Rock Garden Christian Camp
What is Rock Garden Camp? Rock Garden is a summer youth camp located near Mountain View, Mo in the beautiful Ozark mountains. The purpose is to acquaint young people with the Bible and train them for Christian service. The program includes physical recreation, swimming, and good clean fun as well as times of serious Bible study.
15 Commonly Asked Questions and Answers About Rock Garden Christian Camp
A ministry of the area Christian Churches, preparing youth for service in Christ
What activities does a typical day at RGCC include? The daily schedules for camp are determined by the Dean for the week of camp and may vary from week to week. In general, the mornings are for Bible classes, with recreational activities and swimming in the afternoons, evening services are after supper, and special events (games, talent shows, team events...) in the evenings. Each day ends with a campfire with singing and a devotion
What facilities does the camp have? There are three air-conditioned dorms, (one for boys, two for girls) out fitted with bunk beds, several bathrooms and private showers. There is a total of 176 beds in the dorms. We also have a building with private rooms for the Dean, Missionary, and the Nurse. We have a multi-purpose building that is used for our dining hall and other games and activities. We have a commercial kitchen to provide all meals. We use what we call the "Tabernacle" for our evening praise and worship services. We have a canteen, (snack shack) several shelters, basketball court, sand volleyball court, 9-hole disc golf course, ball/soccer field, sand playground...and lots of games and activities for the kids to enjoy.
Where is Rock Garden Camp Located? Rock Garden Camp is located at 4105 State Route Highway 17 just 8 miles south of Mountain View and 15 miles north of West Plains. It is on the Eleven Point River. However, we are on the upper dry end of the creek. Our Driveway is on the west side of the highway just up the hill from the Eleven Point River bridge.
What does Rock Garden Camp Teach? We teach that the Bible is the inspired, inherent word of God and it is the only authoritative rule of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Accordingly, we also teach that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, that He died on the cross for our sins, and that Holy living according to the Bible is necessary to the Christian Lifestyle. Acts chapter 2.
How many adults will be at a typical week of camp? Typically, we average about 1 adult faculty for every 5 campers. This number varies depending on the age group of campers.
Who makes up the faculty of Rock Garden Camp? Camp staff is made up of Preachers, Youth ministers, church members, parents, missionaries, and Bible College students volunteer their time and talents to serve the campers in many different ways. We seek to use adults whose own lives exemplify Christian character recommended by Preachers and other church leaders. We do require a background check on all volunteers and staff. Other paid personnel include a Camp Manager, Camp Secretary/Treasurer, cooks, certified lifeguard, and a Nurse/Med Tech. with a EMT or higher certification.
Is Rock Garden affiliated with any particular church or religious group? Rock Garden Camp is supported, maintained, and operated by a collaborating group of independent Christian Churches in Southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. The approximate 18 supporting churches are in about a 100-mile radius of Rock Garden Camp.
Will my child be pressured to join some church or Group? Absolutely not! While it is a part of our purpose to present the terms of the Gospel and encourage faith in Christ, it is against our principles to force or pressure anyone to do so. There are campers baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins during camp. While offering support to campers interested in baptism, it is the policy of the camp that campers are baptized only with the permission of his/her parent or guardian. However, baptism at camp does not constitute membership in any particular "church", we do encourage persons baptized at camp to formally place their membership with a local church congregation when returning home.
What are the dates of camp and who may attend? Separate weeks of camp are scheduled for various age groups ranging from 1st grade in the upcoming school year, through 12th grade and graduated seniors from the current year. We also have a Special Needs Camp for those with special needs. This camp is for those ages 13 through senior adult. The schedule for camps can be found on this website, or on our Facebook page. We have an online registration system that opens around March 1st for the upcoming camp season. The registration asks for camper info, parent info, medical and allergy info, and allows space for special instructions or info. The link to the online registration is on this website. A paper registration can be filled out at check in, and paid with cash if you do not want to use the online system. Any child from any church, or not attending a church can attend camp, and bring their friends.
What time does camp begin and end? Check in is from 3:00 to 4:30 pm on opening day, and supper is typically between 5 or 6 pm that day. Camps officially end with a closing circle to give out awards and have a closing prayer around 11:30 am on the last day of camp and are usually finished at noon. Campers will have had lunch prior to the closing circle. Please pick up your campers at this time.
What does a week of camp cost? does my child need extra money? The cost of camp varies depending on the week of camp. The cost of each week is listed on our website and in the online registration system. Everything campers need for the week is included, such as meals, canteen, T-shirt, and printed materials. Campers only need extra money if they want to donate to the missionary for the week. There is a place for donations to the missionary in the online registration system that can be done prior to camp starting. There is nothing to purchase during the week of camp.
What should my child bring to camp? Bible, notebook if camper wants to take notes, twin size bedding or sleeping bag, pillow, towels, soap, toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items, comfortable clothing for daily activities, swimwear, (one piece or t-shirt for girls) light jacket or hoodie for cool nights, good shoes, (the camp is large and spread out, there is a lot of walking), necessary prescription medications (must be turned into the nurse at check in) Over the counter medications are provided when necessary.
Please do not bring anything that is considered a distraction such as computers, radios, magazines...cell phones are allowed with limited use and varies between the age group of campers. The Dean of the week will set the rules for phone use. There is a ZERO TOLERANCE, NO PHONE ZONE IN ALL DORMS. This is to protect the privacy of everyone in the dorms. The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapes, lighters, matches, or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
Any other Questions? You can contact the camp by email: rockgarden@socket.net, or through Facebook messenger, or call the camp at 417-277-5621.
