2020 SUMMER DAY CAMP
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa offers a wide variety of programs throughout central Iowa fitting the needs of overnighters and day campers alike. Whether you like creek stomping, bugs, or sports, we’ve got a summer of fun waiting for you!
FIND YOUR FORMS
2020 SUMMER DAY CAMP DETAILS
- Canwita Day Camp (Ames) – Grades 1-6
- Equestrian Day Camp (Ames, Boone, DSM, & Madrid) – Grades 4-10
- Discovery Day Camp (DSM) – Grades 1-6
- Hantesa Outrageous (Ames, Boone, DSM, & Madrid) – Grades 5-10
- Riverview Day Camp (DSM) – Grades 1-8
- Canwita Outrageous (Ames) – Grades 6-10
- Pioneer Columbus Community Day Camp (DSM) – Grades 1-8
- Des Moines Outrageous (DSM) – Grades 6-10
- Hantesa Day Camp (Ames, Boone, DSM, & Madrid) – Grades 1-8
Canwita Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 1-6
Program Description: 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 6th grade offering exciting field trips and active team games throughout the week as well as multiple swimming trips to the local pool. See below to check out this years list of field trips!
Cost: $205/week
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Drop Off: 7:00-8:30AM at Camp Canwita
Pick Up: 4:00-5:30PM at Camp Canwita
2020 Themes & Descriptions
June 1-5
Around the Camp Fire: Let’s get fired up for summer and be ready to explore all that Canwita has to offer!
June 8-12
Mud, Madness, and Mayhem: It’s going to be a fun filled week with a little bit of mayhem and a whole lot of muddy madness stomping through Ledges.
June 15-19
Paws, Claws, and Jaws:Paws, claws, and jaws, OH MY! We’ll enjoy learning all about different animals as we take a trip to the Blank Park Zoo!
June 22-26
Game of Games: Don’t miss out on this jam-packed week of action filled games and contests!
June 29-July 3
S’more What?:Join us for another week of lots S’more fun and games! Crafts, games, sparklers, and S’mores of course! (No camp on July 3rd)
July 6-10
Frozen Summer: Let’s beat the heat with cool water games, ice blocking, and our very own Canwita pool party!
July 13-17
Summer Shenanigans: It’s going to be a full week of silliness at Canwita! From improve to water balloon fights, shenanigans have taken over as we SKATE through this week!
July 20-24
Tropical Paradise: Grab your beach towel and sunscreen, we’re here to enjoy our own Canwita paradise as we have fun in the sun with plenty of water activities!
July 27-31
Adventure Awaits: If you’re looking from thrills, this is the week for you! Join us for a week of creek stomping, games and extreme rides at Adventureland theme park!
August 3-7
Canwita Conquest: Veni, Vidi, Vici. Canwita seeks to conquer Camp Fire’s All-Camp Olympics and a chance to take home the gold. Teamwork makes the dream work!
August 10-14
Sundae Sayonara: We’re ending summer with sun, sweet treats, and a walk down memory lane with all our favorite camp activities!
Equestrian Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 4-10
Program Description: Join us for a week at the barn! Each day, campers will spend the morning at the barn and the afternoon swimming at camp! Campers learn horse science, English riding, and basic barn management/maintenance! Beginners to advanced riders welcome. Riding will depend on day-to-day weather conditions.
Cost:
$280/week: Ames & Des Moines
$265/week: Boone & Madrid
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Camp Canwita (Ames): 7:00-8:30 AM
Camp Fire Service Center (Des Moines): 7:00-8:00 AM
Edgewood Park (Madrid): 7:30-8:30 AM
McHose Park (Boone): 7:00-8:30 AM
Pick Up Times (ALL SITES): 4:30-5:30 PM
June 1-5, 2020
June 8-12, 2020
June 15-19, 2020
- Add-on: Overnight ($50)
June 22-26, 2020
June 29-July 2, 2020 (Prorate $225/$210)
- No camp July 3
July 6-10, 2020
- Add-on: Overnight ($50)
July 13-17, 2020
July 20-24, 2020
- Add-on: Overnight ($50)
July 27-31, 2020
August 10-14, 2020
August 17-21, 2020
Discovery Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 1-6
Program Description: At Camp Discovery, campers explore the fun of the great outdoors, science, art, games and more! There are weekly themes designed to enrich young minds all while they have fun swimming, going on field trips and making lasting friendships. Camp Discovery offers a variety of activities for every camper to discover.
Cost: $200/week
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Camp Fire Service Center (5615 Hickman): 7:00-8:30AM
Fred Maytag Center II (6123 Scout Trail): 7:00-8:30AM
Four Mile Community Center (3711 Easton Blvd): 7:00-8:00AM
Pick Up Times:
Camp Fire Service Center (5615 Hickman): 4:00-5:30PM
Fred Maytag Center II (6123 Scout Trail): 4:00-5:30PM
Four Mile Community Center (3711 Easton Blvd): 4:30-5:30PM
2020 Themes & Descriptions
June 1-5
Summer Camp 101: Join us for our first week of camp this summer! We’ll be getting the hang of what it takes to have an amazing summer and taking a trip to Skateland!
June 8-12
Creepy Crawly Critters: Big or small, we love all kinds of critters at camp! We’ll be enjoying learning more about them when we head to the Blank Park Zoo.
June 15-19
Another day in Paradise: What better way to beat the heat this summer than with a water week! Relays, water balloons fights and an aquatic center? Sign me up!
June 22-26
Campletes: Don’t miss this week as we watch our favorite team, the I-Cubs, play! We’ll also be channeling our inner athlete as we play our favorite classic sports and create our own!
June 29-July 3
Red, White, & Boom!: Camp will be booming with fun as we celebrate the Fourth of July and cool off with a trip to an aquatic center. (No camp on July 3rd)
July 6-10
Race Through Space: Zip and zoom around when we head to Sky Zone this week! Join us as we jump to the stars and race through space!
July 13-17
Made Scientists: We’re channeling our inner Bill Nye this week, because it’s all about science! You won’t want to miss our field trip to…the Science Center of Iowa!
July 20-24
Trip to Tinseltown: Hop into the spotlight as we check out the Hollywood highlights! It’s all about glitz and glamour this week when we head to the movies and star in our very own!
July 27-31
Spy Kids: Do you have what it takes to be a Spy Kid? Come help us solve mysteries and mayhem this week when it takes us all the way to Adventureland!
August 3-7
Campers in Capes: We need the mightiest and strongest superheroes we can get this week as we compete in the second annual All Camp Olympics at Camp Hantesa!
August 10-14
End of Summer Splash: We’re sad to see summer go, but happy to be spending it with you! We’ll be spending our last week of camp reliving our favorite parts of summer heading to an aquatic center!
Hantesa Outrageous Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 5-10
Program Description: Hantesa Outrageous offers new and exciting experiences for our older day campers. Campers will spend time with awesome staff members doing “camp stuff” like swimming, orienteering, archery, hiking, and canoeing. They’ll also have opportunities to challenge themselves through team building activities, rock climbing, and completing ropes courses. We also will have the chance to go on several field trips. We’re so excited for all that’s ahead of us at Hantesa Outrageous this summer!
Cost:
$215/week : Des Moines & Ames Drops
$175/week : Boone & Madrid Drops
Drop Off/Pick Up Sites and Times:
Camp Canwita (Ames): 7:00-8:30AM
McHose Park (Boone): 7:00-8:30AM
Edgewood Park (Madrid): 7:00-8:30AM
Camp Fire Service Center (Des Moines): 7:00-8:00AM
Pick Up Times (ALL SITES): 4:30-5:30PM
June 1-5, 2020
Welcome Back!
School is out and we will start off our summer by exploring all that Hantesa has to offer including water games, sports, arts and crafts, and even a picnic trip to Ledges State Park.
No Add-on
June 8-12, 2020
High Adventure
Reach new heights this week as we climb the rock walls at Hantesa and Iowa State University, challenge ourselves on the ropes course, and have many more adventures!
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
June 15-19, 2020
Nature Unleashed
Explore the world around you! Learn about nature at camp, and then use what you’ve learned to help in a scavenger hunt at the Iowa Arboretum!
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
June 22-26, 2020
Hydro-lympics
Spend the week competing with fellow campers in wild water games. We will go canoeing at Don Williams Lake, and take a trip to the Ames Community Pool.
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
June 29-July 2, 2020 (Prorate $170/$140)
Mischief Managed!
This week is bound to be magical! Play quidditch, cast spells, brew potions and more! This week, we’ll delve into the magical world of Hogwarts.
No Add-on
No camp July 4
July 6-10, 2020
Survivor: Hantesa Edition
Learn all about surviving outside while also competing against the other team. Outdoor cooking, orienteering, and an optional overnight camping expedition await you on Hantesa Island!
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
July 13-17, 2020
Pack Your Bags!
It’s all about travel this week! Learn about cultures from around the world; cool new sports, arts, food and more await you at camp, along with taking a trip to track down some local geocaches!Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
July 20-24, 2020
Extreme Sports
Spend the week playing all sorts of sports and games. Each classic game will have an extreme twist. We’ll even explore some local parks to play disc golf!
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
July 27-31, 2020
Reality TV: Camp Style
Propose a crazy idea to the “sharks,” create a new runway masterpiece, or invent a mindblowing dish… All with a camp spin! This week we’ll also learn from the pros and take a cooking class!
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
August 3-7, 2020
Mash-Up
Search and rescue, nature art, sparts (sports and art) and much more! This week we mash-up all of our favorite Hantesa crafts for a week of new, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and activities!
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
August 10-14, 2020
Explore Iowa
Each day this week, campers will take a trip to one of Iowa’s parks or historic landmarks to discover what makes Iowa unique!
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
August 17-21, 2020
See You Next Summer!
You’re the boss this week! Choose from archery, riflery, slingshots, arts and crafts, swimming, rock climbing, and more! This week we’ll also go on a canoe day trip.
No Add-on
Riverview Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 1-8
Program Description: Riverview Day Camp is available to youth and families who live on the north and east side of Des Moines. These campers will experience a variety of activities throughout the summer including swimming throughout the week, fun field trips, and many active games and crafts.
Cost & Eligibility Requirements:
$60/week: Free Lunch
$95/week: Reduced Lunch
$190/week: Full Price
Special pricing is available based on your family’s eligibility. These fees provide campers with a healthy breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon snack, and funds swim passes and most field trips.
If your family qualifies for special pricing, you must submit verification of eligibility.
You will not have a guaranteed spot until Camp Fire has this documentation
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Four Mile Community Center (3711 Easton Blvd, Des Moines): 7:00-8:30AM
Pick Up Times:
Four Mile Community Center (3711 Easton Blvd, Des Moines): 4:30-5:30PM
2020 Themes & Descriptions
June 1-5
Paws, Claws and Jaws: Camp is wilder than ever this week at Riverview! We will be learning all about the animal kingdom and taking a trip to Blank Park Zoo.
June 8-12
ArtVenture: Come to camp this week and learn all about expressing yourself through different forms of art. We’ll be experimenting with painting, drawing, sculpting, and more!
June 15-19
H2Overboard: It’s water week! Join us in all kinds of wet and wacky activities, then wrap things up with a trip to a local aquatic center. H2OHHH Yeah!
June 22-26
Campers in the Outfield: Sports, sports, and more sports! This week we will battle it out in games, challenges, and competitions. Then we’ll come together as a team to support our Iowa Cubs!
June 29-July 3
Red, White, and You!: This week is about the stars and stripes! Help us celebrate our country this week with crafts, games, and a trip to an aquatic center. (No camp on July 3rd)
July 6-10
Roll Out the Red Carpet: The glamour of Hollywood comes alive this week as we explore all things cinema, complete with a trip to the theater, and an All Camp Awards show!
July 13-17
Beach You to It!: This will be a week full of watery fun! Get ready for water balloon wars, swimming, water relays, and a trip to the beach!
July 20-24
Full STEAM Ahead!: Hop on board for a week filled with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! We will be trying our hand at science experiments, engineering challenges, and more. Then, we will wrap things up with a trip to the Science Center of Iowa!
July 27-31
Fear Factor: Is fear a factor for you? Join us for a week of chills and thrills as we face our fears at ADVENTURELAND!
August 3-7
Greek Games: Let the games begin! This week we will be revisiting the past with our favorite summer games and activities, and then competing against other camps in the annual All Camp Olympics!
Canwita Outrageous Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 6-10
Program Description: Canwita Outrageous offers new experiences and challenges for older campers by making the most of their summer with exciting activities and action packed days. Campers spend time with experienced staff members swimming, climbing, hiking, and completing ropes courses and team building activities. They also 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!
Cost: $210/week
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Drop Off: 7:00-8:30AM at Camp Canwita
Pick Up: 4:00-5:30PM at Camp Canwita
2020 Themes & Descriptions
June 1-5
Outdoor Odyssey: Join us as we kick start summer, exploring the great outdoors with trips to Gym-N-Eat Cricket Castle, Camp Hantesa and ICU Paintball! (Additional $30 paintball fee)
June 8-12
World Travelers: Get your passport ready! We’ll be “traveling” around the globe this week with international games and activities!
June 15-19
Iowa Nice: Join us as we give a hand back to our community! We’ll be doing a different community engagement project each day and ending the week at an aquatic center!
June 22-26
League Champions: Play ball! Enjoy watching our favorite Cubbies at Principal Park and playing some of our favorite past time sports!
June 29-July 3
Sunken Treasure: Join us for a crazy, fun filled week finding treasure at not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different water parks each day this week! (No camp on July 3rd)
July 6-10
Legends of the Hidden Lodge: Follow the instructions and work with your team to find the hidden pendants at Camp Hantesa and Perfect Games to unlock the treasures of the Lodge.
July 13-17
Mystery Island: Canwita received a coded distress signal from Lost Island, join us as we set out to decipher the message and seek out what trouble awaits in Waterloo… (Additional $25 fee)
July 20-24
Unsolved Mysteries:Can YOU help solve a mystery? Join us this week as we profile unsolved crimes of Canwita, conspiracy theories, and unexpected paranormal phenomena.
July 27-31
Wild & Wise: This week is all about high adventure! We’ll use our wisdom to play the best game of Human Stratego there is and seek out all the wild rides we can at Adventureland! (Additional $25 fee)
August 3-7
Let the Games Begin: It’s the game of all games this week as we prep to play in Camp Fire’s All Camp Olympics!
August 10-14
Sizzlin’ Summer Sampler: It’s the last week of camp, which means we’ll be spending it doing all of our favorite summer activities, including a trip to ICU Paintball at the end of the week! (Additional $30 paintball fee)
Pioneer Columbus Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 1-8
Program Description: Pioneer Columbus Community Day Camp is for children 1st-8th grade primarily on the South and East sides of Des Moines. Located at the Pioneer Columbus Community Center on Hartford and SE 5th, these campers experience a variety of activities around Des Moines including swimming, field trips, and many hours of active games and crafts. This program also features a literacy program funded by the United Way of Central Iowa that has proven to help youth retain reading skills over the summer.
Cost & Eligibility Requirements:
$60/week: Free Lunch
$95/week: Reduced Lunch
$190/week: Full Price
Special pricing is available based on your family’s eligibility. These fees provide campers with a healthy breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon snack, and funds swim passes and most field trips.
If your family qualifies for special pricing, you must submit verification of eligibility.
You will not have a guaranteed spot until Camp Fire has this documentation.
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Pioneer Columbus Community Center: 2100 SE 5th St, Des Moines
Drop Off: 7:00-9:00AM
Pick Up: 4:00-5:30PM
2020 Themes & Descriptions
June 1-5
ComiCamp: You’re the hero of this story! This week we will be creating our own superhero identities, practicing our super skills, and taking a trip to Skate South.
June 8-12
Leaders of the Pack: Join us this week as we learn about what makes a good leader in the human AND animal worlds! Then, we will get to see some animal leaders in action at the Blank Park Zoo!
June 15-19
Campers of the Carribean: Ahoy matey! Drop anchor and stick around for a week on the water! You’ll get soaked with water games, relays, and a trip to an aquatic center.
June 22-26
Slam Dunk Summer: This week we will be learning about sports of all sorts! Get the competition going with games, challenges, and a trip to Principal Park.
June 29- July 3
Party in the USA: It’s America’s birthday… and that calls for a party! Help us celebrate our country this week with crafts, games, and a trip to an aquatic center. (No camp on July 3rd)
July 6-10
Brittish Invasion: The Brittish are coming! Get a sample of English culture this week as our international counselors introduce us to new food, games, music, and more!
July 13-17
“Sense”sational Science: We heard that you’re a scientist! Join us this week as we touch up on our STEM skills. We will be learning all about our senses and taking a trip to the Science Center of Iowa. See you there!
July 20-24
Fish and Dips: With the amount of time we will be spending in the water this week… you might as well grow gills! Join us for a week of water games and a trip to Cascade Falls Aquatic Center.
July 27-31
Monster Madness: Are you mad about monsters? Join us for a week of chills as we enjoy all things spooky and take on the biggest Monster around at ADVENTURELAND!
August 3-7
#TBT: This week we are throwin’ it back to all our favorite summer activities, and throwin’ down with other camps as we compete in the All Camp Olympics!
Des Moines Outrageous Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 6-10
Program Description: Camp Outrageous offers new experiences and challenges for older campers by making the most of their summer with exciting activities and action-packed days. Campers spend time with experienced staff members swimming, climbing, hiking, and completing ropes courses and team building activities. They also 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!
Cost: $205/week
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times:
Camp Fire Service Center (5615 Hickman): 7:00-9:00AM
Plymouth Church (4126 Ingersoll): 7:00-8:30AM
Four Mile Community Center (3711 Easton Blvd): 7:00-8:00AM
Pick Up Times:
Camp Fire Service Center (5615 Hickman): 4:00-5:30PM
Plymouth Church (4126 Ingersoll): 4:30-5:30PM
Four Mile Community Center (3711 Easton Blvd): 4:30-5:30PM
2020 Themes & Descriptions
June 1-5
Zombies vs. Aliens: We’re kicking off our summer by heading to a few of our favorite field trips, Camp Hantesa and ICU Paintball! (Additional $30 paintball fee)
June 8-12
Top Chef: Do you have what it takes to be a Top Chef? Expand your culinary expertise while we enjoy some tasty treats along with a trip to Camp Hantesa and the cinema!
June 15-19
We’re All In this Together: Join us as we give a hand back to our community! We’ll be doing a different community engagement project each day ending the week at an aquatic center.
June 22-26
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Play ball! Enjoy watching our favorite Cubbies at Principal Park (and playing) some of our favorite past time sports!
June 29- July 3
4th Fest: Happy Fourth of July! This week’s all about red, white and blue and we want YOU to join us! Don’t miss a trip to Climb Iowa and Camp Hantesa. (No camp on July 3rd)
July 6-10
Around the World In 5 Days: World Travelers join us as we learn about a new country every day! We’ll be taking a trip to go laser tagging!
July 13-17
Lost Island of Atlantis: Have you been to the Lost Island of Atlantis? If may be fictional, but our trip to Lost Island Water Park isn’t. Join us during a water week of fun in the sun!
July 20-24
The Upside Down: There are stranger things than what we’ve got planned this week. Make your own Castle Byers, defeat a demogorgon and don’t get turned upside down when we head to Get Air!
July 27-31
Raiders of the Lost Artifact: This week is all about adventure and mystery. Join us as we search for the missing artifact and head to Adventureland! (Additional $25 fee)
August 3-7
Tokoya 2020: It’s a mash up week! We’ll be making mochi ice cream, visiting the Asian Gardens, and participating in Camp Fire’s All Camp Olympics!
August 10-14
Summer Send Off: It’s the last week of camp, which means we’ll be spending it doing all of our favorite summer activities including a trip to Camp Hantesa and paintball of course! (Additional $30 paintball fee)
Hantesa Day Camp Information & Pricing
Grades: 1-8
Program Description: Hantesa Day Camp gives your child the chance to create their own unique summer experience! Unlike other programs, Hantesa Day Camp does not assign themes because Hantesa campers choose their own activities every week—whether they are interested in art, sports, or outdoor pursuits – we have something for everyone! Campers attend their chosen crafts every morning for the week 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!
Crafts to choose from include: Archery, Outdoor Living, Paddle Sports, Swimming, Drama, Hand Arts, Rock Climbing, Lapidary, Music, Ecology, Photography, Slingshots, Sports & Games, Orienteering, and much more!
Cost:
$205/week : Des Moines & Ames Drops
$165/week : Boone & Madrid Drops
Drop Sites and Drop Off Times
Camp Canwita (Ames): 7:00-8:30AM
Camp Fire Service Center (Des Moines): 7:00-8:00AM
Edgewood Park (Madrid): 7:30-8:30AM
McHose Park (Boone): 7:00-8:30AM
Pick Up Times (ALL SITES): 4:30-5:30PM
June 1-5, 2020
No Add-on
June 8-12, 2020
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
June 15-19, 2020
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
June 22-26, 2020
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
July 29-July 2, 2020 (Prorate $155/$130)
No Add-on
No camp July 3
July 6-10, 2020
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
July 13-17, 2020
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
July 20-24, 2020
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
July 27-31, 2020
Add-on: Pony Ride ($25)
August 3-7, 2020
Add-on: Overnight ($50)
August 10-14, 2020
Add-on: Pony Ride ($20)
August 17-21, 2020
No Add-on
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