AOK Youth

AOK Youth About Our Kids, Inc.

is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to teaching lifelong skills to youth in Barton County, Missouri, that will help them make healthy choices and develop into healthy adults.

06/09/2026

☀️New episode of AOK news☀️

06/03/2026

☀️ Summer Camp News Broadcast #2

Our campers have been busy making memories, trying new activities, and having an amazing time together. From exciting adventures to lots of laughter, this week has been packed with fun!

06/03/2026

Due to staffing issues- Nathan’s Place will be closed today!

Summer Camp Week 2 Recap☀️Week 2 of summer camp was full of fun and exciting activities! One of the highlights was our t...
05/29/2026

Summer Camp Week 2 Recap☀️

Week 2 of summer camp was full of fun and exciting activities! One of the highlights was our trip to the fire station, where campers got to learn about firefighters, their equipment, and the important work they do in our community. We also spent time at the library, where campers enjoyed the foam party! Campers had a blast running, playing, and cooling off in the foam with their friends. We also continued our Camper of the Week tradition, recognizing campers who showed great attitudes, teamwork, and leadership throughout the week. As a special reward, the Camper of the Week winners got the chance to pie staff/other campers in the face, which brought lots of laughs and excitement to camp!

This week was also Career Week at camp. To celebrate, campers dressed up as what they want to be when they grow up. It was exciting to see future firefighters, teachers, doctors, athletes, and many other careers represented.

Overall, Week 2 was filled with learning, fun, laughter, and great memories. We are proud of all our campers and can’t wait to see what adventures Week 3 has in store! ☀️

05/26/2026

This year at camp we decided to try something new and start a weekly news update! 📰🎥

Here’s our first episode! Our campers had so much fun being reporters, anchors, and camera crew while sharing what’s happening around camp. We are so proud of all their hard work and creativity! 🌟

Be sure to check it out and stay tuned for more weekly updates from AOK!

We’re Hiring! 🍎🥪🍓AOK is looking for a Nutritionist to join our team and help support the children and families we serve ...
05/26/2026

We’re Hiring! 🍎🥪🍓

AOK is looking for a Nutritionist to join our team and help support the children and families we serve through healthy, kid-friendly meals and snacks.

This position will help with:
• Menu planning
• Ensuring nutrition guidelines are met
• Organizing food service for our programs
• Managing inventory and food orders
• Supporting meal service for children in our care

We are looking for someone who is:
✔ Organized and dependable
✔ Passionate about child nutrition
✔ Able to work independently and as part of a team
✔ Experienced in food service, nutrition, or child care food programs (preferred)
✔️Certified in child nutrition (or willing to get certified)

At AOK, kids come first. We are building programs where children feel safe, supported, and cared for — and nutrition is a huge part of that mission. ❤️

To apply, visit aokyouth.org and click “Join Our Team”

For questions email: [email protected]

Please share to help us find the right person! 🙌

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.  

✨ Staff Spotlight: Patrick Smart ✨Meet Patrick, our Teen Program Lead at Nathan’s Place! 💙 Over the past six months, Pat...
05/26/2026

✨ Staff Spotlight: Patrick Smart ✨

Meet Patrick, our Teen Program Lead at Nathan’s Place! 💙 Over the past six months, Patrick has helped create an environment where teens can stay active, build friendships, and enjoy a safe place after school.

What Patrick loves most about working here:
“Helping the community give children a place to go and things to do outside of school.”

His favorite part of the day is seeing all the different ways kids choose to have fun and spend their time each day. 🎮🏀🎱

When asked what he hopes every child feels while they’re at Nathan’s Place, Patrick shared:
💙 “I hope they all see Nathan’s Place as a safe place to be themselves and connect with other children to make new friends.”

A few fun facts about Patrick:
🏎️ He attended a Formula One race in Miami, Florida in 2024
🎬 Favorite movie: Saving Private Ryan
🎮 He enjoys playing video games outside of work
🏀 Favorite activities with the kids: Playing pool and basketball
🎶 Hype song: “Deja Vu”

One of the best pieces of advice he’s ever received:
✨ “Don’t worry about things outside of your control.”

We’re thankful for the positive environment Patrick helps create every day at Nathan’s Place and for the way he connects with our teens and community! 💙

🌟 Camper of the Week Spotlight 🌟Each week at camp, we recognize campers who go above and beyond by showing kindness, lea...
05/22/2026

🌟 Camper of the Week Spotlight 🌟

Each week at camp, we recognize campers who go above and beyond by showing kindness, leadership, positivity, and great participation throughout the week. These campers truly made a difference and helped make camp such a fun and welcoming place for everyone! ☀️👏

🎉 Our Overall Camper of the Week:
🏆 Leighton Howarth

🎊 Group Campers of the Week:
⭐ Tucker Parks
⭐ Jonah Cowan
⭐ Carter Williams

We are so proud of all of these campers for their amazing attitudes and the example they set for others. Keep up the awesome work! 😄

What an amazing first week of summer camp! ☀️🎉We wrapped up the week with an awesome trip to G3, where campers had a bla...
05/22/2026

What an amazing first week of summer camp! ☀️🎉

We wrapped up the week with an awesome trip to G3, where campers had a blast bowling, playing mini golf, tackling the ninja course, and exploring the Wild West playground! 🤠⛳🎳💪

It was the perfect way to celebrate a fun-filled week of making friends, trying new things, and creating unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store! 😄

05/22/2026

Reminder! 🇺🇸 Both AOK locations will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends! We’ll be ready to welcome everyone back on Tuesday for more fun, learning, and summer adventures. ☀️🎉

Address

P. O. Box 375
Lamar, MO
64759

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5:30pm

Telephone

417-682-6002

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