With sunny weather, marvelous natural settings, and lots of lakes and rivers, Mississippi is an idyllic location for kids to attend summer camp. Summer camps offer children the chance to form lasting friendship ties and enjoy this lovely outdoor environment.
Above all, Mississippi summer camps are about having fun. With action-packed programs, comfortable accommodations, good food, dedicated counselors, and lots of laughter, they’re a great way for kids to spend the school break.
Arts and crafts, sports, Bible studies, and thrilling pursuits are all that await at these camp locations. Religion is a big part of Mississippi and many of these options are focused on teaching about the word of God.
Best Mississippi Summer Camps
Strong River
Strong River Camp was bought from the YMCA by its owner back in 1973. For decades, Strong River has been run with the intention of providing a utopian place for children to do as their hearts desire. It’s all done in an environment where they’re supported by camp counselors who come to work from all over the world.
The summer camp in Pinola (Simpson County) lies someway south of Jackson. Sessions run throughout June and July and are suitable for ages 7 to 13. Each lasts for three to nine days, and you can always combine them so kids can stay longer. Registration for the following year opens near the start of Fall, and spots tend to fill up very fast.
Activities your kids get involved in at Strong River include arts and crafts, gardening, archery, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and even ultimate Frisbee. Strong River Camp also has its own rope adventure course.
Camp Wesley Pines
Camp Wesley Pines is found in Hazlehurst, Copiah County. This longstanding Mississippi summer camp has been operating since the early 1960s and is as much about children having fun as it is about their religious faith.
Each summer camp comprises age-specific categories covering elementary to high school grades. There’s one camp counselor to every 6 kids, and groups sleep in one of the dozen on-site cabins.
In advance of their stay, your child can get excited about taking part in canoeing, field games, ziplining, and much more at Camp Wesley Pines. A number of other programs are run in addition to the main camp.
These include Copiah Outreach Experience, where kids get placed into local community projects, a leadership program, and Camp Copiah, which operates as a day camp for youngsters.
Lake Forest Ranch
Lake Forest Ranch has been offering summer camps and retreats in Mississippi since the 1960s. There’s a focus on God and the Gospel here, and though the camps have a Christian focus they’re all about kids having fun. Lake Forest can be found close to Louisville.
Lake Forest boasts a range of accommodations, dining facilities, and meeting spaces. A couple of two-story lodges sleep up to 36 in each, and there are also youth cabins for 24. There’s a lake-view dining room and other shared spaces.
The camps are split into two age ranges: 7 to 12 and 12 to 18. For both, bible study is combined with fun activities to create a program that’s enjoyable from dawn until dusk.
Archery tag, basketball, beach volleyball, boating, swimming, and tennis are just a few of the many sports offered. There’s also a thriving crafts program, plus Tribe activities for younger campers 7 and 8 years old.
Camp Lake Stephens
Camp Lake Stephens is ideal for families who want their children to learn about the word of God. Thousands of children gather every summer in Lafayette County to share their love of the Lord while joining an action-packed program.
Learning the importance of teamwork and increasing individual confidence is as important as strengthening religious faith at Camp Lake Stephens. Any students who have completed grades 1 to 11 are welcomed at their overnight camps, while day camps are open to kindergarten to 3rd-grade students.
Each group of 8 children is allocated their own camp counselor for the entire duration who guides them through the session. These are divided by age, from short mini-day camps to longer white water rafting trips for older teens. Campers participate in worship, cookouts, hiking, and more with a range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Camp Bratton-Green
Camp Bratton-Green is operated by the Gray Center. It’s the summer camp by the ministry that provides Christian children with an engaging and educational experience.
Camp Bratton-Green is located in the Madison County area, north of Jackson. One of the things that make it stand out is the three-tier pricing structure. This bases the cost of summer camp on each family’s ability to pay.
The mid-range price covers the running costs, while the upper and lower tiers include donations and subsidies respectively. This reflects the ethos of keeping the camp open to children of all backgrounds.
A Christian theme runs throughout the program, and it’s staffed by both permanent staff and volunteers. Providing children with a love-filled environment is at the heart of the program, no matter how much or little families pay.
Camp of the Rising Son
As a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association, Camp of the Rising Sun aims to provide every child with a life-enhancing experience. The summer camp is open to ages 7 to 16 and combines a love of Christ with fun adventures to ensure an unforgettable week away from home.
Camp of the Rising Son takes place at the French Camp Academy on a 300-acre woodland site by Lake Ann. Campers ages 7-13 can attend overnight camps, while teens can participate in a separate residential program. Family camps are also open to all during Labor Day weekend.
Two counselors are shared between a dozen kids. During the week, kids can enjoy cookouts, daily worship, skits and songs, water slides, and a whole lot more. Parents can choose from 3 camp sessions that last a week.
Saints Summer Experience
The Saints Summer Experience is operated by St Andrew’s Episcopal School in Jackson. All students up to high school are welcomed to this long-running camp since the 1950’s. Camp dates run from June to July.
Parents can pick between athletic, academic, and specialty day camps, all of which run for eight weeks. Activities at each sports summer camp center on either basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, or tennis.
Academic camps focus on a specific grade or a certain subject. Specialty camps include unique offerings such as ballet, performing arts, chess, music, and STEM. Hands-on projects at their day camps are all part of the learning process.
Mississippi Elks
The Mississippi Elks camp is open to all children, regardless of family income or disability. This camp is located close to Hattiesburg and is used by Scouts, families, and companies, as well as for summer programs.
Surrounded by a fragrant pine forest, the camp has its own swimming pool, a spacious dining hall, six cabins, and a wealth of other facilities. The camps are run on a not-for-profit basis and form part of the wider Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Outdoor play and a time away from the modern world of screens is very much the ethos at the Mississippi Elks camp.
Camp Wilkes Inc
More than 80 acres of space await kids who attend Camp Wilkes Inc. The summer camp is situated in Biloxi. It’s dotted with appealing amenities and facilities like a large swimming pool, picnic tables, fire pits, an outdoor amphitheater, and a natural shoreline.
Dating back to 1938, Camp Wilkes was originally established to provide local Scout groups with a place to take part in outdoor activities. Today, it’s open to any family, group, or organization who wishes to use the accommodation, kitchen, and leisure facilities.
Camp Wilkes can sleep up to around 250 people or provide picnic space for much more. Basic camping is also provided, but only to Scouts by prior agreement. In addition to private bookings, the camp also hosts regular events. These run from relaxed getaway weekends to more active occasions like a duathlon held on water and in the woods.
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