at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
The Jacob L. Babler Outdoor Education Center
The Jacob L. Babler Outdoor Education Center offers the opportunity to enjoy the scenic outdoors in a setting that is as barrier-free as possible. The outdoor education center, which is operated by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed, is open year-round with facilities available for an afternoon, a day or even a week.
Facilities
Built to give the greatest accessibility to those with disabilities, this unique facility includes eight heated cabins with fireplaces, a dining hall, a recreation center, and conference and meeting rooms. The buildings feature extra-wide doorways, grab bars and benches in the restrooms. Outdoor facilities include a swimming pool with ramp, a three-fourths-mile accessible trail, a fishing pond, campfire and game areas, and an archery field.
Eligibility
The center, which can accommodate 120 campers, was designed for use by the following:
- Organized groups of youths with disabilities
- Organized groups of adults with disabilities
- Families with children with disabilities
- Adults being trained to work with people with disabilities
- Organized groups that mainstream people with disabilities
* Other groups will be considered on a space-availability basis.
Activities
A wide range of activities can be enjoyed at the center, including swimming, cookouts, fishing, table games, archery, crafts, sports, dancing and hiking.
Staff
A camp administrator oversees the facilities and assists groups, while the park maintenance staff maintains the physical facilities for all user groups. Food service is provided by a competent kitchen staff capable of serving the needs of those with special diets.
Registration
Reservations to use the center should be made in advance by calling 636-458-3048. For more information about the center, call 636-458-3048 or visit Parkway-Rockwood Community Education's website.