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The climbing tower at Horn Field Campus 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.
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Horn Field Campus Open House Sept. 5

August 26, 2013

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MACOMB, IL -- To showcase what Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus has to offer to members of the Western, Macomb and surrounding communities, Mindy Pheiffer, HFC program coordinator, and her HFC staff, will host an open house from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 (directions to HFC are listed below).

While Horn Lodge and the buildings on the 92-acre campus provide a private and peaceful setting for retreats, meetings, family reunions and weddings, Pheiffer noted that HFC, most of all, is an outdoor educational facility, which is used for education and research by Western students, faculty, staff, as well as community members. In addition to Horn Lodge, there are trails and plant life to explore, and HFC features a 40-foot climbing and rappelling tower (with rock-like handholds), as well as a high ropes course and a low ropes course.

"We wanted to provide an open invitation to the campus and community to explore the beautiful campus and facilities," Pheiffer explained. "Many of us take for granted how many people in the community have been to Horn Lodge long ago for social events, but many people do not know what we currently offer in regard to leadership and group development through the challenge-course activities, which include the teams course, climbing tower and high ropes course. During the event, we will also be talking about our ongoing educational and development projects."

According to Pheiffer, HFC staff will provide tours of the programming areas, and buildings will be open for viewing. Challenge-course activities will be demonstrated by student facilitator staff members at the open house.

"All ages of individuals and all types of groups — from scout groups to corporate groups to those involved with sports and athletic activities — utilize the challenge course for team-building exercises and leadership and group development outings," she added.

HFC often holds open climbing tower hours on specific dates, as well as the popular annual Corn Maze, which will be held 1-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday afternoon during the time period of Sept. 27-Oct. 27. The popular Haunted Corn Maze is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31.

Pheiffer noted that use of the HFC facilities is fee based, as well as reservation based. Although she encourages community members to come out for planned and reserved events, HFC is not a drop-in facility.

"The open house will give us a chance to provide campus and community members with an overview of all the educational opportunities, activities and facilities HFC has to offer," Pheiffer said. "HFC is a multipurpose venue, and it is my goal to encourage the use of it in whatever way it will serve group outings."

The Horn Field Campus Sept. 5 open house is open free to the public. For more information, contact Horn Field Campus at (309) 833-5798 or HF-Campus@wiu.edu. Visit HFC online at wiu.edu/hfc. For special accommodations, please notify Horn Field Campus staff in advance.

Directions
HFC is located south of Macomb on China Road. From South Johnson Street (past Macomb High School), turn right on China Road and follow the road one-quarter of a mile to the Horn Field Campus entrance. Parking is permitted on the HFC lot.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing