Building and Grounds.
• Permission from the District Council must be obtained before arranging for telephone service or natural gas installation. Gas permits require a $50 fee.
• No cottage owner may tap into Camp water lines. First violation results in a fine; second may result in cancellation of ground lease.
• Camp tools and equipment are only to be used by employees and Building & Grounds members unless authorized.

Building Alterations & Modifications (Sept 1 – May 31)

• ALL exterior alterations and modifications must be reviewed and approved by Building and Grounds.
• There is a moratorium on all new cottage and new room additions construction.
• Exterior construction (except repair) is not permitted during the Camp season.
• Application deadlines: Spring Construction – March 15; Fall Construction – July 15.
• Sketches or drawings must be submitted for any exterior modification work.
• A deposit of $150 is required for all exterior repair or construction work.
• The cottage owner is responsible for disposal of all construction debris.

Definitions of Common Cottage Features

• Porches and Decks – max 36 sq. ft. standard; oversize up to 200 sq. ft. with approval.
• Sheds – max 36 sq. ft. (6 ft × 6 ft). Placement and style must be approved.
• Patio – ground level without fences or railings. Consult Building & Grounds before construction.
• Satellite Dish – installation must be approved.
• Gazebo or Patio/Deck Covering: must adhere to local building codes, no more than 144 sq. ft., must be freestanding (min 6" from cottage), anchored to concrete foundation, no permanent walls, limited to 12' in height with 1' overhang.

Property/Cottage Maintenance

• Grass and weed growth not permitted to exceed 5".
• Bushes, trees, and plants should be kept properly trimmed.
• Exterior surfaces and roof must be properly maintained and free from peeling, flaking, moldy and/or rotting conditions.
• Stockpiling of miscellaneous materials, construction debris, toys, mowers, trailers, etc. is PROHIBITED.

Disposal Rules

• ALL garbage MUST BE placed in the dumpsters. ONLY recyclable items in recycle bins. Throwing garbage in recycling bins is prohibited and violators will be fined.
• Yard and landscape waste may be placed in the concrete bunkers in paper yard waste bags only. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
• Landscape waste may ONLY be burned in April-May and October-November. Only the Facility Manager or designated Building & Grounds members may light the landscape waste.
• Appliances, TVs, or large bulky items may not be disposed of on Camp property unless arrangements are made in advance with the Facility Manager and a separate dumpster fee paid.

Access & Tags

• No person is allowed in pool or concession area without current ID tag or proper registration.
• Cottage owners receive pool tags for owner, spouse, and children 17 and under. Individuals 18+ must join an Illinois District Society to purchase a season tag or pay daily member fees.
• Non-member guests are subject to daily fees and must be accompanied by host member.

Pool Rules

• ONLY pool shoes (not worn outside) are permitted in the pool facility.
• ALL persons are required to take a shower before entering the pool complex.
• Infants/children not toilet trained must wear approved swimming diapers.
• Hair of shoulder length or longer must be tied back or capped.
• Persons having skin disorders, infections, eye infections, or open sores will not be permitted. No bandages.
• Children under 8 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Wading pool is limited to 5 years and under.
• Food, beverages, and smoking only in designated concession area. No glass containers. ONLY water in non-glass containers outside concession area.
• Running and ball throwing are not permitted at any time.
• Safety Breaks are called every hour. Children under 18 must be completely out of the water.
• Only one person at a time on a diving board. Dive straight out from end of board.
• ALL injuries must be reported immediately to the lifeguard on duty.
• Whistle signals: 1 whistle = swimmer attention; 2 whistles = guard-to-guard; 3 whistles = emergency, clear the pool immediately.

Driving & Parking Rules

• Maximum speed limit on all Camp roads is TEN (10) miles per hour.
• ALL traffic control signs must be observed at all times.
• ALL motor vehicles are restricted to roadways and service roads only. Service roads are locked November 1 to May 1.
• ATVs, riding lawn mowers (as transportation), mini-bikes, and all non-licensed motor-driven vehicles ARE NOT permitted.
• Golf cart usage MUST BE APPROVED by Camp Committee ANNUALLY for handicapped or medical conditions.
• Parking near cottages is prohibited. Vehicles MUST be parked in designated parking lots.
• Handicapped parking requests must be submitted in writing ANNUALLY.
• Improperly parked or abandoned vehicles may be towed at owner's expense.
• Boats, trailers, and snowmobile trailers must be labeled and stored in designated areas.
• Campers, house trailers, or other sleeping/cooking vehicles are not permitted May 1 through October 14.
• Off-season storage must be arranged through the Facility Manager with fees paid in advance.
• Bike riding, skateboards, and in-line skating are not permitted on Camp property, including all roads.

ALL children at Camp who are 6 years old by September 1st or entering 1st grade are at all times responsible to management for their behavior and observance of all rules and regulations.

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

Youth Rules

• ALL children under age 15, living for 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.
• The Tweenie and Junior Clubs are organized by their members and volunteer adult sponsors, subject to Camp Committee approval.
• Children and parents/guardians not observing these rules will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Anyone interested in being a counselor must be at least 15 years old and hold current American Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid Certification.

Curfew (Illinois State Law)

• Under age 10: Sunday–Thursday 9:00 PM / Friday–Saturday 10:00 PM
• Ages 10–13: Sunday–Thursday 10:00 PM / Friday–Saturday 11:00 PM
• Ages 14–17: Sunday–Thursday 11:00 PM / Friday–Saturday 12:00 AM
• ALL children must be in the cottages as specified. Children in the Rathskellar on Friday/Saturday MUST be supervised by a parent/guardian.

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.

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

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

The Camp Committee and/or the District Council will investigate any violation and implement appropriate action. Such action depends on the severity of the offense and may include written reprimand, community service, restitution, and/or suspension or expulsion. If the Camp Committee is unable to achieve a successful resolution, it will recommend to the District Council that the cottage owner's ground lease be cancelled.

Snowmobile Rules

• Note sign on post at Barenhohle when entering Camp. Must be green for snowmobiling — minimum 4" of snow on frozen ground; 6" on unfrozen.
• ALL riders MUST stay on trails laid out by Snowbaers. Stay between flags in flagged areas.
• No access to the river except for one designated trail determined annually.
• Roads may be used at Camp posted speed limits only.
• If snow is worn down on any part of a trail, riders must add snow so grass and machines are not damaged.
• No one under age 12 may drive a machine. Ages 12–16 must complete an Illinois Dept. of Conservation safety course.
• Helmets must be worn while operating snowmobiles on Camp property.
• ALL riders must abide by ALL Illinois State rules and laws pertaining to snowmobiles.
• NO trail riding permitted after midnight.
• You must be a member of the Snowbaers and submit proof of insurance to ride.