JUNE 2026

grades 2-5

FUN from start to finish

Swimming

Team Games

Friends

Chapels

t

Camp Mystery

Best Food

Worship

Bible

Creating a Fun, Safe, & Faith-Filled Atmosphere Where Kids Experience God in a Way They Will Never Forget!

We tell every kid that camp will be the best week of their summer, and at the end of each camp, that’s exactly what we hear!  The fun starts before kids even leave the church and doesn’t stop until their heads hit the pillow back at home. Great food, crazy games, swimming, mud, s’mores, hilarious skits, team activities, and more! Kids’ lives are changed at James River Kids Camp!

Camp options for 2nd – 5th Grade

Camp Dates:

Camp 1 | June 3-6 (2nd-4th)

Camp 2 | June 10-13 (3rd-5th)

Camp 3 | June 15-18 (2nd-4th)

Camp 4 | June 22-25 (3rd-5th)

Participants will register for the grade completed in Spring 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Campground Details

The James River Camp is set on beautiful grounds located an hour and a half east of James River Church South Campus (30 minutes northeast of Mountain Grove, MO).

  • The campgrounds include a chapel, cafeteria, leaders’ lodge, swimming pool, lake and separate boys’ and girls’ dorms with indoor showers and toilets.
  • Your child will be housed with their teammates and leaders in bunk style dorms.
  • Watch a video tour of the campground and what your child can expect at Kids Camp Here.

Packing for camp

You can download and print a packing list here.

Bring this…

  • Pillow
  • Sleeping bag or twin bedding
  • Swim towel, Shower towel, washcloths
  • Shampoo/Conditioner & Soap
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • One piece swimsuit or swim trunks
  • Pajamas
  • 5-6 pairs of underwear
  • 5-6 pairs of socks – may get wet or muddy
  • 3 old T-shirts for rec – will get muddy
  • 3 pairs of shorts for rec – will get muddy
  • 4 T-shirts for chapel
  • 4 shorts or pants for chapel
  • 1 pair of pants & sweatshirt for cool weather
  • 1 pair of closed-toed shoes for rec – will get muddy
  • 1 pair of shoes for chapel/free time
  • 1 pair of flip flops for pool/shower
  • Bug Spray and Sunscreen
  • Bible (if your child does not have a Bible, we will make one available)

Don’t bring this…

  • Money (all snacks/meals are provided)
  • Electronics (including cell phones, tablets, video game devices, ipods, mp3 players, etc.)
  • Crop tops/two piece swim suits/spaghetti strap tanks/articles of clothing displaying questionable content
  • Food items (all snacks/meals are provided)
  • Weapons (firearms, knives, fireworks, matches)

Packing Tips…

  • Place each set of recreation clothes/chapel clothes in gallon Ziploc bags marked Day 1 recreation, Day 1 chapel, etc.
  • Write your child’s first and last name on the inside of all clothing (including shoes), towels, and washcloths.
  • Pack travel sized shampoo/soap that will be easy for your child to carry to and from the shower.
  • Talk to your child about what items could be thrown away at camp (ruined socks, half used soap, etc.)
  • You may even want to practice camp at home so your child knows what to take and use in the shower, what to use for brushing their teeth, what to take for swim time, etc.

Questions about camp safety

How many kids and leaders are on a team?

Kids are placed on teams of approximately 10-12 kids. Each team has 2 trained and caring leaders.

 

How are leaders selected?

Every camp leader is a volunteer who has completed a comprehensive process that includes:

  • Completed and approved volunteer application
  • Criminal background check
  • Mandatory Kids Camp orientation

What does the swimming look like?

We have a beautiful lake and a pool with tons of fun water activities! Every child takes a swimming test on the first day of camp, and we identify any kids that need to have a life jacket in the pool. All kids wear life jackets in the lake. We have staff and lifeguards posted at all swimming activities.

 

Is there camp security?

The safety of the campers is a top priority. There is 24 hour onsite security and trained adult supervision along with certified water safety teams.

Questions about Medical and Special Dietary Needs/Restrictions

All personal medications (prescription and/or over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, essential oils, and enzymes MUST have a doctor’s order and be brought in the original pharmacy labeled container or the original manufacturer’s container to the first aid station at check-in.

  • Prescription medications MUST have the camper’s name on the bottle.
  • Please limit the amount of medication to only what is required for the camper’s term.
  • Please make note on medical form and alert medical personnel at the first aid station during check-in of all allergies or medical conditions.
  • Each camp will have two professional medical personnel to help students with medication or injuries.

 

Where can I find the Medical Provider Permission form for over-the-counter medications?

A medical provider’s signature is required for authorization for over-the-counter medications that are on supply at the James River campground as well as those brought by a camper. Please download the Medical Provider Permission form HERE .

Return the completed form to the Registration office either by bringing it to the church or uploading it: HERE.

 

What if my child has dietary restrictions?

We offer two alternate allergy menus – Gluten Free or Dairy Free.  If your Camper’s food allergy warrants substitutions, the Camper/Camper’s parents will be permitted to provide these. Please contact the Camp team to arrange bringing food substitutions or supplements.

With over 25 years of Kids and Youth Camp experience, our Camp team works hard to ensure camp is a win for every single student.  If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at 417-581-5433 and ask for a member of our Camp team.

Dream Team Registration will open early 2026. All Dream Team are required to complete Grow Track.  If interested in serving at Kids Camp 2026, we highly encourage individuals to begin Grow Track and begin serving at James River Kids.

Learn more about James River Kids

 

Click for in-person and online options!