Missouri Jaycees

Missouri Jaycees To be the leading global network of active young citizens. To provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

PO Box 1583
Hannibal, Mo 63401

🎭 WONDERLAND CAMP COSTUME DRIVE 🎃✨Help us bring year-round joy to 1,000+ campers with special needs!We’re collecting new...
07/25/2026

🎭 WONDERLAND CAMP COSTUME DRIVE 🎃✨

Help us bring year-round joy to 1,000+ campers with special needs!

We’re collecting new or gently used costumes & accessories (all ages, 3 to adult) for dress-up days, holidays, and camp adventures!

📦 What We Need
Costumes: Kids, teens, and adults

Dress-Up Gear: Capes, hats, tutus, uniforms, & robes

Accessories: Masks, tiaras, gloves, belts, & props

(Clean & good condition, please!)

📅 Drop-Off Info
When: Nov 13–15, 2026 (Fall Work Weekend)

Where: Wonderland Camp (Rocky Mount, MO)

📩 Questions or Special Drop-Offs?
Contact PM Seth McMillen Jr.
📞 Phone: 573-379-6987
(Texting works best!)
✨ Your old costumes = their new adventures! ✨

06/27/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE!

The Mexico Soybean Festival returns to Downtown Mexico on August 21-22, 2026!

Join us for a weekend filled with:
🎤 Live Music
🎡 New Carnival
🍺 Beer Garden
🚗 Car Show
🌽 Parade
🎯 Co****le Tournament
🛍 Vendors & Food Trucks

More announcements are coming soon, including entertainment, vendors, sponsors, and event details. Follow us to make sure you don't miss anything!

From Program Manager Seth McMillen: We're so excited to share that Emily and I had an amazing time volunteering at Wonde...
06/27/2026

From Program Manager Seth McMillen:
We're so excited to share that Emily and I had an amazing time volunteering at Wonderland Camp!
We got to see the campers in action—from going up to the treehouse, jamming out, and having a dance party high above the ground, to bravely taking on the tightrope course. We also had the opportunity to watch the campers enjoy a delightful tea party, complete with fun tea party hats and plenty of smiles and laughter.
We also loved watching campers explore the interactive projector, where they played games and engaged in fun, hands-on activities. Another highlight was seeing campers pick up musical instruments and have an incredible jam session, filling the camp with music, laughter, and joyful energy.
One of our favorite experiences was going out on the boats with the campers, watching them enjoy a beautiful ride across the Lake of the Ozarks, and even spotting the Jolly Roger along the way.
We also got to observe campers having a blast at the newly completed BB gun range, trying their hand at archery, and enjoying field sports like co****le and frisbee. Seeing everyone challenge themselves, build confidence, and simply have fun made every moment special.
One of the most inspiring parts of the weekend was seeing just how hard the staff work behind the scenes. From preparing individualized meals for campers with specific dietary needs to making sure every camper felt welcomed, included, and cared for, their dedication and servant hearts were evident in everything they did. Their smiles, patience, and commitment truly make Wonderland Camp a magical place.
We're so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community, create unforgettable memories alongside these amazing campers, staff, and volunteers, and witness the joy that makes Wonderland Camp so special. Every activity reminded us that Wonderland Camp is about so much more than fun—it's about creating opportunities, building confidence, fostering friendships, and making lifelong memories.
We can't wait for more adventures together!

🌲 Double Your Impact for Wonderland Camp! 🌲​Missouri Jaycees, we have a huge opportunity to make a difference! Camps for...
06/25/2026

🌲 Double Your Impact for Wonderland Camp! 🌲
​Missouri Jaycees, we have a huge opportunity to make a difference! Camps for Kids is matching all donations 100% until July 31st, 2026! Whether your chapter wants to donate together or you want to give individually, your generosity goes twice as far.
​💰 The Match Breakdown:
​Double the Funds: If we raise $20,000, it becomes $40,000 for the camp!
​Limits: Individual or business contributions are matched up to $2,000 per donor.
​Tax Letters: Camps for Kids provides thank-you/tax letters to all donors.
​📝 Strict Donation Instructions:
​To qualify for the match, you must use one of these exact methods:
​Online: Donate at Double the Impact for Wonderland Camp.
​Mail to Wonderland Camp: Check payable to Camps for Kids (write Wonderland Camp in the memo).
​Address: 18591 Miller Cir, Rocky Mount, MO 65072
​Mail to Camps for Kids: Check payable to Camps for Kids (write Wonderland Camp in the memo).
​Address: 111 N. Water Street, Liberty, MO 64068
​Drop-off: Deliver a check to Mike Clayton or call 573-280-5648 for pick-up before July 31st.
​(Note: Cash up to $1,500 is accepted via mail if your name is included).
​Let’s help them smash their goal! Check out the attached flyer for full details. ⛺✨
​

📰 In Case You Missed It!Our latest newsletter hit inboxes last week, packed with important updates, upcoming calendar da...
06/25/2026

📰 In Case You Missed It!
Our latest newsletter hit inboxes last week, packed with important updates, upcoming calendar dates, and exciting highlights you won't want to miss.

If your inbox buried it, here is a quick look at what we covered:

Key Highlights: A celebration of our recent projects and the incredible impact of our volunteers.

Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for a busy few months ahead—including local community fairs, festivals, and leadership opportunities!

Action Items: Important links to register, sign up, or get involved in our next big initiative.

👉 Check your inbox (or spam folder) for the full breakdown, or reach out if you need the link resent!

The Missouri JCs are heading to Wonderland Camp November 13–15 for an incredible weekend of fellowship, laughter, storyt...
06/12/2026

The Missouri JCs are heading to Wonderland Camp November 13–15 for an incredible weekend of fellowship, laughter, storytelling, and friendship!

We'll be coming together not only to make lasting memories, but also to continue our ramp project, helping improve accessibility and making a positive impact for the betterment of Camp Wonderland.

Join us as we work, serve, and enjoy a weekend filled with fun, camaraderie, and purpose. We can't wait to see old friends, make new ones, and leave camp even better than we found it!

From Jaycee Kid to Chapter PresidentMeet the Member: Gracie Backes, Jefferson City JayceesGracie Backes of Jefferson Cit...
05/18/2026

From Jaycee Kid to Chapter President
Meet the Member: Gracie Backes, Jefferson City Jaycees
Gracie Backes of Jefferson City has been a dedicated member of the Jaycees since 2019, though her connection to the organization began long before. Growing up as a “Jaycee kid,” she spent her early years attending events alongside her parents, where she witnessed firsthand the friendships, service, and sense of community the organization fosters. Those early experiences made joining the Jaycees a natural choice, allowing her to continue building meaningful connections while giving back to her community.

One of Gracie’s favorite projects is the annual Christmas parade in Jefferson City, an event she describes as a joyful tradition that brings the entire community together. However, her most meaningful Jaycee moment came when she was sworn in as the 2026 Chapter President by her father, who had once been one of the youngest individuals to hold that same role. The experience marked a powerful full-circle moment, highlighting both her family’s legacy and her own leadership journey.

Through her involvement in the Jaycees, Gracie has grown into a confident leader who isn’t afraid to push boundaries and encourage others to step outside of their comfort zones. Her passion for helping others extends beyond the organization—she shares that a fun part of her day sometimes includes dancing with her patients at work (who happen to be animals).
If given the chance to dine with a historical figure, Gracie would choose Steve Irwin, reflecting her love for animals and admiration for his work. Her go-to drink order is a simple Coke Zero with vanilla.

For Gracie, the Jaycees represent more than just an organization—they are family. Inspired by both her father’s leadership and her mother’s resilience, she continues to lead with determination and heart. To anyone considering joining, her advice is simple: take the step. The Jaycees offer endless opportunities for personal growth, community involvement, and lifelong connections.

Upcoming Events:May 🌳Sikeston's Crawfish Boil: May 16 🦞(TODAY!)Jeff City Access Day Trivia Night: May 16 🧠June ☀️Nationa...
05/16/2026

Upcoming Events:
May 🌳
Sikeston's Crawfish Boil: May 16 🦞(TODAY!)
Jeff City Access Day Trivia Night: May 16 🧠
June ☀️
National Tom Sawyer Days (NTSD): June 27–July 4 🎆
July 🎇
Cole Camp Pullin' for Heroes Tractor Pull: July 3 🚜
RiverFest (St. Charles): July 3–4 🍺
Jefferson City Fair: July 27–August 1 🎡
August 🌻
Sikeston Rodeo: August 5-8 🤠
State Social on the River: August 14-16 🌊
Access Day (Sedalia, MO): August 21 ♿
Soybean Festival (Mexico, MO): August 21–22 🌽
September 🍂
JCI USA National Convention: September 9-13 🧠
Cole Camp Fair: September 10–12 🎡
St. Charles Oktoberfest: September 25–27 🍺

A Legacy of Service: Celebrating Family at Wonderland CampThis April, the Missouri Jaycees, Show-Me Core, and Mule Skinn...
05/16/2026

A Legacy of Service: Celebrating Family at Wonderland Camp
This April, the Missouri Jaycees, Show-Me Core, and Mule Skinners gathered at Wonderland Camp for the 2026 Spring Work Weekend. While the mission was to build and repair, the spirit of the event perfectly captured the essence of National Family Day—reminding us that "family" isn't just who you’re related to, but the community you choose to serve with.

Continuing the Story
The heart of the work was the ongoing restoration of the long walking trail leading from the camp to the lake. Decades ago, the St. Louis Jaycees carved these paths out of the earth by hand. Today, a new generation of the Jaycee family stepped into those same footprints. With every shovel of dirt moved and every path cleared, we aren't just maintaining a walkway; we are honoring a multi-generational legacy of service.

Progress Through Partnership
The "family" extended beyond our members, as several partners stepped up to ensure the weekend's success:

Safety & Accessibility: The ramp project is now halfway complete, moving us closer to a safer, more accessible experience for all campers.

Generous Contributions: A huge thank you to That “Sew & So” Shed for the beautiful quilt donations and to the winner of the quilt raffle announced live on Facebook.

Fuel & Tools: The Jefferson City Jaycees kept the crew energized with sponsored meals, while a tool donation from ADT Tools provided the necessary gear to keep progress moving.

The Moments in Between
As with any family gathering, the best memories weren't just about the physical labor. They were found in the laughter shared over meals, the stories swapped after a long day of work, and a few spirited (and very competitive) rounds of Tic-Tac-Toe. 🌲🛠️

We left camp a little tired and plenty dirty, but with the pride that comes from building something meant to last.

Same time in the fall? Absolutely. 🍂

Address

PO Box 1583
Hannibal, MO
63401

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