Camp Sherwood Forest

Camp Sherwood Forest, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Snow Hill Township, MO, is far more than just a traditional campground; it's a vibrant, transformative youth development organization with a rich history dating back to 1937. While it offers immersive outdoor experiences, its core mission extends to empowering youth from underserved communities in Missouri and Illinois. This unique institution balances classic camp adventures, such as swimming, backpacking, and canoeing, with robust evidence-based programs designed to reinforce and support school-year learning. For decades, Camp Sherwood Forest has been a beacon of hope and growth, fostering an environment of acceptance, self-discovery, and learning for children and teenagers. It operates as a year-round organization, with its programs anchored in a comprehensive residential camp experience during the summer months, complemented by continuous engagement throughout the year. The camp’s dedicated approach aims to cultivate individual interests and talents, encourage immersion in nature, and develop critical life skills like teamwork, responsibility, and resilience. This holistic methodology is designed to help young people discover their self-worth, realize their full potential, and ultimately become productive, engaged citizens. The emphasis on long-term relationships with campers, their families, and supporting agencies highlights Camp Sherwood Forest’s deep commitment to sustained positive impact on the lives it touches.

Camp Sherwood Forest is strategically located in Snow Hill Township, MO 63379, an area that places it within the beautiful, secluded Ozark forest land. While the provided address specifies "Snow Hill Township, MO 63379, USA," it's important for potential visitors and those interested in its programs to understand its broader geographical context. The camp's main facility is situated approximately 100 miles south of St. Louis, near Lesterville, Missouri, on Highway 21 South, providing a natural and expansive setting for its diverse programs. This location offers a vital balance: it's remote enough to provide an immersive outdoor experience, yet accessible enough for participants from the St. Louis metropolitan area and other parts of Missouri and Illinois, who are the primary beneficiaries of its programs. The camp occupies a vast 478-acre property, ensuring plenty of space for various activities and a true sense of being "away from it all." While the exact driving instructions might vary depending on the starting point within Missouri, the general accessibility via major state routes ensures that transportation to the camp is manageable for the families and groups it serves. The commitment to providing transport or guidance for families underscores the organization's dedication to removing barriers for participation.

• Overnight Residential Camp Programs: Providing multi-week immersive camp experiences for youth, typically for 28 days, focusing on a holistic development approach.
• Youth Development Programs: Year-round engagement beyond the summer camp, with structured programs designed to support academic and social-emotional growth.
• Academic Enrichment: Incorporating evidence-based programs like the Third Grade Book Club, Reading to Learn, Loving to Read, and STEM exploration activities to combat summer learning loss.
• Life Skills Training: Programs designed to build critical soft skills, personal traits, and life strategies, enabling youth to overcome obstacles and become resilient adults.
• Leadership Training Programs: Multi-year programs for older campers (starting around 6th grade) that focus on self-exploration, teamwork, community impact, and college preparedness.
• Traditional Camp Activities: Offering a wide array of classic camp experiences, including swimming in a supervised pool, backpacking trips, canoeing, outdoor cooking, and campfire activities.
• Creative and Performing Arts: Programs that encourage artistic expression, such as the Arthur and Helen Baer Foundation Creative and Performing Arts Program, including dance, drumming, and theatrical productions.
• Outdoor Education Programs: Specialized programs for school groups during spring and fall, focusing on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through outdoor challenges.
• Counseling and Mentorship: Providing a supportive and accepting environment with trained staff and counselors who guide campers through their development journey.
• Facility Rentals: During non-program times (spring and fall), certain camp facilities may be available for rent for special events or group retreats.

• Expansive 478-Acre Property: Located in the Ozarks, the vast natural setting offers diverse environments for exploration and activities.
• Historic Significance: With roots tracing back to 1937 and some original buildings from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, the camp holds a unique historical charm.
• Tango Tower: An advanced 45-foot challenge course featuring a climbing wall, high obstacles, and a thrilling 250-foot zipline, promoting teamwork and personal challenge.
• Modern and Well-Maintained Facilities: Includes a supervised swimming pool (2 to 9 feet deep), a large dining hall, a fully equipped art area with pottery wheels and a kiln, and a barn for outdoor education and gear organization.
• Dedicated Learning Spaces: Features a Reading Room for literacy programs, a Library for general reading, a STEM Lab for hands-on science and nature exploration, and a Technology Lab for computer access.
• Four Distinct Villages: Campers are housed in four separate "villages" – Shire, Shantoah, Sycamore Springs, and Summit – each with its own campfire circle and cabins designed to sleep 10-12 individuals.
• Robin Hood Lodge: A large, centrally located activity space for group events, performances, and meetings.
• John Allan Love Foundation Outdoor Stage: A dedicated outdoor performance space with high-quality lighting and sound for arts programs.
• Extensive Trail System: Numerous trails ranging from a quarter mile to 2 miles from the main camp, providing opportunities for hiking and overnight camp-outs within the property.
• Focus on Underserved Youth: A primary commitment to serving children from low-income households and underserved communities, offering transformative experiences to those who might otherwise lack access.
• Year-Round Programming: While rooted in a summer camp experience, the organization provides ongoing support and engagement with campers throughout the year, fostering long-term relationships and impact.

While Camp Sherwood Forest is located in Snow Hill Township, MO, its administrative offices and primary contact points are often centralized to manage its extensive programs and reach. For detailed inquiries, program information, or to learn more about the camp's mission and how to get involved, please use the following:

Sherwood Forest Camp (Administrative Office for inquiries and contact):

St. Louis Mailing Address: 12430 Tesson Ferry Road, Suite 304, St. Louis, MO 63128

Phone (St. Louis Office): (314) 644-3322

Camp Site Phone (Lesterville, MO): (573) 637-2476

It is always recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date contact information and program details.

For Missouri locals, particularly those in the St. Louis area and surrounding communities, Camp Sherwood Forest represents an invaluable resource and an inspiring destination. More than just a place to pitch a tent, it is a deeply impactful institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Missourians. Its primary suitability for locals stems from its foundational commitment to serving children and youth from underserved communities, offering them transformative experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. This directly benefits the fabric of Missouri's society by investing in its future leaders and citizens. Beyond its social mission, the camp offers an exceptional natural environment within the Ozarks, providing a true escape from urban life. Its extensive facilities, including the challenging Tango Tower, state-of-the-art learning labs, and traditional camp amenities, ensure that every camper, whether involved in a short-term program or the comprehensive residential experience, has access to diverse and engaging activities. The blend of classic outdoor adventures with academic enrichment and leadership training creates a holistic growth experience. While located in a serene, natural setting, its accessibility from major population centers like St. Louis makes it a practical choice for families seeking meaningful summer opportunities. Furthermore, the camp's rich history and well-maintained facilities, some dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps, add a layer of cultural significance. For Missourians who value youth development, outdoor education, and community impact, Camp Sherwood Forest stands as a beacon of opportunity, fostering resilience, learning, and a deep appreciation for the state's natural heritage. Supporting or enrolling in programs at Camp Sherwood Forest isn't just about attending a camp; it's about investing in the future of Missouri's youth and strengthening local communities.

Camp Sherwood Forest

Snow Hill Township, MO 63379, USA