Learn More About What We Have To Offer
SUMMER CAMP
Learn More About What We Have To Offer
SUMMER CAMP
OUR HISTORY
In 1914 the Missouri YMCAs founded its summer camp program on the banks of the White River. From its inception, camp had a positive impact on the campers who attended. Between 1952 and 1953 the original property was purchased by the state of Missouri as part of the Table Rock Dam Project and camp moved to its present location on the banks of Goose Creek just southwest of Halltown, MO.
Camp Wakonda’s 98 acres of woodlands, fields and streams are home to multitude of wildlife including deer, turkeys, owls, hawks squirrels and woodchucks. A climbing tower, high and low ropes courses, archery and rifle ranges, arts and crafts, nature center and pool offer campers opportunities to try new skills, create lifelong friendships and grow in self-confidence and self-esteem. Historic dining and recreation halls and a solar bath and shower house round out the facilities and offer campers the creature comforts of camp.
A new lake was completed in 2016 to provide campers the opportunity to participate in canoeing, kayaking and fishing as they have done in the past but will now also be able to enjoy swimming, water trampolining, blobbing, fly fishing and the giant Slip-n-Slide.
At Camp Wakonda we believe the camp experience is one of the best ways for children to learn and grow in ways that are almost impossible in any other setting. Living in a cabin with 8-10 other campers, choosing your own activities, learning new skills, meeting new people and developing relationships at camp allows children to do all these things under the guidance of caring counselors, creates a sense of newfound independence. Campers are encouraged.
With over 100 years of providing campers “The Best Week of Their Year,” Camp Wakonda helps kids grow in confidence and self-esteem while building relationships that will last a lifetime!
OUR HISTORY
In 1914 the Missouri YMCAs founded its summer camp program on the banks of the White River. From its inception, camp had a positive impact on the campers who attended. Between 1952 and 1953 the original property was purchased by the state of Missouri as part of the Table Rock Dam Project and camp moved to its present location on the banks of Goose Creek just southwest of Halltown, MO.
Camp Wakonda’s 98 acres of woodlands, fields and streams are home to multitude of wildlife including deer, turkeys, owls, hawks squirrels and woodchucks. A climbing tower, high and low ropes courses, archery and rifle ranges, arts and crafts, nature center and pool offer campers opportunities to try new skills, create lifelong friendships and grow in self-confidence and self-esteem. Historic dining and recreation halls and a solar bath and shower house round out the facilities and offer campers the creature comforts of camp.
A new lake was completed in 2016 to provide campers the opportunity to participate in canoeing, kayaking and fishing as they have done in the past but will now also be able to enjoy swimming, water trampolining, blobbing, fly fishing and the giant Slip-n-Slide.
At Camp Wakonda we believe the camp experience is one of the best ways for children to learn and grow in ways that are almost impossible in any other setting. Living in a cabin with 8-10 other campers, choosing your own activities, learning new skills, meeting new people and developing relationships at camp allows children to do all these things under the guidance of caring counselors, creates a sense of newfound independence. Campers are encouraged.
With over 100 years of providing campers “The Best Week of Their Year,” Camp Wakonda helps kids grow in confidence and self-esteem while building relationships that will last a lifetime!
OUR CORE VALUES
At YMCA Camp Wakonda, we strive to embody the following core values of the YMCA which are the cornerstone of what we teach our campers. From the first day these values are used to highlight expectations, encourage positive behaviors and cement meaning of the camp experience into the minds of campers.
Caring
We go beyond ourselves to do what we can for all.
Honesty
We maintain the trust of the surrounding community, campers, guests, and fellow staff through honesty with ourselves and others.
Respect
We feel and show honor and consideration for others, the environment, health, and ourselves through our actions, service, and deeds.
Responsibility
We hold ourselves accountable for what we do, accept results of the actions we take and seek to fulfill expectations of our staff and guests.
Summer camp is all about the kids. Our primary goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our campers, staff and guests. We hire and train counselors who easily connect with each individual camper and provide countless opportunities for campers to make friends and build relationships.
WE ARE SAFE
We are an American Camping Association (ACA) accredited camp that has been ensuring the safety and well being of thousands of campers for over 100 years. All of our facilities meet or exceed OSHA and MO State inspection standards.
Our staff are college aged role models who have attended at least 10 full days of staff training. Staff are screened and selected through a full interview process. Reference checks are completed on all hired staff and all staff undergo a complete background check annually.
All of our staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Staff in specialty activity areas including aquatics activities, horse activities, and challenge course activities undergo additional trainings and certifications and annual skill verifications.
WE ARE SAFE
We are an American Camping Association (ACA) accredited camp that has been ensuring the safety and well being of thousands of campers for over 100 years. All of our facilities meet or exceed OSHA and MO State inspection standards.
Our staff are college aged role models who have attended at least 10 full days of staff training. Staff are screened and selected through a full interview process. Reference checks are completed on all hired staff and all staff undergo a complete background check annually.
All of our staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Staff in specialty activity areas including aquatics activities, horse activities, and challenge course activities undergo additional trainings and certifications and annual skill verifications.
WE ARE SAFE
We are an American Camping Association (ACA) accredited camp that has been ensuring the safety and well being of thousands of campers for over 100 years. All of our facilities meet or exceed OSHA and MO State inspection standards.
Our staff are college aged role models who have attended at least 10 full days of staff training. Staff are screened and selected through a full interview process. Reference checks are completed on all hired staff and all staff undergo a complete background check annually.
All of our staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Staff in specialty activity areas including aquatics activities, horse activities, and challenge course activities undergo additional trainings and certifications and annual skill verifications.
WE TEACH VALUES
Everything we do at Camp is put through the lens of our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. These principles have been a part of the YMCA and Camp Wakonda for many years. Our staff are trained to guide campers back to our mission and cause through challenge, fun, and connecting with others. It is our priority that kids leave camp with a stronger morale compass, empathy for others, and sense of self worth.
WE ARE FUN
Mole runs, themed dinners, loud camp songs, and sweaty adventures – that is the essence of all things camp. We believe memories are made in the mess and friendships are forged around a campfire. Campers find confidence in who they are without social media and the latest trends but through making it to the top of our rockwall, searching for treasures in the creek, and making friendship bracelets. After one week of getting back to what nature intended, they’ll want to come back to that feeling year after year. Each day begins and ends with quiet reflection but throughout the rest of the day, campers run, play, and laugh their way through adventurous activities. Even if your camper isn’t the thrill-seeking type, with so many options, they are bound to find a great way to express themselves with whatever talent they may have.
WE TEACH VALUES
Everything we do at Camp is put through the lens of our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. These principles have been a part of the YMCA and Camp Wakonda for many years. Our staff are trained to guide campers back to our mission and cause through challenge, fun, and connecting with others. It is our priority that kids leave camp with a stronger morale compass, empathy for others, and sense of self worth.
WE ARE FUN
Mole runs, themed dinners, loud camp songs, and sweaty adventures – that is the essence of all things camp. We believe memories are made in the mess and friendships are forged around a campfire. Campers find confidence in who they are without social media and the latest trends but through making it to the top of our rockwall, searching for treasures in the creek, and making friendship bracelets. After one week of getting back to what nature intended, they’ll want to come back to that feeling year after year. Each day begins and ends with quiet reflection but throughout the rest of the day, campers run, play, and laugh their way through adventurous activities. Even if your camper isn’t the thrill-seeking type, with so many options, they are bound to find a great way to express themselves with whatever talent they may have.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. In addition, it is the believe of the Ozarks Regional YMCA that no one be denied access to memberships and services due to financial limitations. That’s why our Y nurtures the potential of our community by making it possible for people to experience a growth in positive behavior, better health and educational achievement.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. In addition, it is the believe of the Ozarks Regional YMCA that no one be denied access to memberships and services due to financial limitations. That’s why our Y nurtures the potential of our community by making it possible for people to experience a growth in positive behavior, better health and educational achievement.
