Hope of the Ozarks

Hope of the Ozarks' summer camps, for kids ages 8 to 16, are uniquely designed for at-risk children and youth, who have at least one incarcerated parent. Children have a chance to just be kids as they participate in swimming, horseback riding, archery, games, and arts and crafts, but summer camps provide much more. Children learn they are not the only ones with a parent in prison, and they interact with staff who had similar experiences growing up. In addition to all the fun activities, there are classes which provide children with tools to make healthy choices, process grief, and realize their value and dreams. Children learn life skills including conflict resolution and anger management and have opportunities to increase their social and emotional development by participating in group activities, going horseback riding, and connecting with God.

Timothy Training Camp is a camp for former campers who are 14-16 years old. This camp focuses on skills in work ethic and integrity, self-discipline, and how to be a team player. This is an invite only camp for those young people who desire to grow in leadership and service to others.

Night of Camp is a program designed to keep our campers and staff connected in the offseason September - March. One Saturday a month campers and staff are invited back to camp for an evening of games, dinner, and a chapel lesson.

Hope of the Ozarks offers an internship opportunity to young adults ages 17 - 22 who want to develop as leaders and learn how to make an impact in their community. This 12 month program is a purposeful and intentional time for interns to serve, gain work experience, identify their strengths and passions, and to become better equipped to face challenges and overcome them. Interns gain hands-on experience with the planning and implementation of Summer Camp, Timothy Training Camp, and Night of Camp. This experience allows them to have significant involvement working as a team member, mentoring, serving groups, running a non-profit organization, and developing their unique strengths and passions. They will be challenged to grow spiritually, emotionally, and vocationally.