A group of students visited Wonderland Camp on Thursday, March 26, for a guided tour and information session, exploring one of mid-Missouri’s most unique nonprofit organizations — and the opportunities it offers for young people looking to make a difference.
Paula Pogue, a Youth Specialist with the Central Workforce Development Region, was among the adults who accompanied students during the visit. The event brought together regional partners and students for a firsthand look at the camp’s 125-acre accessible campus.
About Wonderland Camp
Wonderland Camp has operated as a nonprofit for more than 50 years with a mission rooted in inclusion. Located along the Lake of the Ozarks near Rocky Mount, Missouri, the camp provides life-changing outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities — children, teens, and adults alike. Campers participate in fully adaptive activities including swimming, fishing, climbing, and more. No one sits on the sidelines.
The camp offers programming nearly year-round, with sessions available in spring, summer, fall, and winter. More than 1,500 campers are served each year, and the camp welcomes individuals ages 6 through 99.
What Students Experienced
During the tour, students explored the camp’s outdoor spaces and facilities, getting a close look at what day-to-day life looks like for Wonderland Camp staff, volunteers, and campers. The Warrensburg Rotary Club Climbing Wall was a highlight of the grounds tour, with several students suiting up in helmets and harnesses for a climb of their own.
The day wrapped up with an indoor information session in the Backus Hopper Room, where students learned more about the camp’s programs and how they could get involved.
A Partnership Worth Noting
The Central Workforce Development Region’s youth programs connect young people ages 14 to 24 with experiences, resources, and pathways that prepare them for the workforce. Community site visits like this one are part of that broader effort — giving students exposure to local organizations where their skills and energy can make a real impact.
“Wonderland Camp is doing incredible work right here in mid-Missouri, and we are proud to connect young people with organizations like this one. Seeing students engage with a place so committed to inclusion is exactly what workforce development is all about.” — Sundi Jo Graham, Communications Coordinator for the Central Workforce Development Region
Wonderland Camp represents exactly the kind of community partner that aligns with that mission. With year-round programming and ongoing staffing needs, the camp offers young people meaningful avenues for both employment and volunteer service.
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Learn More
To learn more about Wonderland Camp and how to get involved, visit wonderlandcamp.org.
To explore youth workforce programs available through the Central Workforce Development Region, visit cwdregion.com.
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