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Many of our Missouri Wilderness Camps offer Winter & Winter Break Wilderness Programs, Activities, Workshops & Classes starting in December, 2024.
Be sure to check the "Year-Round Programs and Other Camp Info" headings of each camp listing for specifics, or give any Wilderness Camp you're interested in a call to check on Winter & Winter Break dates, times and availability.
Many of our Wilderness Camps will be hosting Winter & Winter Break Reunions for their previous campers, and Winter & Winter Break Open Houses for interested new campers and families. Each camp is different, and some offer activities for the entire family.
Contact the camp(s) directly to see if there are any Camp Reunion or Open House Plans for December, 2024.
Looking for a Great Missouri Wilderness Day Camp? Look at each camp's TYPE OF CAMP description. Many of our Best Missouri Day Wilderness Camps also list their exact hours, and if they offer before and after camp activities.
Many of our Best Missouri Summer Wilderness Camps also offer Year Round Wilderness Camp Programs, Classes, and Activities. You should contact the camps you are interested in to see if they offer Fall, Winter and/or Spring Wilderness Programs, too.
Searching for Missouri Wilderness Camp Jobs? Many of our Best Wilderness Camps are now listing their 2025 Winter & Winter Break Camp Jobs, too. Look for the heading "Summer Camp Jobs" in each camp listing. You can also check any camp's website for their "Work at Camp" or "Winter & Winter Break Employment Opportunities" pages.
View ALL MO Camps with Winter & Winter Break Work & Leadership Training Opportunities.
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FEATURED WILDERNESS CAMP
YMCA Camp Lakewood
Potosi, Missouri
573-438-2155
Ages: 6-17 . Coed Campers. Overnight Camp.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: YMCA Camp Lakewood is an awesome overnight adventure for children ages 6-17! With 5,200 acres and 360-acre lake, kids get outdoors having fun, making friends and learning new skills. They participate in sports, equestrian, arts & crafts, caving, high adventure, water activities and more, and also learn about accomplishment, belonging and character.
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Visit Our YMCA Camp Lakewood Website
573-438-2155
camplakewood[AT]gwrymca.org
13528 Highway AA
Potosi, Missouri 63664
WINTER (OFF-SEASON) OFFICE ADDRESS:
Same
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our YMCA Camp Lakewood Video
CAMPER AGES: 6-17
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway. Summer and Winter camps.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): YMCA
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: YMCA Camp Lakewood is an awesome overnight adventure for children ages 6-17! With 5,200 acres and 360-acre lake, kids get outdoors having fun, making friends and learning new skills. They participate in sports, equestrian, arts & crafts, caving, high adventure, water activities and more, and also learn about accomplishment, belonging and character.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Inclusion services are available. Please contact YMCA Camp Lakewood at 573-438-2155 for more information. Many disabilities can be accommodated.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Waterfront/Aquatics, Sailing, Adventure, Horses/Equestrian, Fine Arts/Crafts, Video/Filmmaking/Photography, Swimming, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Football, Team Sports, Academics, Technology, and more. Wilderness:
Ranger & Jr. Ranger Outdoor Programs
Sports
Caving; Canoeing & Kayaking; Archery & Riflery; Paintball
CAMP LOCATION: YMCA Camp Lakewood is located 90 minutes south of St. Louis on 5,200 wooded acres with a 360-acre lake, near Potosi, Missouri. YMCA Camp Lakewood is affiliated and in the same location as YMCA Trout Lodge (troutlodge.org)
Visit our page at Our Camp Website Link: www.camplakewood.org for more information and to view camp photos.
CAMP FACILITIES: YMCA Camp Lakewood has a picturesque 360-acre lake, dining hall, arts & crafts center, equestrian ranch, basketball & tennis courts, GaGa pit, pavilion, activities field (with climbing tower and zip line), waterfront (including an inflatable waterpark) archery and riflery ranges. Accommodations are bunk-bed style cabins with restrooms/showers/ac, and also non-a/c accommodations for older children with central shower/bath house.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: YMCA Camp Lakewood, in existence since 1946, is an ACA-accredited overnight summer camp who employs a staff of culturally-diverse young men and women from the world over. They undergo a rigorous training program upon arrival prior to the start of camp to be fully equipped to handle the emotional needs of children, as well as their physical safety. The YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect and are present in every aspect of camp life, as well as the ABC's of camping - accomplishment, belonging and character.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: YMCA Camp Lakewood has both an LIT and CIT leadership program. The LIT program is a 2-week session, and is focused on own leadership skills (this is not a counselor training program).
The CIT leadership program is a 4-week counselor training program, and all 17 year olds must apply and be accepted into the program. Go to:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ymcaoftheozarks.org
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Please go to
Our Camp Website Link: www.ymcaoftheozarks.org
for more information on how to apply
FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): During the Labor Day weekend, YMCA Camp Lakewood holds its annual Family Camp, designed to get Mom and Dad in on the amazing camp experience, and to spend time together as a family. They all participate in traditional camp activities and in the process re-connect with each other.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: From mid-August to late May, YMCA Camp Lakewood is also an outdoor education center for school, church, civic and many other groups, with teambuilding options also available. Go to:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ymcaoftheozarks.org
OTHER CAMP INFO: YMCA Camp Lakewood holds an annual Winter Camp, which will be February 12-15, 2021. This 4 day/3-night camp is much like summer camp with a wintertime twist. Snow or no snow, kids enjoy both the year-round activities such as climbing tower and archery, as well as winter activities like a winter carnival, indoor sled races and much more.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Our sessions run from May 30-August 18, 2021. Please go to: Our Camp Website Link: www.ymcaoftheozarks.org for all of the summer camp session information.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
For summer camp staff openings at YMCA Camp Lakewood, please contact us at camplakewood[AT]gwrymca.org or by calling 573-438-2155 for further information regarding the application and interview process.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
YMCA Camp Lakewood
Be sure to ask each Missouri Wilderness Camp about the amount of wilderness instruction and the overall intensity of their wilderness program.
Some Top Missouri Wilderness Camps offer rigorous daily wilderness training and lots of intensive wilderness experience. Other great Missouri Camps offer wilderness and nature studies as an elective or recreational activity with much less training and intensity.
Visit Our Kanakuk Kamps Website
(417) 266-3000
1353 Lake Shore Drive
Branson, MO 65616
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our Kanakuk Kamps Video
MOST RECENT UPDATE:
More than 6 months ago. Contact camp for the latest 2024 camp info.
CAMPER AGES: 7 - 18
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway. Day Camp.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): Christian.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Sailing, Adventure, Travel, Swimming, Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Baseball, Football, Team Sports, Science, Academics, Computers, Technology, and more. Scuba, Aviation & MANY Others, Including KampOut!, An Exciting, Non-stop Day Camp Option.
CAMP LOCATION: Kanakuk Kamps is a collection of Christian summer camps located around Branson, Missouri.
▌Read More about Kanakuk Kamps
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Kanakuk Kamps has been offering the finest summer camp experience for boys and girls since 1926. Our excellent staff of hand-picked Christian athletes help your child develop solid character with a Christian focus as they hone the sports skills God gave them. Learn more on our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.kanakuk.com
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership program.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarships are available through our partner churches. Please contact your Host for more information.
FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): for the whole family to experience the blessing of Kanakuk together. This resort quality summer camp, located in Branson, Missouri serves the whole family from newborns to grandparents. During a week at K-Kauai, your family will be ministered to and refreshed through activities, games, family event nights, parents nights, and more!
OTHER CAMP INFO: Kanakuk K-1 (ages 7-13)
1355 Lake Shore Drive
Branson, MO 65616
417-266-3510
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Kanakuk K-2 (ages 13-18)
20 K-2 Drive
Lampe, MO 65681
417-266-3520
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Kanakuk K-Kountry (ages 7-11)
967 Lake Shore Drive
Branson, MO 65616
417-266-3540
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Kanakuk K-West (ages 12-14)
793 K-West Drive
Lampe, MO 65681
417-266-3530
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Kanakuk K-Seven (ages 7-18)
118 K-7 Drive
Lampe, MO 65681
417-266-3570
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Kanakuk Golf (ages 13-18)
20 K-2 Drive
Lampe, MO 65681
417-266-3000
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Kanakuk K-Kauai Family Camp
833 Lake Shore Drive
Branson, MO 65616
417-266-3705
Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please find information on camp fees and availability here: Our Camp Website Link: kanakuk.com
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Kanakuk Kamps
Some Missouri Wilderness Camps offer BOTH Day and Overnight Camp options. Be sure to check each camp's description under "TYPE OF CAMP" for complete information, and exact hours.
Some Missouri Wilderness Day Camps also offer Extended Camp Hours for Early Camper Drop-Off and Pick Up. If you need these services, you should contact the camp to confirm availability.
Visit Our Animal Camp - Cub Creek Science Camp Website
office[AT]bearriverranch.com
16795 State Rt E
Rolla, Missouri 65401
CAMPER AGES: 7-17
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: Over 300 animals make up camp’s hands-on zoo and includes lemurs, alpaca, parrots, porcupines, foxes, lizards, snakes, and wallabies among many more. Beyond our animals, camp has a 6 element ropes course including zip-lining, climbing, and rappelling, and an unbelievable variety of activities from pottery to archery to culinary. Our campers make lasting friendships and memories under the guidance and encouragement of 90 well-trained, caring staff. Cub Creek provides spacious, air-conditioned cabins and delicious, buffet-style meals.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Adventure, Horses/Equestrian, Travel, Fine Arts/Crafts, Video/Filmmaking/Photography, Swimming, Science, Academics, and more. Veterinary Science, Animal Care, Crime Science, Culinary, Survival Skills, Ceramics, Pottery, Digital Photography, Botany, Chemistry, Ropes Course, Riflery
CAMP LOCATION: Camp is nestled in 250 acres of beautiful, forest. Located 2 hours from St.Louis and Springfield Missouri and 1 hour from the capitol of Jefferson City, camp is located centrally in the state of Missouri and is easily accessible.
▌Read More about Animal Camp - Cub Creek Science Camp
CAMP FACILITIES: Cub Creek boasts our modern, air-conditioned cabins with private showers and restrooms in each cabin. Each of the 15 cabins comfortably sleeps 16 campers and 4 staff counselors. Camp's newest addition is our large dining hall that allows for all of camp to eat at the same time. The dining hall is also home to some of camp's favorite animals- lemurs! They are housed in an adjacent, glassed enclosure so that campers may see them as they eat! Camp also has a swimming pool, 3 cleared, camp sites, several activity pavilions, 2 ropes course towers, 3 main animal buildings not including our dog kennels and wallaby country, pottery and art studios, and an impressive camp store with snacks, knick-knacks, and apparel.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Counselors at camp are college students or graduates who have an interest in children, animals, and science. All of our staff are trained for two weeks prior to the start of camp so that we can deliver the best possible program. Camp has a long list of activities! Please visit our website for a complete description at: Our Camp Website Link: www.MOScienceCamp.com.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Senior campers (12+) are encouraged to take our CIT program. This is a wonderful start to their leadership training, and prepares them for the ASIT Program at Cub Creek. At our camp, our teen campers who wish to have more responsibility and more animal training, take part in the Animal Specialist in Training (ASIT) Program. Requirements for this program include one year at camp as a camper, recommendations from counselors and staff, and exemplary behavior. Our ASITs work in the animal area with our Animal Team, are leaders around camp, teach and assist in classes,and are a valued part of the CCSC family.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Camp starts June 4th and has four, one-week sessions. Starting July 2nd, campers can stay for two, four, or six week sessions. Please visit our website for a complete list of dates and prices.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Cub Creek Science Camp offers a variety of fun jobs this summer! Most of our staff are counselors who are assigned to a cabin, but also have instructor duties for what we call our "activity periods". Activities include ROPES COURSE (climbing, zip-line, rappelling, big swing, crate stacking, leap of faith), ARCHERY, ARTS & CRAFTS, RIFLERY, ANIMALS (llamas, alpaces, procupines, foxes, lemurs, sloths, parrots, snakes, ferrets, etc), JR. VET, CULINARY,SURVIVAL SKILLS, HIKING, BOTANY, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, CAVING, CRIME SCIENCE, plus many more!
We train you here! No prior experience is needed!
Interested applicants may apply for summer camp on our website. The link to the application is Our Camp Website Link: www.mosciencecamp.com
For questions, please contact Ari Farley, camp's Assistant Director at the email, marketing[AT]bearriverranch.com
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Animal CampCub Creek Science Camp
Visit Our Heartland Camp Website
program1[AT]heartlandcenter.org
16965 NW 45 Hwy
Parkville, Missouri 64152
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our Heartland Camp Video
CAMPER AGES: Overnight camps are available for any camper who has completed 2nd-12th grade. Day camps are available for those who have completed K-6th.
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway. Day Camp.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): Christian.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: Heartland Camp is devoted to building relationships and impacting lives for Jesus Christ in the camp setting. Through caring college staff, engaging activities, and outdoor adventures. Campers grow closer to their God while learning relationship skills, growing in confidence, and developing independence. There is no better way to spend the summer!
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Our Friendship Camp allows adults with developmental disabilities to enjoy all the fun of camp. This camp includes horse rides, swimming time, a dance party, and a talent show. This three night camp is August 2nd-5th.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Adventure, Horses/Equestrian, Dance, Music/Band, Theater, and more.
CAMP LOCATION: We are located just outside of Kansas City in Parkville, MO on 325 acres. Ready for creek walks, nature hikes, and amazing worships.
▌Read More about Heartland Camp
CAMP PROGRAM INFO:
Challenge Camp - Campers Get to challenge themselves on our high flying challenge course!
Edge Camp - Camp centered around creative large group challenges. If things like t-shirt cannon skee ball sound fun to you then this is your camp.
Amazing Race - This camp is just like the show. Campers will race through different challenges on site and across the Midwest.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarships are available as needed, visit Our Camp Website Link: www.heartlandcamps.org for more information.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
For information, dates, and prices of our overnight and day camp programs visit.
Please visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.HeartlandCamps.org.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We have both year round and summer jobs available. For more information visit Our Camp Website Link: www.heartlandcamps.org.
Heartland also has a year long internship for camp ministry. For more information visit Our Camp Website Link: www.heartlandcamps.org.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Heartland Camp
Visit Our Camp Barnabas Website
(417)476-2565
kylie[AT]campbarnabas.org
info[AT]campbarnabas.org
901 Teas Trail 2060
Purdy, Missouri 65734
WINTER (OFF-SEASON) OFFICE ADDRESS:
PO Box 3200 Springfield, MO 65808
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our Camp Barnabas Video
CAMPER AGES: 7-45
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): Christian.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: At Camp Barnabas, we believe everyone was uniquely created by God with a purpose. We adapt all of our camp activities so our campers, no matter their diagnosis, can participate. Through the life-changing experiences at Camp Barnabas, they are shown their worth and that they can live a life of ability.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Camp Barnabas exists to provide people with special needs and chronic illnesses life-changing opportunities. We adapt all of the normal camp activities so that our campers can participate, no matter their diagnoses.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Waterfront/Aquatics, Adventure, Fine Arts/Crafts, Swimming, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Team Sports, and more. Canoeing, Fishing, Archery, Rifles, Laser Tag, Camping
CAMP LOCATION: We are located in beautiful southwest Missouri, about 50 miles west of Springfield, MO. We offer a second location just 40 miles west of Branson, MO right on gorgeous Table Rock Lake.
▌Read More about Camp Barnabas
CAMP FACILITIES: Purdy, MO: We have 16 new cabins with wheelchair accessible showers, recreation/dining hall, outdoor basketball courts, newly remodeled volunteer living, new on-site medical facility with nurse and doctors quarters, media/game building, arts/crafts building, zero entry swimming pool with two water slides, beautiful creek for fishing and canoeing with wheelchair lift to dock, wheelchair accessible treehouse. Shell Knob, MO: Swimming pool with water rings, trapeze, diving boards and water basketball, slip n slide, outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball, barn swing, boat dock on Table Rock Lake with boating, recreational/sports fields, dining hall, recreational hall, pristine lake for swimming, putt-putt golf course
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We offer acceptance and love to more than 1,500 campers with special needs and chronic diseases and their siblings. Through adaptive activities, people with physical, intellectual, and/or medical challenges become participants, not observers, in the world around them. They leave Camp Barnabas knowing they are uniquely created to live lives of ability. Over 2,500 volunteers come through our gates every summer to serve these special people. We also hire and train 150-200 of some of the best college students in the country every summer as staff to serve and encourage our campers and volunteers. The experiences that are gained at Camp Barnabas become more than a week at camp, they are life-changing.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We offer a position for our 2nd year and above campers to train in a volunteer position in various leadership positions at camp.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We provide a camper scholarship fund so that we never need to turn a camper away due to financial reasons.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: From August-May we offer a school for our college-aged campers called Barnabas Prep. Barnabas Prep is an independent living-learning experience that is designed to help young adults move closer to reaching their full potential and to guide each student toward a meaningful life of independence and spiritual growth.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We offer 13 weeks of camp in two locations in Missouri. Each week is divided by age and diagnoses. Please visit Our Camp Website Link: www.campbarnabas.org for complete information.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We look for some of the best college-aged guys and girls across the country to work with our campers and volunteers for a summer. Apply at: Our Camp Website Link: www.campbarnabas.org.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Camp Barnabas
Visit Our Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch Website
573.775.5513
1203 Meramec Wilderness Lane
Steelville, Missouri 65565
CAMPER AGES: 6-18
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers. All Boy Campers.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Camp for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: This camp was created to give your child the opportunity to break away from day-to-day living and spend a week in a supportive, exciting, safe adventure program growing in awareness and confidence. Skilled staff provide your child with incredible opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, and growth through adventure and outdoor activities.
At the same time, skilled, caring, and compassionate support personnel are also on-site and available to assist whenever needed with sensory, communication, and/or behavioral support as needed. This is an extraordinary opportunity for your child to relax, enjoy the great outdoors, and more importantly, develop awareness, self-efficacy, outdoor knowledge, and social skills.
This camp was also created with you as a parent in mind. This is an opportunity for you to relax, re-energize, and rejuvenate while knowing your child is being taken care of, having fun, and experiencing new and exciting adventures with incredible camp staff who genuinely care.
Adventure Camp for Challenging Youth: The Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch will be holding a 5-Day Summer Adventure Camp for Challenging Youth. The Ranch is one of the most extensive adventure bases in the Midwest and conducts all of the therapeutic and adventure programs for the largest residential agency in Missouri.
The purpose of Adventure Camp is to inspire the growth of character, personal efficacy, purpose, and connectedness in young men who are facing challenges in their lives and may be on the wrong path. This camp was created to give teens and their families an opportunity to refresh, reset, and grow in their personal lives and their relationships.
For many youth, a week of a high-adventure summer camp led by skilled, caring, and compassionate staff who have extensive experience serving youth in similar situations can be just what is needed.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Waterfront/Aquatics, Adventure, Horses/Equestrian, and more.
CAMP LOCATION: Located in Steelville, MO and situated on 1,200 pristine acres in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest, the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is one of the most extensive high-adventure locations in the Midwest. The ranch also has an abundance of natural beauty, offering three miles of riverfront, wooded hills, fields, streams, bluffs and caves. It is both a base for challenging excitement and, at the same time, a secluded haven perfect to meet any program’s needs.
▌Read More about Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch
CAMP FACILITIES: For Camp for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders, campers stay in the learning center which is complete with modern amenities
Adventure camp for Challenging Youth is a semi-primitive camping experience. Youth will be camping in individual tents or group tee-pees and cooking their meals over a campfire (with help from an expert guide). There is no electricity or running water at the campsites. Hand-pumped water and vault-style toilet facilities are in close proximity to each campsite. Bathing is done in the river and lake.
Our camp facilities also include:
10-acre recreational lake with Adventure Platform (The Blob, 150’ water zip line, rope swings, trapeze, rolling log, watermat, waterslide, & more)
28-element high challenge course
Dual 800-foot zip lines
Power pole, giant swing and vertical playground
8-element covered vertical challenge course
40-foot climbing wall
Buddy Team low ropes course
Team development course
Alpine rescue course
“The Crazy Mudder”—team mud obstacle course
3 miles of single track, flow tracks, and a pump track for Mountain Bikes
Full-court covered basketball/volleyball pavilion
Equestrian instruction and trail rides
Arts and crafts
Balance area
Play area with swings
Kayaking or canoeing in lake
Primitive skills (fire building, shelters, cordage, traps, tracking, crafts)
The Adventure Barn with Barn Swings, Rope Swings, Foam Pits, Slacklines
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: It is our belief that everyone has a unique purpose and calling in life that can be found and fulfilled through a life of Integrity, Service, Efficacy and Vision. We believe that adventure and wilderness environments provide the most inspiring and effective venue for the development of these attributes and to begin the journey to fulfilling that purpose.
Adventure and wilderness experiences are not an escape from the daily grind. They are reality where the true self always eventually surfaces, free of the walls and masks built up through time and experience. Adventure experiences, if paid attention to, can provide the lessons most needed for each person at that exact moment of their life.
This may be a time of purification, of testing, of building, of confirmation, of waking, of changing, of envisioning, or something totally different. However, whatever is needed is there for the taking, if they choose to seek it. At the Ranch, individuals, families, and teams are given the resources and opportunity to determine where they are in life, and what they truly need to continue their journey to become the men and women they were created to be.
The Ranch prides itself on its safety, competency, and professionalism. Great Circle has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™. The Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is also an accredited member of and follows all standards of operation of the American Camp Association. The director is a certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guides Association and a Single Pitch Guide with the Professional Climbing Guides Institute.
Challenge courses are built, inspected and certified by Association of Challenge Course Technology professional vendors. All activity staff members are trained extensively and regularly to the highest standards using state of the art equipment, training, and techniques in all activities. Programming staff also have advanced backcountry/wilderness first aid training and certifications.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Adventure Camp for Challenging Youth:
June 23th through June 27th, 2014
Young men ages 13-17
$660.00/Participant
Please Visit: Our Camp Website Link: meramecranch.great-circle.org
Camp for Youth on the Autism Spectrum:
July 21st through July 25th, 2014
July 28th through August 1st, 2014
Co-ed ages 7-18
Free to St. Louis County, MO residents
Please Visit: Our Camp Website Link: meramecranch.great-circle.org
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch
Visit Our Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri - Camp Cedarledge and Camp Tuckaho Website
bpuckett[AT]girlscoutsem.org
Pevely and Troy, Missouri
OTHER CAMP LOCATIONS:
Both camps are located within an hour of St Louis, Mo.
WINTER (OFF-SEASON) OFFICE ADDRESS:
2300 Ball Dr
St Louis MO 63146
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri - Camp Cedarledge and Camp Tuckaho Video
CAMPER AGES: 5 -17
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway. One Week, Two week and overnight sessions
CAMPER GENDER(S): All Girl Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): Girl Scouts
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: Girl Scout Resident Camps are overnight experiences ranging from a few days to a few weeks that offer girls traditional and specialty options. Girls who participate in Resident Camp have an immersive outdoor experience where they learn teamwork, perseverance and self-discovery in an encouraging environment.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: We work with families who have daughters needing accomodations.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Waterfront/Aquatics, Sailing, Adventure, Horses/Equestrian, Travel, Fine Arts/Crafts, Dance, Theater, Musical Theater, Video/Filmmaking/Photography, Swimming, Cheerleading, Team Sports, Science, and more. Bike Option, Robotics, Lifeguarding Camps & High-adventure Opportunities
CAMP LOCATION: Both camps are located about an hour from downtown St Louis on over 600 acres. Camp Tuckaho borders Cuivre River State Park and Camp Cedarledge is nestled amongst hills in a grand valley.
▌Read More about Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri - Camp Cedarledge and Camp Tuckaho
CAMP FACILITIES:
Camp Cedarledge is located in Pevely, MO and rolls across 700 acres of wooded hills. It is home to 35 horses, a covered riding arena and horse trails. Camp Cedarledge has lodge, cabin and tent units and hosts Resident, Troop and Day Camp sessions.
Camp Tuckaho is located in Troy, MO and sits on more than 600 acres of beautiful forest. Here, girls build leadership skills by participating in the Outdoor Adventure Course Challenge.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Both Camp Tuckaho and Cedarledge are accredited by the American Camp Association Camps (ACA) which requires us to follow over 300 specific criteria in addition to Girl Scouts of the USA, county and state rules.
All staff are required to go through several background screenings, drug screenings, complete a week of intense training and be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Lifeguards are training and tested through a Red Cross Certified Instructor.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Our camps offer Leader-in-Training, Counselor-in-Training and Advanced Counselor-in-Training.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We have activity scholarships and offer payment plans
FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): She and Me for daughter and their favorite female (Mom, Aunt, Grandmother)
Just the 2 of Us for girl and their favorite male (Dad, Uncle, Grandfather)
Labor Day Family Camp for the whole famiy
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Our camps host special events and camping for troops on weekends throughout the year.
OTHER CAMP INFO: Our camps are open to all girls. You DO NOT have to be a Girl Scout to attend our camps.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
The Camp Adventure Guide, our camp publication, is available online at girlscoutsem.org/campadventureguide.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We currently have openings for Camp Counselors.
Interested parties can email Melissa Niedermann at mniedermann[AT]girlscoutsem.org.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Girl Scouts of Eastern MissouriCamp Cedarledge and Camp Tuckaho
Visit Our Camp Taum Sauk Website
314-993-1655 winter
573-637-2489 summer
nsmithcts[AT]aol.com
499 County Road 368
Lesterville, Missouri 63654
WINTER (OFF-SEASON) OFFICE ADDRESS:
14 Rio Vista Drive, St. Louis, MO 63124
CAMPER AGES: 8 to 15
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: We accept all children and staff with special needs.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Waterfront/Aquatics, Sailing, Adventure, Horses/Equestrian, Dance, Music/Band, Theater, Video/Filmmaking/Photography, Swimming, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Team Sports, and more. Instructional Swimming, Caving, High Ropes, Zip Lines, Music, Singing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, & Nature Program With Animals.
Learn More On Our Website At Our Camp Website Link: www.taumsauk.com.
CAMP LOCATION: We are located 120 miles South of St. Louis , Missouri, located on the Beautiful Black River, in Lesterville, Missouri.
▌Read More about Camp Taum Sauk
CAMP FACILITIES: Located on a 150 acres with 15 modern cabins with bathrooms. Outdoor swimming pool, air conditioned dinning hall, recreation room, crafts room, nature lodge, activity pavilion, two lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, rifle range, archery range, ropes course, 2 zip lines, horse stables, Health center, tree house located on the Black River.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Taum Sauk has been a leader in camping since 1946. Located in Lesterville, Missouri on the Beautiful Black River. Our caring and skilled staff lead campers through daily activities. American Camp Accredited. Learn more from our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.taumsauk.com.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Campers finishing 9th grade and are 15 to 16 years old can participate in a leadership training program. Hands on activities and training.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Off season rental groups welcome.
OTHER CAMP INFO: Camp Taum Sauk coed private camp for children ages 8 - 15. Transportation is included in the tuition. Winter phone 314-993-1655. Visit our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.taumsauk.com
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Two Week: June 8 to June 21 $1,900.00
Three Week A: June 22 to July 12 $2,625.00
Three Week B: July 13 to Aug 2 $2,625.00
Five Week: June 8 to July 12 $3,975.00
Six Week: June 22 to Aug 2 $4,700.00
Eight Week: June 8 to Aug 2 $6,050.00
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Summer staff starting at age 18. Be a part of a caring, and personal staff. Nine weeks of commitment. Visit our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.taumsauk.com to complete a staff application.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Camp Taum Sauk
Visit Our Bennett Spring Christian Church Camp Website
417-532-6011
1932 MO-64
Lebanon, Missouri 65536
CAMPER AGES: 8 - 18
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): Christian.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: This Camp is the oldest continuous Christian Church Camp in the Springfield area and second oldest in the Ozarks. It is registered with the State of Missouri as a Not-For-Profit Public Benefit Corporation.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, and more.
▌Read More about Bennett Spring Christian Church Camp
CAMP FACILITIES: The Camp has a dining hall, tabernacle, director's cabin, cook's cabin, caretaker's house, roofed shelters for small groups, vesper point and sleeping cabins which can accommodate almost 60 boys and girls with modern restrooms and showers. The Camp has a basketball court, volleyball court and ball field, and is located close to the Niangua River for float trips.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: What is now known as the Bennett Spring Christian Church Camp met for the first time at Lindenlure in Christian County in 1936. This was the home of the Camp for three years. The next two years the Camp met at Camp Aurora in Dallas County.
In 1941 approximately 50 acres were purchased about one mile west of the Bennett Spring State Park on MO 64, about 18 miles Northeast of Buffalo, where the Camp has become permanently established.
Early leaders in the Camp include the following: J. H. Lynch, Orville Hodge, A. T. Mahanay, A. Z. Matthews, E. T. Sechler, A. B. Todd, Richard Pope and others..
This Camp is the oldest continuous Christian Church Camp in the Springfield area and second oldest in the Ozarks. It is registered with the State of Missouri as a Not-For-Profit Public Benefit Corporation.
The Camp is governed by a board of Trustees (15) from Christian Churches in Southwest Missouri and is funded by Churches and individuals who believe in its purposes.
Each year facilities are improved as money allows. For swimming campers are transported to the public pool in the Bennett Spring State Park.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Bennett Spring Christian Church Camp
Visit Our Camp Barnabas at Table Rock Lake Website
(417) 858-1127
info[AT]campbarnabas.org
1380 Eternity Lane
Shell Knob, Missouri 65747
WINTER (OFF-SEASON) OFFICE ADDRESS:
PO Box 3200 Springfield, MO 65808
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our Camp Barnabas at Table Rock Lake Video
CAMPER AGES: 7-45
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
AFFILIATION(S): Christian.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: At Camp Barnabas, we believe everyone was uniquely created by God with a purpose. We adapt all of our camp activities so our campers, no matter their diagnosis, can participate. Through the life-changing experiences at Camp Barnabas, they are shown their worth and that they can live a life of ability.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Camp Barnabas exists to provide people with special needs and chronic illnesses life-changing opportunities. We adapt all of the normal camp activities so that our campers can participate, no matter their diagnoses.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Wilderness/Nature, Waterfront/Aquatics, Adventure, Fine Arts/Crafts, Swimming, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Team Sports, and more. Canoeing, Fishing, Archery, Rifles, Laser Tag, Camping.
▌Read More about Camp Barnabas at Table Rock Lake
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We offer acceptance and love to more than 1,500 campers with special needs and chronic diseases and their siblings. Through adaptive activities, people with physical, intellectual, and/or medical challenges become participants, not observers, in the world around them. They leave Camp Barnabas knowing they are uniquely created to live lives of ability. Over 2,500 volunteers come through our gates every summer to serve these special people. We also hire and train 150-200 of some of the best college students in the country every summer as staff to serve and encourage our campers and volunteers. The experiences that are gained at Camp Barnabas become more than a week at camp, they are life-changing.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We offer a position for our 2nd year and above campers to train in a volunteer position in various leadership positions at camp.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We provide a camper scholarship fund so that we never need to turn a camper away due to financial reasons.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: From August-May we offer a school for our college-aged campers called Barnabas Prep. Barnabas Prep is an independent living-learning experience that is designed to help young adults move closer to reaching their full potential and to guide each student toward a meaningful life of independence and spiritual growth.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We offer 13 weeks of camp in two locations in Missouri. Each week is divided by age and diagnoses. Please visit Our Camp Website Link: www.campbarnabas.org for complete information.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We look for some of the best college-aged guys and girls across the country to work with our campers and volunteers for a summer. Apply at: Our Camp Website Link: www.campbarnabas.org.
Print (or view) Camp Profile for:
Camp Barnabas at Table Rock Lake
YMCA of the OZARKS
http://www.ymcaoftheozarks.org/
13528 State Hwy AA
Potosi, MO 63664
info[AT]ymcastlouis.org
Visit the website for more information.
http://www.stlbsa.org/
Macarthur Service Center
4568 West Pine Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108-2193
314-361-0600
800-392-0895
West County Service Center
11481 Page Service Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63146-3529
phone: 314-994-9469
Ritter Service Center
3000 Gordonville Rd.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703-5008
phone: 573-335-3346
800-335-3346
For more info visit the website.
MORE MISSOURI SUMMER WILDERNESS CAMPS ARE COMING SOON. YOU CAN CHOOSE ANOTHER STATE FROM THE LIST BELOW.
MISSOURI WILDERNESS CAMP OWNERS & DIRECTORS: If you would like to submit your camp for listing in our 2024 Best Missouri Summer Wilderness Camps Directory, please click on the "SUBMIT YOUR CAMP" link above.
MISSOURI WILDERNESS CAMP PARENTS & CAMPERS: If you are looking to find info on how to choose the best summer camp to attend this summer, please check out our 2024 GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST SUMMER WILDERNESS CAMP for some great camp research tips and lots of important 2024 summer camp info.
In addition to our 2024 Missouri Summer Wilderness Camps Directory we have also created quite a few SPECIAL INTEREST CAMP DIRECTORIES, and have included brief descriptions of these and links to their dedicated websites on the 2024 CAMP GUIDE page.
You can go directly to any of our other 2024 Special Interest Camp Directories from the list in the black bar at the bottom of this page.
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