Missouri River Adventure Camp 
2025 Reflection 

Monday: Our First River Outing & Building Camp Community

On day one, our campers were set up for a successful and fun week at camp! After getting fit for life jackets and learning the rules and expectations for boating safely, campers set out to explore and take a closer look at the Missouri River. Everyone experienced their first dose of "River A/C" as we motored upstream and set the scene for some hands-on learning about the river's history, sedimentation, and the endangered pallid sturgeon. 

On land, campers tried their hand at community building games like the pipeline challenge and captain's coming! After proving their teamwork skills, campers reflected on what they each bring to camp by writing a word and decorating a river rock. Everyone's rocks came together to show the beautiful mosaic of our camp community!

To view pictures from day one, click here. 

Tuesday: Visiting a Historic River Town & Solving Flood Mysteries

On Tuesday, campers traveled back in time to learn about the historic flood of 1993. After loading onto boats, campers arrived via river to the town of Lupus, MO. They were greeted by longtime Lupus resident Doug Elley, current mayor Sue Denny, and former mayor Jim Denny. We watched as campers were enthralled by the flood stories shared and fascinated by the walking tour of houses built on stilts. We left Lupus with a deeper understanding of a community that lives in relationship with the river. 

The other half of the day saw campers putting on their detective hats to track down a painting from local artist Jane Mudd that went missing during the Great Flood of '93...in our outdoor "breakout room" activity! Campers worked together to solve puzzles and complete challenges in order to collect the clues they needed to "breakout" Jane's painting from its lock box.

To view photos from day two, click here.

Wednesday: Becoming Missouri River Birders & Anglers

Missouri River Adventure campers and staff were lucky to be joined by experts in the fields of fishing and birding to make this an incredible day at camp! Marlee Malmbourg from Missouri River Bird Observatory provided binoculars and led campers on an unforgettable hike to observe and learn about the birds that call the Missouri River ecosystem home.

On the river, campers fished with Missouri River Relief's own catfishing instructors. Campers didn't seem to mind the heat at all. Their minds were focused on one thing, and one thing only...reeling in their very own catfish! Some got lucky, some got a lesson in patience, and some even got the excitement of not one, not two, but THREE invasive carp jumping into their boat.

To view photos from day three of camp, click here.

Thursday: Giving Back with a Creek Cleanup & Honeysuckle Removal 

Thursday was all about taking what we've learned about the Missouri River watershed and transforming that knowledge into care and appreciation through direct action. Campers joined the Missouri Conservation Corps to learn all about invasive bush honeysuckle. Working alongside volunteers, campers got to work removing the plants so that other native species could thrive. We left our work area along the MKT trail in better shape than we found it!

After lunch, campers put on their gloves and got to work cleaning up Flat Branch Creek! Of course, it wasn't all work and no play. Campers were sure to stop to investigate crayfish and cool off with a nice splash of creek water. After collecting 44 bags of trash, a mirror, and a shoe rack, we left feeling satisfied.

To view photos from day four, click here.

Friday: Getting Creative at Como Rocks!

Missouri River Adventure Camp culminated in a creative collage project titled, "the Missouri River and Me." Kira Gresoski led campers through the process of collage and photomontage to create something unique and express their camp experience. Campers incorporated feelings, memories, and friendships from the week into their art.

After lunch, campers were treated to a presentation about rock climbing along Missouri River bluffs in Boone County given by Will Palmieri, owner of Como Rocks rock climbing gym. Then the real fun began...campers got busy trying bouldering walls and practicing auto belays to prove their true Missouri River Adventure spirit. 

Families and friends were invited to attend a gathering held at the end of the day where their campers could present their art projects to loved ones, and families could get a glimpse into their camper's week. 

For more photos from our last day of camp, click here.

The Missouri Birding Society