Camp Rising Sun – 80 Years of Tradition
By: Teresa Briscoe, Missouri FFA Association Executive Secretary
Camp Rising Sun – From the Beginning
Grant Norfleet, the 2023-24 National FFA Secretary from Mexico, Missouri, posing with the Camp Rising Sun sign.
A bit of history of the area helps in understanding the area and development of the group camp named “Camp Rising Sun”. In the early 1930’s the National Park Service established the park. The construction of Bagnell Dam, a man-made hydroelectric power source built by the (CCC) Civilian Conservation Corps was the focal point. In 1934, with the establishment of Lake Ozark, the area was identified as a Designated Recreational Area (RDA). Gravel roads, buildings, bridges and public beaches were developed which created the initial park infrastructure. In 1946, the federal government transferred the park to the State of Missouri.
In 1945, the very first Missouri FFA Camp was held, making 2025 the 80th consecutive year for an in-person FFA camp to be held at Camp Rising Sun in Kaiser, Missouri (located in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park). During the 80 years of camps being held at Camp Rising Sun Camp the Covid years did not close the camp but there was a reduced attendance.
The other noteworthy thing about Camp Rising Sun is the fact that Missouri FFA does not own the camp. Each year the facilities are rented by the Missouri FFA Association for six weeks in June and July. The group camp was named Camp Rising Sun prior to World War II, however following the war there was a bit of controversy with the rising sun and the sun on the Japanese national flag. It was resolved and the name remains.
The park rangers and staff seem to have a soft spot for FFA members along with the values they represent as shown by one special feature that was added. The exact year is unknown, but one park ranger had concrete poured for the flag pole and had the eagle portion of the FFA emblem embedded. It is worn through the years but is still present today in the concrete surrounding the flagpole.
A group of FFA campers. From the St. Clair County Courier, Osceola, Missouri, February 25, 2000
There are many traditions that have been continued. One such tradition is the writing of a postcard home to be turned in at breakfast the first morning you are at camp. The old joke was that you couldn’t eat breakfast if you didn’t turn in a postcard. This may seem a bit antiquated in today’s digital world but during the early years of the camp parents appreciated a card letting them know that their children made it safely. In addition, it was and still is a learning exercise in writing a letter, and addressing envelopes/postcards.
Another tradition is the dances which are held for evening entertainment during the week-long camp. In early days the attendees (young ladies) from a nearby Girl Scout camp were invited to come to Camp Rising Sun for a fun evening of square dancing. With the admission of girls into FFA there was no need to invite other camping groups to join the dances. The style of dance also progressed through the years from square dancing to mostly line dancing at the current camp.
Attendees at early camps attended leadership sessions where speakers often shared new information but one of the main points was actually community service. Early campers helped to clear paths and to establish paths to the waterfront as well as the various buildings located on the camping area. The days also included swim time in a designated area of Lake Ozark.
One of the original buildings still in use today is the Recreation Hall, affectionately referred to as the “Rec Hall”, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. When a person explores this building, it is obvious that it has withstood the test of time. In the basement there is a stone fireplace with stone walls to the room. With the stone walls and shaded location this space is typically one of the coolest spots in the camp. It is also one that is used when storms arise and campers are required to take shelter.
As you look through the rest of the building you can tell it has been well used for many types of events. Many leadership sessions are held in that facility during each summer. With the addition of benches it can seat somewhere over 250 people, however during the heat of summer large fans are required to keep campers comfortable. It is not air conditioned. In rainy years dances have been moved into the “Rec Hall” rather than on the concrete volleyball court. Also, awards sessions at the end of camp have been held in the Rec Hall rather than on the outdoor amphitheater.
I believe this photo is of one of the “Young Farmer” camps where husbands, wives and children attended. In the background you can see the enormous fireplace and walls inside the Recreation Hall which are still there today. On the mantle is the station marker for the FFA Advisor.
Personally, I recall my father telling me of his experiences at Camp Rising Sun. In the late 1950’s he and my mother attended a Young Farmers camp for the weekend. From the stories I remember that specific camp included recreation along with some educational offerings where “modern” farm practices were discussed. Of course, I had to ask if husband and wives stayed in the same cabins and was informed in no uncertain terms that women were in their own cabin and men were in other cabins.
In the early days the cabins or barracks were more primitive than they are today with just bunk beds being in them with each bed having a small area where each camper could store their possessions during the week of camp. There was one common bathhouse for use by all campers. The addition of girls as members of FFA necessitated a change in bathing and restroom facilities. Cabins were updated with showers and restroom being in each. When I first attended FFA camp in the summer of 1972, with one of my friends, we were the third and fourth females to ever attend. I remember that there was quite a bit of confusion about where we would stay, and it was eventually decided that we would stay in the “Cook’s Cabin” since the other cabins were full. The next year there were a few more girls and we stayed in the one cabin that was split and had its own rest room. Each year the number of girls has increased until girls often outnumber boys at camp.
Another tradition that has been continued for many years at Camp Rising Sun was earning “Leadership Medals”. Campers are given the option to attend a wide variety of sessions ranging from trap-shooting to instructional swimming and leadership sessions ranging from table etiquette to advocating for agriculture. Each session is valued with leadership points which are signed off on by State FFA Officers and camp staff. A camper can choose to try to earn a medal or can go just to have fun with friends. Each year over one third of the attendees try to earn their leadership medal.
Abby Miller tells of her experience at Camp Rising Sun. From The Advertiser, Eldon, Missouri, June 29, 2017
Attending FFA camp remains a highlight for many FFA advisors and members. It is a time to connect or reconnect with friends, to get away from the ag building and to try new things. Camp isn’t for everyone; however camp has something for everyone. Having attended Camp Rising Sun as a camper, advisor and now as a state staff member I have seen numerous changes and upgrades. I can honestly say that “Camp Rising Sun” holds a special place in the history of the Missouri FFA Association.