Camp Fire Heart of Iowa offers a wide variety of 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.
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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 trips to the local pool. This program also features a literacy and STEM program to help reduce summer learning loss. Check out this year’s list of field trips below!
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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!
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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.
Please submit proof of free/reduced lunch status upon registering for this program to campfire@campfireiowa.org. Proof may include a letter from your child’s school verifying lunch status, proof of SNAP benefits, or a letter from the nutrition department. Your registration will not be finalized until you submit this information.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (515) 274-1501 or email campfire@campfireiowa.org and we would be happy to assist you.
Camp Ignite is available to youth and families who live on the north and west 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.
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.
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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!
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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.
Please submit proof of free/reduced lunch status upon registering for this program to campfire@campfireiowa.org. Proof may include a letter from your child’s school verifying lunch status, proof of SNAP benefits, or a letter from the nutrition department. Your registration will not be finalized until you submit this information.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (515) 274-1501 or email campfire@campfireiowa.org and we would be happy to assist you.
Camp Dynamite is available to youth and families who live on the south 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.
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.
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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
Please complete a Campership Application and submit the form to campfire@campfireiowa.org to receive the Campership Price. Our staff will review your application and will contact you on the status of your campership. We are only able to offer a select amount of registrations at this greatly reduced rate, so please complete your application as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (515) 274-1501 or email campfire@campfireiowa.org and we would be happy to assist you.
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!
During this unprecedented time, Camp Fire is taking the necessary steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at all of our programs. Learn more about our new safety precautions and changes to our regular summer program schedule.
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!