Making camp memories since 1961.

Our Mission

To preserve Camp Childress as an outdoor camping reserve, to be used to prepare young adults to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime, build the foundations for humility and compassion, strengthen character in actions and education, and to prepare youth for a lifetime of leadership. To accomplish these goals, we provide a healthy environment for youth, adults, service agencies, and families to grow and feel welcome.

 Community Resource

  • Camp Childress is seeking churches that wish to partner with us to provide a safe and affordable option for their church family to hold events. Whether you are looking for a small leadership retreat or want a place to host a multi-church camp, our facility is the perfect place. Contact us to see what options are available for your group.

  • Camp Childress is the perfect place for team building with a wide variety of options for team retreats or sport specific camps. Childress is home to one of the largest running camps in the United States: SWMO Running Camp. www.swmorunningcamp.com

  • Camp Childress is the perfect place for your youth group to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying the immenities of hot showers, private restroooms, an amazing pool, and so much more.

  • Camp Childress has been home to the Scouts for generations and is still available for your group to rent today.

  • Camp Childress has so many different things to offer schools. Contact us today to discuss how we can meet your needs.

  • Camp Childress is perfect for your business to host its own leadership and team-building outings. Contact us today to see how we can meet your needs.

  • Camp Childress relies on nearly 100% volunteerism to keep the property looking amazing. If your group is looking for a place to give back to the community or to get volunteer hours, please contact us to see what offerings are available.

  • Camp Childress is the perfect place to showcase your public agency. Please contact us to day to see how we can help you.

The Property

In the past, Camp Childress was used primarily by Scouting units, but now sees
multiple non-Scouting organizations use the property each year.

Formerly a Scout-Only facility, Childress is now a community resource with over 11,000 camper days in 2022.

Includes a climate-controlled dining hall that seats 250 people, commercial kitchen, pool, staff housing, Tipi Village, and a well-stocked trout pond.

Located just Southeast of Joplin, Missouri, at the intersection Highways V and 49.

An amazing campground made up of 175-acres of campsites, hiking trails, and so much more.