Missouri River Academy

Program Schedule 

Want to know what a typical day is like at the Academy? Download the program schedule. This schedule outlines the variety of activities and experiences that range from motorboat rides, water coloring, fishing, swimming and even riding bikes. This schedule could be subject to change due to weather and the availability of resources during the program. 

Information Packet 

Want to know what to expect? Download the information packet. This packet contains lodging and dining information, a packing list, driving directions, travel information, and general policies.

Tucked away in the Missouri River Valley, is the community of New Haven, Missouri. At the Missouri River Academy, you will be mostly spending your time exploring the Missouri River while staying at Camp Trinity, perfectly poised 4 miles from the Missouri River. During your stay, you will enjoy the shade of the oak trees and the cool water of the in-ground swimming pool. 

Camp Trinity Information 

Camp Trinity is owned and operated by a local family and was established as a Lutheran retreat center in 1970s. There are religious symbols that are present at Camp Trinity; however, Missouri River Relief is not a religious organization. We are welcoming to all religions and spiritual worldviews. Please see additional information in the FAQ. 

Residence Lodge

During the Missouri River Academy, you will stay in a lodge. Each air-conditioned room will sleep 5 students, with 5 bunk beds; each room has a shared bathroom. The lodge rooms are simple and comfortable without the distractions of televisions or phones. 

Dining 

You will enjoy delicious, healthy meals in the dining lodge, courtesy of our caring and hard-working kitchen staff. We will provide breakfast and dinner in the dining lodge while lunches are eaten in the field. We will have snacks available throughout your stay and our kitchen staff is happy to accommodate special needs. In addition, if students would like to pray at meals, they are more than welcome too but we do not require anyone to pray. 

Allergies & Dietary Needs

When registering, simply indicate the student’s dietary needs on the registration packet. From there, the information goes to both our education coordinator and our food service director at Camp Trinity.  In the case of severe food allergies, our education coordinator will contact you prior to your student’s arrival to discuss any concerns.  It is our desire that all students be able to experience the Academy without concern or anxiety about dietary restrictions. Please see additional information in the information packet.

During the Missouri River Academy, students will work in partners to identify an issue that in some way affects the Missouri River. They will conduct research - using MRR resources - to develop a creative solution that addresses their given problem. Students will learn how to use art to communicate about their issue and each student will have the option to share their messages in a public presentation.  

At the end of the Academy, students will present their Missouri River Creative Art Project to an audience of engaged Missouri River advocates. Family and friends are welcome to come and learn about what has sparked their student’s interest. The presentation will take place on Thursday, July 9th, at 2:00 pm at Old New Haven School House at 810 Maupin Street, New Haven, Mo 63068.

Updated: May 18th, 2020

Each summer, families across Missouri entrust us with a part of their heart–their children. It is an incredible responsibility that we are honored to have during our Missouri River Academy. Over the last few weeks, we have been communicating with our families and sharing our balanced and active approach to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

After our most recent consultation with the American Camping Association guidelines, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our staff has made the difficult decision to cancel Missouri River Academy as scheduled.

The health and well-being of everyone during Missouri River Academy is our highest priority. While we are heartbroken by this decision, the Covid-19 pandemic compels all of us to deal with forces beyond our control. We will be offering our families the option of a full refund, to roll over their tuition to 2021, or convert their tuition fee to a tax-deductible donation to Missouri River Relief. We will also prioritize any financial aid applications received this year in 2021. 

We are thinking of our families as they share this disappointing news with their children, and we want to be there for them. We know that there are no substitutes for the real “river camp magic”, but we will be exploring ways to connect and meet the evolving needs of our campers, families, and local communities. 

During the coming weeks, we’ll learn more about what is possible, and we will be in touch with families about these opportunities. Alternative programs might include small re-imagined river clean ups, content in different formats for campers from our staff or family river trips. We hope that no matter the programs we are able to offer, we will be able to provide financial assistance to the families that have been experiencing hardship during these times.