2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Living Waters Christian Canoe Camp and Retreat Center Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Boy Scouts of America, Children & Youth, International, International Exchange, Philanthropy, Voluntarism Promotion, Youth Development - Religious Leadership

Mission: Drawing a straight line… On my own, even in the best of circumstances, I am only decent at drawing straight lines. Now imagine we are driving 55 miles per hour down a curvy Ozarks road, with you and your friend both holding the same pen trying to draw a straight line while the paper is being jerked in different directions….that can be like canoeing. I’ve observed canoe partners become frenemies. I’ve seen tiny branches wreak havoc. I’ve seen once tricky cross currents turn into a great friend (once you learn them). In all of this I have yet to see many straight lines. It just is not the point. So why are we so dedicated to this ministry? First, it is about Jesus. The life He was born to lead and the price He paid so that we may live a life eternal in the Creator’s presence. Sometimes in the comfort of the noise of our life, we can ignore the Creation and the Creator. But out here, on the river, in the demands of silence… it is unmistakable. There is a God, and He wants our attention. present tents.jpg That is the point. God brings us each to Him at His time and His place. Being given the opportunity to serve that loving God is life’s greatest privilege. Since 2001, we’ve been blessed to work with over a hundred volunteers; many of them complete families with young children. Never once had a volunteer imagined themselves at Living Waters. But just as the straight line is not the point, saying YES to the calling is the point. We are pleased to share His creation with you. Dive In! Paul Ewing, Founder

Community Stories

13 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

4

Brian153, Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/10/2016

We look forward to visiting every Summer. Staff are always wonderful. On the river for a relaxing float is the best way to spend a Saturday. Sleeping in a huge teepee at night with all of the boys we bring is a lot of fun.

cassandrahw Donor

Rating: 5

05/25/2022

Few months ago I tried getting a new SUV but getting approval for a loan was a problem due to my bad credit history, and if I did get approved the interest rate was above 26%. I needed help to fix my credit so I resorted to making some research online and I came to know XAP Credit Plus, I quickly contacted them via customerservice@xapcreditplus.com after my due diligence. And I can confidently tell you I didn’t regret I did. He raised my score to an excellent one and cleared all the hard inquiries as well as derogatory items from my report. You can as well write them via xapcreditplus.com. Cheers!

3

Holly89 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/17/2016

Such a beautiful place to camp & float the river. It' some of my favorite places to be. The staff is amazing and treats everyone like family.

2

jaycoombes1956 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/16/2016

Living waters is constantly updating their operation to keep guests safe and comfortable.

2

Dawn8Schnoor Client Served

Rating: 5

08/15/2016

We have floated for the past 6 years with our family and friends. They have been amazing to float with! Always polite, patient and professional. We always buy the box lunches and the entire experience is wonderful! Our 6 children always want to float with them!!

2

Dayna2 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/03/2016

Ans amazing place to do a canoe trip! Family friendly and a great section of the river. We keep going back!

2

Ken_55 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/03/2016

Victory Mission of Springfield, Missouri, once again thanks Living Water's for their hospitality. Every year for about the last 7 years The forgotten men at Victory Mission and the Cook's Kettle Culinary Training School, were invited to enjoy God's beautiful creation,on the river, camping in "Eagle Nests" ( 2 man outdoor, screened in, breathable dry sleep shelters). There are also OTHER camping options available. The campground there at Living waters is pristine atmosphere with picnic tables, shower/flush toilets, a small store surrounded by Christian staff and many volunteers that believe in the vision there. The trip down the CLEAN Niangua river is a beautiful time for the folks to interact, splash, play and enjoy nature one on one. They are driven up on school buses to a beautiful place of launch. Then they can float/paddle at their leisure down to the campground which is downstream on the Niangua. A truly A+++++ adventure.

2

Dawn146 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2016

Our family has been involved with Living Waters for many years as it has grown and changed. Our children have learned many skills, and had great times on the river as well as camping. The river is spring-fed, beautiful, and relaxing. Living Waters Canoe Camp has great accommodations, with tee-pees, eagle's nests (covered structures with protection from mosquitoes and a comfortable flat surface to sleep on), and plenty of space for tent camping. There are showers and there is also a trading post if you want to purchase snacks or forgotten necessities. A good deal of planning and preparation goes into the float trips as well as into the space at the camp site. We have really enjoyed this place so much throughout the years. If you're looking for a family friendly float trip with camping that is affordable, Living Waters is the place. Come to float and camp, and maybe you can be like our family, you can stay around to serve as well.

2

Syble M. Client Served

Rating: 5

08/02/2016

Amazing place!! Beautiful float trip and camping, so peaceful and quiet. A great place to get back in touch with all Gods amazing creation

2

Becca W. Client Served

Rating: 5

07/24/2016

Friendly staff, knew our names & what camp we were in. Nice trading post with reasonable pricing & bathhouse. We stayed in an Eagle's Nest, better than a tent & no need to pack one. Canoe trip was fantastic, cool water, helpful guides, & ability to go at your own pace. A couple times it felt like we were the only ones on the river. We'll be back!

2

Joe_87 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/24/2016

Great experience and people. I think everyone should spend a weekend.

2

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

07/23/2016

I've been taking my college group from church canoeing with Living Waters for the last several years. It's a great experience! The river is beautiful, the staff so pleasant and helpful. The students love this trip and look forward to it every year. We have stayed in the cabins at Windermere in the past, but this year we are excited to try out the new camp ground at Living Waters. I highly recommend this canoe ministry!

3

Paul198 Board Member

Rating: 5

07/10/2016

The Big Niangua has a hidden jewel on the lower section. For the last 16 years, Church Groups, Scouts and Families have enjoyed this river away from the crazy thong. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The camp is stunning and if you have never slept in treehouses and tipis... well

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