Camp MOJA, founded in 1977 by the Community of Christ Church, is a unique summer camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. MOJA, which translates from the Swahili dialect as “number one,” not only fulfills campers emotional and recreational needs, buts also encourages and promotes many social skills as well. Camp Moja is a non-for-profit organization and is staffed by volunteers who offer their services for the week-long experience each June. Counselors place campers’ wants and needs as the “number one” priority. Selfless love, exciting activities, many laughs, and the formation of new friendships between counselors and campers make Camp Moja is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Camp Moja recently lost one of our long-time campers, Robert Wilson. If you’d like to donate to the Robert Wilson memorial scholarship fund you may do so through PayPal, OR send donations to Camp Moja c/0 Central Mission, 500 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050.
Robert will be missed by us all, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family.
Staff Testimonials
Director Linda (24 years) I keep coming back for the unconditional love that is given by all at camp. You also learn so much about yourself and others that you can’t learn anywhere else.
Director Cris “Gimpie” (21 years) — Moja is, to say the least, life-changing. Every seemingly small thing – a smile, a happy tear, a ride in a golf cart, a cup of tea, a shoestring, a laugh, a thank you, a game of Uno, a hug- can make the world of difference in each of our camper’s lives, and in turn makes a permanent mark on each staff member. The “small things” are what keep me coming back every summer. Camp Moja has made me a better person, and is, by far, the most important thing I do all year.
Director Johnny (14 years). — The one thing that I absolutely love about camp moja is the feeling of unconditional love. A camper does not care who you are or where you are from…they offer their unconditional love to you regardless of your faults. This opportunity is one of a kind. Being a part of these campers lives for one week a year is truly life changing.
Counselor Ashley (8 years). — -Love is the only word that can really describe this special camp. As a counselor I love the campers, but the love that they give in return is what keeps me coming back. The love you feel at Camp MoJa is one of a kind. I believe this camp has changed me and my perspective on life. Camp Moja is my favorite week of the year and I look forward to it almost as much as the campers do.
Counselor Jackie F (6 years)–Camp Moja is an experience of a lifetime. I keep coming back for the campers because they truly have a special place in my heart. I miss them when I am not at camp which makes me start counting down the days for the next camp the second we leave. It is a week of unforgettable memories, love and laughter that will change your life and perspective on what is truly important. Camp Moja has definitely changed my life and I will continue to be there year after year as long as I can.
Counselor Jessica P (1 year)–MOJA is a rare thing to find. My first day at camp, within a half hour I made a million new best friends, I was someone’s daughter and I had a wedding proposal. It’s difficult as a staff member to have all the energy to keep up, but it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. The experience not only for yourself, but with all the campers is something that tattoos your heart and will stay with you forever.
Counselor Kylie B (1 year) –I signed up to help with Camp MOJA not knowing much about the kind of work I would be doing. I was a little bit nervous to be honest with you. But I was immeadiately reassured when the campers arrived and I met the people I was to be helping out. I was in a fairly low place in my life and the unconditional love and happiness that these men and women shared with me left me forever changed. The expected roles of this camp were reversed in my case, they helped me. I put all I had into working that week, but I walked away from it with so much more.
Counselor Justin C (3 years). –Camp Moja is truly a life changing experience. From the opening day to the last day of camp I enjoyed every second of it. i met a ton of life long friends at camp. I can not wait for next year. Camp Moja is #1!
Counselor Jana M (3 years). — Camp Moja blinded me from visual appearance and helped me see the beauty inside of everyone. This camp strengthened my patience, my perspective on what’s important in life, and taught me how to love and smile in ways I didn’t know I could. I truly had a blast and have already marked it in my calendar for next year.”
–So often people are overlooked because of their disabilities and everyone deserves a chance to feel special. Providing this special population with the ability to have their needs put first, if even for a week, has allowed me to discover the truly important things in life. The smiles of the campers are a lasting memory, which keeps me coming back every summer. Camp Moja has enriched me as a person, and is by far the most important thing I do all year.