Summer 2024

Recreation Council Summer Opportunities Guide for 2024

Special Overnight Camp   Community Overnight Camps
Specialized Day CampCommunity Day Camps
Adventures & Special Events

SPECIALIZED OVERNIGHT CAMPS

These providers focus primarily on serving people with disabilities. Staff ratio and services vary by camp so talk to the provider to discuss your support needs. 

Camp Barnabas, – Springfield, MO Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp, located in Purdy, MO (map). Weeks are available for ages 7-adult from June 2-August 9, 2024. Cost $1,500 per week, Scholarships available through camp office. Disabilities are grouped by week with sibling weeks available. Volunteers age 13 and older are needed to be camp assistants. Camp Video

Sunnyhill Adventures– Dittmer, MO Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp, (map). Weekly from June 16-August 16, 2024. Early Bird cost is $1,100 before April 1, 2024. Regular Cost: $1,300. Sunnyhill Adventures offers a combination of high-rope challenges, fishing, archery, and other activities the outdoor for the enthusiast with the comforts of air conditioned cabins and a warm bed. Counselor-to-Camper ratios are available for 1:1 and groups of 1:5 depending on need.

Wonderland Summer Camp, Rocky Mount, MO Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp, located near Lake of the Ozarks (map). 11 weeks available from May 19-August 3, 2024 for youth and adults ages 6-65+ with disabilities. Cost: $1,050 per week with option to bring your own care giver for additional cost of $100. We believe that everyone deserves to camp. Wonderland Camp 2024 Weekend Camps: Try us for a shorter getaway. Spring Break Camp, March 8-10, $300; Hoppin Holiday, March 28-April 1st, 4-nights, $650; April Fools Camp, April 5-6, $300; Fall Life Skills Camp, Sept 16-18, 2024, $300; Pirate’s Life, Sept 20-22, $300; Spookfest, Oct 18-20, $300; Halloween, Oct 25-27, $300; Kitchen Skills, Nov 15-17, $300; Snowballs & Stockings, Dec 6-8, $300; Cookies with Santa, Dec 13-15, $300.

Camp Encourage, Kansas City, MO: Specialized Overnight Youth Mini-camp at Heartland Retreat Center in Parkville, MO (map). Camp for ages 10-18 who are on the Autism Spectrum and are active and independent. One day overnights: March 23-24 & October 19-20 at a cost of $595. Summer 4-day Camps: June 11-14 & July 30-August 2, 2024 at cost of $1,295. Applications received after February 22 are put on a waiting list. Call for information: 1-816-830-7171

Camp Courage, MO, Specialized ADULT Mini Camp, Stewartsville, MO, 9201 N Campbell Ct. ~ Kansas City, MO 64155. Cost: $250. Our camp caters to adults ages 21 and older, giving them a typical camping experience with programs, parties & friends on an adult level.  Participants must have community safety & personal care skills.Camping fee: $250, Email camp for exact dates: campcouragemo@outlook.com

Meramec Adventure Camp, Steelville, MO: Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp for Youth on the Autism Spectrum, 2024 Camp Dates: July 29- Aug 2, 2024, Cost: $980, Deposit: $100. Age 7 and older. Returning campers get priority registration, then spots are first come and fill quickly.  Completed applications do not guarantee a slot in camp. Email Kassey Odneal at kassey.odneal@greatcircle.org ~ Facebook Page

DASA Camp WeCanDu, Babler State Park, St. Louis, MO, Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp, June 16-21, 2024, Cost: TBD but expect $350-$400. Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) Camp WeCanDu provides children living with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, and many other forms of physical disabilities come together at camp to create a fun and engaging social support system and discover natural abilities that stay with them for a lifetime.

Camp Wartburg, Waterloo, IL: Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp, Shepherding Sheep Specialized Overnight Camp, (ages 10-65+) Mini Camp May 30-June 3, 2024. Cost: $500. The Shepherding Sheep Program at Camp Wartburg is an experience designed to get children and adults with disabilities outdoors and in an environment of interaction with others. Camp Wartburg’s participant to counselor ratio is one-to-one or one-to-two staff/volunteers per child/adult. 1-618-939-7715. (See below for traditional, non-specialized YOUTH camps.)

Camp MITIOG, Excelsior Springs, MO (near Kansas City):Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp, July 15-20, 2024. Contact Camp for cost.  MITIOG is a week-long camp that serves children with Spina Bifida. Children participate in swimming, fishing, canoeing, arts and crafts, nature classes, classes on self-help medical care and evening campfires.

Camp No Limits, Lake Forest, ILL: Specialized Overnight Mini Camp, June 20-23, 2024. Cost: $500 with scholarship available. Camp No Limits was developed to address the needs of children with limb loss/limb difference and their families and provide an opportunity to meet other families.

Special Olympics Summer Camp, Jefferson City, MO: Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp for all ages at the Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City, MO. Athletes of Special Olympics experience high intensity activities including sports, fishing, art, nature, health, and more. Gary Brimer Sports Camp, June 16-21, 2024, Cost: $300 with scholarships available. Camp Courage, August 1-3, 2024, Cost: $150 with scholarships available.

Camp Guardian, Babler State Park in St. Louis, MO, Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp for all ages. June 24-28, 2024, Cost: FREE due to generous donations. We provide a FREE week of summer overnight camp for individuals of all ages with special needs; Missouri National Guard citizen-soldiers, airmen and retirees, and family members of military. Application close APRIL 1, 2024

Camp Rainbow for St. Louis Children’s Hospital Patients with Cancer and Blood Disorders, held at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, MO, Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp for youth ages 6-17. We give children dealing with a pediatric cancer or blood-related diseases and their families time to have a fun while interacting with others in treatment. Oncology Overnight Camp, June 2-6, 2024, Day Camp June 3-5, 2024, SIBS Camp June 11-15, 2024. Cost: FREE

Camp Hickory Hill, Columbia, MO: Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp for ages 7-17 with diabetes. Camp Hickory Hill sustains a community, culture
and medically-sound program of support for chilcren with diabetes, using our camp environment to foster education, selfreliance, confidence, an active lifestyle and skill in the successful management of diabetes. Camp 2024: June 23-29, Ages 13-17, June 30-July 6, Ages 7-12. Cost: Sliding scale fee from $400-$1,200 depending on family income.

Heartland Camp, Kansas City, MO: Specialized Weeklong Overnight Camp FRIENDSHIP CAMP for Adults With Disabilities, Dates: June 25-28, 2024, Cost: $559. Christian Camp where campers participate in daily activities including Bible study, worship, swimming, crafts, games, carnival, dance party, and a final talent show to end the
week.

Next Ed Challenge Program, Specialized Weeklong Overnight Adventure, June 24-28 or July 15-19, 2024, Location: University of Missouri – St. Louis; Cost: Overnight $1,000. Run by the St. Louis Arc, this summer program for adults ages 18-30 is an adventure of independent living and community recreation. Website ~ Email: nexted@slarc.org or call 314-569-2211. NextEd also offers a Day Program (see Specialized Day Camp section below). NextEd Flyer

Community Overnight Camps

These programs serve primarily children without disabilities. Services vary by location so talk with the camp about your child’s support needs to ensure they are able to accommodate. 

Cub Creek Science Camp, Rolla, MO: Traditional Weeklong Overnight (ages 7-17) – weekly from June 2-August 10, 2024 ~ $1,290 per week. With more than 300 animals and over 100 species, our overnight summer camp is an animal lover’s paradise. We offer animal camp, science camp, adventure camp, vet camp, nature camp, and traditional summer camp activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, arts and crafts, and ropes course. Campers experience our amazing animal farm and adopt a friend for the week.

Camp Manitowa, Benton, IL: Traditional Overnight Camp for youth grades 2-10. Trips for high school youth in grades 9, 10, & 11.  One, two, and three-week sessions available from June 23-Aug 3, 2024; Cost: $1,320-$3,415. Contact Dan Grabel at dan@campmanitowa.com or 314-375-6766 or 314-685-2368. Camp Manitowa Summer Camp 2024 Dates

YMCA Camp Lakewood, Potosi, MO: Traditional Weeklong Overnight for youth ages 8-16. Weeklong Camp Weeks from June 2-August 7, 2024 for $980-$1,180 with additional fees for specialty topic camps. Mini Camp June 30-July 3 and Aug 4-7, 2024 for $510. Group size is about 15, individualized supports available upon request and meeting with camp staff prior to attending. 

Sherwood Forest, Lesterville, MO: Traditional Multi-Week Overnight for youth grades 1-9. Sherwood Forest serves children from lowincome households and underserved communities in Missouri and Illinois, who liveat or below the federal poverty line. 2-week sessions in June, July, and August. Campers MUST commit to staying entire camp.  Cost: $35-$75

Camp Wartburg, Waterloo, IL: Traditional Weeklong Overnight for youth in grades 1-9 with leadership camps for high school youth. Cost: $310-$660 depending on camp selected. Dates available from June 3- August 9, 2024. Camp Wartburg offers an array of overnight summer programs for all ages. Sign your kids up for a fun and faith-based summer program. 1-618-939-7715. 

Camp Sabra Lake Ozark, MO: Traditional Weeklong Overnight for youth entering grades 3-10. Camp dates run from June 10-August, 2024 and vary by camp selected. Cost: $1,475-$6,650. Camp Sabra is a premier Missouri Jewish camp that fosters life-long friendships, Jewish identity, and encourages social and physical growth. Phone: 314-442-3151.

Younglife Clearwater Cove Youth Camp, Traditional Weeklong Overnight is a Christian organization providing fun, adventurous experiences in a relationship-based setting through chapters across the St. Louis Metro Area. Join a Younglife group to get more information on overnight camps planned for the St. Louis area chapter. Information

Girl Scout Day Camp, Traditional Weeklong Overnight and Day Camps for girls ages 6 to adult who belong to a girl scout troop. Weeks in June and July, 2024 at our camp properties in Barnhart and Troy, MO. Cost varies by camp. Girl Scout Day Camps are the perfect way to try new things, make new friends and experience new places. Search for a location near you at www.girlscoutsem.org ~ Overnight and Day Camp Catalog

Scouts BSA, Traditional Weeklong Overnight Camps for youth ages 6-20. Cost: $220-$427, camp locations available in Missouri and Illinois. The Greater Saint Louis Area Council, Scouting, offers overnight for boys and girls ages 6-20 during June and July. In addition to traditional summer camps, Scouts BSA offers specialty camps in STEM, High Adventure, Horsemanship, Eagle Award Camps, and more. If you don’t belong to a troop, sign up as a provisional member to be added to a group. Scouts with disabilities must contact the camp to make arrangements for high supervision needs. Scout BSA Camps, ages 11-20 ~ Cub Scout Camp-ages 6-11

Specialized Youth and Family Day Camps

These providers focus primarily on serving people with disabilities. Staff ratio and services vary by camp so talk to the provider to discuss your support needs. 

Lydia Cox Bike Camp, June 16-21, 2024 at Epic Empowerment Campus, 17795 Wild Horse Creek Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005, Chesterfield, MO. This 5-day camp teaches youth how to ride a standard bicycle through a process of graduated steps toward independent riding. 80% of participants ride a 2-wheeled bicycle by the end of the week. The rest gain immeasurable confidence and skills toward riding independently.  Campers must be age 8 or older, attend all 5 days of camp, be under 220 lbs, and be able to walk and sidestep without assistive devices. Session #1: 8:00 am – 9:15 am Session #2:  9:35 am – 10:50 am Session #3:  11:10 pm – 12:25 pm Session #4:  1:30 pm – 2:45 pm Session #5:  3:05 pm – 4:20 pm. Cost $150 per rider. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Register Here

New Information: CAMP LITTLE GIANT 2024, Carbondale, IL: Specialized DAY Camp for ages 10-adult, located at SIUE Touch of Nature Center in Edwardsville, Illinois. In past years, Little Giant has offered overnight programs, but for 2024, we are ONLY offering DAY programs with a camper/staff small group ratio of 4:1. LILY PADS, ages 10-17: June 10-14, July 7-10, 2024 ~ $750, Camp is tailored to the special needs of children who struggle in social spheres or need a little more attention than a traditional camp may offer. ADULT RETREAT, ages 18 & older ~ $750, June 17-21, July 15-19, July 22-26, 2024 an exhilarating summer session crafted for adults with disabilities seeking the thrill of adventure and the serenity of nature exploration. DYNA CAMP, ages 10-17, June 24-28, 2024 ~ $750 for youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD). We focus on providing a positive experience with consistency and successes for each camper.

Harbor Unlimited Camp Lighthouse Family Retreat Day Camp – St. Charles, MO: Specialized Day Camp, May 25-28, 2024 at StrongTower Ranch in Wright City, 63390. Cost: $175 for camper with a disability and a sliding scale fee for each family member or caregiver attending to support the camper. Our family special needs disability summer day camp features Parent Events, Sibling Events, Group Games, Enrichment Activities, Bonfire, Water Activities, Worship, Crafts, Horsemanship, and a chance to try adapted water skiing on Friday at Lake St. Louis, MO. (Website still lists 2023 dates so call for information 314-956-2665.)

Variety’s 2024 Adventure Day Camp, St. Louis, MO: FREE Specialized Day Camp for Children and Teens. Registration opens in January 2024 and FILLS FAST: Adventure Camp takes place in week-long sessions offered in June 3-28 and July 8-19, Monday – Friday from 9am-3pm. At camp, Variety Kids are empowered to form new friendships, try new things, grow in self-esteem, and explore the world around them with independence and confidence. Each camper is paired with a counselor “buddy” to ensure their needs are met each day.  The location of Camp changes each day to accommodate different activities and adventures, all within the St. Louis region.   For information, contact Renee at renee@varietystl.org or at 314-720-7718. Information

iCan Bike Camp – Fulton, MO: Specialized Day Camp with five 75-minute bike-riding sessions per day from June 17-21, 2024 at YMCA of Callaway County 1715 Wood Street Fulton, MO 65251. iCan Bike programs are for people with disabilities ages eight and up who want to learn to ride a 2-wheel bike. The vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Defying these odds is why we exist. For information, including cost, contact nancyhanson1183@gmail.com or call 573-826-0223.  BRING CAMP TO ST. LOUIS: For more details about hosting one of our iCan Bike Camps, please visit our iCan Bike Host page.

Starkloff Dream Big Spring Events and Summer Career Camp – St. Louis, MO: Specialized Day Camp for youth ages 11-21 who want to learn more about career options in a fun camp environment. Cost is $500 per week. Four weeks available beginning June 10 through July 26, 2024. Location will be announced soon. Join us for one of our Spring Events to see what Dream Big is all about. 

Miriam Learning Center Academic Support Camps, Specialized Academic Youth Day Camp for youth in grades K-12. Our academic and therapeutic summer camps provide individualized instruction, research-based interventions, and certified/licensed, professionals will ensure your child builds confidence and skills in reading, writing, speech or social/emotional development. Cost: $1,120 to $2,100 per session.

STAGES St. Louis Performing Arts Academy: Specialized Day Camp, Access the Arts, Inclusive Special Needs Day Camp for age 12 and older. Dates: Mon-Fri, June 17-28, 2024 from 1-4pm, Cost: $275. Summer Production: This 2-week, half day camp is designed for youth living with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities to perform a fully staged musical theatre production. In just two weeks, campers will work together to learn songs, scenes, and choreography from a musical while enjoying daily activities like acting games and group outings to improve confidence and assist in developing social skills.

Next Ed Challenge Day Program, Specialized Young Adult Adventure, August 5-9 or August 12-19, 2024, Location: Airbnb near Forest Park, Time: Monday-Friday; 9 AM – 4 PM. Cost: $500 per week.  Run by the St. Louis Arc, this summer daytime program for adults ages 18-30 is an adventure of independent living and community recreation. Website ~ Email: nexted@slarc.org or call 314-569-2211. NextEd also offers an Overnight program. See camp section above. NextEd Flyer

Neighborhood Experiences, Specialized Summer Teen Program, Dates: June 10-August 2, 2024 ~ Cost: $300. Neighborhood Experiences is an eight-week summer pre-employment training project that supports youth ages 13-20 with disabilities living in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Participants explore job opportunities, practice workplace expectations through volunteering, and develop the hard & soft skills needed to be successful in the workforce. For information call Donny Conner at 314-817-2293.

TREEHouse Summer Horse Camp, Specialized Day Camp for ages 6 and older, 4 hours per day. Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21, 2024, July 8-12, July 22-26, 2024, Cost: $485 per week, Time: 9am-1pm daily. Join us for a small group camp opportunity for up to four individuals (ages six and up) each day for a full week. Campers will practice horsemanship and riding skills along with nature-oriented activities and crafts. Campers must be able to sit on a horse independently with only a leader and pose no flight risk.

TASK (Team Activities for Special Kids) Specialized Day Camp, various camps for youth ages 5-14, teen camp for ages 15-19 and after hours camp for ages 19 and older. History’s Mysteries Camp at TASK, June 17-21 Ages 15 and older; June 24-28 for ages 5-14. TASK-CBC Camp: July 8-12 for ages 5 and older. TASK Camp St. Louis Style, July 15-19 for ages 5 and older. COST: $175 per week. TASK Night Out, July 22-26 from 3-6pm for ages 19 and older – $80. You must enroll in a TASK activity this spring before coming to summer camp. REGISTER for CAMP Here

Train Your Brain, Wash U OT Services, half-day Specialized Day Camp for youth who have poor attention, planning, and organization skills. Sessions for Youth in grades 3-5: June 24-28 ~ July 22-26 ~ July 29-Aug 2, 2024, Sessions for youth in grades 6-8: July 15-19 ~ July 22-26 ~ July 29-Aug 2, 2024. Offsite session for grades 3-5 on Aug 5-9, 2024 at YMCA in Washington, MO. Cost: $125 which includes project planning kit to take home.Children who just completed elementary school grades 3-5 or middle school grades 6-8 are eligible to register for this half-day, week-long summer camp. Project skills like planning, goal setting, organizing, and time management are directly taught and practiced with brain games and STEM projects.

Exceptional Equestrian, Specialized Horse Camp at our beautiful farm outside of Washington, MO: Our summer programs offer a variety of activities and learning experiences for children ages 6-15. Saddle UP Camp for new riders is June 3-7 & June 17-21; Giddy UP camp is for experienced riders, June 10-14 and June 24-28, 2024. Cost: $350 per week. Full days from 9:00 am-3:00 pm Mon-Fri.

Leaps and Bounds, Specialized Day Camp and Therapy programs. Ages 3-14. Our therapeutic day camps for ages 5-12 are a great option for children who struggle in large, traditional camp programs. They are week-long learning enrichment programs that incorporate therapeutic activities to address your child’s needs and include lessons incorporating reading, science, and social studies. Call for pricing: (636) 928-LEAP (5327).

LifeBridge Partnership, Specialized Day Camp with locations in St. Louis County and St. Charles. Our camps provide youth with disabilities who are age 8-18 (up to 21 if still in school) opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, field trips, and fun. Registration opens in March 2024. Information

• June 10-14: St. Louis County Summer Camp (Promise Academy)
• June 17-21: Teen Summer Program (LifeBridge office)
• July 1-26: St. Louis City Summer Camp (Mon thru Fri at Thomas Dunn Learning Center)
• August 5-9: St. Charles Summer Camp (Knight of Columbus – Cottleville)