Mini Camp Information & Pricing

Grades: 1-4

Program Description: Mini Camp is the perfect option for new campers who want to experience resident camp for the first time. During each 4-day, 3-night session, campers will explore Hantesa traditions and participate in the fun activities camp has to offer, including climbing, swimming, drama, sports, games, optional pony rides, and more!

Cost: $250/session

Program Dates:
August 14-17, 2019

Traditional Resident Camp Information & Pricing

Grades: 1-12

Program Description: Imagine spending a week making friends, trying new things, and spending almost all your time outside. At Hantesa, that’s exactly what our resident campers experience! They spend their days building skills in areas like archery, outdoor living, arts and crafts, nature, and sports and games. All this is facilitated by our well-trained, compassionate staff. In the evenings, they participate in group games or activities, and tie the day together with a counselor-led ritual or reflection. Fun, friendship, and growth await your camper this summer at Camp Hantesa.

Cost: $510/week

2019 Resident Camp Themes & Descriptions

June 9-15, 2019: Wild Waters – Pack your swimsuit and make a splash as we put water into everything we do! We’ll have water balloons, slip-and-slides, swimming, canoeing and much more as we embrace everything water this week!

July 7-13, 2019: Fantastic Adventures – This week we transport our campers and staff into the world of wizards, witches, and magic! Get sorted into a house, practice spells, play Quidditch, and learn about potions and herbology! Experience camp in a brand new, magical way! *Optional Saturday Overnight ($70) for campers attending this week’s and next week’s session back-to-back

July 14-20, 2019: Keew Sdrawkcab (Backwards Week)! – Join us as we flip resident camp on its head for a week of wacky fun! We will be reversing the schedules, eating breakfast for dinner, swimming at night,  making kids the counselors, and much more! Campers 12 and older also have the option of transitioning to a completely reversed schedule by staying up later each night (and sleeping in later each day) to experience midnight hikes, star-gazing, glow-in-the-dark games, and more! *Optional Saturday Overnight ($70) for campers attending this week’s and next week’s session back-to-back

July 21-27, 2019: Summer Camp Cup – It’s Green versus White in this week-long camp competition. Campers and counselors will join together to compete in all areas of camp. Whether you are an athlete, an artist, a lover of nature, or all of these, Hantesa’s Summer Camp Cup provides everyone with an opportunity to experience growth through teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and camp spirit. *Optional Saturday Overnight ($70) for campers attending this week’s and next week’s session back-to-back

July 28-August 3, 2019: WoHa Week – We welcome you to Hantesa, we’re mighty glad you’re here!” WoHa Week features long time Hantesa traditions, some dating back to our founding in 1919. Learn camp stories, sing traditional camp songs, participate in a wide variety of camp crafts, old and new. Come learn our traditions and make memories of your own!

Camp Brave Information

Ages: 8-17

Program Description: Camp Brave is a week-long overnight camp for youth ages 8-17 whose life has been impacted by crime. This may include being a direct victim of a crime or being the child of an adult who has been a victim of a crime. During their week at camp, campers will have the opportunity to experience all summer camp has to offer including swimming, sports and games, crafts, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and much more! Campers will also participate in a variety of activities developed to help them heal, grow, and develop coping skills. Scholarships and program funding are provided by the Iowa Department of Justice with program support provided by the Victims Services Support Program.

Cost: $25/session

Program Dates:
Ages 8-12: June 16-22, 2019
Ages 13-17: June 23-29, 2019

Registration Process: Because this program is funded through a grant that almost entirely covers the cost of attendance, all campers must apply and be accepted to the program. Victim advocates, mental health professionals, teachers, and parents/guardians are all eligible to nominate any number of children so long as they think the camper is a good fit for the program. Please complete and submit the nomination form by clicking the link below. If the child(ren) you nominate are accepted, you will receive a confirmation via email along with instructions on how to complete their registration.

Camp Opportunity Information

Ages: 8-17

Program Description: Camp Opportunity is a scholarship-based week-long overnight camp for youth, ages 8-17, who are refugees or whose parents are refugees. During their week at camp, campers will have the opportunity to experience all summer camp has to offer including swimming, sports and games, crafts, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and much more!

Cost: $25/session

Program Dates:
June 9-15, 2019

Registration Process: Because this program is funded through a grant that almost entirely covers the cost of attendance, all campers must apply and be accepted to the program. Please complete and submit the nomination form by clicking the link below. If the child(ren) you nominate are accepted, you will receive a confirmation via email along with instructions on how to complete their registration.

Herman’s Ranch Information & Pricing

Grades: 4-12

Program Description: If horses are your passion, then Herman’s Ranch is the perfect camp experience. Spend the morning at the barn and the afternoon participating in traditional camp activities. Campers spend each day in English style riding lessons honing riding skills and learning horse science. Campers are assigned horses and instruction with our qualified staff based on riding level. Beginners to advanced riders are welcome!

While Herman’s Campers spend the majority of their time exploring the equine world, they will also participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, doing crafts, sleeping in cabins and playing in all camp games.

Cost: $575/week

2019 Herman’s Ranch Themes & Descriptions

June 9-15, 2019: Wild Waters – Pack your swimsuit and make a splash as we put water into everything we do! We’ll have water balloons, slip-and-slides, swimming, canoeing and much more as we embrace everything water this week!

July 7-13, 2019: Fantastic Adventures – This week we transport our campers and staff into the world of wizards, witches, and magic! Get sorted into a house, practice spells, play Quidditch, and learn about potions and herbology! Experience camp in a brand new, magical way! *Optional Saturday Overnight ($70) for campers attending this week’s and next week’s session back-to-back

July 14-20, 2019: Keew Sdrawkcab (Backwards Week)! – Join us as we flip resident camp on its head for a week of wacky fun! We will be reversing the schedules, eating breakfast for dinner, swimming at night,  making kids the counselors, and much more! Campers 12 and older also have the option of transitioning to a completely reversed schedule by staying up later each night (and sleeping in later each day) to experience midnight hikes, star-gazing, glow-in-the-dark games, and more! *Optional Saturday Overnight ($70) for campers attending this week’s and next week’s session back-to-back

July 21-27, 2019: Summer Camp Cup – It’s Green versus White in this week long camp competition. Campers and counselors will join together to compete in all areas of camp. Whether you are an athletic type, an artist, a lover of nature, or all of these, Hantesa’s Summer Camp Cup provides everyone with an opportunity to experience growth through teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and camp spirit. *Optional Saturday Overnight ($70) for campers attending this week’s and next week’s session back-to-back

July 28-August 3, 2019: WoHa Week – We welcome you to Hantesa, we’re mighty glad you’re here!” WoHa Week features long time Hantesa traditions, some dating back to our founding in 1919. Learn camp stories, sing traditional camp songs, participate in a wide variety of camp crafts, old and new. Come learn our traditions and make memories of your own!

Backpacking Outpost Information & Pricing

Grades: 7-12

Program Description: Immerse yourself in the outdoors this week as we hike through the backcountry of the midwest! Spend a week traveling and camping with our staff, all while learning about backpacking, nature, and outdoor living!

Cost: $410

Program Dates:
June 16-22, 2019

Equestrian Outpost Information & Pricing

Grades: 7-12

Program Description: If you love horses and camping, then this is a trip you won’t want to miss! Spend a week trail riding and camping at Brushy Creek Recreation Area with our amazing staff! Campers will learn about caring for horses in the backcountry, cook over a fire, sleep under the stars, and become fully immersed in nature this week!

Cost: $550

Program Dates:
August 4-10, 2019

Leadership Challenge/Buckaroo Program Information & Pricing

Grades: 9-10

Program Description: During this two- week overnight program, campers begin to define themselves as leaders at camp and in life. Activities include team challenges, studying mentoring styles, developing citizenship through service learning, and interacting as role models with younger campers. Buckaroos spend half their time at Herman’s ranch and the barn, developing their teaching abilities and horse knowledge, as well as increasing their own riding skills. ​

Cost: $600

Program Dates:
June 16-29, 2019

Apprentice/Wrangler Program Information & Pricing

Grades: 11-12

Program Description: The Apprentice and Wrangler program at Camp Hantesa is a service-oriented, four-week program that readies high school students for future leadership roles. Typical apprenticeships are two summers in length. This program helps teens develop leadership, communication and program delivery skills. Participants will also live in units to learn directly from our exceptional staff and take a week-long outpost trip. Wranglers also spend part of their time at the barn and conduct their live-ins at Herman’s Ranch. *Optional Saturday Overnights ($70 each) offered on 7/13/2019, 7/20/2019, 7/27/2019

Please note that all first year Apprentices/Wranglers must complete and return an application for the program before attending. You may still register before submitting your application. If any participants are not accepted, they will receive a full refund of their deposit. The application for the Apprentice/Wrangler program can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

Apprentice/Wrangler Application

Cost: $640

Program Dates:
July 7-August 3​, 2019

Big KYDs Camp Information & Pricing

Ages: 21+

Program Description: Hantesa Alumni are invited to join us at camp this week to ‘keep young dreams’ and experience all that Hantesa has to offer! Lounge in the pool, cook-out over a fire, sing songs, visit with old friends, and enjoy a week away from it all, here at camp!

Cost: Full Week: $510 with meals, $370 without meals

Just coming for a few days or just for the day? RSVP to alana@campfireiowa.org by Monday July 22, 2019.
Overnight: $70.00/night (includes two meals) – There will not be unlimited spots for overnighters, so reserve your spot ASAP!
Meals: $10.00/meal (if only visiting for a day)

All alumni are welcome to come and visit the Big KYDs at camp at no cost – just make sure you check in at the office when you arrive! If you plan to stay overnight or eat in the dining hall please see additional fees above.

Program Dates:
WoHa Week: July 28-August 3, 2019