It only takes a spark…
THE BEGINNING:
Nestled deep in the Ozark Hills near Windyville, MO, just over the Dallas County lines, lies a 40-acre church camp, Camp Aurora. Just the name, Camp Aurora, tugs at nostalgic child-hood memories of individuals scattered all across the state of Missouri.
Bought for back taxes in 1936, Camp Aurora was named for a Congregational Church, which burned in Aurora, MO. The congregation did not rebuild and gave what monies they had left to a regional committee that then used the funds to purchase the camp property. Originally designed as a pastor’s retreat, it soon became a residence camp for campers of all ages, serving outdoor ministry needs.
TODAY:
While Camp Aurora welcomes campers and staff from all faiths and have people attend from several denominations throughout the summer. We have camps for campers who have finished first grade all the way to twelfth grade. We also have a Family Camp Weekend open to anyone who wants to experience or come back to camp! We rent the camp to other groups and organizations who would like to use it when we don’t have camping sessions going.
Camp Aurora has evolved into a facility utilized for a wide variety of camping experiences for all ages. Facilities and programs of the camp are open to all persons, regardless of religious affiliation.
People from throughout the United States have shared in the mission and ministry of Camp Aurora. The camp has enriched their lives, and their lives have enriched the camp.
TRADITIONS:
Camp Aurora has many fond traditions. Many memories include things such as Friendship Rocks, Medallions, the Camp Aurora song, Silence Avenue, the Bell, Green Plates, the To-Sho-Bu, the Po-Da-Coke Machine, Spic & Span Award, and the Commitment Service. You can still find all of these traditions at Camp Aurora today!
Camp Aurora helps to foster friendships that last a lifetime. Some families now have their third generation attending Camp Aurora. It is truly a camping family tradition.