Camp Canwita is located on North Duff in Ames, Iowa. This secluded day camp provides a wonderful natural setting for youth K-5 to run, explore, and experience nature! Campers spend the week in tight-knit groups led by our dedicated counselors that help them explore new activities centered around a weekly theme. Campers are divided into groups based on their age and each age range has a different, age-appropriate schedule/activities. Each week’s program is specifically designed to engage, challenge, and excite with a variety of outdoor-focused activities. Each week also includes STEM, SEL, and literacy activities to help campers have fun while practicing essential life and academic skills. Swimming takes place off-site at public pools and generally occurs twice per week along with a weekly field trip!

Canwita Outrageous offers new experiences and challenges for middle school campers by making the most of their summer with exciting activities and action-packed days. Each week follows a specific theme exploring fun and engaging topics and includes weekly field trips, swimming at the local pool, group games, and other activities led by our professional staff. Activities explored throughout the summer include rock climbing, canoeing, and much more! This program also features literacy, STEM, and SEL (social-emotional learning) components proven to help students transition into middle school and reduce summer learning loss.

Hantesa Day Camp offers a more traditional summer experience for children entering grades K-5. Campers spend the week in tight-knit groups led by our dedicated counselors that help them explore new activities centered around a weekly theme. Campers are divided into groups based on their age and each age range has a different, age-appropriate schedule/activities. Each week’s program is specifically designed to engage, challenge, and excite with a variety of outdoor-focused activities. Each week also includes STEM, SEL, and literacy activities to help campers have fun while practicing essential life and academic skills. Swimming takes place on-site at the Hantesa pool and each camper will generally swim two-three times per week depending on their group’s schedule! Lunch and a morning and afternoon snack are included in the price of registration.

Hantesa Outrageous offers new experiences and challenges for middle schoolers as they explore more advanced activities and outdoor skills at camp! Each week, campers will select their own activities from the list of offerings – whether rock climbing, swimming, crafting, or exploring the forest – there’s something for everyone! With activities rotating each week around the assigned theme, no two weeks are the same. Lunch and a morning and afternoon snack are included in the price of registration.

Discovery Day Camp provides an exciting experience for youth going into Kindergarten through 5^th grade providing the perfect balance of nature and urban adventures. Each week follows a specific theme exploring fun and engaging topics and includes trips to the local pool, group games, crafts, and exciting field trips. This program also features a literacy and STEM program, supported by United Way of Central Iowa, proven to help reduce summer learning loss. All campers will need to bring a sack lunch. If desired, campers can also bring additional snacks.

Adventure Day Camp provides an exciting experience for youth going into Kindergarten through 5^th grade providing the perfect balance of nature and urban adventures. Each week follows a specific theme exploring fun and engaging topics and includes trips to the local pool, group games, crafts, and exciting field trips. This program also features a literacy and STEM program, supported by United Way of Central Iowa, proven to help reduce summer learning loss. All campers will need to bring a sack lunch. If desired, campers can also bring additional snacks.

Des Moines Outrageous offers new experiences and challenges for middle schoolers by making the most of their summer with exciting activities and action-packed days. Each week follows a specific theme exploring fun and engaging topics and includes weekly field trips, swimming at the local pool, group games, and other activities led by our professional staff. Activities explored throughout the summer include rock climbing, canoeing, and much more! This program also features literacy, STEM, and SEL (social-emotional learning) components, supported by United Way of Central Iowa, proven to help students transition into middle school and reduce summer learning loss. DSM Outrageous campers also participate in weekly service learning and/or career exploration experiences while at camp!

The Junior Apprentice program (formerly Youth Service Coalition/Leadership Challenge) prepares Camp Fire teens to be leaders at camp and in life. Participants begin learning essential counselor skills and assist in preparing/implementing day camp program for younger campers. Because Junior Apprentices (JAs) spend much of their time providing service to camp and others, the cost is heavily reduced. JAs can sign up for one or multiple weeks, weeks do not need to be consecutive.