Camp Cumcito

To make camp possible, a large volunteer team is needed each week. Camp operates for two weeks each year and requires 85 volunteers per session to support up to 108 campers. While only two City Union Mission staff members are employed to lead the effort, volunteers fill every other role—counselors, rec staff, craft leaders, chapel helpers, nurses, kitchen workers, janitorial and laundry teams, and office helpers. There are also one-day opportunities for bus monitors, banquet and carnival helpers, and Saturday cleanup crews. Whether someone prefers high-energy work with kids or quiet behind-the-scenes service, there is a place for nearly every personality and skill set.

Camp CUMCITO is more than a summer program—it is a strategic part of City Union Mission’s effort to break generational poverty. By providing nutrition, hygiene support, safe structure, nurturing mentorship, outdoor experiences, and spiritual direction, camp helps children grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Where parents already provide these things, camp reinforces them; where parents lack resources or experience, camp supplements and strengthens. Ultimately, Camp CUMCITO offers children a life-shaping experience filled with love, security, and the hope of Christ—impacting many in ways that last long after the week ends.

A powerful camp experience often grows into lasting relationships between campers and staff, and even parents and staff, creating ongoing connections that extend far beyond the week of camp and can influence a child’s life for years to come.

Camp CUMCITO, a ministry of City Union Mission, exists to provide a life-changing opportunity to children from low-income families. This starts with a week at summer camp filled with Biblical teaching, safety, joy, transformational experiences, and connections to godly staff members.
City Union Mission serves individuals facing deep need by offering shelter, nourishment, hope, and the truth of the gospel.

Camp CUMCITO extends that mission to the children who often share in those struggles. Many come from homes marked by instability, heavy responsibilities, or food insecurity. At camp, they encounter a rare opportunity to relax, play, and truly be kids.

Each summer, children ages 5 to 16 attend camp in age-specific programs—Tot Lot, Junior, Preteen, Teen Girls, and Teen Boys—designed to give them personalized attention and age-appropriate fun. Although the cost incurred for each camper is significantly more, families who income qualify pay only $20 per child. While at camp, kids receive three daily meals, stable routines, and consistent, nurturing relationships with Christian staff and volunteers. Counselors provide safe counsel, positive discipline, and guidance in essential life skills such as hygiene, manners, and respect. Through chapel services filled with music, Scripture memory, skits, puppets, and clear gospel teaching, children experience spiritual encouragement regularly throughout each week of camp.

A highlight of Camp CUMCITO is the variety of recreational and creative experiences it offers. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, crafts, pine car building, boat races, basketball, camping, and more. These activities broaden their horizons and build confidence. For many children, this week provides both a break from responsibilities and exposure to opportunities they would not otherwise have.

Camp CUMCITO, a ministry of City Union Mission, exists to provide a life-changing opportunity to children from low-income families. This starts with a week at summer camp filled with Biblical teaching, safety, joy, transformational experiences, and connections to godly staff members.
City Union Mission serves individuals facing deep need by offering shelter, nourishment, hope, and the truth of the gospel.
Camp CUMCITO extends that mission to the children who often share in those struggles. Many come from homes marked by instability, heavy responsibilities, or food insecurity. At camp, they encounter a rare opportunity to relax, play, and truly be kids.

Each summer, children ages 5 to 16 attend camp in age-specific programs—Tot Lot, Junior, Preteen, Teen Girls, and Teen Boys—designed to give them personalized attention and age-appropriate fun. Although the cost incurred for each camper is significantly more, families who income qualify pay only $20 per child. While at camp, kids receive three daily meals, stable routines, and consistent, nurturing relationships with Christian staff and volunteers. Counselors provide safe counsel, positive discipline, and guidance in essential life skills such as hygiene, manners, and respect. Through chapel services filled with music, Scripture memory, skits, puppets, and clear gospel teaching, children experience spiritual encouragement regularly throughout each week of camp.

A highlight of Camp CUMCITO is the variety of recreational and creative experiences it offers. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, crafts, pine car building, boat races, basketball, camping, and more. These activities broaden their horizons and build confidence. For many children, this week provides both a break from responsibilities and exposure to opportunities they would not otherwise have.

To make camp possible, a large volunteer team is needed each week. Camp operates for two weeks each year and requires 85 volunteers per session to support up to 108 campers. While only two City Union Mission staff members are employed to lead the effort, volunteers fill every other role—counselors, rec staff, craft leaders, chapel helpers, nurses, kitchen workers, janitorial and laundry teams, and office helpers. There are also one-day opportunities for bus monitors, banquet and carnival helpers, and Saturday cleanup crews. Whether someone prefers high-energy work with kids or quiet behind-the-scenes service, there is a place for nearly every personality and skill set.

Camp CUMCITO is more than a summer program—it is a strategic part of City Union Mission’s effort to break generational poverty. By providing nutrition, hygiene support, safe structure, nurturing mentorship, outdoor experiences, and spiritual direction, camp helps children grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Where parents already provide these things, camp reinforces them; where parents lack resources or experience, camp supplements and strengthens. Ultimately, Camp CUMCITO offers children a life-shaping experience filled with love, security, and the hope of Christ—impacting many in ways that last long after the week ends.

A powerful camp experience often grows into lasting relationships between campers and staff, and even parents and staff, creating ongoing connections that extend far beyond the week of camp and can influence a child’s life for years to come.

City Union Mission Camp in the ozarks