Camp 2006
In 1933, the Rev. David Bulkley purchased a 1000-acre tract of Ozark land near Warsaw, Missouri. Hundreds of homeless men traveled to the site to work, live and find meaning in their lives. Bunkhouses, a lodge, plenty of hard work and time for Bible study brought peace to those who sought the tranquility of "Opportunity Farm." Soon thereafter, David and his wife Beulah organized summer camps for poverty-stricken children, ages 5-16. Today, Camp CUMCITO continues to provide weeklong summer vacations to low-income children each year.
City Union Mission hosts 9 sessions of youth camp in 5 weeks each summer. The camp serves up to 380 children ages 7-16 at Big Camp and up to 160 children ages 4-6 at Tot Lot. Each week a different age group experiences a week of learning, playing and sharing. All campers receive a health screening the week prior to their attending camp. The Mission offers free screenings the Saturday before each camp session, or families may choose to have their own doctor complete the health screening form.
Camper fees are based on family income. Camper's families whose income exceeds the KCMO school district free lunch guidelines are put on a waiting list. This insures the neediest children have an opportunity to experience camp. Many donors provided a form of camp scholarship this year and there is still time to donate. If you are interested in providing a camp scholarship this year, please click here.
It takes many hands to make the camp operational -- from counselors to cooks, and each summer more than 250 volunteer for one-week or more. These volunteers are growing, maturing Christians and have participated regularly in a church for the preceding year. Counselors (and most other staff) are "on duty" 22 hours per day.
Prior to camp, these volunteers participate in a combination of mandatory training sessions that helps them perform their job at camp effectively. The various training elements consist of:
- Self Study (Spiritual preparation, evangelism training, "test out" opportunity for the CUMCITO Staff Guidebook, and orientation to the big picture ministry of City Union Mission)
- 12 hours of CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training
- Special training for Supervisors
Extra JST (Job-Specific Training) is also offered. This consists of advanced training for specific positions and is offered as an option for others who are interested. This training consists of:
- Recreation staff (Canoeing, Trust Course Facilitation, Archery, First Aid, etc.)
- Lifeguards (Water safety procedures, CPR, and First Aid)
- Cooks and assistant cooks (food service procedures, using equipment, etc.)
- Managers and Nurses (medical procedures, transporting campers, insurance paperwork, etc.)
Prior to going to camp, various "City-Side" training sessions are conducted. They consist of: Overall CUMCITO purpose, goals, objectives, discipline, specific job training, and first-aid basics. Various elective training is also offered and consists of: understanding cross cultural urban ministry, communication, dealing with child abuse, spiritual prep, evangelism skills, going pro-active with stress, devotion hints, and understanding camp policies.
Please consider volunteering for these unfilled opportunities:
- Camp Bus Monitor - These monitors ride with the children to provide a safe and pleasant trip to or from camp in Warsaw, Mo. (Sunday July 2, then Mondays and Saturdays through August 5). Must submit to a background report.
- Camp Nurse - Christian RNs, please consider volunteering a week at Camp CUMCITO in Warsaw, MO. Distribute daily meds and first aid, and deal with medical emergencies in a beautiful environment. At this time, we do not have RNs scheduled for week July 23-July29 (7-8 year old boys and girls) or week July 30-August 5 (4-6 year old boys and girls). RNs must be licensed in MO or have proof of application.
- Cabin Counselors and Assistant Counselors - More male Counselors and Assistant Counselors are a must! We don't want to turn children away! Includes Junior week July 9-July 15 (ages 9-10) and Primary Week July 23-July 29 (ages 7-8). If you are a male, a Christian, and at least 18 years old, please consider being a Counselor (Must be at least 16 for Assistant Counselor).
To find out about volunteer opportunities for this event, contact the Volunteer Department by E-mail at Volunteers@cumission.org or by calling (816) 329-1487.
Camp Spotlight …
There are many activities to fill each day: swimming, hiking, Bible stories, dramas and sing-times, chapel, sports, crafts, great food and Bible study. Camp CUMCITO is located on 500 sprawling acres of land near Warsaw, Missouri. It is complete with hiking trails and a swimming pool, recreation area, craft hall, snack canteen, chapel and dining hall.
Camp Spotlight …
- You can still come to City Union Mission's Camp in the Ozarks!
- A recent college graduate, Crystal Lazar, selflessly chose to celebrate her graduation by doing something for the poor and homeless children attending CUMCITO.
Family Camp - June 27-30
Teen Boys' Camp, ages 13-16 - July 2-8
July 3rd - Welcome Campers!The campers finally arrived yesterday afternoon. They weren't late, but the staff was so anxious and very excited that the minutes of the afternoon crept by until their return. Click here to read and see more about their first day.
July 4th - Egg War!Last night was the traditional Teen Boys' Camp wide Egg War! What a spectacle they made of themselves, but fun was had by all. Click here to read and see more Egg Wars and this day at Camp.
July 5th - Independence Day Celebration
They had a wonderful celebration last night! Sandy, the cook made a fantastic picnic of fried chicken and potato salad, and they hauled all the picnic tables up to the volleyball field to enjoy in true Fourth of July fashion. Click here to see the fireworks and read about this day at Camp.
July 7th - A Trip to the Beach and Pinewood Derby
Technical issues on Wednesday prevented our daily update. Wednesday night the campers packed up dinner and went to the Truman Swimming Beach. Thursday the campers went for a late night swim and worked on their pinewood derby cars. Click here for more info on a trip to the beach and preparing for the Derby.
Junior Camp, boys and girls camp for children ages 9-10 - July 10-15
Tot Lot, ages 4-6 - July 10-15
Pre-Teen Camp, boys and girls camp for children ages 11-12 - July 17-22
Tot Lot, ages 4-6 - July 17-22
Primary Camp, boys and girls camp for children ages 7-8 - July 24-29
Tot Lot, ages 4-6 - July 24-29
Teen Girls' Camp, ages 13-16 - July 31-August 5
