History, Mission, & Values

In 1917, early Macomb physician, Dr. Joseph Bacon and his wife Elizabeth Bailey Bacon became the owners of the land on which Horn Field Campus currently resides. When Joseph passed away, the land was given to his son, Lieutenant Colonel William S. Bacon.

Originally intended as a retreat for the Bacon family and friends, several HFC buildings were constructed during the Depression by the William Bacon family. Given the economic conditions, Bacon was able to hire expert craftsmen cheaply to build “modern for the time” structures. One original cabin was constructed of walnut with a fireplace and a “built–in ice cooler.” By simply removing a loose stone to expose the cooler, guests could have cold refreshments. Unfortunately, that cabin was destroyed by fire and when it was rebuilt, walnut was not used nor was the cabin’s unique cooler replaced. As for the lodge, the wooden flooring is put together with pegs. Two fireplaces are located on either end of the lodge, while pickle jar lamps once hung from the California redwood beams that cross the ceiling. Intricate ironwork adorned the doors of the lodge, showing off the skilled craftsmanship of the men who had worked on the buildings.

In 1946, local Coke bottler and civic minded businessman, Frank J. “Pappy” Horn purchased the property for use as a retreat center for agricultural and outdoor education. Beside owning the Horn Bottling Company, a distributor of Coca-Cola products, Horn was involved in many local organizations, among them the Macomb Rotary, Macomb Elks Club, Macomb School Board, Macomb Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the local Boy Scout organization. Horn was also involved with the Defense Recreation Committee during World War II and was instrumental in establishing the local USO Club for soldiers stationed at Camp Ellis.

In May of 1965, the Board of Governors of State Colleges and Universities approved a resolution enabling WIU to purchase the properties from Frank J. “Pappy” Horn. It was through a generous offer by “Pappy” Horn and monies approved by the Board of Governors, that WIU was able to acquire the property, which at the time had an appraised value of $96,200. Mr. Horn’s generosity helped offset the purchase price and aided WIU in expanding its off-campus land holdings. To honor Mr. Horn for his contribution to WIU, the property was named Frank J. Horn Field Campus.

Since 1965, a number of improvements have been made to enhance the services to WIU students and surrounding community groups. In 1980 with the help of the Youth Conservation Corps, a teams course was developed. In 2001, a climbing tower was constructed, and a high ropes course was added.

Cooperation between WIU and local organizations allows people from throughout the area to utilize HFC. Horn Field Campus remains, as it has been since 1965, an asset to WIU and the surrounding community.

Mission

To provide an outdoor educational environment to support the university’s mission of instruction, research and service.

Vision

• Outdoor education – environmental, cultural, historical
• Leadership development
• Interdepartmental programming

Core Values

Compassion

Horn Field Campus supports allowing students to become engaged in compassionate work. Students who work in the Challenge Course learn to demonstrate care and concern toward the well-being of fellow students and others. Horn Field Campus practices Challenge by Choice, which helps participants to be mindful of the physical and emotional safety of themselves and others.

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Community

The culture of Horn allows students to engage with the natural world around them. While feeling interdependence with others, students feel their work at Horn also encourages a deeper sense of connection to nature. This community, which prompts stronger relationships with other people and the natural world, brings students closer together.

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Growth and Education

The community and culture of Horn Field Campus promote compassion in the growth students experience through educational opportunities. The students who become staff at Horn develop their leadership and service abilities in their work with participants of diverse backgrounds. The compassion and community aspects of Horn promote not only growth and education socially, but also in environmental knowledge and responsibility for our natural resources.

(Photo Credit - Digital Image Collection, Western Illinois University)

Challenge Course

Horn Field Campus offers a wide array of programs and will work with individuals and agencies to develop programs to meet specific needs. For more information about HFC programs, please contact us at HFC@wiu.edu.

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High Ropes Course

The high ropes course is an experience in which individuals are challenged to solve a series of rope and cable elements suspended 40-feet above the ground. The elements are designed to improve initiative, motivation, problem-solving skills, risk-taking ability, and especially self-confidence. These elements are safely negotiated by using climbing equipment which includes safety harnesses and helmets. Participants are encouraged to take risks that allow them to expand their comfort zones and learn more about themselves and their team members. Individuals determine their own level of participation. The high ropes course will give participants the challenge and thrill of a lifetime.

To guarantee preferred dates, call up to four months in advance. Registration is accepted two weeks in advance (subject to course and instructor availability). Open year-round.

High Ropes Course Fees: $15.00 per person | Minimum of 10 people

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Climbing Tower

The climbing tower is a 40-foot vertical wood structure, with three sides for climbing, complete with rock like handholds, and one side for rappelling. One tower wall is slightly inclined for those new to the climbing experience. Harnesses, helmets and safety ropes are provided. Two or more facilitators assist with the tower.

Groups of both children and adults are welcome. Groups can enjoy a private visit with individual attention given to each participant. Group rates include use of harnesses, helmets and belay devices.

Climbing Tower Group Fees: $100 - 1-4 hours for groups up to 25 people.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUTH 17 YEARS OF AGE & UNDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

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Team Building

The Teams Course is a set of initiatives and activities that are presented to a group in a fun, safe, noncompetitive environment by a skilled facilitator. The facilitator first uses activities that allow the group members to feel more comfortable with each other. The group then builds trust among each other through trust initiatives. Problem solving initiatives are then presented to the group to allow them to work together and learn how to interact as a team. During this time, group discussions will take place to allow participants to examine what they have learned.

Teams Course programs can be tailored to fit the needs of groups of all ages and physical abilities. Programs can be 1 hour to 4 hours, depending on the time constraints and the goals of the group. There is a minimum of 10 participants needed to complete the Teams Course. Skills for life are what you and your group will learn. Hope to see you soon on the Horn Field Campus Teams Course!

Team Building Activities (1-3 Hours of Team Exercises): $10 per person
Teams Course (4 Hours of Team Exercises): $12 per person

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Challenge Course

Groups are challenged to find creative ways to solve fun and exciting problems in an encouraging, noncompetitive environment. The adventure starts with a team course program which has a group emphasis and can culminate in a more individual experience on the high ropes course. Trained course instructors help get the action started and keep it moving, always with an eye on everyone’s safety.

Challenge Course Fees : $25.00 per person | Minimum of 10 people (All Day Event)

Facilities

Horn Field Campus has facilities that can be rented by the campus community and general public. All reservations are subject to availability and approval based on adherence to University-approved rules and regulations.

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Lodge

Maximum seating capacity 50 people. A fireplace and wood are available. The lodge is heated and air conditioned. Kitchen: Fully equipped for serving large and small groups. Kitchen appliances include a refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, microwave and toaster.

Rental Fees: $40/per calendar day

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Cabins

Three cabins are available; they sleep a total of 28. Each cabin is equipped with bathroom, micro-fridge, heating and air conditioning. Guests should bring their own linens.

Rental Fees: $30/per cabin/per night - Fees subject to revision

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Common Area

Includes a campfire circle and picnic area with picnic benches, grill, common meeting area and fire pit available.

Team Building Activities (1-3 Hours of Team Exercises): $10 per person
Rental Fees: $20/per calendar day - Fees subject to revision
Play Field: An open play field is available. The area is large enough for group activities.
Hiking Trails: Various hiking trails are available throughout the Horn Field Campus.

Reservations

Facility Rental Policy

General Information

1. All groups may request scheduling consideration no more than one calendar year in advance.
2. A signed reservation request/contract and payment will be required two (2) weeks prior to program to hold the requested date(s).

Insurance

Organizations or individuals not associated with Western Illinois University are required to either:

1. Provide the the University a certificate of insurance, including the Board of Trustees and Western Illinois University as an additional insured for no less than $1,000,000 combined limits; OR
2. Purchase coverage for the event through Campus Connexions.

Campus Connexions provides general liability insurance and is available to tenants, users, and renters of Western Illinois University facilities. Western Illinois University and the Board of Trustees must be named as an additional insured. The cost of the coverage is based on the type of event and number of people attending the event.

The organization shall assume full responsibility for the conduct of any patron, guest, or visitor who attends an event they are sponsoring. Western Illinois University assumes no responsibility for supervision and/or chaperoning any event scheduled in campus facilities. Any sponsoring organization or individual using University facilities assumes responsibility for maintaining the condition of the facilities during its use. The organization or individual shall be responsible for all damage to, or misappropriation of, University facilities or equipment occurring as a result of the use of facilities. This responsibility includes damage or misappropriation by all non-University attendees. The organization or individual will be held liable for reimbursement to the University for any such damage or loss.

On Site Responsibilities

1. All groups are required to check in and out with the facility manager, Mindy Pheiffer.
2. A fully equipped kitchen is available. Groups may bring their own food when utilizing the kitchen facilities in the lodge or make arrangements for catering service.
3. Fires are permitted only in the lodge fireplace (kitchen end only) or designated fire circle, and then only if reserved. Fires must be attended and normal precautions taken to prevent harm to individuals and the Horn Field Campus grounds.
4. Park only in the parking lot. The circle drive is a fire lane and must not be blocked at any time.
5. Under no circumstances may a bus or large truck be driven beyond the mobile home. The turning radius of most busses and large vehicles is greater than the drive can accommodate.
6. No pets allowed on the premises. Guide dogs assisting persons with specific disabilities are permitted.
7. Before leaving, the group leader must ensure that the area is clean and check out with a Horn Field Campus staff member. The cabins, lodge, kitchen and commons must be cleaned prior to departure to ensure a clean facility for the next group. Cleaning procedures will be distributed upon arrival. They will also be posted in all the cabins, lodge and kitchen areas.
8. To help us conserve energy, turn off lights, heaters or air conditioners when not needed. Close all doors and windows when appropriate. (In the winter leave the heaters on in the bathrooms in the cabins.)
9. Please help protect the environment. Treat the building and grounds with care and respect. Remember: Horn Field Campus is a natural wildlife habitat laboratory. Enjoy but do not harm the trees, pick flowers or disturb the wildlife. Stay on the trails in the woods and the prairie.
10. Smoking is allowed ONLY on the porch area of the lodge. Please place filters in the “butt” can.
11. Please respect your neighbors. Quiet hours are observed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
12. Respect the resident staff's privacy.
13. If maintenance problems or emergencies arise, contact the resident staff immediately.
14. Use the play area near the parking lot for games to help us to keep the lawn and flowers beds from being destroyed.
15. Use only the facilities you have reserved.
16. Please observe and follow the recycling practices.
17. We request that all groups reserving the lodge, unless staying overnight be out no later than 10 p.m.

Transportation needs

For assistance in transporting your group out to Horn, contact Durham School Services of Macomb at 309-836-6806.

Catering Service

Food catering service available for groups needing food service. Individual groups are responsible for arranging their own food service. Alcohol is not permitted on the Horn Field Campus premises unless catered through Sodexo Food Services. Local food and catering services include:

• Hy-Vee Food Store (309/837-9917)
• Old Dairy (309/837-6700) Ask for Emily or Mark
• Jimmy Johns (309/836-6100)
• Sodexo Food Service (309/298-2832) Campus Catering
• Firewood - Included by Request
• Fees subject to revision

For more information, please contact our scheduling office at 309/298-4676 or e-mail us at hf-campus@wiu.edu.

Reservation Procedures

1. To reserve facilities at Horn Field Campus for your use, please contact Horn Field Campus at 309-298-4676 or e-mail us at hf-campus@wiu.edu.
2. Contact the Horn Field Campus Office as far in advance as possible to determine facility availability. Be prepared to provide information about the content of your program, facility needs, and number of guests.
3. Upon receiving your reservation request form and deposit, your event date will be secured.
4. You will receive an invoice for the reservation cost. This fee is due one week prior to your event. Please note the date that this payment is due, failure to do so by the deadline could put your reservation at risk.

Notify Horn Field Campus regarding any subsequent changes to the information on registration/invoice form. This information determines the fees charged to your group, so it is important to alert Horn Field Campus to any changes.

• Example: A teams course is scheduled for 20 people, but only 10 people show up on the day of the program. The group will be required to pay for 20 participants.

Additional services requested after the form has been returned will be added to the total fee charged to your group.

For more information contact the Horn Field Campus office at 309-298-4676 or e-mail hf-campus@wiu.edu.

Involvement

Employment

A variety of employment opportunities are available at Horn Field Campus. We hire facilitators for the Teams Course, High Ropes Course, and Climbing Tower. For more information and to apply, please e-mail your resume to hf-campus@wiu.edu.

Graduate Assistantships

HFC offers graduate assistant positions. These positions offer a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver. For detailed job descriptions, questions, or to apply, contact Dr. Jeremy Robinett, Graduate Coordinator, WIU RPTH, 309-298-1967 or jl-robinett@wiu.edu.

Volunteer

For more information or to volunteer please call 309-298-4676 (HORN) or email hf-campus@wiu.edu.