Youth & Camp Services

Making A Difference In Young Lives

Changing kids’ lives throughout Kansas City

City Union Mission’s Youth & Camp Services provide local children with a fun, safe alternative to the challenges many face daily.

For children growing up in poverty… with families facing homelessness… or parents burdened by addiction, our Youth & Camp Services offer them a healthy, Christ-centered atmosphere where they can learn and grow. Your support makes it possible!

Camp CUMCITO

Every summer, nearly 400 children from low-income families throughout Kansas City spend a fun-packed week at Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission Camp in the Ozarks)

Swimming, hiking, crafts and cookouts fill the day, while Bible teaching, drama, songs and campfires give campers, ages 4-16, new hope. Counselors and volunteers surround these youth with love and offer Christ-centered guidance to many who will experience God for the first time.

Visit the Camp CUMCITO page for more information about camp and seasonal rentals of these facilities

Vanderberg Youth Center (VYC)

Throughout the year, our Vanderberg Youth Center (VYC) offers children ages 7-17 a safe and stable place to spend their free time, keeping many at-risk youth away from the dangers of the streets. Serving children staying in the Family Center, as well as children from the community, the VYC provides many educational opportunities for local kids:

Life skill classes

computer training

Cooking, Art and Science classes

Field trips, mission trips and other activities.

The VYC staff and volunteers act as role models to the children who attend, helping them to develop responsible and godly attitudes toward themselves, their families and the community.

Students staying in our shelters also benefit from the following:

Chapel Services

Where students can temporarily escape the stress of homelessness, hear the good news of Jesus Christ and enjoy Bible study, a snack and time to play and relax in our game room or gym.

School’s Out!

Schedule:  During Kansas City Public School holidays and snow days, the VYC offers 9 am – 4 pm programming for students, including Bible study, crafts, recreation and field trips.

Knowing their children will be taken care of,  parents can continue to participate in our program classes. 

City Corps

An after-school program (M-F) for students ages 7-17, focused on empowering students educationally, spiritually, and socially. The VYC offers homework help, academic enrichment, Bible study, life skills classes, recreation and field trips to students year-round.

City Camp (based in Kansas City)

City Camp is a 8-week summer day camp available to children living in our Women & Family Center and in the community. Children enjoy a variety of activities, including Bible study, crafts, recreation, academics, weekly field trips and swimming. 

City Camp runs M-F, 9am-4pm throughout the summer.

For more information about the Vanderberg Youth Department, call us at (816) 329-1442.

Want to learn more?

For details on these and other services – or to register for assistance 

Your support meets needs & transforms lives!

Your generous gifts provide life-changing care that offers men, women, and children the chance for personal and spiritual wholeness. Please help today!

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