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Camp Taum Sauk occupies 145 acres of land along the Black River in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Founded in 1946, it has been owned and managed since 1958 by the Smith family who have applied their years of experience to developing a unique summer camp with a strong concern for safety and an emphasis on individual attention.

These factors sustain the 'family' atmosphere that distinguishes Camp Taum Sauk. The high percentage of 'second-generation campers' attending today is testament to the durability of positive impressions left on our campers.

The Setting

Camp Taum Sauk occupies 145 acres of land along the Black River in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Founded in 1946, it has been owned and managed since 1958 by the Smith family who have applied their years of experience to developing a unique summer camp with a strong concern for safety and an emphasis on individual attention.

These factors sustain the 'family' atmosphere that distinguishes Camp Taum Sauk. The high percentage of 'second-generation campers' attending today is testament to the durability of positive impressions left on our campers.

The Ozarks in general and the Black River valley in particular offer a clean and healthful environment, with brilliant sunny days and cool starlit nights. Campers thrive on the wholesome country cooking served up in the Camp Taum Sauk dining hall, and they're even allowed access to some of their favorite snack foods

The wonderful varied geology of the Missouri Ozarks makes an exceptional array of fun activities available to Taum Sauk campers. Spelunking and rock climbing are among those with particular appeal to intrepid young explorers, always carefully supervised. The High Ropes Challenge Course provide campers with opportunities to face, evaluate and except risk in a safe, supportive environment.

A number of Missouri's outstanding natural wonders are in close proximity to Camp Taum Sauk, including the Johnson Shut-ins, Elephant Rocks, Big Spring, Taum Sauk Mountain, and Mina Sauk Falls, among others. Enjoyment of them is afforded by tours, hiking, backpacking, camping, and, of course, just plain cavorting.

Camp Taum Sauk accommodates 60 boys and 60 girls, with cabins for the latter complete with bathrooms. The campers-to-staff ratio of 5:1 provides around-the-clock supervision including a resident counselor in each cabin. Although there's a very strong emphasis on safety, the staff also includes a resident registered nurse, and a physician is always available on call.

The Learning

The need to face up to the tough realities of life arrives soon enough, so let summer vacations from school be devoted to fun. Yet, if the fun can be included with the learning of skills that enrich life, then why not do it? Why not really use summers for all they're worth.

Taum Sauk campers get face-to-face introductions to a variety of biological specimens as well as smatterings of other sciences and even history, while on nature hikes and tours of local points of interest including Fort Davidson Museum, Taum Sauk Trail, and Union Electric's Taum Sauk pumped storage facility.

Campers learn about broadcast programming, announcing, and entertaining while beaming signals from Camp Taum Sauk's 20-watt radio station KCTS "Rocking the Ozarks" into the cabins of their fellow campers. Video cameras, editing equipment, and a large-screen TV also allow them to learn about television production.

The arts and crafts building at Camp Taum Sauk is a well-equipped and busy place. Campers not only learn handiwork such as braiding, copper tooling, and beadwork, but also get involved in a variety of creative arts including theatrical productions. And they learn self-sufficiency through their training in camp crafts, backpacking, ropes, rock climbing and repelling.

Archery and riflery are taught under closely supervised conditions. NRA-developed programs are used in teaching skeet and rifle marksmanship, with heavy emphasis on firearms safety.

The Fun

It's the fun that's the most fondly remembered, and there's an integral element of it in virtually all Camp Taum Sauk activities. Perhaps that's the reason so many kids return in successive summers and qualify for membership in Camp Taum Sauk's honorary society, Sauk-Ton-Qua.

Daily horseback rides are among Camp Taum Sauk's popular attractions. Equestrian events include trail rides, pack trips, horseback cookouts, and horse shows.

The Water

With more than a mile of frontage on the crystal-clear Black River, it's only natural that water would play a starring role in Camp Taum Sauk activities. Just like the landlubber activities, amphibious operations follow the Camp Taum Sauk formula for mixing skills development so artfully together with fun that it's all fun.

With swimming a daily activity at Camp Taum Sauk, campers develop assured mastery in the water. Individual instruction is provided by qualified swimming instructors using YMCA and Red Cross progressive training programs, and the fun of participating in sports like water basketball further encourages skills development and self-assurance in the water.

Snorkeling and SCUBA diving training are also provided, allowing campers to enjoy the thrill of meeting face-to-face with the denizens of the deep in their own realm. They're sports that Camp Taum Sauk "alumni" can enjoy throughout their lives.

The Black River and nearby Taum Sauk Reservoir allow campers to experience water in great variety of ways, including boat regattas, canoe float trips, rafting, pontoon floats, sailing and kayaks.

Description of Facilities

Camp Taum Sauk's facilities include an administration building, infirmary, dining hall, recreation house, pavilion, arts & crafts building, riding stable and ring, nature lodge, campers' cabins, modern baths, tennis courts, swimming pool, and a full complement of sports facilities. The camp is staffed by qualified, hand-picked college students and certified teachers with specialties in activities they instruct.

Summer Programs

Camp Taum Sauk offers sessions of 2,3 5,6 and 8 weeks. Fees include transportation by air-conditioned motor coach from St. Louis to Lesterville and return. Parents are requested to refrain from visiting except at session breaks, to avoid disrupting camp programs. Nonsectarian religious services are held each Sunday.

For More Information

A videotape on Camp Taum Sauk is available for viewing by appointment. An application form and fee schedule will be sent to those interested in enrolling. A checklist of clothing and equipment, along with a confidential camper questionnaire and activities checklist, are provided after registration. Please contact Nick Smith at the numbers listed below if you would like further information or to schedule an appointment.