Camp Taum Sauk
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do campers come from?
We are fortunate to have campers come from all over the world. While most of our campers come from the St. Louis area, many are regularly from Kansas City, Chicago, New Jersey, Colorado, Texas, Las Vegas, and many surrounding areas. Additionally, we welcome many international campers from Mexico, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and England. Many campers are second and third-generation campers who have heard countless stories about the “magic” of Camp Taum Sauk from their parents and grandparents.
How is transportation arranged?
Bus Transportation is included in the camp tuition. Campers arrive at camp via an air-conditioned highway coach from St. Louis. We are happy to meet any camper at the St. Louis airport and transport them to camp. However, it is the family’s responsibility to make the plane reservations.
How long are the camp sessions?
Camp Taum Sauk offers 1,2,3,5,6 and 7-week sessions. We encourage campers to enroll for a minimum of two weeks, thus allowing additional time for self-discovery, friendship, and growth. At the same time, our one-week campers report that they love their camp experience and return year after year or request to extend their stay at camp.
What is the best session length for my child?
Our main objective is to provide campers with the best possible summer camp experience. Therefore, we encourage campers to enroll for a minimum of two weeks, allowing additional time for activities, self-discovery, friendship, and growth. At the same time, our one-week campers love their camp experience, and many campers return for longer sessions the following year, or even request to extend their current stay at camp.
How many campers attend each session?
Camp Taum Sauk accommodates 65 boys and 65 girls each session, with cabins complete with bathrooms for the latter. The campers-to-staff ratio of 5:1 provides around-the-clock supervision, including two counselors for each cabin.
Is Camp Taum Sauk accredited?
Camp Taum Sauk is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA accreditation process includes over 300 standards encompassing many aspects of camp including; staff selection and training, program creation & safety, health & welfare, and camp administration. Our camp works diligently to comply with all of the relevant ACA standards and will continue to evaluate and update all areas according to these standards.
What training do your camp counselors and staff receive?
The Staff at Camp Taum Sauk – comprised of college students, teachers, nurses, coaches, artists, musicians, athletes, and performers – are chosen for their ability to work with kids and love for the outdoors. Camp Taum Sauk maintains a high staff return rate, providing strong continuity and healthy camper and staff bonds. Many staff members are former campers.
We carefully select our staff members and conduct reference and background checks on all applicants. Staff members are First Aid/CPR certified and attend an intense pre-camp orientation training that emphasizes safety procedures, communication skills, group dynamics, and leadership.
We encourage all staff members to form a strong, committed team with a single focus: A safe, fun-filled summer, with opportunities for each camper to learn and grow.
What does a typical day look like?
Camper scheduled activities change daily.
7:30 am Reveille & Wake-up
8:00 am Breakfast
9:15 am-12:15 pm Morning Activities
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30-3:00 pm Rest Period
3:00-5:15 pm Afternoon Activities
5:30 pm Dinner
6:00-7:15 pm Sports & Free Time
7:30-8:45 pm Evening Program
8:45-9:00 pm Treats & Song Time
9:15 pm Taps & Bedtime
Will my child be required to participate in every activity?
Our goal is to provide a fun experience for every camper. What makes a camp so special is the wide range of activities that each camper is encouraged to learn. However, if a child does not want to participate, they are free to try another supervised activity to their liking. It is all about making the camping experience enjoyable.
What are the camper and staff annual retention rates?
Our greatest joy is to see many of our campers and staff return year after year. Since the beginning, annual camper retention is between 65 - 75%. Staff retention is 75%. Everyone remains part of our Camp Taum Sauk family.
What if my child needs medical care?
Our health center consists of two licensed health care professionals and an off-site licensed doctor (M.D.) available 24 hours. Emergency care is only 20 miles from camp. All medications are located in the camp health center and administered by our trained, licensed health care professionals.
What is the food like?
Being a family-owned camp since inception, providing home-cooked meals is essential. Our kitchen staff is our extended family, as many have been with us for over 20 years providing balanced meals. As parents find out during the sessions, the meals served are extremely popular. Campers are seated according to cabin. Our building is fully air-conditioned so that everyone enjoys a break from the summer weather.
Do you provide laundry services?
Camper’s laundry is done every two weeks and during session breaks for stay-over campers. We ask that the child’s name is clearly marked on each item of clothing and on the camper’s laundry bag. A local laundry service does our camper laundry, and the fee for this service is charged to the camper’s account.
Can I send a care package?
Absolutely. In addition to the camp packet, we also provide several outside resources to put together care packages. Nothing better than seeing a camper’s face open a package from home and sharing it with their cabin.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us with specific questions
email: nick@taumsauk.com