Summer Day Camp

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.



  • Canwita Day Camp (Ames) – Grades 1 – 5
  • Canwita Outrageous (Ames) – Grades 6 – 8
  • Hantesa Day Camp (Ames, Boone, & DSM) – Grades 1 – 5
  • Hantesa Day Camp (Ames, Boone, & DSM) – Grades 6 – 8
  • Discovery Day Camp (Des Moines) – Grades 1 – 5
  • Des Moines Outrageous (DSM) – Grades 6 – 8
  • Youth Service Coalition (Ames, Boone, & DSM) – Grades 9 – 12

CANWITA DAY CAMP



GRADES

Entering Grades 1 – 5

PRICING

$250 per week

LOCATION

Camp Canwita
2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

DETAILS

Breakfast & Lunch: Not Included
Swimming: Weekly

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This secluded day camp provides a wonderful natural setting for youth going into 1st through 5th grade. Each week follows a specific theme exploring fun and engaging topics and may include trips to the local pool, group games, crafts, and exciting field trips. This program also features a literacy and STEM program, supported by Story County ASSET and United Way of Story County, proven to help reduce summer learning loss. All campers will need to bring a sack lunch. If desired, campers can also bring additional snacks.


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Camp Canwita

2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Pick-Up

4:00 – 5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES & THEMES

June 5 – 9

Howdy, Summer!

We’re kicking off the summer by going to the wild wild west. Enjoy a week full of traditional camp activities with a good ol’ country twist thrown in to say “Howdy“ to summer!

June 12 – 16

Adulting 101

What’s something that you wish you knew before you had to do it? Join us for a week as we take a look at “adulting” and how we can combine that with a little camp fun.

June 20 – 23

*No camp held on June 19th, in honor of Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $215.

Pop Culture Blowout

This week we’re exploring the world of pop culture with comic books, D&D, board games, and movies – all with a summer camp twist!

June 26 – 30

Wild Waters

Join us as we dive into the world of H20! Whether we’re racing through a water filled obstacle course, splashing at the pool, or creek stomping through Ledges State Park, we’re sure to be drenched with fun!

July 5 – 7

*No camp July 3rd or 4th. Cost is prorated to $180.

Mash-Up

This week we’re putting it all in the mixer to create something new! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to paint during a game of tag? Play hide and seek using nature to disguise your hiding spot? Who knows what will happen as we mix and mash our favorite camp activities!

July 10 – 14

Destination: Imagination

We’re getting lost in our minds this week as we cultivate our artistic talents! Can you create a masterpiece using only materials from nature? Paint a landscape while blindfolded? The options are endless as we test the limits of our imaginations!

July 17 – 21

Anything Goes

This week, we’re tossing out the rule book! Each day, new wonderful surprise await. Do something wonderfully wacky on Crazy Hair Day! Try your best at guessing which counselors swapped identities on Twin Day! We can’t wait to see what fun we can have when ANYTHING GOES.

July 24 – 28

Reality TV: Camp Edition

Things are heating up this season as we say hello to a week of totally competitive crafts! Compete with your fellow chefs in an outdoor cook off! Build the best natural shelter and light a fire with a single match! Who will show up and host this seasons hottest show? Tune in this summer!

July 31 – August 4

Magic & Mayhem

Remember to bring your broom license as we FLY into the world of magic! Create your own wizarding wand, battle it out with your fellow campers, and search for cryptid creatures! The options are endless in this wonderous, mysterious, magical week of camp!

August 7 – 11

Time Travelers

Pack your bags… and get ready for a trip through the ages! Each day campers will be off to explore a new time period.

August 14 – 18

Big Summer Blowout

Yoohoo! We’re celebrating yet another amazing summer by doing all of our favorite traditional summer camp activities!

REGISTER NOW

CANWITA OUTRAGEOUS DAY CAMP



GRADES

Entering Grades 6 – 8

PRICING

$250 per week

LOCATION

Camp Canwita
2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

DETAILS

Lunch: Not included
Swimming: Weekly
Field Trips: Weekly

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Canwita 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, exciting 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 Story County ASSET and United Way of Story County, 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.


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Camp Canwita

2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Pick-Up

4:00 – 5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES & THEMES

June 5 – 9

Howdy Summer

We’re kicking off the summer by going to the wild wild west. Enjoy a week full of traditional camp activities with a good ol’ country twist thrown in to say “Howdy“ to summer!

June 12 – 16

Adulting 101

What’s something that you wish you knew before you had to do it? Join us for a week as we take a look at “adulting” and how we can combine that with a little camp fun.

June 20 – 23

*No camp June 19, in honor of Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $215.

Pop Culture Blowout

This week we’re exploring the world of pop culture with comic books, D&D, board games, and movies – all with a summer camp twist!

June 26 – 30

Wild Waters

Join us as we dive into the world of H20! Whether we’re racing through a water filled obstacle course, splashing at the pool, or creek stomping through Ledges State Park, we’re sure to be drenched with fun!

July 5 – 7

*No camp July 3rd or 4th. Cost is prorated to $180.

Mash-Up

This week we’re putting it all in the mixer to create something new! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to paint during a game of tag? Play hide and seek using nature to disguise your hiding spot? Who knows what will happen as we mix and mash our favorite camp activities!

July 10 – 14

Destination: Imagination

We’re getting lost in our minds this week as we cultivate our artistic talents! Can you create a masterpiece using only materials from nature? Paint a landscape while blindfolded? The options are endless as we test the limits of our imaginations!

July 17 – 21

Anything Goes

This week, we’re tossing out the rule book! Each day, new wonderful surprise await. Do something wonderfully wacky on Crazy Hair Day! Try your best at guessing which counselors swapped identities on Twin Day! We can’t wait to see what fun we can have when ANYTHING GOES.

July 24 – 28

Reality TV: Camp Edition

Things are heating up this season as we say hello to a week of totally competitive crafts! Compete with your fellow chefs in an outdoor cook off! Build the best natural shelter and light a fire with a single match! Who will show up and host this seasons hottest show? Tune in this summer!

Just 31 – August 4

Magic & Mayhem

Remember to bring your broom license as we FLY into the world of magic! Create your own wizarding wand, battle it out with your fellow campers, and search for cryptid creatures! The options are endless in this wonderous, mysterious, magical week of camp!

August 7 – 11

Time Travelers

Pack your bags… and get ready for a trip through the ages! Each day campers will be off to explore a new time period.

August 14 – 18

Big Summer Blowout!

Yoohoo! We’re celebrating yet another amazing summer by doing all of our favorite traditional summer camp activities!

REGISTER NOW

HANTESA DAY CAMP (Grades 1 – 5)



GRADES

Entering grades 1 – 5

PRICING

$265 per week

LOCATION

Camp Hantesa
1450 Oriole Road
Boone, IA 50036

DETAILS

Lunch & Snacks: Provided
Swimming: Daily

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Hantesa Day Camp offers a more traditional summer experience for children entering grades 1-5. Campers spend the week in a tight-knit group led by a dedicated counselor that helps them explore new activities centered around a weekly theme and swimming every afternoon. Each week is specifically designed to engage, challenge, and excite with a variety of outdoor-focused activities. Transportation from one of our drop sites, lunch, and a morning and afternoon snack are included in the price of registration.


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Camp Canwita

2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Riley Park *New Des Moines Drop Site

5300 Urbandale Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Camp Hantesa

1450 Oriole Road
Boone, IA 50036

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES & THEMES


June 5 – 9

Howdy Hantesa

We’re kicking off the summer by going to the wild wild west. Enjoy a week full of traditional camp activities with a good ol’ country twist thrown in to say “Howdy“ to summer!

June 12 – 16

Time Travelers

Pack your bags… and get ready for a trip through the ages! Each day campers will be off to explore a new time period.

June 20 – 23

*No camp help June 19th, in honor of Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $230.

Destination: Imagination

We’re getting lost in our minds this week as we cultivate our artistic talents! Can you create a masterpiece using only materials from nature? Paint a landscape while blindfolded? The options are endless as we test the limits of our imaginations!

June 26 – 30

Pop Culture Blowout

This week we’re exploring the world of pop culture with comic books, D&D, board games, and movies – all with a summer camp twist!

July 5 – 7

*No camp held July 4th. Cost is prorated to $190.

Mash Up

This week we’re putting it all in the mixer to create something new! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to paint during a game of tag? Play hide and seek using nature to disguise your hiding spot? Who knows what will happen as we mix and mash our favorite camp activities!

July 10 – 14

Around the World

Learn about different cultures and different worlds this week! Find out about the wonderful places our counselors are from and be transported to outer space as you learn about the universe! All leading up to our annual International Food Festival during lunch on Friday.

July 17 – 21

Magic & Mystery

Remember to bring your broom license as we FLY into the world of magic! Create your own wizarding wand, battle it out with your fellow campers, and search for cryptid creatures! The options are endless in this wonderous, mysterious, magical week of camp!

July 24 – 28

Anything Goes

This week, we’re tossing out the rule book! Each day, new wonderful surprise await. Do something wonderfully wacky on Crazy Hair Day! Try your best at guessing which counselors swapped identities on Twin Day! We can’t wait to see what fun we can have when ANYTHING GOES.

Just 31 – August 4

Reality TV: Camp Edition

Things are heating up this season as we say hello to a week of totally competitive crafts! Compete with your fellow chefs in an outdoor cook off! Build the best natural shelter and light a fire with a single match! Who will show up and host this seasons hottest show? Tune in this summer!

August 7 – 11

Wild Waters

Join us as we dive into the world of H20! Whether we’re racing through a water filled obstacle course, splashing at the pool, or creek stomping through Ledges State Park, we’re sure to be drenched with fun!

August 14 – 18

Big Summer Blowout

Yoohoo! We’re celebrating yet another amazing summer by doing all of our favorite traditional summer camp activities!

REGISTER NOW

HANTESA DAY CAMP (Grades 6 – 8)



GRADES

Entering grades 6 – 8

PRICING

$265 per week

LOCATION

Camp Hantesa
1450 Oriole Road
Boone, IA 50036

DETAILS

Lunch & Snacks: Provided
Swimming: Daily
Field Trips: N/A

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

At Camp Hantesa, middle school campers have the opportunity to create their own unique summer experience by choosing their own activities from a set of options aligned with the week’s theme—whether they are interested in art, sports, or other outdoor pursuits – we have something for everyone! Campers attend their chosen activities in the mornings and swim every afternoon! Each week includes transportation from one of our drop sites, a hot lunch, a morning and afternoon snack, and weekly swim lessons. Give your child the opportunity to find their spark, make their own schedule, and make new friends along the way!


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Camp Canwita

2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Riley Park *New Des Moines Drop Site

5300 Urbandale Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15am

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Camp Hantesa

1450 Oriole Road
Boone, IA 50036

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES & THEMES


June 5 – 9

Howdy Hantesa

We’re kicking off the summer by going to the wild wild west. Enjoy a week full of traditional camp activities with a good ol’ country twist thrown in to say “Howdy“ to summer!

June 12 – 16

Time Travelers

Pack your bags… and get ready for a trip through the ages! Each day campers will be off to explore a new time period.

June 20 – 23

*No camp held June 19th, in honor or Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $230.

Destination: Imagination

We’re getting lost in our minds this week as we cultivate our artistic talents! Can you create a masterpiece using only materials from nature? Paint a landscape while blindfolded? The options are endless as we test the limits of our imaginations!

June 26 – 30

Pop Culture Blowout

This week we’re exploring the world of pop culture with comic books, D&D, board games, and movies – all with a summer camp twist!

July 5 – 7

*No camp July 4th. Cost is prorated to $190.

Mash-Up

This week we’re putting it all in the mixer to create something new! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to paint during a game of tag? Play hide and seek using nature to disguise your hiding spot? Who knows what will happen as we mix and mash our favorite camp activities!

July 10 – 14

Around the World

Learn about different cultures and different worlds this week! Find out about the wonderful places our counselors are from and be transported to outer space as you learn about the universe! All leading up to our annual International Food Festival during lunch on Friday.

July 17 – 21

Magic & Mystery

Remember to bring your broom license as we FLY into the world of magic! Create your own wizarding wand, battle it out with your fellow campers, and search for cryptid creatures! The options are endless in this wonderous, mysterious, magical week of camp!

July 24 – 28

Anything Goes

This week, we’re tossing out the rule book! Each day, new wonderful surprise await. Do something wonderfully wacky on Crazy Hair Day! Try your best at guessing which counselors swapped identities on Twin Day! We can’t wait to see what fun we can have when ANYTHING GOES.

July 31 – August 4

Reality TV: Camp Edition

Things are heating up this season as we say hello to a week of totally competitive crafts! Compete with your fellow chefs in an outdoor cook off! Build the best natural shelter and light a fire with a single match! Who will show up and host this seasons hottest show? Tune in this summer!

August 7 – 11

Wild Waters

Join us as we dive into the world of H20! Whether we’re racing through a water filled obstacle course, splashing at the pool, or creek stomping through Ledges State Park, we’re sure to be drenched with fun!

August 14 – 18

Big Summer Blowout

Yoohoo! We’re celebrating yet another amazing summer by doing all of our favorite traditional summer camp activities!

REGISTER NOW

DISCOVERY DAY CAMP



GRADES

Entering grades 1 – 5

PRICING

$250/week

LOCATION

Bergman Academy
100 45th St
Des Moines, IA 50312

DETAILS

Lunch: Not provided
Swimming: Weekly
Field trips: Weekly

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Discovery Day Camp provides an exciting experience for youth going into 1st 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.


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Bergman Academy

100 45th St
Des Moines, IA 50312

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Pick-Up

4:00-5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES & THEMES


June 5 – 9

Lost in Space

3…2…1, let’s blast off into summer. This week campers will turn into astronauts and explore all that space has to offer!

June 12 – 16

Time Travelers

Pack your bags… and get ready for a trip through the ages! Each day campers will be off to explore a new time period.

June 20 – 23

*No camp held June 19th. in honor of Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $215.

Barnyard Palooza

Knock Knock… Who is there… Cows go… Cows go who?.. No silly, cows go MOOO!! After this week campers will have no confusion on what sound a cow makes, Camp Fire is headed to the Farm!

June 26 – 30

Mud Madness

Dress to UNimpress this week as we get muddy, get dirty, and mess around! We’re going to do our best to make a mess!

July 5 – 7

*No camp July 4th. Cost is prorated to $180.

Magic & Mystery

Is your camper ready to explore the mystey and magic that Camp Fire has to offer? This week campers will explore magic tricks, fortune telling, potions, and more!

July 10 – 14

Iowa Adventures

Iowa has so many great things to offer! This week campers will be exploring farms, state parks and landmarks, and famous Iowa foods!

July 17 – 21

Under the Big Top

Come one, come all! This week we are going to get wacky and crazy with our activities as we prepare to join the Camp Fire Circus!

July 24 – 28

Ahoy Mateys

Set sail with pirate ship Discovery, as we transform into pirates and track down Camp Fires long lost treasures!

July 31 – August 4

Animal Planet

Lions, Tigers, and Bears, oh my! Camp Fire is taking a trip to the zoo and learning all about animals this week!

August 7 – 11

Wonders of the Water

This week, campers will explore everything the water has to offer! We’ll be learning about sea life, rivers, water sports, and much more!

August 14 – 18

Getting Outdoorsy

This week, campers will get in touch with their wild side as we explore all things outdoors!

REGISTER NOW

DES MOINES OUTRAGEOUS DAY CAMP



GRADES

Entering grades 6 – 8

PRICING

$250/week

LOCATION

Camp Fire Service Center
5615 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA 50310

DETAILS

Lunch: Not included
Swimming: Weekly
Field Trips: Weekly

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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.


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Camp Fire Service Center

5615 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA 50310

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Pick-Up

4:00 – 5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES & THEMES

June 5 – 9

Adventure Sports

This week things are getting outrageous as we take on adventure sports such as rock climbing, skate boarding, paintball and more! Do you have what it takes?

June 12 – 16

Pay It Forward

We all know it feels good to give to others. This week we will be paying it forward to people in our community!

June 20 – 23

*No camp held June 19th, in honor of Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $215.

Teen Chef

Campers will put on an apron and their chef hats to explore food science, cooking, and baking!

June 26 – 30

Outrageous Art

Explore outrageous art mediums this week as we delve into the worlds of graffiti art, guerilla art, and more!

July 5 – 7

*No camp July 3rd or 4th. Cost is prorated to $180.

Pop Culture Blowout

This week we’re exploring the world of pop culture with comic books, D&D, board games, and movies – all with a summer camp twist!

July 10 – 14

Weird Science

Do you have a future scientist in your home? How about a budding chemist or space enthusiast? This week we are going to enjoy some weird science, think bubbling substances, and explosions!

July 17 – 21

Wacky Waters

This week we will be taking on everything water has to offer! From canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more!

July 24 – 28

Magic & Mischief

Is your camper ready to explore the mystery and magic that Camp Fire has to offer? This week campers will explore magic tricks, potions, astrology, fortune telling and more!

July 31 – August 4

Adventure Sports: Take 2

Adventures sports is back and this week we are trying out even more new activities including archery, paddle sports, and ropes courses!

August 7 – 11

Win the Wilderness

This week campers will see if they have what it takes to survive in the wilderness! We’ll be practicing essential outdoor skills including pocket knives, fire building, and outdoor cooking!

August 14 – 18

Explore Iowa

Iowa is a pretty cool state and this week we are going to explore everything Iowa has to offer – from city to country! Campers will leave this week proud to be Iowans!

REGISTER NOW

YOUTH SERVICE COALITION



GRADES

Entering grades 9 – 12

PRICING

$225 per week

LOCATION

Camp Hantesa
1450 Oriole Road
Boone, IA 50036

DETAILS

Lunch & Snacks: Provided
Swimming: Varies
Field Trips: Varies

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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!


DROP-OFF & PICK-UP


Camp Canwita

2807 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Riley Park *New Des Moines Drop Site

5300 Urbandale Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Camp Hantesa

1450 Oriole Road
Boone, IA 50036

Drop-Off

7:30 – 8:15 AM

Pick-Up

4:30 – 5:30 PM

RESOURCES & FORMS



2023 DATES


June 5 – 9


June 12 – 16


June 20 – 23

*No camp held June 19th, in honor of Juneteenth. Cost is prorated to $190.

June 26 – 30



July 5 – 7

*No camp July 3rd or 4th. Cost is prorated to $165.

July 10 – 14


July 17 – 21


July 24 – 28



July 31 – August 4


August 7 – 11


August 14 – 18




REGISTER NOW

Need some questions answered?