Summer is a great time for kids to try new things and have experiences that help them grow and mature. Sleepaway camps are a great option for kids to do that in a supportive environment while having tons of fun. They get to unplug and get outside, make new friends, and become more independent. We’ve rounded up a list both religious and non-religious sleepaway camps within a day’s drive of Kansas City.
Mom Pro Tips
- Not sure if your kid is ready for sleepaway camp yet? Try out the day camp option or go to one of the family weekends in the spring or the fall so they become familiar with the camp.
- Attending camp with a friend can help for kids that are shy and struggle to make new friends. Typically you can ask to have them bunk together.
- When researching camps, look into how they deal with kids that get anxious trying new things. Many camps have embraced a “challenge of choice” approach that allows kids to have more autonomy when it comes to trying things like high ropes courses.
- It is really important to make sure the camp your child attends is accredited by the American Camp Association and has solid protocols to protect children from abuse.
- Camp can be financially out of reach for some but many offer scholarships and financial assistance.
- When considering religious camps, it’s important to make sure the camp’s beliefs and values align with your family’s. You might ask what kind of doctrine the camp follows, whether there will be talks about sex and relationships, and if there are altar calls or baptisms at their services.
Non-Religious Camps
Camp Encourage
- Held at Heartland Center in Parkville, MO
- Ages 10 to 17
- Camp is specifically for kids on the autism spectrum but they are also looking for peer models.
Camp Quest
- Held at Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in La Cygne, KS
- Ages 8 to 17
- Combines traditional camp activities with critical thinking, science, philosophy, and ethics.
Cosmosphere Camps
- Hutchison, KS
- Grades 7 to 12
- Younger kids can participate in their day camp option. Book a place to stay and spend the week enjoying camp and exploring other fun activities in the area.
Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp
- Rolla, MO
- Ages 7 to 17
- This camp has its own zoo with over 300 animals! Imagine going to camp with a capybara AND an axolotl. This is a kid’s dream.
Rock Springs Ranch
- Junction City, KS
- Grades 1 to 12
- 4-H values are the heart of this camp but you don’t have to be in 4-H to attend.
Wildwood Outdoor Education Center
- La Cygne, KS
- Grades 3 to 12
- Day camps for younger kids and 2-week leadership camps for high schoolers are also available.
YMCA Camp Wakonda
- Ash Grove, MO
- Ages 7 to 17
- Offers a tiered pricing structure and financial assistance.
YMCA Camp Wood
- Elmdale, KS
- Ages 7 to 17
- Offers horse camps in addition to typical overnight camps.
Religious Camps
Camp Chippewa
- Located in Ottawa, KS
- Grades 3 to 12
- Religious affiliation: United Methodist
Camp Sabra
- Located in Rocky Mount, MO
- Grades 1 to 10
- Religious affiliation: Jewish
Camp Tekawitha
- Williamsburg, KS
- Grades 5 to 12
- Religious affiliation: Catholic
Heartland Presbyterian Center
- Parkville, MO
- Grades 2 to 12
- Religious affiliation: Presbyterian USA
Three Trails Camp
- Kansas City, MO
- Ages 7 to 17
- Religious affiliation: Salvation Army
Youthfront Camps
- LaCygne and Edgerton, KS
- Grades 3 to 12
- Religious affiliation: Non-denominational, evangelical
