Nestled in the heart of Missouri’s scenic Ozark region, Camp Taum Sauk proudly stands as a beacon of adventure and learning in Lesterville, MO. Positioned near the serene Black River, their camp offers a stunning backdrop for the array of activities and programs tailored to enrich the lives of young campers.

Founded with a deep respect for nature and a passion for outdoor activities, Camp Taum Sauk has been a home away from home for many since its inception. Their mission is simple yet profound: “To foster independence, nurture friendships, and enhance the joy of childhood through the spirit of the outdoors.” They are committed to creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where every camper can thrive.

Camp Taum Sauk is a summer camp that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. Whether it’s your child’s first sleepaway camp experience or they are seasoned campers, they will find a program that suits their interests and age. From thrilling outdoor adventures to creative arts and crafts, their camp offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all personalities and preferences.

Join us at Camp Taum Sauk, where summer memories last a lifetime and the adventures are as endless as the friendships formed under the clear Ozark skies.

Programs Offered by Camp Taum Sauk

At Camp Taum Sauk, they provide a diverse selection of programs designed to cater to various interests and age groups. Their sessions and specialty programs ensure that every camper has the opportunity to explore new activities, develop skills, and make lifelong memories.

Program Descriptions and Session Lengths

Traditional Camp Programs: Their traditional camp sessions are the heart of Camp Taum Sauk. These include a variety of activities ranging from swimming and hiking to team sports and nature exploration. Campers can enroll in sessions lasting one week, or two weeks, or opt for a full summer experience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in camp life and form strong bonds with peers.
Specialty Programs:
- Arts Camp: For the creatively inclined, their art camp offers sessions in painting, sculpting, drama, and dance. These programs encourage creativity and personal expression, culminating in a camp-wide showcase at the end of each session.
- Sports Camp: Focused on physical education and team spirit, their sports camp includes coaching in soccer, basketball, archery, and more. Each sport session is designed to improve skills, promote teamwork, and boost confidence.
- Science and Nature Camp: Perfect for young explorers and budding scientists, this program offers hands-on activities that range from astronomy to zoology, emphasizing learning through exploration and discovery.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Taum Sauk is structured to balance activity with enough downtime to relax and reflect. Here’s what a typical day looks like:

7:30 AM – Wake-up and cabin clean-up
8:00 AM – Breakfast in the dining hall
9:00 AM – Morning activities (campers choose from a range of scheduled options)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest hour (time for reading, letter writing, or just relaxing)
2:00 PM – Afternoon activities (different options from the morning or continued specialty programs)
5:00 PM – Free time for campers to explore, play, or hang out with friends
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening program (campfires, talent shows, night hikes)
9:00 PM – Cabin time, where campers can unwind and prepare for bed
10:00 PM – Lights out

Each day is carefully planned to provide a blend of structured activities and free time, allowing campers to learn, play, and grow in a supportive environment. Whether they spend the summer with us or just a week, their campers leave with increased confidence, new skills, and cherished memories.

Accommodations in Camp Taum Sauk

At Camp Taum Sauk, they ensure that every aspect of their campers’ stay is comfortable, safe, and conducive to an enjoyable camp experience. Here’s a closer look at their accommodations, dining options, and facilities.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation consists of cozy, rustic cabins designed to blend into the natural surroundings of the Ozark region. Each cabin houses 8 to 12 campers and is equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. Cabins are grouped by age and gender to foster a family-like atmosphere where campers can form close-knit bonds.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Nutrition plays a huge role in the energy and well-being of their campers. Their dining hall serves three well-balanced meals a day, cooked on-site by their dedicated kitchen staff. Menus are varied to cater to a range of tastes and ensure that all campers have the energy they need for a busy day of activities.
Dietary Accommodations: They are committed to accommodating the dietary needs of all their campers. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and meals free from common allergens are available upon request. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary requirements with their staff before arrival to ensure that they can meet their needs throughout their stay.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin group has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities that are centrally located for easy access. Bathrooms are separated by gender and are equipped with flush toilets, sinks, and private shower stalls. Their facilities are maintained with the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring comfort and safety for all campers.

At Camp Taum Sauk, they strive to provide a home-like environment where campers can feel safe, relaxed, and free to enjoy their summer adventure. Whether it’s resting in their cabin after a day full of activities, enjoying a meal with friends, or taking care of daily routines, their facilities are designed to meet all their needs.

Activities in Camp Taum Sauk

Camp Taum Sauk is dedicated to providing a dynamic and engaging summer experience with a plethora of activities designed to suit every interest and skill level. Here’s a rundown of what they offer, along with their special events and opportunities for skill development.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps can immerse themselves in nature through activities like hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and zip-lining. Each activity is supervised by trained staff to ensure safety while allowing campers to push their limits and enjoy the thrill of the outdoors.
Water Activities: Their proximity to the Black River allows us to offer swimming, kayaking, and fishing. They also have a pool for swimming lessons and free swimming periods.
Creative Arts: For those inclined towards creativity, they offer arts and crafts, pottery, music, and drama. These activities are designed to stimulate creativity and personal expression.
Sports: They provide a range of sports options, including soccer, basketball, archery, and tennis. These activities are great for learning teamwork and leadership skills while staying active and having fun.
Nature and Science Programs: Campers can participate in environmental education sessions, star gazing nights, and wildlife studies, which encourage curiosity about the natural world.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings are a cornerstone of life at Camp Taum Sauk. These nights often feature storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and belonging among campers.
Color Wars: This camp-wide competition splits the camp into teams to compete in various sporting, artistic, and intellectual challenges. It’s a highlight of the summer and helps build spirit, camaraderie, and leadership.
End-of-Summer Festival: At the end of each summer session, they host a festival where campers can showcase the skills they’ve developed, whether it’s in arts, sports, or science. Parents are invited to join in the celebration of achievements.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Taum Sauk is committed to helping campers develop a wide range of skills:

Leadership and Teamwork: Through sports and group activities, campers learn the value of working together and leading by example.
Creative Expression: Arts and crafts sessions provide the tools and guidance necessary for campers to express themselves and hone their artistic talents.
Environmental Awareness: Activities like hiking and nature studies equip campers with knowledge about environmental conservation and the importance of being responsible stewards of our planet.
Physical Fitness: Daily activities promote a healthy lifestyle through fun, physical activities that improve coordination, strength, and overall fitness.

At Camp Taum Sauk, they believe in the holistic development of their campers, encouraging them to learn, grow, and discover their potential in a nurturing and fun environment.

The staff of Camp Taum Sauk

At Camp Taum Sauk, they recognize that their staff are integral to providing a safe, educational, and enjoyable camp experience. They take great care in assembling a team that is not only qualified but also passionate about making a positive impact on their campers’ lives. Here’s an overview of their staff-to-camper ratio, hiring process, qualifications, and the training their staff undergoes.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that every camper receives individual attention and care. Their general ratio is 1 staff member for every 5 campers, which allows us to closely monitor camper safety and provide a personalized experience. This ratio is even lower for specialized activities, such as swimming or rock climbing, to enhance safety and instruction quality.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: They conduct a rigorous hiring process that includes detailed background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure that candidates are both skilled and have a genuine interest in youth development.
Qualifications: Their staff are selected based on their expertise in specific program areas, previous experience in camps or with children, and their educational background. Many of their staff members are pursuing or have completed degrees in education, psychology, recreation, or related fields.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid before the camp season begins. This ensures that they are prepared to handle any emergencies that might occur. Additionally, staff involved in specific activities, such as lifeguards, must have appropriate certifications, such as Lifeguard Training from the American Red Cross.
Pre-Camp Training: Before campers arrive, all staff undergo an intensive pre-camp training program that covers their camp philosophy, child behavior management techniques, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and specific training for their assigned activities.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, they conduct ongoing training sessions to address any emerging needs and to continuously improve their service and care. These sessions also serve to reinforce their safety standards and ensure all staff are up-to-date with the best practices in child care and camp management.

At Camp Taum Sauk, they are proud of their dedicated staff who not only bring their skills and enthusiasm to camp but also a commitment to creating a nurturing environment where campers can thrive and create lasting memories.

Safety and Health in Camp Taum Sauk

At Camp Taum Sauk, the health and safety of their campers and staff are their top priorities. They implement comprehensive safety protocols and procedures and are equipped with on-site health facilities to ensure that everyone has a secure and enjoyable experience. Here’s an outline of their safety measures, health care provisions, and emergency handling policies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Activity Safety: All activities at the camp are conducted under the supervision of trained staff with expertise in that specific area. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and safety briefings are conducted before any activity starts.
Environmental Safety: Given their location in the Ozarks, they are vigilant about environmental hazards such as severe weather or wildlife encounters. They have established protocols to quickly and safely respond to such situations, including designated safe areas and clear, practiced evacuation routes and procedures.
Nighttime Security: The camp is patrolled at night by security staff, and all cabins are locked to ensure the safety and security of their campers and staff throughout the night.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Their on-site health center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians, who are available 24/7. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary medications and first-aid equipment.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, each camper undergoes a health check to identify any existing conditions or medications that their health staff should be aware of. This helps us manage individual health needs effectively throughout their stay.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: They have a comprehensive emergency response plan in place, which includes protocols for handling severe injuries, health crises, and natural disasters. All staff members are trained in these protocols and participate in regular drills to ensure they are well-prepared.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, they have established communication procedures to quickly inform all staff and, when necessary, communicate with parents and local emergency services. They ensure that communication lines within the camp and with the external world are always functional.
Evacuation Procedures: Should an evacuation be necessary, they have clear procedures in place that all staff and campers are familiar with. These procedures are designed to ensure that everyone can be safely and quickly moved to a secure location.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: They maintain a close relationship with local emergency services, including fire, police, and medical responders, to ensure a rapid response in case of any emergency.

The safety and well-being of their campers and staff are integral to everything they do at Camp Taum Sauk. They strive to maintain a secure environment where parents can feel confident in the care and supervision their children receive, and where campers can focus on enjoying their summer camp experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Taum Sauk

Understanding the cost and registration details is crucial for planning your child’s summer at Camp Taum Sauk. They aim to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, providing several options to accommodate family needs. Here are the details regarding the cost of attendance, registration process, payment plans, and available financial assistance.

Cost of Attendance

What It Includes: The cost of attending Camp Taum Sauk covers all lodging in their comfortable cabins, three meals per day plus snacks, all camp activities, 24-hour supervision by their trained staff, and any equipment needed for camp activities. Additional costs might be associated with special off-site trips or specific specialty programs, which will be clearly outlined during registration.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Process: Registration for the camp can be completed online through the camp’s website. You’ll need to create an account, fill out the necessary camper information, select your session and any specialty programs, and submit medical information and consent forms.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and runs until sessions are full. They encourage early registration as some sessions and specialty programs fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: They offer flexible payment plans to help manage the cost of camp. Families can choose to pay in installments leading up to the camp session. Details and schedules for payment plans are available during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations: If you need to cancel your registration, you can do so up to one month before the session begins for a full refund minus a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than a month before the session start date will receive a 50% refund. No refunds are provided once the session has begun, except in cases of medical emergencies, which require documentation.

Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid

Scholarships and Financial Aid: They believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience Camp Taum Sauk, regardless of financial circumstances. They offer a limited number of scholarships each year based on financial need. Applications for scholarships can be submitted through their website and require documentation of financial status.
Additional Aid: They also work with several community organizations and foundations that may offer grants or assistance for children wishing to attend summer camps.

At Camp Taum Sauk, they strive to make their camp experience accessible and affordable to all families.

Cost

Main Sessions:
Two Week A – $2,475.00
Two Week B – $2,475.00
Two Week C – $2,475.00

Mini Sessions:
One Week A – $1,475.00
One Week B – $1,475.00
One Week C – $1,475.00

Taste of Taum Sauk – $1,250.00

Extended Sessions:
Four Week A – $4,550.00
Four Week B – $4,550.00
Full Season – $7,425.00

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Taum Sauk

Preparing for summer camp, especially for first-time campers and their parents, can be an exciting yet daunting experience. At Camp Taum Sauk, they aim to provide all the necessary information to ensure that you and your camper are fully prepared for a fun and fulfilling camp experience. Below are details about what to pack, their camp rules and policies, and some tips to help first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To ensure that your camper has everything they need, here’s a recommended packing list:

Clothing: Enough clothing for a week, including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, undergarments, socks, a sweater or jacket, and a raincoat.
Footwear: Sturdy shoes for hiking, sandals for casual wear, and water shoes for aquatic activities.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
Accessories: Hat, sunglasses, water bottle.
Equipment: Flashlight or headlamp, batteries.
Optional Items: Books, journals, disposable cameras (if you wish to avoid electronics).

Please label all items with your child’s name to help keep track of personal belongings.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: They encourage campers to disconnect from technology and connect with nature and each other. Therefore, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted. Campers may use them during designated times, typically in the evenings, but they encourage minimal use.
Visitation: For the safety and security of their campers and to maintain the camp schedule, parent visitations are generally not allowed except on designated visiting days, which are usually set towards the middle or end of longer sessions.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Get Involved: Participate in as many activities as you can to make new friends and learn new skills.
- Stay Positive: It’s normal to feel homesick. Stay focused on the fun activities and the new friends you are making.
For Parents:
- Stay Informed: Read all materials sent by the camp and do not hesitate to contact the camp for any queries or concerns.
- Prepare Your Child: Talk about what the camp will be like focusing on the exciting aspects and activities they’ll get to participate in.
- Pack Together: Packing together can help your child feel more prepared and secure about what to expect.

By following these guidelines and preparing accordingly, both parents and campers can feel more at ease and excited about the upcoming camp experience at Camp Taum Sauk. Whether it’s your child’s first time or they’re returning for another year, their goal is to create a supportive, engaging, and memorable summer adventure.

As the gateway to unforgettable summer adventures, Camp Taum Sauk stands out as more than just a place—it’s a community where campers grow, learn, and create memories that last a lifetime. Nestled in the beautiful Ozarks, their camp provides a safe, enriching environment where children can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. From their diverse range of activities and programs to their dedicated staff and comprehensive safety protocols, every aspect of Camp Taum Sauk is designed to ensure a positive and impactful camp experience.

Whether your child is looking to conquer new heights on the climbing wall, discover their artistic talents, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, Camp Taum Sauk offers a nurturing setting where those aspirations can flourish. They believe in the power of camp to transform lives, and they are committed to providing each camper with the tools they need to thrive both at camp and beyond.