Best Iowa Wilderness Camps Summer 2024-25 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: Cabin rooms, dining hall, meeting and hang-out space, a pristine creek for water tubing, a frisbee course, zipline, rappeling tower, canoeing and miles of biking trails nearby.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Candid discussion about the things that matter most with your independent-thinking Jewish peers from around the world. Creative workshops for the non-conformist in you. Hiking, biking, water-tubing, kayaking and owl watching. We have thousands of years of Jewish wisdom to tap into so ask any question you want � about true love, Jewish medical ethics, the human psyche, the nature of the soul, what do Jews believe, where does morality come from, why kosher, what do dreams mean, faith, free will, reincarnation, where was G-d during the Holocaust, what�s Shabbat for, what's the key to happiness, what about other religions, why do bad things happen to good people...and anything else on your mind. This isn't someone else's agenda, it's yours.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Generous SCHOLARSHIPS through One Happy Camper, and Bais Chana Women International.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: The Jewish Un-Camp has weekends during the school year that are mini-versions of the summer program, and reunions for alum.

OTHER CAMP INFO: The Jewish UnCamp is your chance to explore Judaism's take on life's big questions. What does it mean to be a Jew today and why should we care? How should we respond to anti-semitism? What does Jewish wisdom contribute to discussions on technology, social issues, interpersonal relationships, world peace? What, if anything, should we do with that information - and how?

Meet girls from all over the world! Generous SCHOLARSHIPS.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
June 28-July 19, 2017. Email us if you can't attend the full session.

CAMP FACILITIES: Scattergood is located in rural West Branch, Iowa, in the greater Iowa City area. Our 126-acre campus consists of a 27 acre main campus and 26 acres of restored prairie. The farm includes 8 acres of certified organic vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, various barns, outbuildings, and pastures. Livestock include cows, sheep, pigs, and our donkey, Ned. We have a lovely pond as well as many trees and forests.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Scattergood is located on Scattergood Friends School's campus. Scattergood Friends School has been teaching high schoolers since 1890. Scattergood Friends School is a Quaker school that is founded in Quaker principles. At the heart of our camp is a set of Quaker values (or testimonies) that are commonly referred to as the SPICES. Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship serve as the backbone of our shared understanding of how to engage with each other and the land we share. We will also ask campers to begin and end each day with a short period of silent reflection to help us focus and prepare for or let go of the day.

Campers of all faith (or non-faith) backgrounds are welcome to join us and share in the fun and adventure of Camp Scattergood.

Our program is centered around nature and provides campers with a variety of activities to enjoy the outdoors. Campers will get to engage in imaginative play in our forest as they build villages out of the tools that the outdoors provides. They will also get to play games outside, swim each day, and spend time on our farm. Campers get to focus on their creative side through arts and crafts as well.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Scattergood is located at Scattergood Friends School, a progressive and open-minded school for grades 6 through 12.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
June 14 - June 18
June 21 - June 25
June 28 - July 2
July 12 - July 16
July 19 - July 23
$250 per week

CAMP FACILITIES: Pilgrim Heights is a space to get away from the fast-paced daily demands of everyday life. A space to reflect and rejuvenate yourself. A space to enjoy and explore your relationship with your family, faith, or business community. Day-use visitors and over-night guests are invited to enjoy the wilderness resort gathering place. Rental of meeting spaces and overnight accommodations from tent camping, to rustic cabins, to retreat suites with private bathrooms are also available. Located on over 120 acres in the bluffs of the Iowa River, Pilgrim Heights borders an 80-acre recreational lake, provides spectacular views and loads of adventure. Within 1 hour's drive of 4 major metropolitan areas and 2 airports, Pilgrim Heights sits 1/2 mile north of Hwy 30 on the outskirts of Montour, IA.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing, hard working people of all ages, to become Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center Volunteers. There are many ways you can give back, be good stewards, and get involved at Pilgrim Heights. Here are just a few ways you can help out and have fun: Summer Camp Volunteer Counselor – age 16 & older (summer only) Work Service Volunteer – all ages (year-round) Pilgrim Heights Program Volunteer – age 16 & older (program specific)

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Whether you are a returning counselor or first-timer, 10th - 12th grade high school students and adults interested in counseling for at least one session this summer... Come to CIT camp this year! We'll spend 24 hours together preparing for campers. Then, campers will join us for 3 days of on-the-job training.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Families come in all kinds of forms and each person is unique. So, we've given you options to fit your family: Sleep in the air-conditioned comfort of Autumn House or in a tent under the stars. Come for a day ($75) or two or the whole week. Join in activities or just relax. Everyone is invited to check out what God is doing at Pilgrim Heights!

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: We are available to host your group throughout the year. Please contact us if you are looking for that perfect place to hold your meeting, team building retreat, family reunion or just need to have some quiet get away.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please refer to our website at: Our Camp Website Link: www.pilgrimheights.org

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Please see our website for positions available. 

CAMP FACILITIES: We have over 25 cabins. The crown jewel of the cabin is the beautiful Clayton Lodge. Camp Hantesa also features a ropes course and climbing wall, an equestrian program featuring 14 horses, 2 riding arenas, and abundant pasture land. We also have a swimming pool with a zero entry section for those not as comfortable in the water.

We are proud of our multiple hiking trails, our archery and riflery ranges, our arts center, our drama building, our star observation deck, and our two science and nature centers. We also have the capabilities of hosting groups for conferences, team building retreats, overnight stays, and weddings.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We are an American Camp Association accredited camp.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We have a 2 week leadership council program for 9th and 10th graders. We also offer a 4 week apprentice program for 11th and 12th graders.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We offer need-based scholarships.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Camp

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: We have day camps all 12 months of the year, we also have overnight options in October, December, January, and March.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We have several day camp and sleep-away options for youth grades 1-12, including equestrian day and overnight camp options. Please see our website for more information, at Our Camp Website Link: www.hantesa.com

CAMP FACILITIES: Camp Courageous has a lodge, nature center, barn, 3 large cabins, gym, office, nursing area, 3 staff dorms, arts and crafts building, 2 indoor pools, a lake, 1 pavilion, 8 staff houses, 200 new acres to be remodeled.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care program for children and adults with disabilities. Campers with intellectual & physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, autism, brain injuries and other distinct groups are served.

Campers choose from traditional camp activities as well as many adventure activities such as high and low ropes courses and caving.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Campership funds are available for those that need assistance.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Winter week long program for adultes. Spring school camping program. Summer week long program for children, youth and adults. Fall weeklong program for adults. 23 Respite care weekends each year. 23 trips both weekend and weeklong each year.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Summer: May 17- August 14, 2020

Respite: First full weekend of every month

Travel: Vary

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Camp Courageous is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides year-round recreational and respite care for individuals with a variety of disabilities/ability levels. Our campers served come from nursing homes, group homes, and independent/single homes, many with mild, moderate, and profound intellectual and physical disabilities. At camp we hope to inspire a world where individuals with special needs are empowered with courage, to look beyond their current capabilities and explore the world with confidence.

As a camp counselor you will be responsible for the care of these individuals, whether it be with personal care, eating, adapting activities to their ability levels, and overall providing them with an exceptional vacation from their usual routines.
Working with children and adults with different ability levels can often come with some challenges but they come with even greater results. Campers may require additional assistance with personal care including feeding, dressing, and bathroom needs, and others may require behavioral redirection. The hours required are long but by the end of the week you have made many best friends. Many campers are unable to acquire these unique experiences except at camp, so even with these additional needs, you are able to experience the special moments in these individual’s lives.

Volunteer, internships, and paid positions are all available. Volunteers and Interns can receive an optional stipend of $50.00/week plus room and board. Paid counselors and activity specialists receive the best employment package around with a base pay of $490/week with possible additions, and room and board being provided, which includes air-conditioned staff dormitories affording the staff separate living quarters from the campers. (Staff do share nightly cabin duty on a rotating basis.) Other benefits include a health insurance plan and one week of paid vacation for year-round staff. Camp provides a bonus for returning seasonal summer staff and a monetary incentive for recruiting additional summer staff. Candidates for year- round positions must have experience working with individuals of varying ability levels. Seasonal positions are for one or more season.

YR-ROUND: Starts the first day of the season requiring a one year commitment.
SUMMER: May 17- August 14, 2020
POSITIONS: Respite Care Weekends Counselors, $/hour. Adventure Specialist/ Recreation Specialist/ Canoeing Specialist/ Outdoor Living Skills/ Music Specialist/ Kitchen Staff/ Health Staff Assistant/ Crafts Specialist/ Seasonal Counselors

For more information:
Program:
Amy Kurth : akurth[AT]campcourageous.org
Nursing: Sharon Roller: sharon[AT]campcourageous.org
Dietary: Julie O'Connor: julie[AT]campcourageous.org
Non-smokers please.

Feel free to apply online by accessing the camp’s Web site at Our Camp Website Link: campcourageous.org

CAMP FACILITIES: 120 Beds, Heated and Air Conditioned Cabins and Lodge, Dining Hall, Yurts, 7 Outdoor Chapels, Natural Rock Bluffs for Climbing, a variety of Hiking Trails, Campground with spots for RV and tent camping. (Check out our website for pictures)

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Pictured Rocks is an ACA camp and our goal is to provide intentional summer programs and year round support for any individual or group looking to have a unique and meaningful experience. Campers will encounter a staff dedicated to creating the best possible experience. Our summer programs balance a number of growth areas including; faith, community, confidence, leadership, and of course fun. At camp each person matters, is accepted, and has something to contribute.

Our staff take safety (emotional, physical, spiritual) very seriously and each of our staff members receive intensive and continual training throughout the summer to ensure that every camper is cared for and leaves knowing they are more than just a number to us.

Please see our website for more information on specific programs.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership program.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family camp.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We have a variety camps for all ages, including family camps. Please see our website for more detailed information.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: In addition to our Summer Experience, we offer additional programming during the school year.

CAMP FACILITIES: Whether it's a large group function, a family reunion, a school or church retreat, a youth group lock-in, or just a quiet get-away to the lakes, we offer comfortable accommodations at affordable rates...year-round!

Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp & Retreat Center can meet all YOUR needs for a stay in the lakes area. If you have any further questions, would like to schedule your retreat, or want to check on availability, please call toll free 1.866.856.9862. or email us.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: At Okoboji Camp, we are excited to be a place where traditional camp activities like archery, swimming and campfires are blended with exciting adventure activities like go-karts, rock climbing and Rock-A-Boji.

More than just dynamic programs, however, all camping events at Okoboji are designed to create an environment where Christ�s message is shared in word and deed. For many youth and adults, time away at camp is a time where faith can be developed in a safe, comfortable place under the guidance of caring Christian staff.

If you'd like to know more about our summer programs, visit Our Camp Website Link: www.okobojicamp.com.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Camping.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Year-round activities.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
For more complete information about our summer programs, visit Our Camp Website Link: www.okobojicamp.com

CAMP FACILITIES: Camp Liberty’s natural landscape provides the perfect setting for any outdoor adventure or event. At the heart of Camp Liberty sits a new climate-controlled lodge with Wifi and commercial kitchen which accommodates 250 people. Adjoining cabins attached to the lodge sleep 24 each and individual cabin units are found throughout the property as well. Covered pavilions create the perfect location for picnics and activities and fire pits host a special place for any sunset s’mores party. Flint Lake provides canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities as well as a place to relax. A modern swimming pool with diving board and shower house also makes for a fun group or family gathering. Miles of trails are available for hiking and adventure-seekers love the new climbing wall, zip-line and high and low ropes courses.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Liberty was ranked by Newsweek as one of Americas Top Camps 2023.
Our Camp Website Link: www.newsweek.com

The Camp Liberty Progressive equestrian program combines qualified staff, experienced horses and excellent facilities to create an atmosphere where campers can advance their horseback riding skills, expand their horsemanship knowledge and have fun riding with friends.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: When girls guide or teach others, they act as mentors. Campers who participate in the Teen Mentoring sessions will gain new experiences, develop important skills, and try different leadership roles. At Camp Liberty, campers in these programs will reinforce their understanding of what leadership development means and get excited about guiding others.

Leadership Programs include Equestrian Specialist Internship
Counselor-in-Training I
Counselor-in-Training II

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: To accommodate all of our families, there are three pricing levels. Choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. Each household makes this decision, and additional financial documents will not be required. We want to make sure every girl has the opportunity to explore the outdoors! When you register, you will be asked to select the tier your family can afford:

Tier A reflects the true cost of camp, including staff
expenses, maintenance, food, program, and supplies.

Tier B is a partially subsidized rate but closely reflects
the costs associated with the camp.

Tier C is our standard subsidized fee, supported by
other revenue sources, donations, and grants.

Additional need based camperships are available. The application can be completed at the time of registration. Proof of income is required.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Girl Scout summer camp is a unique space where girls come together with different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to have fun and learn new skills. Our trained and caring staff members support campers in discovering who they are and what they can become. Each activity is designed to support the following outcomes in every camper:

Strong Sense of Self - Girls have confidence in themselves and
their abilities, and form positive identities.

Positive Values - Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly,
and show concern for others.

Challenge Seeking - Girls take appropriate risks, try things even
if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.

Healthy Relationships - Girls maintain healthy relationships by
communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.

Community Problem Solving - Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems, and create “action plans” to solve them.