Camp Peniel

For families and youth in Missouri seeking a camping experience that goes beyond just a place to sleep under the stars, Camp Peniel in Neosho offers an "Adventure With A Purpose!" This establishment is not a typical public campground, but rather a dedicated non-denominational Christian ministry focused on providing transformative experiences through a blend of exciting outdoor activities and spiritual growth. Founded in 1946, Camp Peniel has a long-standing history of impacting lives, aiming to bring individuals to a "face-to-face" relationship with God through Christ-centered adventures.

Located in the scenic landscape of Southwest Missouri, Camp Peniel leverages its natural surroundings to create an engaging environment for personal and spiritual development. It's a place where traditional camp fun—like sports, water activities, and high-adventure challenges—is interwoven with Biblical teachings and opportunities for reflection. This unique approach makes it particularly appealing to Missouri families looking for a holistic summer camp experience for their children or a meaningful retreat for their church or youth groups.

Reviews from past attendees and parents consistently highlight the positive impact of Camp Peniel. Many speak of the "extreme fun experienced" alongside "rock solid Bible training." Phrases like "one of the best decisions I have made in my sons life is to send him to this camp" and children returning "invigorated with new zeal for the Lord" are common. The camp is lauded for fostering fellowship, friendships, and lasting memories, often becoming a cherished tradition spanning generations within families. While the spiritual aspect is central, the camp ensures a rich program of activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, making it a dynamic and engaging environment for all.

Camp Peniel represents a unique offering in Missouri's camping landscape, distinguishing itself as a ministry-focused camp rather than a general public campground. It provides structured programs for various age groups, blending physical adventure with spiritual education, all within a supportive and fun community setting in Neosho.

Camp Peniel is conveniently located at 906 N Summit St, Neosho, MO 64850, USA. Neosho is a welcoming city in Newton County, Southwest Missouri, known for its friendly atmosphere and accessible location within the region. This address places Camp Peniel within easy driving distance for many families across Missouri, as well as from neighboring states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The camp's address suggests straightforward road accessibility, making it easy for parents to drop off and pick up campers, or for groups to arrive for retreats. Located on Summit Street, it is likely situated in an area that balances accessibility with a natural environment conducive to camp activities. The presence of a specific street address indicates that it is not a remote wilderness camp, but rather a facility designed for organized programs, likely with maintained roads and parking areas.

Neosho itself offers basic amenities and services that visitors might need, such as gas stations, local eateries, and stores, providing convenience for those traveling to and from Camp Peniel. The region's generally mild climate through much of the camping season (often described as having "cool mornings and warm afternoons") makes outdoor activities pleasant. This accessibility, combined with the camp's structured environment, makes it a practical and appealing choice for parents enrolling their children in summer programs or for organizations planning group retreats, without requiring extensive wilderness navigation or specialized gear.

Camp Peniel, as a comprehensive Christian camp and retreat center, offers a wide array of services and facilities designed to support its mission of "Adventure With A Purpose." These offerings cater primarily to youth summer camps, weekend retreats, and various group programs, rather than individual public camping.

• Summer Camps: The core offering includes various themed summer camps for different age groups (e.g., Resident Camp, Day Camp, Adventure Camp, Saddle Camp, Work Crew, High School Camp). These are structured, multi-day programs with specific schedules and activities.
• Weekend Retreats: Facilities are available for groups to book weekend retreats, providing a Christian-centered environment for spiritual growth and fellowship.
• Facility Rentals: Camp Peniel makes its extensive facilities available for rent to various groups, including churches, schools, and organizations. This allows other groups to utilize the camp's infrastructure for their own programs.
• Lodging: The camp provides a variety of lodging options suitable for groups, including:
  • Single Cabins (e.g., Cabins #7-#12, each holding 12 campers, total 72 capacity).
  • Double Tree Cabins (e.g., Cedar & Oak, Maple & Elm, each holding 12 campers, total 48 capacity).
  • Extra Lodging Options (e.g., "Speaker Cabin" with a queen and twin bunk bed, Memorial Cabin with 30-camper capacity).
  • Cabins are typically air-conditioned and may require campers to bring their own bedding (twin size bunk beds).
• Dining Services: The camp includes a dining area ("The Lodge" with a capacity of 150) and provides meals for campers and retreat groups. They are able to accommodate food allergies if communicated in advance.
• Meeting Spaces: Various indoor and outdoor meeting areas are available, such as "The Rec Shed" (outdoor pavilion, capacity 150, AV system), "The Faith Building" (indoor, capacity 175, AV system), "West Wing" (smaller indoor), "The Arbor" (covered outdoor pavilion), and multiple "Outdoor Devotional Spots."
• Activities: A vast range of supervised activities (detailed in the "Features / Highlights" section) are offered as part of their programs.
• Staffing: The camp provides highly trained and qualified staff, including those for high-risk equipment, a Health Director, and a commitment to a 1:3 staff to camper ratio. Staff undergo background checks and first aid training.
• Spiritual Programming: Daily Bible studies, devotional times, engaging speakers, and opportunities for spiritual growth are integral to all camp programs. Campers are not required to be Christian but are exposed to Christian teachings.

It is important to note that Camp Peniel's services are primarily program-based, meaning individuals do not typically just "show up" to camp like a public campground. Enrollment in a specific summer camp session or booking a group retreat is generally required to utilize the facilities.

Camp Peniel in Neosho, MO, boasts an impressive array of features and activities that make it a truly dynamic and engaging destination, particularly for youth and groups. The camp's emphasis on "Adventure With A Purpose" is evident in its diverse offerings:

• Extensive High Adventure Activities: For thrill-seekers, the camp provides:
  • Crate Stacking: A challenging vertical activity requiring balance and teamwork.
  • Gym Swing: A high-flying swing experience.
  • Rock Wall: An opportunity for climbing and developing strength.
  • Zip Line: A popular and exhilarating aerial descent.
• Comprehensive Sports Facilities: Campers have access to a wide range of sports options, including:
  • Field for Soccer / Football / Kickball / Ultimate Frisbee.
  • Indoor & Outdoor Basketball Courts.
  • 9-Square.
  • Disc Golf Course.
  • Gaga Ball.
  • Outdoor Volleyball Courts.
  • Pickleball/Tennis Courts.
• Target Sports: Developing focus and precision, these activities include:
  • Archery.
  • Axe Throwing.
  • Riflery.
  • Skeet Shooting.
• Water Activities: Leveraging natural or artificial water bodies, the camp offers:
  • Canoeing.
  • Fishing.
  • Lake Attractions (e.g., Blob, Slide, Trapeze – if applicable to the Neosho location, as some features may vary by Peniel camp location).
  • Swimming Pool: A dedicated pool for cooling off and structured water games.
  • Water Slide: Mentioned in packing lists, indicating a fun aquatic feature.
• Outdoor and Nature-Based Activities:
  • Campfire & S'mores: Essential camping experiences.
  • Tractor Ride.
  • Trail Rides (potentially horseback riding, depending on facilities).
  • Hiking Destinations: Including a "Sunset Lookout" and "The Cave," offering natural exploration and scenic views.
  • Lakeside Nature Trail.
  • Wilderness survival training (offered in some family camps).
• Comfortable Lodging Options: As detailed in Services, various cabin types accommodate different group sizes, many with air conditioning.
• Dedicated Meeting & Dining Spaces: Multiple indoor and outdoor areas for group gatherings, Bible studies, and meals, equipped with AV sound systems.
• Strong Spiritual Focus: Integrated daily Bible studies, devotional times, engaging speakers, and opportunities for faith development are central to all programs.
• Safety and Supervision: A high staff-to-camper ratio (1:3), trained staff for high-risk activities, health director, and routine safety checks prioritize camper well-being.

These extensive features ensure that campers have a diverse and engaging experience, blending physical challenges, recreational fun, and spiritual enrichment within a safe and supportive environment.

For inquiries, program registration, facility rentals, or general information about Camp Peniel in Neosho, MO, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 906 N Summit St, Neosho, MO 64850, USA

Phone: (417) 451-2057 (This appears to be the primary general contact number for the camp.)

Mobile Phone: +1 417-451-2057 (Listed as a mobile contact, likely the same number for ease of dialing.)

Email: registrar.camppeniel@gmail.com (This email is provided as a contact for registration and general questions.)

Official Website:

www.camppeniel.org

Additional Contacts (for specific areas):

• For Workdays/Volunteer Opportunities: contact Dan Segool at president@penielholinesscamp.com
• For Women's Group (SOAP) / Fundraising: email Jackie Shattuck at jackie@penielholinesscamp.com
• For Youth Program Questions: Joe & Courtney Wambach, Youth Directors, at Courtney@penielholinesscamp.com

It is always recommended to visit their official website or call directly for the most up-to-date information on program availability, pricing, specific camp policies, and registration deadlines, especially given the structured nature of their programs (summer camps, retreats, etc.).

For families and youth across Missouri, Camp Peniel in Neosho offers a distinctive and highly suitable camping experience that goes far beyond a typical outdoor excursion. It taps into the deep-seated values of community, personal growth, and wholesome fun that many Missourians cherish, making it an excellent choice for a summer camp, youth retreat, or group gathering.

The core suitability for locals lies in Camp Peniel's unique blend of adventure and purpose. While offering an impressive array of activities – from thrilling zip lines and rock climbing to canoeing, archery, and a swimming pool – it integrates these with a strong emphasis on Christian values and spiritual development. This holistic approach resonates with many Missouri families who seek not just entertainment but also character building and faith reinforcement for their children in a safe and supportive environment. As reviews attest, children return "invigorated" and with "great memories" of "fellowship, friendships, memories and worship."

Furthermore, the camp's ability to accommodate "Two families, 11 people, plenty of space" highlights its capacity to host larger groups comfortably, a significant advantage for multi-family vacations or church youth group outings. The ease of accessibility by road, located in Neosho, makes the logistics of arrival and departure straightforward for Missouri residents, reducing travel stress and maximizing time spent enjoying the camp.

Camp Peniel isn't just about escaping to the outdoors; it's about connecting with others, engaging in challenging and fun activities, and growing personally and spiritually. It offers a structured yet liberating environment where kids can truly "just be a kid" while learning valuable life lessons. For Missourians looking for a camp experience that leaves a lasting positive impact, fostering both adventure and purpose, Camp Peniel stands out as a premier choice, deeply rooted in the community's values and perfectly suited for creating cherished memories.

Camp Peniel

906 N Summit St, Neosho, MO 64850, USA