Camp Guardian...Serving Special Campers!

Since 1977, Camp Guardian Foundation has provided children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities - along with Missouri National Guard citizen-soldiers and airman; MONG veterans, retirees, family members and friends; caregiving professionals; and students in child education, social work  and special needs related career fields - a unique opportunity to participate each year at an exceptional, week-long summer camp...Camp Guardian!

Campers attend Camp Guardian for free! Everything (camp t-shirt, food, lodging, activities, awards, etc.) is provided no-charge to our special needs campers. Needless to say, this awesome aspect of our program presents tremendous and ongoing fundraising challenges. An officially-recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers, Camp Guardian Foundation receives 100% of its funding through private donations. Financial and in-kind gifts from kind and generous donors are the lifeblood of our organization. 

Camp Guardian sessions accommodate a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities. Previous campers have included those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Opitz syndrome, autism, spina bifida, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber (KTW) syndrome, traumatic brain injury and various other special needs.

Camp Guardian camps offer an action-packed week filled with fun, wholesome, educational and socially beneficial activities. During the day, our campers enjoy a wide array of activities such as fishing, BB guns, arts & crafts, archery, paintball, swimming, boat rides, canoeing, paddle-boating, nature programs and off-camp field trips. Evening festivities include pool parties, dances, skits, hayrides, campfire gatherings and carnivals. Throughout the week, a talented kitchen staff serves wonderful, made-from-scratch meals. Our certified medical staff ensure medications are properly secured and administered.

Camp Guardian camps enhance the lives of both campers and volunteers alike.  Our special needs campers are treated to an exhilarating week of recreational and social activities that many would otherwise never have an opportunity to experience. In turn, our volunteer staff members are afforded a priceless opportunity to spend at least one highly memorable week each year with some truly extraordinary individuals.  Their daily displays of optimism, humor and grace - while courageously striving to overcome significant physical and mental challenges - never ceases to amaze, educate and inspire everyone around them.