Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our parent handbook contains all of our camp policies, safety procedures, camp contact information, and some fun bonus activities for the campers. You can access the parent handbook here.

You can also view our individual policies on our blog.

Your camper(s) must be able to attend to their personal needs, be able to move independently from place to place, and must be capable of effective interactions in group based programs.

We’re willing to work with families and make any and all reasonable accommodations. We will try to be as flexible as possible to accommodate your child. Please contact us at 515-274-1501 or at campfire@campfireiowa.org for more information.

Camp will be held in inclement weather unless dangerous to participants and staff. Camps have access to shelters and buildings to utilize throughout the program day. All programming is weather dependent, including field trips, swimming, and other activities.

Disciplinary Action

Camp Fire is interested in the welfare of all participants. Participants in Camp Fire programs are expected to follow the rules of the program and the direction of the staff. A participant’s failure or inability to follow rules or staff directions may result in disciplinary action.
Disciplinary action may be called for when a participant disrupts program by requiring constant one-on-one attention; inflicts physical or emotional harm on others; abuses staff or is otherwise unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the Camp Fire program, this includes repeated cell phone usage.

When disciplinary action is called for, staff will notify the parents/caregivers of the situation and discuss a solution. If improvement does not occur, the following steps will be taken:
Camp Fire reserves the right to accelerate the disciplinary process as it sees fit and based on the severity of the incident. Parents/caregivers will be notified any time a child is exhibiting behavior that endangers themselves or others and may be sent home immediately.

• First incident: Parent/caregiver will be informed of incident by phone or at pick up.
• Second incident: Parent/caregiver will be called and informed that the participant has been suspended for the rest of the day. Parent/caregiver should make arrangements for the participant to be picked up as soon as possible.
• Third incident: Parent/caregiver will be called and informed that the participant has been suspended from camp for the rest of the week. Parent/guardian should make arrangements for the participant to be picked up as soon as possible.
• Fourth incident: Parent/caregiver will be called and informed that the participant has been suspended from camp for the rest of the summer. Parent/guardian should make arrangements for the participant to be picked up as soon as possible.

Registration fees will not be reimbursed for the remainder of a camp session following a participant’s suspension.

If a participant is suspended for the remainder of the school year, they will not be expected to pay any registration fees for weeks they will be unable to attend.

Camp Fire is an all-inclusive organization. We accept any child that can maintain an 8 to 1 child to staff ratio and does not require medical needs beyond the capabilities of staff trained in basic First Aid.

We’re willing to work with families and make any and all reasonable accommodations. We will try to be as flexible as possible to accommodate your child. Please contact us at 515-274-1501 or at campfire@campfireiowa.org for more information.

Absences, Late Pick-Up, & Disciplinary Action

• If the program participant is ill or cannot attend camp for any reason, the Camp Fire Service Center should be notified prior to the program’s drop-off time at 515-274-1501 or by email at campfire@campfireiowa.org.
• If the program participant is not picked up by the program’s end time, a fee of $15 will be charged. After 15 minutes, if the participant is still at the program an additional fee of $1/minute will be added. The fee will be charged to the camper’s account and paid via the payment method on file.
• If the program participant is suspended from a program during the course of disciplinary action, program fees will not be reimbursed for that program. If a participant is suspended for the remainder of the season, they will not be expected to pay any camp fees for weeks they do not attend.

All of our staff are certified in First Aid and CPR/AED. Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, each situation will be handled on a case by case basis. Campers will be sent home if they are vomiting or have a fever of higher than 100 degrees. Parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible in the event of an emergency. 

For Camp Hantesa, swim lessons are part of the camp program. If your child is not swimming, they will need to have a letter from the parent/guardian, or a doctor’s note excusing them from swim lessons. If a camper does not participate in swim lessons, they will not be permitted to participate in free swim that day. 

Refunds and Cancellations

• Cancellation requests must be made via email to campfire@campfireiowa.org.
• Refunds or camp credit, excluding deposits, will be given upon cancellation with at least 10 business days’ notice.
• Cancellations made less than 10 business days in advance will not be refunded and fees will not be transferred to another program.
• If the program participant leaves camp early due to illness or injury, the registration fee may be refunded at a pro-rated rate, or the child may be able to attend a later session. If the program participant leaves camp early or arrives late due to homesickness, behavior issues, or for any other reason, there will be no refund or pro-rated fees.
  • Special circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis with documentation of positive COVID-19 test, a family medical issue, death in the family, or other circumstances.
• Registration fees already paid will not be refunded in order to use another payment method.
• If Camp Fire finds the need to cancel any program, full refunds will be given.

Payments

• Payment in full is due a minimum of 10 business days before the program start date. If payment in full has not been received 10 business days prior to the program start date, you authorize Camp Fire to withdraw the remaining balance using the payment method on file plus a $20.00 late fee. This guarantees the participant’s participation in the program.
• If a payment method is not saved on file, or we are unable to withdraw full payment for any reason, and/or the full registration payment has not been made 5 business days prior to the start of the program the participant’s space in the program will be forfeited.
• Payments must be made via Camp Brain or by phone at 515-274-1501. If in person payment is needed, please contact our office to make an appointment. Payments cannot be taken in person at the location of the program.
• We accept cash, check, or credit card. Our programs also qualify for most flex spending accounts.
• Returned eCheck payments will be assessed a $30 returned check fee. Replacement payment must be made for your camper to participate in current or future Camp Fire programs. Future payments must be made via cash or credit card.

All of our summer staff are 18 years of age or older; Site Directors and bus drivers are at least 21 years of age. Counselors  must be able to lead and actively participate in sports/games with children, be able to effectively monitor behavior while using appropriate discipline techniques, and develop age appropriate activities.

Camp Hantesa has a camp canteen and a camp trading post. Campers will have the opportunity to purchase one snack and one drink at the canteen per day. We recommend you plan on your camper spending $10.00 – $20.00 per week on snack items. Campers will also have the opportunity to purchase items at the camp’s trading post (t-shirts, water bottles, sweaters, etc.). Items in the trading post vary from $1 to $40.

Yes, you can sign up to be on a waiting list through our online registration system by choosing the product you want to register for and clicking the button that says “Add to waitlist”. There is no fee or deposit required to be added to waitlist. Once a spot becomes available, you will receive an email notification and the spot will go to the first family that registers for it.

Camp Hantesa is available for director interviews and tours by appointment by calling 515-432-1417 or emailing hantesa@campfireiowa.org. For specific questions regarding our Ames and Des Moines program, please call the Camp Fire Service Center at 515-274-1501.

Use of electronics and personal items is not allowed at camp.

We ask that cell phones are not brought to our programs.  This eliminates the chance of the phone being a distraction, lost, stolen, or damaged. If the circumstance arises that we need to communicate with a participant’s family, we can do so using camp phones.  Camp Fire assumes no responsibility for phones brought to camp.   

The only exception to this rule is for participants who use their phone for documented medical purposes (i.e., blood sugar readings) and those who participate in the overnight Apprentice Program who stay for multiple weeks, often drive themselves to camp, and check out between sessions. See the full cell phone policy here.

Please leave trading cards (Pokeman, Yu-Gi-Oh!) at home. Camp Fire is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

You can search the Lost and Found at your child’s drop off location or  you can contact the Camp Fire Service Center or Camp Hantesa by phone or email to ask for specific items. Please note that we highly recommend marking all of your camper’s belongings with their full name prior to attending any program. Any lost items not claimed at the end of each summer will be donated to the Goodwill after Labor Day weekend.

Summer Camp Participants must be entering First Grade. Participants for School Year Programs must be 5 AND currently in Kindergarten.

Each program may have different requirements and will be clearly listed on any informational materials you may receive. Please refer to individual camps on our website or marketing information to see the grade requirement, or you may call the Camp Fire Service Center at 515-274-1501

At Camp Fire, we believe every family should have access to safe, affordable childcare. We have a scholarship program called “Camperships” that are available on a financial need basis during our summer programming. Camperships are limited and given on a first come, first served basis. All families must complete a Campership Application to be considered for financial assistance.

In addition to the application, all families must provide proof of income or non-income for review. We will accept the most recent year’s W-2’s for all working adults in the household, pay stubs for all working adults in the household, and/or proof of unemployment or non-income.

Please contact us to fill out our application at 515-274-1501 or campfire@campfireiowa.org

Click the “Donate” button on our website, send a check to the Camp Fire Service Center, or bring in a donation in person.

Staff/camper ratios that are based on the recommended ratios set by Camp Fire and the American Camping Association are followed. General recommendations are found below:

– 5 years and younger maintain a 1:6 ratio for day programs and 2:10 ratio for overnights

– 6-8 years old maintain a 1:8 ratio for day programs and 2:12 for overnights

– 9-14 years old maintain a 1:10 ratio for day programs and 2:16 for overnights

– 15-18 years old maintain a 1:12 ratio for day programs and 2:20 for overnights

Medication can be given if it is in the original container with the prescription directions clearly labeled and a signed Health and Consent Form has been received. Camp Fire does not recommend campers be taken off any medication during a summer program that is taken during the school year as your child will typically spend as much, or more, time at camp as they spend at school. However, please consult with your physician to make any short term medical changes for your child. 

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