Our Story
BUILT FOR
ST. LOUIS
YOUTH.
Camp Joven, Incorporated was founded on a simple belief — that every young person in St. Louis deserves a community that invests in them.
Who We Are
CONNECT KIDS
TO THE COMMUNITY.
Camp Joven, Incorporated is a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization serving youth ages 12–18. We operate at the intersection of arts, opportunity, and community — giving young people the tools, mentors, and experiences they need to thrive.
Our name, Joven — Spanish for "young" — reflects our belief that youth is not a limitation. It's a superpower. And when young people are connected to their community, there's no ceiling on what they can achieve.
To connect St. Louis youth to Creative Arts, Career Preparation, and Community Engagement — building the next generation of leaders.
A St. Louis where every young person — regardless of background — has access to the arts, opportunity, and a community that believes in them.
"We don't just serve youth — we walk alongside them, invest in them, and celebrate them every step of the way."
Leadership
ROOTED IN
ST. LOUIS.
Founded by community, for community.
Camp Joven was born out of a deep love for St. Louis and a conviction that its young people deserve more — more access, more mentorship, more opportunity to discover who they are and what they're capable of.
Our leadership team is made up of educators, artists, career professionals, and community advocates who have dedicated their work to the young people of this city. We are St. Louis — and we show up for St. Louis every day.
If you'd like to connect with our team, learn more about our work, or explore partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in TouchWhat Guides Us
OUR CORE VALUES
Purpose-Driven
Everything we do is intentional. Every program, every partnership, every dollar is aimed at one goal — connecting St. Louis youth to their full potential.
Community First
We are rooted in St. Louis. Our programs are built with the community, not just for it — shaped by the voices of the young people we serve.
Equity & Access
We believe every young person deserves access to arts, opportunity, and mentorship — regardless of zip code, income, or background.
Excellence
We hold ourselves and our youth to the highest standard — because we know what they're capable of when given the right environment.
Our Journey
FROM IDEA TO IMPACT
Camp Joven Founded
Camp Joven, Incorporated was established in St. Louis, MO with a mission to connect youth to arts, careers, and community.
First Cohort Launched
Our inaugural cohort of 25 youth completed the first full cycle of all three pillars — Creative Arts, Career Prep, and Community Engagement.
Community Partnerships Grow
Camp Joven expanded to 15+ community and corporate partners, opening new internship and mentorship pathways for participants.
100 Youth Milestone
We celebrated serving our 100th young person — a milestone that affirmed the power of our model and the need for more.
Annual Showcase Launched
The first Camp Joven Annual Showcase brought together youth, families, donors, and the St. Louis community to celebrate our participants' growth.
Growing the Movement
With 200+ youth served and 25+ partners, Camp Joven continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact across St. Louis.
BE PART OF THE STORY.
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — you have a role to play in connecting St. Louis kids to their community.