2025-2026 School-Year Registration is Open - Here are some exciting Updates & changes!
We're excited to share that registration access for our 2025-2026 school year programs are now available for all! You can access registration at any time at https://campfireiowa.campbrainregistration.com/
We're also happy to share that, in addition to our usual camp programs, we're offering several NEW programs:
Our School Day Off Camps now each feature a unique theme and, in addition to following the Boone/Ames/Des Moines calendars, are now offered on dates when Johnston, Urbandale, Granger, Grimes, Gilbert, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ballard schools are out of session! Themes have been carefully assigned so as not to repeat for any given school district – please refer to your district’s calendar to confirm appropriate dates for you camper!
Parents Night Out (offered monthly Sep/Oct/Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar/April): We’re relaunching our Parents Night Out program, now as a single-night Friday to Saturday overnight experience! Treat yourself to an evening out while your camper catches up with camp friends – drop off at one of our convenient drop-sites and pick up Saturday morning from the same location!
Family Camps (Nov. 14-15 or 15-16 and March 6-7 or 7-8): Enjoy quality time with your loved ones around the campfire, take part in classic camp activities, and make lasting memories under the stars. It’s the perfect overnight adventure for families looking to unplug and reconnect.
Halloween Camp & Teen Retreat (Oct. 17-19, 2026): Join us for a spooktacular Halloween-themed overnight weekend at camp, filled with eerie adventures, costume contests, haunted trails, and ghostly games under the stars. Get ready for a frightfully fun experience packed with campfires, treats, and just the right amount of tricks! Campers will also get to experience our annual haunted trail and plenty of fall activities.
Winter Arts Retreat (Jan. 16-18, 2026): Unleash your creativity at our Winter Arts Retreat, where campers will explore a variety of hands-on art forms including glass beading, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, painting, and more. Set in the inspiring natural surroundings of camp, this overnight experience invites young artists to express themselves, learn new techniques, and connect with others who share their passion for the arts.
BondFire Camp & Teen Retreat (Feb. 13-15, 2026): Celebrate friendship, kindness, and connection this Valentine’s Day weekend at our Bondfire Camp! Campers will participate in team challenges and outdoor activities - all meant to celebrate what makes camp a special place - connection and community!
Wild Roots Camp & Teen Retreat (April 10-12, 2026): Gear up for a weekend of excitement at our Wild Roots Camp, where youth and teens will dive into outdoor skills, adventure sports, and nature exploration. From fire-building and orienteering to high ropes and wilderness hikes, this overnight experience is perfect for campers ready to challenge themselves and connect with the great outdoors.
We are now also offering several new drop-sites. On days when only one or a few districts are out, a new drop-site will be offered in each individual community. On days when several schools are out, we will offer ‘regional’ drop-offs at:
Walker Johnston Park (Urbandale)
Ankeny Miracle Park (Ankeny)
Tower Park (Des Moines)
Camp Canwita (Ames)
McHose Park (Boone)
PS: Ames families – don’t forget to register for our after-school program offered M-F at Camp Canwita for K-5 students with pick-up from all Ames elementary schools! You can enroll online for this program here.
We are so excited for an even more action-packed school year at camp - don't miss out on all the fun!
Owen Ballard, Executive Director