How many students and leaders are on a team?
Students are placed on teams of approximately 20–25 students. Each team has 4 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 Youth Camp orientation

What does the swimming look like?
We have a beautiful lake and a pool with tons of fun water activities! Every student takes a swimming test on the first day of camp, and we identify any students 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.

What does “Mud Day” look like at camp?
We love getting muddy and have a whole day devoted to mud games! As much as we love the mud, we want every single student to LOVE camp and will never force a camper to get muddy.

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.

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 guys’ and girls’ dorms with indoor showers and toilets.

Your student will be housed with their teammates and leaders in bunk style dorms.

What is the food like at camp?
A professional and caring food team prepares three delicious, healthy size meals every day. We also feature a “Snack Shack” where students are able to purchase items such as candy, chips, soft drinks, etc.

What is there to do at camp?
In addition to the team competitions and the evening services, James River Youth summer camp gives students an opportunity to hang out with friends in a safe environment. The camp ground features:
– Outdoor pavilion that includes multiple basketball courts
– Full size lake: Equipped with canoes, paddle boards, life vests and fishing areas
– Swimming Pool
– Beautiful property with trails, seating areas, and a frisbee golf course
– Mud Mountain! *During team competitions, students will experience running through our mud mountain obstacle as they race to bring their team to victory!

We reserve the right to inspect contents of all personal belongings if due cause arises.

Improper contents will be held by camp staff and returned to parent/guardian(s) at the end of camp.

All campers will be expected to observe habits of personal cleanliness, respect for camp staff and other campers, and refrain from using foul language, including cursing and crude humor.

Charges for items broken/damaged or stolen during camp will be billed to the parties/individual involved.

If a student is sent home early due to sickness, behavior, or discipline issues, should camp leadership determine it is necessary, there will not be a refund given.

Tell Me about Camp and Mail Policy
When writing to your student AT CAMP, send your letters to:
[Student’s Name]
James River Camp
9500 Hwy AH
Huggins, MO 65484

• To ensure mail arrives on time, please mail your letter 1–2 days before your student leaves for camp. We are not responsible to forward late arriving mail.
• Campers will not be allowed to make or accept phone calls unless it is an emergency.
• Your student will have a great time, and we encourage you to ask them all about it when they get home!

Packing List:

• Bedding (pillow, twin sheets, blanket or sleeping bag)
• 1 towel for swimming, 1 towel for showering
• Toiletries
• Pajamas
• 1 rec/play outfit per day for team activities (t-shirt and shorts)
• 1 mud day outfit and mud day shoes (will get muddy)
• 1 water day outfit (no white shirts or shorts)
• Clothing for evening services (for each day)
• Swimsuit (girls – no two-piece allowed)
• Underwear (two sets per day)
• Closed-toed shoes for team activities
• Flip flops or shower shoes
• Casual shoes for services and free time
• Bible/notebook/pen (if you do not have a bible, we will have one available)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Spending money for snack shack/merch (optional)

Things to Leave:

• Cell phone or other personal electronics
• Inappropriate clothing
• Firearms, knives, fireworks, or explosives
• Water guns or Water balloons

Any student found with illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, improper use of prescription drugs, alcohol, vapes, fireworks or weapons of any kind will be immediately sent home at their parent’s expense.