Camp Moval

Discover summer camps, retreats, and weekend events for all ages.

Explore Camp MoVal

Nestled amid rolling hills a few miles southwest of Union, Mo., Camp MoVal features more than 150 acres of beautiful forests, native prairie, natural streams, and a lake.

Summer programs offer weekly overnight camp experiences for children, youth, and families. Some weeks offer a “classic” camp program, and others have special themes to focus the activities.

Spring and fall seasons provide opportunity for church groups, ecumenical partners, and other community and corporate groups to use the facilities for self-directed retreats and gatherings, with limited program support from camp staff.

Throughout the year, Camp MoVal also hosts Conference-sponsored weekend programs, including Conference Youth Events, Confirmation Retreats, and Women’s Retreats.

In 2021, Missouri Mid-South Conference engaged in a discernment process that renewed Conference-wide commitment to the ministry of Camp MoVal. The resulting five-year redevelopment plan is intended to help focus strategic efforts in the areas of site improvement, programming, and leadership.

The Vision: Camp MoVal can become a spiritually reinvigorated, financially sustainable camp and retreat center, serving the mission and ministry needs of the Missouri Mid-South Conference and its partners.

Camp program, staff, and culture will be rooted in the Christian values of community-building, anti-racism, LGBTQ+ allyship, inclusion and access, environmental sustainability, and kindness, with an eye toward leadership development and UCC identity.

Camp MoVal has been welcoming all ages to participate in a wide variety of programs and activities since 1962. We ensure an amazing and unique camp experience in a safe and fun atmosphere for everyone, no matter their age.

Take a look at the various summer camp programs we offer:

For ages 8 to 18 (completed grades 4-12) to participate in activities and learn new skills while living together in Christian community promoting independence, fostering personal growth, building self esteem, and creating lifelong memories and friendships.

Activities include swimming, archery, hiking, worship, games, nature exploration, arts and crafts, canoeing, kayaking, campfires, cookouts, stargazing, and more. Morning activities are grouped by age; campers select afternoon activities of mostly mixed age groups. Evening activities include all campers.

Campers bunk in units grouped by gender and age.

For ages 7 to 9 who are not quite ready to stay away from home for a whole week; offered in conjunction with most All Ages Camps.

This three-night session introduces younger kids to the the outdoor camp experience with nearly constant supervised guidance, companionship, and lots of individual attention from caring counselors. Activities include swimming, archery, hiking, worship, games, nature exploration, arts and crafts, canoeing, kayaking, and campfires and singing. All activities are modified for this young age group.

For families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy a few days of recreation, relaxation, and renewal.

Bring your whole family to spend time on the lake, in the woods, at the pool, around the campfire, and in worship. A flexible schedule and relaxed pace allow for a wide range of interests and activities: fishing, canoeing, pedal boating, hiking, arts and crafts, and more.

Children age 3 years and younger are free.

Some camps have special program themes check out the descriptions of our theme weeks.

For adults (ages 18+) with special needs who are active and independent.

While exploring their faith, individuals participate in many traditional camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, fishing, games, karaoke, and more. Most who attend have some form of developmental disability, and activities are modified for each camper’s ability and needs.

For youth who have completed grades 9-12 to come with an open mind and fun spirit to discover a style of leadership built on reflection, experience, spiritual guidance, and service.

Counselors and staff will set the stage for amazing growth to occur, seeking to create a memorable week filled with laughter, music, reflection, self-exploration, and, of course, the ropes course. A perfect environment for teens to play, explore, make memories, and create friendships they’ll hold dear for a lifetime.

While not designed as counselor training, this camp gives teens the opportunity to design and lead activities for Camp MoVal, explore nature and their own spiritual journey, while learning to become authentic leaders through a journey of personal growth.

For ages 8 to 18 to explore their creative side, artistically express themselves, and discover their gifts.

Campers will perform, sing, and create, so they are encouraged to bring musical instruments, voices, creativity, or just an interest in expression as no special experience is required. They also will engage in many traditional camp activities, including swimming, boating, time on the lake, and campfires. Morning activities are grouped by age; campers select afternoon activities of mostly mixed age groups. Evening activities include all campers.

Campers bunk in units grouped by gender and age.

For ages 8 to 18 to come with an open mind and inquisitive spirit to experience scientific thought and exploratory learning, through hands-on creative activities and challenges.

This week offers a perfect environment for campers to flex their intellectual muscles, while playing, exploring, and growing in both their faith and knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math. Morning activities are grouped by age; campers select afternoon activities of mostly mixed age groups. Evening activities include all campers.

Campers bunk in units grouped by gender and age.

Retreats at Camp MoVal

Looking for a good location for your group’s next gathering? Ask us about retreats and rentals at Camp MoVal.

Learn More

Facilities include a dining and meeting hall, four lakeside cabins, a retreat lodge, two rustic camping villages, challenge and team building ropes courses, a boat and fishing dock, game and archery fields, hiking trails, and more. Come and explore, retreat and relax, and let the Camp MoVal staff assist your church, family, school, or organization with your next camp or retreat program.

Camp MOVAL Rental Rates 2024

Camp MoVal Reservation Request 2024

Camp MoVal Site Map

The Missouri Mid-South Conference UCC has been blessed with a camper scholarship fund that can help with a portion of camp fees, especially for those who do not have a home church that is able to offer scholarships. The generosity of the associations, and other donors, has helped make camping and retreat experiences at Camp MoVal and Shannondale possible.

MMSUCC – Camp Scholarship Application

    

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