A Quick Walk Through Mooseheart Camp Ross
What an amazing place that has been set aside for our Mooseheart children to enjoy. Camp Ross located near Mount Morris Illinois on the banks of Pine Creek. Here set in the beauty of the woods, are hiking trails, cabins, a Chapel, Mess Hall, swimming pool, and the newly improved Bunk House. Taking in all the nature was an amazing pit stop for me as I visited Mooseheart this past summer. My main goal was to see a part of the Loyal order of Moose I have heard of, but have never seen. I’ve visited both major campuses at Mooseheart and Moosehaven many times, so this was definitely a new adventure.
When I made plans to visit, I called ahead, part-time caretaker and Mt. Morris Lodge 1551 Governor, Jon Call, made it easy as he guided me, along with others, from our hotel on the one and a half hour trip to the camp. Driving on every street, except the highway, as we weaved our way through the farms and small towns of Western Illinois. As we arrived, Moose Road, led us to the sign of things to come, Mooseheart Camp Ross. The anticipation was awesome, Camp Ross did not disappoint. Our first stop was the Guest House, after a quick tour inside, we started up the hill towards the cabins and common areas. Our next stop was the Chapel. Jon mentioned they use it mostly for small meetings or weddings, it overlooks a bluff that holds Pine Creek in its shadow. What was amazing was the stained glass and architecture that showed it would be there for years and years to come. Already surrounding me, was the beauty of the forest and the potential to relax among the sounds of the wind whisking through the trees.
As our tour went on, we were able to see the basketball courts and the swimming pool. Noting this was a favorite with the kids. Generally each Home at Mooseheart would set up a week to spend at camp each summer. The kids were able to bunk together in the cabins. Each with six to eight beds and bathrooms. The Family Teachers had their own cabin. The kids were able to go hiking, do crafts, hold bon fires after collecting sticks, and of course tell stories and perform skits. At the end of the week, the entire group would stay in the Bunk House. That way all the kids would share one big room, and let loose for one last night before heading back to Mooseheart.
This part of the tour was the most amazing, as I remembered, the 2017-2018 Moose Legion President’s Project included new windows and siding for the Bunk House. Being able to see exactly what our fundraising efforts, and that of our other Moose Legions. The completed project really made an impact on the building. As we wondered through, we came across the craft room, which used to be a garage or workshop, it had doors that could roll up, exposing the kids to the great outdoors, even though they were still inside. That is where the hand prints were placed on my heart. Years of kids who have passed through Camp Ross, placing colorful handprints on the walls, leaving their mark on a part of Mooseheart, just as Mooseheart has left an impression on them.
Just walking among the different areas of Camp Ross, I wish I could have had more time to explore the hiking trails. The country side reminded me of when I walked the Heritage Trail in Iowa. Rolling hills, bluffs overlooking Pine Creek, the birds and wildlife, living and breathing all around. Nature has been kind to this area of the valley. I can see many years of fun for our kids who grow up to be great adults, via the life they are granted as students of Mooseheart.
During the tour, I alone in my car, another couple in theirs, and our guide Jon in his own truck. I noticed a 6 passenger golf cart sitting by the work shed. After asking, Jon let me know it had fallen into to disrepair and they are seeking to replace it. He said it was used to move the kids between activities and also to give visitors the tours on it. Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a few Moose Legions to raise the funds to purchase a new one for the Camp. Story by W. Scott Duncan
When I made plans to visit, I called ahead, part-time caretaker and Mt. Morris Lodge 1551 Governor, Jon Call, made it easy as he guided me, along with others, from our hotel on the one and a half hour trip to the camp. Driving on every street, except the highway, as we weaved our way through the farms and small towns of Western Illinois. As we arrived, Moose Road, led us to the sign of things to come, Mooseheart Camp Ross. The anticipation was awesome, Camp Ross did not disappoint. Our first stop was the Guest House, after a quick tour inside, we started up the hill towards the cabins and common areas. Our next stop was the Chapel. Jon mentioned they use it mostly for small meetings or weddings, it overlooks a bluff that holds Pine Creek in its shadow. What was amazing was the stained glass and architecture that showed it would be there for years and years to come. Already surrounding me, was the beauty of the forest and the potential to relax among the sounds of the wind whisking through the trees.
As our tour went on, we were able to see the basketball courts and the swimming pool. Noting this was a favorite with the kids. Generally each Home at Mooseheart would set up a week to spend at camp each summer. The kids were able to bunk together in the cabins. Each with six to eight beds and bathrooms. The Family Teachers had their own cabin. The kids were able to go hiking, do crafts, hold bon fires after collecting sticks, and of course tell stories and perform skits. At the end of the week, the entire group would stay in the Bunk House. That way all the kids would share one big room, and let loose for one last night before heading back to Mooseheart.
This part of the tour was the most amazing, as I remembered, the 2017-2018 Moose Legion President’s Project included new windows and siding for the Bunk House. Being able to see exactly what our fundraising efforts, and that of our other Moose Legions. The completed project really made an impact on the building. As we wondered through, we came across the craft room, which used to be a garage or workshop, it had doors that could roll up, exposing the kids to the great outdoors, even though they were still inside. That is where the hand prints were placed on my heart. Years of kids who have passed through Camp Ross, placing colorful handprints on the walls, leaving their mark on a part of Mooseheart, just as Mooseheart has left an impression on them.
Just walking among the different areas of Camp Ross, I wish I could have had more time to explore the hiking trails. The country side reminded me of when I walked the Heritage Trail in Iowa. Rolling hills, bluffs overlooking Pine Creek, the birds and wildlife, living and breathing all around. Nature has been kind to this area of the valley. I can see many years of fun for our kids who grow up to be great adults, via the life they are granted as students of Mooseheart.
During the tour, I alone in my car, another couple in theirs, and our guide Jon in his own truck. I noticed a 6 passenger golf cart sitting by the work shed. After asking, Jon let me know it had fallen into to disrepair and they are seeking to replace it. He said it was used to move the kids between activities and also to give visitors the tours on it. Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a few Moose Legions to raise the funds to purchase a new one for the Camp. Story by W. Scott Duncan