Camp Canwita is located on North Duff in Ames, Iowa.  This secluded day camp provides a wonderful natural setting for youth going into 1st grade through 5th grade. Each week follows a fun, specific theme. Campers get the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that best fit that week’s theme. Possible activities include trips to the local pool, playing group games, creating craft projects, and going on exciting field trips.  This program also features a literacy and STEM program to help reduce summer learning loss. Check out this year’s list of themes below!

Canwita Outrageous offers new experiences and challenges for older campers by making the most of their summer with exciting activities and action-packed days. Each week follows a fun, specific theme which you can find listed below. Campers get the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that best fit that week’s theme with experienced staff members. Possible activities include swimming, climbing, hiking, completing ropes courses, and performing team-building activities. They also may get the opportunity to encounter things such as paintballing, orienteering, archery, canoeing, and so much more.  Get “outrageous” with us and make it a summer to remember!

Hantesa Day Camp offers new, unique experiences for kids of all ages. Our younger campers spend the week in a tight-knit group led by a dedicated counselor that helps them explore new activities and skills centered around a weekly theme. 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.

At Camp Hantesa, our older campers have the opportunity to create their own unique summer experience! Hantesa day campers (10-13) choose their own activities every week 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!

Tiered pricing is available based on your family’s eligibility. Program fees cover the remaining cost of providing campers with a healthy breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, swim passes, and most field trips.

• Qualifying for free lunch: $80/week
• Qualifying for reduced-price lunch: $110/week
• Full price: $220/week

Southwoods Day Camp is available to youth and families on the south and east side of Des Moines. This day camp provides a positive and engaging environment for younger youth. Each week follows a fun, specific theme. Campers get the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that best fit that week’s theme. Possible activities include trips to the local pool, playing group games, creating craft projects, and going on exciting field trips. This program also features free breakfast and lunch, STEM-based activities, and a literacy program funded by the United Way of Central Iowa that has been proven to help youth retain reading skills throughout the summer. Check out this year’s list of themes below!

Tiered pricing is available based on your family’s eligibility. Program fees cover the remaining cost of providing campers with an afternoon snack, swim passes, and most field trips

• Full price: $240/week
• Campership price: $80/week

Calling all Camp Fire teens – be a part of our inaugural Youth Service Coalition! In this brand new, youth-led program, Camp Fire teens explore community issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, conservation and climate change, mental health, and much more. Guided by our trained staff, teens will learn about the issues and 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 the whole time!