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Get in on the fun at a Rec Academy partner location near you!
The Rec Academy Difference
We're not babysitters with cool toys. We're youth development professionals who use fun as a tool for growth.
More Than Just Fun
Every activity includes guided debriefs that develop communication, problem-solving & more.
Safe Enviroment
1:14 average staff-to-participant ratio with clear safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Trained Staff
Background-checked, CPR/First Aid certified instructors who know how manage groups.
Activities Change Often
We keep kids engaged by rotating through different games & challenges every 30-60 mins.
Want to learn more about our approach?
A Growth Mindset
The Growth Mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning — the opposite of thinking you're either "good at something" or you're not.
We believe in the power of "yet." When a child says "I can't do this," we add "yet" to the end. This simple shift changes everything.
This mindset creates upward spirals — each small challenge overcome builds confidence for the next one. A shy kid who speaks up once is more likely to do it again. A frustrated player who learns to take a breath discovers they can handle bigger setbacks.
How it works
A shy kid gets an opportunity to speak up once → more likely to do it again
A frustrated player takes a breath → discovers they can handle bigger setbacks
A team that talks through issues → participants take away new strategies to resolve conflicts
These aren't just feel-good moments — they're building blocks that compound over time, creating momentum that carries into school, friendships, and beyond.
Growth Mindset = Perseverance, Grit & Resilience
After activity discussions to help foster growth.
Tons of high engagement activities that keep kids entertained and active.
Epic adventures in a structured environment? Yes please.
Perfect for kids interested in learning the basics or improving existing skills!
No more getting trampled by the big kids or waiting on the little kids to get through an activity. We prioritize the experience.
Everyone on our team has a genuine desire to see kids have fun and grow while they participate.
Ensure full-period engagement by implementing dynamic rule changes and additional challenges, keeping participants actively involved.
Drone & RC Car Racing, Foam Tipped Archery, Ga Ga Ball, the list is HUGE!
Our Proven Method
Every session follows a structured approach that turns casual play into meaningful learning.
Set Clear Expectations
Every session starts with clarity. Kids know what's expected because confusion kills confidence. When everyone understands the game, they can focus on playing it well.
Learn from Challenges
Here's what makes us different: we don't rescue kids from struggle. When someone gets frustrated or teams clash, that's our classroom. We guide them through it, teaching life skills for real situations.
Identify Teachable Moments
We listen before we lead. Kids have great ideas, and when we use them, they're more invested in the outcome. We embrace opportunities to model empathy and reinforce values.
Get Participant Feedback
After each activity, we pause and reflect. We ask "What went well?" "What could we improve?" and "How did we show up for each other?" This process turns fun into fuel for real development.
Frontload → Experience → Debrief → Repeat
The cycle that runs multiple times throughout every single session we facilitate.
A Simple Process - With A Powerful Impact
Allowing kids to walk away with
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Hear from families and organizations who've experienced the difference.
"We had The Rec Academy host my son's 8th birthday party and it was AMAZING! The staff kept all 15 kids engaged the entire time. I actually got to sit down for once and enjoy the party. Best decision ever!"
Sarah M.
Birthday Party Parent
"The Recreation Academy made our end-of-year field day absolutely incredible! They set up 4 stations and trained our teachers in minutes. Over 200 kids rotated through and every single one had a blast. Already booked for next year!"
Principal Johnson
Elementary School Field Day
"My kids have attended three different camps with The Recreation Academy and they BEG to go back every time. The variety of activities keeps them engaged all day, and they come home exhausted but happy. Worth every penny!"
Amanda R.
Summer Camp Parent
1000's
of Families Served
74+
Partner Locations
32
Program Options
$
Low Cost, High Quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to our most commonly asked questions!
What ages do you serve?
Our summer camps, sports clinics, and after school programs are primarily designed for kids ages 5-12, with occasional offerings for kids ages 13-15.
Where do your programs happen at?
We partner with multiple locations like schools, parks, and community centers to host our programs.
What types of Summer Camps do you offer?
We offer general day camp style full day programs called Sports & Games Madness, Specialty options like Hip Hop Dance, Sports Specific, & STEM-focused sessions.
When do registrations open?
Registration open dates vary based on several factors. However, we will always open a minimum of 60 days prior tot the start date of a session and stop taking registrations 10 days prior to the start date.
How much do your programs cost?
We believe quality enrichment should be accessible to all families. Pricing varies by program type and length:
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Sports Clinics: $35–$180 per participant, per session
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Camps: $125–$325 per participant, per session
For exact pricing on specific programs in your area, check your location page or contact us.
What types of Sports Clinics do you offer?
We offer 6-week sports clinics including basketball, flag football, wiffle ball, and more. Each clinic focuses on skill development, teamwork, and fun in a structured learning environment.
What is your staff to participant ratio?
We maintain a 1:14 staff-to-participant ratio, exceeding Missouri's recommended 1:16. This ensures quality supervision and meaningful engagement—not just babysitting. Our experienced instructors create small group sizes that prioritize your child's growth and safety.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds depend on when you cancel. Programs require a nonrefundable deposit (e.g., $15–$35 per participant depending on program type). For other programs:
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30+ days in advance: 100% refund minus deposit
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15–30 days in advance: 50% refund
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14 days or less: 50% credit toward a future program or transfer to another week
No refunds for dismissals due to behavior. If you have quality concerns, contact us right away—we'll work to resolve it.
Do you offer before & after care during camps?
Yes! Before & After Care is available at multiple locations. However, each partner location decides whether to offer it, so check your local location before registering if this is a necessity for your family!