internships

AGENCY INFORMATION

Our Mission

We believe that all children have the gifts and potential to become positive, productive and
contributing members of their communities and the larger world.

Sherwood Forest Camp creates healthy, caring communities where children develop
character and competence.

We teach essential life skills through camp experiences and programs to children,
primarily from disadvantaged families. Our campers learn together as they grow up at
camp to:

respect all people and our environment
build strong relationships
take personal responsibility
solve problems cooperatively
resolve conflicts peacefully
be positive leaders through service to others.

Our Philosophy

At Sherwood Forest campers begin to see themselves as contributing members of a small
community. This occurs as our campers live together and plan activities, individually and
within their cabin groups under the guidance of their group leaders. Campers learn that
they can contribute and to appreciate the contributions of others.

Sherwood Forest is a non-denominational, multi-racial camp community, which serves
children without regard to socio-economic status. Sherwood Forest is an ideal place for
campers to learn to live with others who are different from themselves.

Site Description

Sherwood Forest Camp, established in 1937, is a private not-for-profit, United Way
funded organization. Our camp is located in the Missouri Ozark Mountains, near
Lesterville, 100 miles south of St. Louis. Accredited by the American Camping Association,
Sherwood Forest Camp is committed to providing the highest quality of camp experiences
to children of all racial, ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.

Sherwood Forest Camp is situated on approximately 500 acres of wooded and rugged
hills and valleys. Our facilities are “rustic” but have all the basic amenities. The roads are
unpaved gravel and the paths are rocky. Our buildings are well ventilated but not air-
conditioned. We walk everywhere we go at camp so interns must be able to maintain a
high level of physical activity.

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

During the summer, we work with children, ages 7-16, in one of three programs.

“Mini” Camp

Is a six-day program designed to introduce children to the summer camp experience.
Campers follow a structured schedule of activities that introduce them to the four program
areas: Adventure/Sports, Aquatics, Outdoor Living Skills and Performing & Creative Arts.
Some of the activities include swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and climbing the Tango
Tower. All activities are designed to emphasize fun and learning about camp.

Girls/ Boys Camp

This program is designed to introduce campers to new skills that camp can teach them.
Campers learn how to pick activities that interest them-problem solving, communication
skills, decision making, negotiating and other life skills.

Leadership Training Program

This program is designed for campers 13-16 years of age. In this program, campers learn
to recognize, improve, and use their leadership abilities to help themselves and others
achieve goals. Much of this learning occurs as campers challenge themselves in a variety
of wilderness camping and team building experiences. Community service becomes an
important component in this program, giving campers an opportunity to work with local,
regional and national agencies.
Campers will participate in wilderness trips ranging from 5-8 days in length. Leadership
Challenge and Leadership Trek campers will experience the backwoods and rivers of
Missouri.