I spent 3 summers working here as a college student, and just got back from volunteering for a 5…read moreday session with 7 & 8 year old kids. This camp offers kids from any income level the opportunity to go away to camp. They can learn to swim, climb a tower, perfect their artistic talents and so much more. The leadership program includes wilderness adventures of hiking and canoeing, takes them on college visits, lets them experience how volunteer service feels and gives them to skills to get to a job at the end of the 4 year program. While the kids think they are just having fun, the real goal is to give them the skills and desire to further their education...college or vocational...and break the cycle of poverty. It also is a wonderful work experience for young adults. Teaching them responsibility, exposing them to diversity and hopefully influencing their attitudes about the potential of all children if they are just given the opportunities and skills needed to succeed. If you are thinking of sending your kids to camp, SFC is a nurturing environment that will challenge them. They'll walk through the woods and sing songs around campfires. They'll make friends and learn the value of teamwork. They'll spend hours in the library and try new foods. They'll grow up with camp their second home. Start them young and keep sending them back.

All of my kids have been going through their program. Two of them have completed their program and…read moreare moving on to counselors in training. Not sure where they would be without the experience and leadership training that they received!

What a fantastic dance studio! The staff are knowledgeable, and very caring. It's a family business…read moreand you can tell they care about each and every dancer that walks through the front door. Would highly recommend stopping by to look at the new location and just chat with the owner or desk staff. What a wonderful environment to raise your dancers in!!

From the owner: The Movement Arts Center (The MAC) is committed to providing students with an innovative and…read morecutting edge dance education. The MAC offers classes for ALL ages, levels, and styles in a positive and stimulating atmosphere. In addition to dance, the MAC focuses on other forms of art such as aerial training. This training gives students the opportunity to broaden their talents and options when pursuing a professional career. Students at the MAC learn the importance of proper technique and teamwork as well as individuality and self expression. The MAC Faculty is a unique team of qualified professionals that believe in inspiring each student to surpass their limits and become the best they can be.

Grateful doesn't adequately capture our family's appreciation for Camp Jumpstart. Our daughter,…read morewho also struggles with an intellectual disability, was given an enormous gift this Summer -- the opportunity to reclaim her sense of self-worth and build life long healthy habits. She was a camper for eight weeks and her personal transformation was remarkable. She gained much more than the 23 pounds she lost -- confidence, discipline, new friends, a set of "tools", and a sunny outlook on life. She is committed to continuing-on with what she's learned at camp and we are supporting her by fully modeling and adopting the same lifestyle. Thank you Jean, Jeremy,,camp staff and counselors -- you are life savers. Jean - your good name is invoked regularly at the kitchen table. To anyone considering this camp: we found this to be a safe and exceptionally well-run organization. Important caveat: Jean expects full engagement not only from the campers but also from parents and siblings as well. That was a deep attraction for us!

Camp Jump Start is an absolute blessing to those that attend, as well as the families of the…read morecampers. We were feeling desperate and scared...we knew change had to happen for our daughter, truly for all of us in the family....and it needed to happen outside of our home. When we found Camp Jump Start we knew it was our solution. The environment of unyielding encouragement, focus on self awareness, positive emotional mantras and the ability to find resilience in herself has changed her. From the very first phone call after one week, we could hear the change in her voice....the hope in her words. It literally brought us to tears. She left camp after 4 weeks, having lost 20 lbs, but looking like she felt 100 lbs lighter, with a spirit of accomplishment that allowed her to know she could do "it"- whatever it was. Jean and her staff at Camp Jump Start truly care about making change, one child at a time. The mission is clear, unyielding, supportive and successful- in so many more ways than numbers on a scale. They have our continued support, gratefulness and recommendation.

The microphone can't play is a very extravagant and fun experience for my son. All the counselors…read morehad fun names and words that that you would call them it's especially fun because you get to do archery swimming soccer basketball and more. I would definitely recommend for your kid to have a fun overnight camp this summer. -Kates son

From the owner: YMCA Camp Lakewood is a premier overnight summer camp in Potosi, MO, serving kids and teens ages…read more6-16. Located on 5,200 wooded acres with a private lake, we offer unforgettable experiences through traditional camps, specialty camps, leadership programs, and mini camps. Activities include archery, horseback riding, zip-lining, swimming, rock climbing, crafts, and more -- all led by caring staff in a safe, inclusive environment. Whether it's a camper's first time away from home or their fifth summer with us, Camp Lakewood builds confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships through adventure and fun.

The Endangered Wolf Center has been on my bucket list for years. I was thrilled to be able to…read moreattend a "Howl at the Moon" Friday evening event. We lucked out with the weather being warm and clear. The staff were very engaging and knowledgeable. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire and learning about all of the animals. They have laminated pictures of the animals and tell you about their behavior and how they collaborate with other groups (government, ranchers, etc) to promote a thriving ecosystem. After the education, we quietly walked a short way down a trail to literally howl and hear the wolves (and foxes?) howl back. We were not disappointed. It sounded like a large, wild kennel. Afterwards, there were s'mores by the fire pit. We even saw a bonus animal slither past us. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone open to learning more about animals. Wear clothes and shoes that can get a bit dirty so you can be fully relaxed. We also applied lots of bug spray when we arrived.

This has been a hidden secret for decades. I was born and raised in the area and my mother lived…read morehere her whole life and did not know about it until I saw it in the AZA reciprocity list. They had a golf cart and private driver to accommodate me and my my moms mobility needs and we saw so many great foxes and wolves. They have plenty of room for them to roam making it like a natural habitat. Also nearby is Lone Elk Park (free) and the Wild Bird Sanctuary (small fee) worth checking out.

Strong Tower Ranch is an awesome place that helps kids who need it the most. They have day camps…read moreand horsemanship programs and offer sponsorship for those who wouldn't be able to have this type of opportunity otherwise. I've known several kids who've had wonderful experiences there, and return year after year. Many have gone on to become mentors and leaders at the ranch and in their communities. The Ranch also rents the property for private gatherings. The property is gorgeous with a lake (beach, swimming, fishing, kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes), open fields, horse pastures, trails, pavilion, kitchen, nice restroom and shower facilities, bunkhouse, RV and tent sites, and much more. There's even a beautiful butterfly garden! Over the years, our family has rented the property for graduation parties and family reunions, and I've attended several special events there. I highly recommend them for their kids' programs and private use of the amenities!

From the owner: Strong Tower Ranch is a Christ-centered refuge offering hope and mentoring to youth, especially…read morethose at risk. Our Mission: We feature horsemanship and day camps with the goal of providing quality programs that are entertaining, character building, and rehabilitating. "Strong Tower" reminds us that we have a mighty fortress in Christ. We want children, teens and adults who come here to find love and refuge from a harsh world. We are non-denominational, non-profit and dependent on prayers, financial support and volunteer help. How Can We Serve You? Located on 107 acres in Foristell, Missouri, we are prepared to host programs and events for area families, churches and civic groups. The Horsemanship program serves children from age seven and up, teens, and adults. The Day Camp program serves children ages 8-14. People come to volunteer expecting to be a blessing and leave saying they received more than they gave. The training for those who serve in programs is very valuable, especially to young people (15+) who wish to develop leadership skills. If you would like more information about our programs, summer mission trips, volunteer opportunities, or property reservations, send us a message.

Do you have an active energetic youngster? Well, Vetta could be the place to take them. Some of…read morethe activities include Lazer tag, inflatable water slide, inflatable obstacle courses, arts & crafts, mixed with reading times and of course sports! The staff is great, very friendly and seems to genuinely care about the kids in their care. This is a great option for parents who work full time as extended care is available for an extra fee and you can drop your kid(s) of as early as 7 and pick them up as late as 6. A full day at Vetta will almost guarantee that you kid(s) will be tired by bedtime, who wouldn't be after running around all day having fun. Now here is my disclaimer, this is for their sports camp that they run during the summer, I have no experience with them as an actual sports club.

We went to a birthday party here and this place is awesome. They had obstacle courses, bouncy…read morehouses, a party area. My daughter wasn't into bouncy houses at the time because she's quite the drama queen however they were nice and it's a clean place. If we lived in the area longer I definitely would of had a party here. It was quite a bit of fun.

We had our grandson's birthday at We Rock the Spectrum in Edwardsville and thoroughly enjoyed…read moreeverything about it. Brandy, the owner, was very pleasant and assisted us in setting up the decorations. The kids had a blast playing in the safe and fun environment while the parents and guests were able to talk while watching their children have fun. The floor plan is perfect with one way in and out through the party room. We'll be back for sure. I just wish the adults could play too, haha.

We had such a great time. My granddaughter, 2 1/2 and my grandson 6 months, loved it. I thought he…read morewouldn't have anything to do. I was wrong. Swings and light up toys. What a fun day. We will be back.