WHITE LAKE, WI — Tragic Drowning of 14-Year-Old Student at Church Camp Shatters Local Community
WHITE LAKE, WI — What was meant to be a transformative and spiritually enriching five-day church camp for a group of young believers ended in heartbreak last Friday when 14-year-old Britton Harper, a student from Romeoville, Illinois, tragically drowned in the camp’s lake. The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 25, 2025, during a recreational swim session at White Lake Christian Camp, located in the rural lakeside area of White Lake, Wisconsin.
The young teen, a dedicated student at his local high school and an active member of his church youth group, had traveled to the camp with a group of fellow students and church leaders to deepen his faith, build leadership skills, and engage in community building activities. His untimely death has left his family, friends, and the larger faith community devastated, casting a dark shadow over what was meant to be a week of spiritual growth and fellowship.
The Incident: A Joyous Day Turns to Tragedy
According to eyewitnesses and camp officials, the camp scheduled a free swim session at the lake on Friday afternoon as part of its recreational activities. Britton, along with several other campers, was enjoying the water under the supervision of camp counselors and lifeguards. At some point during the session, Britton was seen struggling in the water, prompting immediate action from the lifeguards and counselors present.
“Britton was an active and enthusiastic part of the camp,” said Pastor James Parker, who led the group from Romeoville’s Hope Church. “He loved being outdoors and was always willing to try new things. We never imagined this would happen. It’s a shock to all of us.”
Despite the lifeguards’ swift response to pull Britton from the water, it became clear that he had gone into cardiac arrest. Camp medical personnel began administering CPR, and emergency medical teams were quickly called to the scene. Britton was transported to a nearby hospital in Wausau, but tragically, doctors were unable to revive him.
“We are deeply heartbroken by this loss,” said Dr. Sarah Newman, one of the camp’s medical staff members. “We did everything we could to save him, but the situation was beyond our control. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and everyone who was there that day.”
The camp, which had been hosting more than 100 attendees for the week-long retreat, immediately called off all activities and initiated grief counseling for both campers and staff. The authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of Britton’s drowning, though initial reports indicate that he may have experienced some sort of medical emergency or cramp that led to his inability to stay afloat.
“The water conditions were calm, and all safety protocols were followed,” said camp director Michelle Townsend. “We had lifeguards on duty, and the water was only a few feet deep in that section. Our focus right now is on providing support to the family and ensuring that all those affected by this tragedy receive the care they need.”
Britton Harper: A Life Full of Promise
Britton Harper, a rising freshman at Romeoville High School, was known for his vibrant personality, his strong faith, and his dedication to his friends and family. Described by those who knew him as a kind-hearted, intelligent, and humorous teenager, Britton had become a fixture in his church youth group, where he regularly volunteered for community service projects, assisted with youth events, and actively participated in Bible study sessions.
His family, particularly his parents, Robert and Karen Harper, are deeply involved in the church and had encouraged Britton to attend the camp as part of his spiritual development. It was to be a transformative experience for him, one that would help him grow not only in his faith but in his leadership abilities.
“He was so excited for this trip. He’d been talking about it for months, and he couldn’t wait to spend the week with his friends and grow closer to God,” said Karen Harper, Britton’s mother. “We had no idea something like this could happen. We are just devastated.”
Britton’s father, Robert Harper, echoed the sentiment. “Britton was a gift to everyone who knew him. He had a heart of gold, and he loved serving others. His enthusiasm for life, his humor, and his curiosity about the world made him a joy to be around. He had so much ahead of him.”
At school, Britton was an active participant in both academics and extracurricular activities. A member of the school’s cross-country team and a budding artist, he was known for his creativity and his desire to inspire others through his actions. His teachers describe him as a student who always sought to help classmates and who genuinely cared for those around him.
“He was a positive force in our school,” said David Carter, Britton’s history teacher. “He always came into class with a smile, ready to learn and ready to help. He had a way of making everyone feel included, and his kindness will not be forgotten.”
The grief surrounding Britton’s death extends far beyond his family. His church, Hope Church in Romeoville, is organizing a memorial service to honor his memory and offer support to his family. Church leaders and fellow students have expressed an outpouring of love and sorrow, with many describing Britton as a young man with great potential and a heart full of compassion.
“We are all heartbroken over the loss of Britton,” said Pastor James Parker. “He was a key part of our youth group, and he was always there for others. He had such a bright future, and it is so hard to understand why he was taken from us so soon. Our church community is grieving, but we’re also leaning on one another for strength.”
The Aftermath: Grief and Support for the Camp Community
The White Lake Christian Camp, which has been in operation for over 30 years, is no stranger to handling large groups of young people and guiding them through transformative faith-based experiences. However, the loss of a camper in such a tragic and sudden way has shaken the entire organization to its core.
“The safety and well-being of our campers are always our top priority,” said Michelle Townsend, the camp director. “This is a devastating incident, and we are doing everything we can to support Britton’s family and the other campers and staff who were affected by this tragedy.”
The camp has offered counseling services for the campers who were present at the retreat and has promised to fully cooperate with authorities as they investigate the cause of the incident. The camp’s leadership is also working with local grief counselors to ensure that everyone impacted by the loss receives the emotional support they need.
“We want to make sure that no one has to face this tragedy alone,” Townsend said. “We are doing everything in our power to help our community heal.”
Reflection and Call for Safety Protocols
While the investigation continues into the exact circumstances surrounding Britton’s death, many are already reflecting on the safety protocols in place at camps and outdoor events, particularly where water activities are involved. In light of this tragedy, there is likely to be an increased emphasis on further training for camp staff and enhanced safety measures during swimming activities.
“We trust that our camp staff will always have the best interests of our children at heart, but this tragic loss has made us all think about what more can be done to prevent similar accidents in the future,” said Carla Williams, a concerned parent whose own child attends a summer camp program. “No one ever expects something like this to happen, but we need to continue to improve safety measures and protocols for these kinds of activities.”
Moving Forward: Honoring Britton’s Legacy
As Britton’s family, friends, and community members continue to grieve, there is a shared resolve to honor his memory. The Harper family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from friends, family, and the greater church community.
“We are so thankful for the love and support that has been shown to us during this unimaginable time,” said Robert Harper. “We are comforted by the knowledge that Britton touched so many lives in his short time with us. His faith, kindness, and joy for life will live on in all of us.”
A memorial fund has been established in Britton’s honor to support youth ministry programs at Hope Church in Romeoville. The family hopes to use the fund to continue Britton’s passion for serving others, ensuring that his legacy of faith, leadership, and kindness will impact future generations of young people.
“Britton’s love for others was evident in everything he did,” said Karen Harper. “We want to honor that by helping others, just as he would have wanted.”
As the community of Romeoville and beyond continues to mourn the tragic loss of a promising young life, the memory of Britton Harper will remain in the hearts of those who knew him — a reminder of the light that can shine in a young person’s life, even when their time with us is far too brief.
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