Best Mississippi Leadership Camps Summer 2025 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: Varies depending on location.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: The WhizKids day camp program meets throughout the Jackson Metro Area (Madison, Brandon, Clinton, Pearl, Ridgeland) in various locations. We offer half-day and full-day options.

All units are taught by certified teachers and trained adults using curriculum that integrates critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and group dynamics. We also offer opportunities for Jr. Interns and Interns to practice leadership skills by assisting with student groups.

We strive to offer programs that are challenging for students, convenient for parents, and fun for everyone!

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership Opportunities:
Junior Intern: 7th-8th grade students
Intern: High school students

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Limited scholarships available.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Visit out website for updated session dates and tuition cost.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Do you enjoy working with kids, have good classroom management skills, and have an engaging personality?  WhizKids Programs LLC occasionally has positions available to teach after school clubs and/or summer day camps. We offer competitive pay and a flexible schedule. Contact us at whizkidsprograms[AT]gmail.com if you are interested.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have both online art camps/workshops and in-person camps for our 2021 summer art program. Go to Our Camp Website Link: IchenArtAcademy.com for more information.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Becoming an Ichen Art Academy student means that you have the opportunity to learn from the best art school with a long proven record of success to develop your creativity, foundational skills and artistic talents that will propel you to reach your full potential.

Best Quality Art Program
Since its inception in 1997 (formerly known as Ichen Art Studio), Ichen Art Academy has been putting relentless focus on developing high-quality art programs, reflected through its students’ artworks and measured by its students’ achievements. Many of its art-major students have now gone on to renowned art colleges and most prestigious majors such as CalArt’s Character Animation, ArtCenter’s Entertainment Design and Rhode Island School of Design. Some art-major students from early years have found employments in high-tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Netflix. Similarly, its non-art-major students have been accepted by nation’s top universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Princeton and MIT with the help of submission of a strong supplemental art portfolio. By consistently winning large numbers of national level awards in art competitions, Ichen Art Academy students’ skill levels and artworks are among the best in every age group.

Systematic and Comprehensive K-12 Art Education
Ichen Art Academy offers systematic and comprehensive art education to K-12 students and adults. All of its instructors are highly accomplished artists with many years of teaching and industry experience. Currently the following programs are offered
(Click the respective link to view students' artworks from that age group):

--Children’s Creative Art (Ages 5 to 8)
--Chinese Painting and Calligraphy (Ages 8+)
--Drawing and Sketch Level 1-Basic (Ages 8 to 10) Level 1 (Ages 10-11), 2 and 3 (Ages 12+)
--Oil Painting and Watercolor (Ages 12+)
--Digital Art for Beginner (Ages 9+), Intermediate and Advanced Levels (Ages 12+)
--Cartoon, Manga and Character Design (Ages 11+)
--AP Art Prep (Ages 14+)

Art Consultation Service for College Applications
The art counselor team at Ichen Art Academy specializes in helping art-major students prepare strong college art portfolios and apply for top art colleges and majors in the US. The team is also responsible for helping non-art-major students develop robust supplemental art portfolios for applying top private universities.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We partner with Youth Art Foundation, a non-profit organization to help our students develop leadership and utilize their art talents and skills to make positive contributions to their communities.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Ichen Art Academy provides comprehensive and systematic art education for K-12 students on a yearly basis. Please check our curriculum webpage for a detailed description:

Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

OTHER CAMP INFO: Oil Painting, watercolor, Portrait/Figure Drawing, Illustration, Chinese Painting, Drawing and Sketching, AP Art Boot Camp, Open Studio, Fashion Design, UI/UX Design, Architectural and Interior Design, Animation and Game Design, Digital Art, Creative Comic Books, Manga and Anime, Cartoon and Character Design, Perspective Drawing, Graphic Design, 3D Modeling and much more.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Art Camps for kids ages 5-9:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

Digital Illustration Art Camp for ages 9+:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

Summer Art Workshops for ages 11+:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

CAMP FACILITIES: Camp Windhover has eight cabins, stables and riding ring, theater, art room, craft room, wilderness skills/ chorus room, music/band room, dining hall/kitchen, infirmary, dance building, pool with dressing rooms, two bathhouses, outdoor basketball, tether ball, four-square court.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: An American Camp Association accredited camp, Camp Windhover seeks to place campers in a position to see the wonder in themselves and the natural world, while encouraging healthy, positive interaction with others. Gifted at keeping the fun quotient high, Windhover's staff are carefully selected role models, who receive a week of training to focus on their campers' needs and inspire their best behavior.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Counselors-in-training attend a retreat to learn how to assist in the kitchen, in activities, and in the cabin at camp. They also have a leadership activity period daily while at camp.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Session One: June 8-14
Session Two: June 15-21
Session Three: June 22-28
Session Four: July 6-12

2014 Fees:
Completed 1st-2nd grade 3rd-8th grade
Any one week $750 $850
Any two weeks $1450 $1650
Any three weeks $2150 $2450

From the camp website, you can apply online or download, print, and mail an application.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
At the present time, all of our staff positions are filled for 2014, but things happen, and we might still need a counselor at the last minute.

Staff applications are available on-line at Camp Windhover's website.

CAMP FACILITIES: The camp and conference center has 36 modern cabins, 5 adult style lodges, outdoor pool, disc golf, human foosball, outdoor basketball court, game field, tennis courts, tree house area, canoeing, volleyball, inflatable water park, challenge course, rock climbing tower, two dining halls, 100-foot lookout tower, walking trails, bonfire site and much much more!

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Twin Lakes Summer Camp is focused on providing an environment that is both safe and fun, while being intentionally grounded in Biblical teaching. For the past 45 years, Twin Lakes has shown the love of Christ to campers from a variety of backgrounds throughout the Southeast.

During their session, each camper participates in each of our exciting activities - Horseback riding, Wild Wilderness Adventure, Games, Challenge Course, Riflery/Archery, Rock Climbing, Waterfront, Leather crafts and Kayaking. Biblical narratives serve as the theme each week, and come to life during assembly times as the whole camp experiences the story on Friday's Bible adventure.

Twin Lakes summer staff members are carefully selected and genuinely enjoy developing relationships with each child and seeking to help him/her make the most of their week at camp. A medical doctor and healthcare staff also oversee the health and safety of the camp program.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: The Leader in Training program at Twin Lakes Summer Camp is designed to encourage personal growth in Jesus Christ, challenge youth to be godly leaders and prepare them to minister to and serve others. LITs are given opportunities to serve within our traditional camp setting at activities, meals and nightly programs. Twin Lakes LITs must be interviewed and approved. Applications are available on our website.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Twin Lakes offers financial assistance to our camper families. Simply submit registration form with deposit and request our "financial assistance application."

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Twin Lakes Camp & Conference Center is a year-round ministry available to guests throughout the Southeast for either conferences and retreats, or summer camp programs. Our state-of-the-art facilities, exciting recreation options, and delicious southern style food service are the perfect place to spend your time.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
2017 Twin Lakes Summer Camp Schedule:
Day Camp (May 29-June 2)
Overnight Camp 1 (June 5-10)
Overnight Camp 2 (June 12-17)
Overnight Camp 3 (June 19-24)
Overnight Camp 4 (June 26-July 1)
Overnight Camp 5, (July 3-8)
Overnight Camp 6 (July 10-15)

Visit the Our Camp Website Link: www.twinlakescamp.org for online registration options.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Openings for summer staff positions available through our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.twinlakescamp.org.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 17 rustic, open air cabins, bathhouses, outdoor pool, horse arena and stables, recreation/dining hall, 8 hotel type rooms for lodging, waterfront pavilion, rustic chapel in the woods, and beautiful waterfront for swimming, zip lining, and sports.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp of the Rising Son is committed to your child’s safety first. CRS is accredited through the American Camp Association, which requires us to go beyond state and local regulations and strive to implement best practices in all areas of our program. We take special care in screening our staff and training them to make your child’s physical, mental, and emotional safety top priority. Our facilities meet all codes and requirements and are inspected annually by the Mississippi State Department of Health as well as the Attala County Fire Department. CRS has a registered nurse on-site during the summer camps. All staff are CPR trained through the American Heart Association. Water activities are supervised by an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard at all times.

Camp of the Rising Son began in 1980 with 27 campers and a two-week program directed by Margie Newman. The camping program began on the main French Camp Academy campus using two dormitories and the dining hall. The name “Camp of the Rising Son” was based on our purpose of presenting Christ, our risen Lord, to campers. The Indian theme of using Native American names for our buildings and addressing staff as “Chief” was an idea borrowed from Camp Sandy Cove in Maryland, where “Chief” Margie worked in the 1960s. It was there that she fell in love with camping as the best possible setting for connecting with the heart of a child and living out the love of Christ in God’s creation!

By 1985, the program spanned four weeks with a registration of 100 per week. Seeing that more space was needed, the FCA Board of Directors moved to build a separate facility near Lake Anne, a half mile from center campus. So in 1987, the Hall Lodge was built overlooking Lake Anne and became headquarters for Camp of the Rising Son. In addition, 16 cabins, a large activities building known as the “Pow Wow,” a crafts and pottery cabin, two shower houses, and several small sheds for camp equipment were also built. In the early 1990s, CRS was serving more than 200 children a week and added a white-water rafting program for 13- to 15-year-olds. We were hiring a total of 65 summer staff each year. By the mid-1990s, it was a joy to have former campers beginning to returning as counselors!

The resident camping program, geared to ages 7-12, incorporated 15 to 18 activities, including canoeing, sailing, horseback riding, archery, crafts making, pottery, art, leather craft, basketry, swimming lessons, fishing, enjoying nature, learning camp skills, tackling the ropes course, and others. Each camper chose five activities per week in which he/she specialized, with the option to work for awards in each area. Our staff has always been trained to teach all the activities as professionally as possible. We often send activity specialists to receive certification in the various activities.

Bible lessons were taught by counselors with the desire that campers would come to know Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior and grow in that relationship. Each week ended with the Passion Play, presented by the staff in the outdoor chapel-in-the-woods. Another outstanding aspect of CRS has been that programs are designed to stimulate creativity in each camper. , the absence of TV, electronic games, iPods, and CD players and a focus on wholesome fun!

Chief Margie says, “Over the 20 years that I directed, it was my greatest joy to see children respond to the Gospel, inviting Jesus to be their own personal Savior! Knowing that God created this earth to bear testimony to His greatness, we delighted in focusing on His handiwork around us. Even our cabins were designed to assure that campers could hear crickets and frogs as the lay in bed at night! Many parents sent their children for the high quality of training in various activities, but, at the end of the week our greatest joy is knowing that their lives had been changed by knowing Jesus personally!!”

From the late 1990s through 2008, directors Rusty McKnight, Larry Littlejohn, and Step Morgan made a lasting impact on the staff and campers at CRS. A leadership training program for 15-year-olds was added, a new pool was built, the floating dock was put in the lake, and a ninth cabin was constructed in the Maiden Unit. Repairs and rebuilding happened after several large storms came through the French Camp area. Kayaking and Frisbee sports were added as activities.

Carrie Browning is CRS’s current director. She began as a camper, returned as a counselor and program director, and assumed the director’s position in fall 2008. Under her leadership, the program offerings for teens have expanded to include horse camp, astronomy camp, and an ultimate adventure rafting trip.

Chief Carrie says, “Over the years though there have been new additions and updates to our activities and facilities, the core values of Camp of the Rising Son remain the same. We are committed to providing a safe environment and Christ-centered setting for children and youth that intentionally focuses on experiencing creation, building relationships, encouraging creativity, learning new skills, and having lots of fun!”

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: CIA (Camp Intern Adventure) stages D1 and D2 are an opportunity like none other offered at Camp of the Rising Son. As part of a select group you will have the opportunity to work with amazing chiefs and fellow participants to serve the staff and campers! There will be time for building relationships, recreation, and studying God’s Word to grow in your faith. You will leave camp with a better understanding with a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what it takes to make CRS special for our campers! For more information regarding our CIA program, please visit our website: Our Camp Website Link: www.campoftherisingson.com

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarship applications are due April 1st. The application can be found on our website.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): At family camp, you can choose to participate in our many fun activities or choose to hang out and rest. This is your vacation, so everything is optional! Play opportunities include swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Ann, rock wall, archery, horseback riding, Frisbee golf, crafts, and more! In the morning, adults will be challenged and connect duing worship and Bible study while camp staff teach and entertain the children. Afternoons will be play time for families to have a chance to experience camp together. Nights hold a campfire, parent date/kid fun night, and a fun family event night! Take the opportunity to unplug and play as a family, and we'll take care of the rest! Please visit our website for more information: Our Camp Website Link: www.campoftherisingson.com

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp of the Rising Son also hosts retreats, seminars, and programs when camp is not in session. Please refer to our website for more information about our programs.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit our website for camp sessions, dates, and fees: Our Camp Website Link: www.campoftherisingson.com

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
It is a unique privilege and responsibility to serve hundreds of campers and their families each summer. Our aim is to employ enthusiastic young men and women who are committed to growing in their relationship to Christ and to proclaiming and living out the Gospel. We strive to create a safe environment, intentionally seek opportunities to develop relationships with our campers, and share Christ in every aspect of daily life.

Our summer staff is at the heart of our ministry and has a great potential to impact the campers. This is why we seek to hire the best staff possible each summer. CRS staff are role models to our campers, and because of this we have a set of guidelines and rules that staff must follow. We do this because what we as staff do in moderation, the campers will do in excess. We want to be wholesome, godly leaders for these campers.

For more information or to download an application, please refer to our website.

CAMP FACILITIES: 6 wing dormitory, 2 gymnasiums, outdoor basketball court, sand Hall, school building, 1,000 foot pier, ski camp, dining hall, tennis courts, pool.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Activities offered: Water Skiing, Sailing, Fishing, Archery, Marine Biology, Arts and Hobbies, Sports and much more.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership program.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Camp offers a Father & Son camp May 29th & 30th. The cost is $250 for father & son and $100 for each additional son.

OTHER CAMP INFO: A FUN, ENJOYABLE & SAFE SUMMER! The mission of Camp Stanislaus is to provide campers and counselors a safe and enjoyable recreational and learning experience in the Catholic tradition and under the leadership of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We offer four weeks of camp. Campers can come for 1,2,3 or 4 weeks. June 7th - 13th, June 14th - 20th, June 21st - 27th, and June 28th - July 4th.

Resident Camper: $795 per week

Day Camper: $400 per week

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Camp Stanislaus is always looking for eager young men and women to join our team.  Find out more information at:  Our Camp Website Link: campstanislaus.com.