For many kids, summer means swimming, campfires, and new friends. But for children whose families are facing financial struggles or housing instability, summer can feel uncertain and isolating.

That’s why Camp CUMCITO matters.

Set on 600 acres near Warsaw, Missouri, Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission’s Camp In The Ozarks) is a one-week Christian summer camp for children ages 5 to 16,  especially those who could not otherwise afford to go. Thanks to generous donors and volunteers, most qualifying campers pay only a $25 registration fee, even though the true cost of Camp CUMCITO is much higher.

This year, every Camp CUMCITO spot is filled, but not every camper is sponsored. Their week of faith, fun, and friendship at Camp CUMCITO is planned. What’s missing is the support to help cover the cost.

Why Camp CUMCITO Matters Right Now

Families want safe, structured, meaningful summer experiences for their children. Yet many can’t access them. A 2026 report from The Wallace Foundation and Afterschool Alliance found that parents of 24.6 million children want structured summer programs, but 51% of those children are left out. Cost is the biggest barrier.

Your gift to Camp CUMCITO helps remove that barrier.

Summer is also a time when children can lose academic momentum and feel more isolated. The World Health Organization recently reported that 17–21% of young people ages 13 to 29 experience loneliness, with the highest rates among teens. Positive, in-person connections and supportive communities like those at Camp CUMCITO can make a real difference.

At Camp CUMCITO, kids experience:

• A safe, Christ-centered environment
• Caring adults and healthy friendships
• Outdoor adventures and active play
• Gospel-centered teaching and encouragement

Camp can’t fix every challenge a child faces, but a loving, structured week at Camp CUMCITO can leave a lasting impact.

More Than Just a Week Away at Camp CUMCITO

During their week at Camp CUMCITO, kids:

• Attend chapel and worship together
• Learn Bible verses and hear the Gospel
• Enjoy crafts, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and team sports
• Swim, explore, and try new activities
• Spend time with godly, encouraging leaders

These simple moments at Camp CUMCITO matter:

• Trying something new builds courage.
• Singing in worship plants seeds of faith.
• Being welcomed by a cabin leader reminds a child that they are seen.
• Making a friend helps them feel like they belong.

This Christian summer camp, Camp CUMCITO, gives children space to laugh, learn, grow, and hear that they are deeply loved by God.

What Your Camp CUMCITO Sponsorship Provides

Behind every camper at Camp CUMCITO is a community making their week possible. Your support helps provide:

• Meals and lodging at Camp CUMCITO
• Transportation to and from Camp CUMCITO
• Activities and supplies
• Safe, attentive supervision
• Worship and Bible teaching
• Mentorship and encouragement
• A week filled with joy and belonging

You’re not just covering the cost of a summer activity. You’re helping create a Christ-centered experience at Camp CUMCITO, where a child can grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

How Camp CUMCITO Can Shape a Child’s Story

Many children remember Camp CUMCITO long after summer ends, the songs, the cabin talks, the adventures, and the feeling of being safe and included.

The American Camp Association reports that camp experiences help children grow in self-confidence, independence, friendship skills, interest in new activities, and spiritual life. In one study, 96% of campers said camp helped them make new friends, and 92% said the people at camp helped them feel good about themselves.

A week at Camp CUMCITO can help a child see themselves differently, as loved, capable, and created with purpose.

Help make Camp CUMCITO possible for a child this summer.

Sponsor a Camper at Camp CUMCITO today and give the gift of joy, faith, and friendship at this life-changing Christian summer camp.