Back in the 1960’s, Charles J. Miller had a dream. At that time, people born with disabilities weren’t given the same opportunities as able bodied individuals. Miller felt all people had a right to an outdoor experience in a fun, safe environment. His commitment to this dream resulted in a fun and inclusive camp experience for children, teenagers, and adults who have disabilities.
Miller’s son was born with a chromosome disease and was expected to live for only two years. Despite the odds, he lived to the age of 54. The disease was later identified as Prader-Willi syndrome. In 1969, Miller’s dream began with a conversation with the Executive Director of the Woodhaven Learning Center, a school for children with disabilities in Columbia, Missouri. He wanted to develop a residential summer camp on property he and his brother-in-law owned at the Lake of the Ozarks. A camp for everyone, regardless of their ability level, to experience the exhilaration of outdoor play that matched their medical needs.
Ultimately, in 1970, the Missouri Jaycees voted to adopt the camp project. Miller and his brother-in-law donated their 35 acres of undeveloped land adjoining the Lake of the Ozarks, along with an additional 200 acres for nature trails and out camping. They named it Wonderland Camp, and it was incorporated as a not-for-profit foundation by the State of Missouri. Although only a few buildings were completed, the camp welcomed its first campers in the spring of 1972. Since then, the camp has been expanded to provide an outdoor experience for over 1000 campers each summer, and is still growing.
Located on 150 acres of wooded and lakefront property in Bogue Bay off the Gravois Arm, the facility has a specific mission. That mission is to provide a fun, inclusive camp experience, to offer respite from daily caregiving for the family members and caregivers, and to provide and nurture a personal development experience for volunteers and staff.
The grounds at Wonderland Camp give the impression of a small town. Concrete paths make moving from one building to another accessible for all. The docks and pontoons boats are also accessible. Campers are housed in air-conditioned and heated cabins with shared sleeping areas and bathrooms. There’s bunk beds in which campers sleep on the bottom, and staff sleep on top. The sleeping quarters accommodate hospital beds, a seizure bed, lifts, and shower chairs. A dedicated arts and crafts room, completely remodeled four years ago, provides for unlimited creative activities. The newly remodeled dining hall features a full industrial kitchen and seating for everyone to dine together. An added sensory room fills the needs of some campers. There’s a non-denominational chapel for spiritual time, and outdoor spaces featuring wooded trails, a playground, and outdoor pavilions. A 24-hour staffed medical center is there for all who need it.
Those six years of age and up are welcome, and camp sessions are held throughout the year. There’s week long summer camps, fall weekend camps, Life Skills Camps, Family Camp, Halloween, and more. There’s a father/son weekend and “This Mama is a Happy Camper,” providing moms some pampering the opportunity to meet other mothers with special needs children, relaxation, and fun. When camp is not in session, the facility can be rented out for reunions, retreats, wedding, and more.
A typical stay at Wonderland Camp in the warmer months includes swimming, boating, climbing the rock wall, archery, basketball, mini-golf, fishing, paddle boats, and more. Campers learn to tie-dye, take boat rides, participate in the talent show, enjoy carnival day, and experience animal day. For the formal dance, the staff as well as the campers dress their best. Themes for this summer’s camps included Animal Kingdom, Sports Mania, Disney, Christmas in July, Camp Around the World, and more. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided, and almost all dietary and personal care needs can be met.
Camp Crew is a program for campers who have an interest in learning new skills during their stay. They assist with various activities, including food service, helping hands in the cabin, and programs. Camp Crew is for returning campers who are at least 18 years of age, easy to manage, and show an eagerness to help while they have fun at camp. They assist in these activities for up to 2-3 hours per day, and receive a written review of all their accomplishments at the end of the week.
The legacy of Miller’s dream continues through his granddaughter. Jill Wilke, a Master’s prepared nurse with years of administrative experience. Wilke oversees the financial affairs, regulatory compliance, and processes of the camp. She served on the Board of Directors for 14 years, the last four as president. She lives in a home adjacent to the camp property.
Fully staffed, the camp has nine full-time staff directors, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medication Aides, Cabin Leaders, Counselors, Program Staff, Kitchen Staff, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and more to make up the staff. Many live at the camp the majority of the time. Volunteers also fill camp needs. The camper to staff ratio is 3:1, but 1:1 is available.
Mike Clayton is the Director of Fund Development and Communications at Wonderland Camp. He’s been with the camp for eight years, the first six part-time while working in radio. He retired from Mix 92.7 two years ago. He’s lived at the Lake of the Ozarks for over 25 years. Clayton explained that the camp attracts those from all over the country, and many are repeat visitors. “Camper retention is over 55 percent,” he explained. “Some campers have been coming for the past 45 years.” Registration for the camps starts on January 1, and they fill all spots every year.
The rewards in what he does, Clayton explained, are endless. “The smiles on the campers faces says it all,” he explained. “There’s just an overwhelming sense of joy when we check them in, they’re so excited to be here. They give us hugs and high five’s. We’re changing their lives. We get as much fulfillment as our campers from the experience, even more.” The camp, Clayton added, also provides invaluable work experience for the staff.
Saleena Stone is an incoming freshman at University of Missouri who will be pursuing a degree in pre-med. She found out about the camp through her pre-med inquiry and joined the staff this summer as a Medication Aid.
Stone resides near Ft. Leonard Wood but lives at camp during the week. She checks in the campers meds when they arrive and manages their medications during the week. This includes morning, lunch, dinner, and bedtime medications. She sleeps in a cabin with some of the campers.
“It’s been challenging and so rewarding working here,” she said. “Just seeing how happy they are and all the experiences and activities they get, it’s such a unique and original camp.”
As a non-profit organization, Wonderland Camp relies on funding from the campers fee, grants, individual and corporate donations, and fundraising events. The cost of the camp for participants is often paid for by the campers counties in which they reside, or through fundraising and scholarships. Local businesses continue to support Wonderland Camp through donations of time, equipment, and more.
“The outpouring of support from the Lake area has not surprised me,” Clayton said. “I worked in broadcasting for 36 years and knew the giving mortality of the Lake. I don’t take it for granted, there’s a lot of charities down here to donate to. My job is to keep the camp out front and remind people of the work we do here for those with disabilities.”
Wonderland Camp
Located at 18591 Miller Circle in Rocky Mount.
Employment, Internship, and Volunteer opportunities are available.
To donate or for more information, visit wonderlandcamp.org
MILLER HALL
Photos by GEORGE DENNY
On May 17 of 2025, a grand reveal for the public of the newly remodeled Miller Hall was held. Named after the camp founder, Charles J. Miller, the hall was part of a $1.1 million renovation project. The project was awarded two grants, but the largest share of the expense came from local businesses and donors.
The days events included a building dedication, donor recognition and ribbon cutting, campus tours, carnival snacks, pirate ship rides courtesy of Jolly Rogers Grub & Grog, and more. Live entertainment was provided by Travelin’ Kind.
Built in 1983, Miller Hall is the central hub of Wonderland Camp It’s used for dining, games, meetings, dances, and talent shows. The remodeled facility expanded the space to 10,000 square feet, and will allow the camp to host more programs and provide specialized accommodations for campers with sensory needs. Also included in the project was the construction of two new staff cabins, and a comprehensive remodel of the central office. The renovations are designed to enable the camp to operate year-round and remain sustainable for the next 50 years.
