Camp Fire Heart of Iowa offers a wide variety of summer day camp programs throughout central Iowa. Whether you like creek stomping, bugs, or sports, we’ve got a summer of fun waiting for you! Click on any of the tabs below to view detailed information about each of our day camp programs including location, pricing, dates, and themes.
Camp Canwita is located on North Duff in Ames, Iowa. This secluded day camp provides a wonderful natural setting for youth K-8 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 of 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! Lunch is not provided; campers should bring a sack lunch daily.
Camp Fire recognizes that families have differing abilities to pay and has introduced a voluntary tiered pricing program for overnight camp to enable all families the opportunity for a quality camp experience for their children. This program is voluntary, confidential, requires no paperwork, and in no way influences the experience your child receives. Simply choose the rate that works best with your family budget.
Hantesa Day Camp offers a more traditional summer experience for children entering grades K-8. 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 of 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, transportation, and a morning and afternoon snack are included in the price of registration.
Camp Fire recognizes that families have differing abilities to pay and has introduced a voluntary tiered pricing program for overnight camp to enable all families the opportunity for a quality camp experience for their children. This program is voluntary, confidential, requires no paperwork, and in no way influences the experience your child receives. Simply choose the rate that works best with your family budget.
Discovery Day Camp provides an exciting experience for youth going into Kindergarten through 5th 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.
Camp Fire recognizes that families have differing abilities to pay and has introduced a voluntary tiered pricing program for overnight camp to enable all families the opportunity for a quality camp experience for their children. This program is voluntary, confidential, requires no paperwork, and in no way influences the experience your child receives. Simply choose the rate that works best with your family budget.
Adventure Day Camp provides an exciting experience for youth going into Kindergarten through 5th 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.
Camp Fire recognizes that families have differing abilities to pay and has introduced a voluntary tiered pricing program for overnight camp to enable all families the opportunity for a quality camp experience for their children. This program is voluntary, confidential, requires no paperwork, and in no way influences the experience your child receives. Simply choose the rate that works best with your family budget.
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. Plus, activities explored throughout the summer such as rock climbing, service learning, paintballing, 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. All campers will need to bring a sack lunch. If desired, campers can also bring additional snacks.
Camp Fire recognizes that families have differing abilities to pay and has introduced a voluntary tiered pricing program for overnight camp to enable all families the opportunity for a quality camp experience for their children. This program is voluntary, confidential, requires no paperwork, and in no way influences the experience your child receives. Simply choose the rate that works best with your family budget.
Calling all Camp Fire teens – give back to your community by joining the Youth Service Coalition! In this youth-led program, Camp Fire teens explore real-world issues and solutions via service learning. Guided by our trained staff, teens will work together to advocate for change, complete service projects, and improve our community – for everyone! Teens will also participate in all of the most anticipated summer activities and field trips – make a difference in your community, earn volunteer hours, and have a blast while you do it!