Residential Boys Camp in the Ozarks
Currently in the development stage
Currently in the development stage
The intent of this camp is to serve boys and families in the Midwest, by presenting an opportunity for boys to learn life skills and overcome personal struggles. The camp model is a year-round residential program for boys ages 9 to 15 who are struggling at home or in school. It is laid out with several campsites. A group of about 10 boys and two chiefs (counsellors) live in each campsite. They eat most of their meals and interact with the rest of the camp community at a central building called the Chuckwagon.
The outdoor setting provides an ideal environment for boys to learn and explore. The camp lifestyle and upkeep of campsites require responsibility from each boy and in turn they find ownership and value in hard work. Relationships are central, and with the help of their group and counsellors, boys can learn to work through their problems toward emotional, behavioral, and spiritual wholeness.
MAY 2022
With the growing interest in a Midwestern Boys Camp, a steering committee for the work was formed. A branch of this committee was to pursue real estate options.
AUGUST 2022
A small group of men from Allegany Boys Camp and from the Midwest spent 3 days looking at properties in Southern Missouri. When they saw the last one, a 330 acre tract near Fredericktown, Missouri, they had a strong sense that this was the right place for a boys camp.
SEPTEMBER 2022
A group of interested brothers which included staff from Allegany Boys Camp and fathers from the Midwest whose sons had either been enrolled at Camp or served as chiefs, met to further discuss the purchase of the property and the establishment of a camp.
OCTOBER 2022
An official board and pastoral advisory committee were selected.
NOVEMBER 2022
The land was purchased for $1,170,000. This was possible through the immediate response of God's people in generous donations and private 2-year loans.
DECEMBER 2022
A group of men from Allegany Boys Camp visited to begin layout plans for the camp buildings and campsites. The board and PAC met on the property to discuss the layout.
JANUARY 2023
Albert Stoltzfus, who has had interest in the work from the beginning, has agreed to be the camp director. He and his family plan to move to the property near the beginning of August.
MARCH 2023
Some of the board members and other volunteers worked together to clear the trees for the ½ mile stretch of new lane that will lead to the main camp buildings.
FUTURE
The first building project planned is a large versatile utility building that will serve multiple purposes for the start of a camp. Next planned are a laundry/shower house and a new camp staff house.
Meet our Board of Directors and Pastoral Advisory Committee that oversees and gives council for the direction and goals of the camp and staff.
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