Explore the Missouri River by motorboat and by land! Be prepared to witness majestic birds, catch slimy fish, and investigate wondrous forest critters. Field trips will be around Columbia, Missouri and may include Rock Bridge State Park, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, the River Center (formerly Katfish Katy's), Flat Branch Creek and motorboating on the Missouri River. Campers will gather at Waters-Moss Memorial Wildlife Area for a new adventure each day!
Camp Details:
Want to know what a typical day is like at Missouri River Adventure Camp? The schedule below outlines the variety of activities and experiences that range from motorboat rides, water coloring, stream exploration and a river clean-up.
Monday: Welcome to Missouri River Adventure Camp
Tuesday: Connecting to the Missouri River
Wednesday: Behind the Scenes of the Missouri River
Thursday: Forces that Shape the Missouri River
Friday: Connecting Others to the Missouri River
This schedule could be subject to change due to weather and the availability of resources during the program.
Each day will begin and end at the Waters-Moss Memorial Wildlife Area in Columbia, Missouri. Drop off will be from 7:45am–8:30am and pick up will be from 4:30pm–5:15pm. Simple activities and access to the playground will be provided during pick up and drop off times. Official Missouri River Adventure Camp activities will start and end between 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Please arrive promptly as we will often be traveling for field trips.
During the Missouri River Adventure Camps, students will work in partners to use art to communicate about a Missouri River related issue. At the end of their experience, 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 Friday at Waters-Moss Memorial Wildlife Area.
If you are applying for financial aid, please refer to the "Financial Aid" section below. You will need to complete this process before registering. Tuition is $170 per student and includes activities plus two snacks. Students will be required to pack a lunch. Check back in early 2024 for updated pricing and registration.
Please note Columbia Parks & Recreation's Activity and Program Refund Policy.
Financial aid is awarded based on the financial need of the family, level of interest in learning more about the environment and the Missouri River, and ability to get to and from the camp each day.
To apply for financial aid, fill out the financial aid form HERE and click the "Submit Form" button.
We will begin awarding financial aid in mid-April and then continue making awards on a rolling basis until all available funds are awarded. We are typically able to notify financial aid applicants of the amount we are able to award within a month of receiving an application.
If you have any questions, please contact our Education Director, Kristen Schulte at kristen@riverrelief.org or call 573-443-0292.
See our 2022 Adventure Camp Reflection and Photo Album
We would like to extend a Big Muddy thank you to our partners who help make running the Missouri River Adventure Camp possible.
