Summer camp and childcare options can fill quickly, and not all programs accept subsidy. If you are researching camp options for your child, these simple steps can help you find the right fit.
- Check with your subsidy worker to confirm whether the camp you are considering is covered
- Sign up for camps as early as possible, since many fill up quickly
- Reach out to the Coalition CareLine for help identifying resources that match your family’s needs
Free & Inclusive Options:
- Camp MoVal (Union, MO): Overnight youth camps & family days. Scholarships available.
- Hope of the Ozarks (Rolla): Free 1-week camp for children with an incarcerated parent.
- Legacy STL: 7-week free day camp, children ages 5-11.
- St. Louis County Library: Summer Explorer Camps. Applications close 3/23.
- St. Louis Public Library: Free weeklong camps for kids and teens.
- Strong Tower Ranch & Wonderland Camp: Ministry day and horsemanship camps. Scholarships available.
- Summer Learning Academy (Union/Rolla, MO): Provides free student summer day camps.
YMCA & Recreation Camps
- Eureka Parks & Recreation Summer Camp (Eureka, MO): Summer day camps for ages 5-16+. Before and after care available.
- Four Rivers YMCA (Washington, MO): Day camps for youth.
- JC Parks (Jefferson City, MO): Youth day camps. Accepts state subsidy and scholarships available.
- Jefferson County YMCA and RiverChase YMCA: Day camps, scholarships available.
- Union Parks & Recreation Summer Camp (Union, MO): Summer camp registration for children ages 5-11.
- YMCA Camp Lakewood (Potosi): Ages 6-17. Overnight camp with lake, horseback riding, and paddle boarding.
Specialized & Adaptive Camps
- Camp Cedarledge (Pevely): Girls of Eastern Missouri camp. Specializes in equestrian programs with horses, trails, and a climbing wall.
- Living Springs Camp: (Jefferson County): Religious-based summer camps operated by Second Baptist Church.
- Meramec Adventure Ranch: Foster youth, autism-friendly, outdoor and social skill focused.
- Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis: Provides a comprehensive list of youth and adult camps for those with disabilities.
- Sunnyhill Adventure Camp: Day and overnight camps for kids with developmental disabilities.
- Wonderland Camp (Lake of the Ozarks): Accessible camp for individuals with disabilities.
Additional Opportunities & Resources
- Child Aware of Missouri: Online database that provides free child care referrals. All information collected is confidential.
- Fun 4 STL Kids: A complete camp directory for all camps in the St. Louis metro area.
- Jefferson County Foster Children’s Fund: Provides camp scholarships for children in foster care who reside in Jefferson County.
- Kids Out and About: 2026 summer camp guide for the St. Louis metro area.
- Sidney Johnson Summer Internship: Paid St. Louis County Library 10-week summer internship for students ages 16-18. Applications close March 31.
- STL Youth Jobs: Paid 8-week summer program designed to explore career options for students 14-24. Sponsored by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.