Summer Day Camp

About

Summer Day Camp provides an exciting experience for youth going into Kindergarten 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, proven to help reduce summer learning loss. All campers will need to bring a sack lunch. If desired, campers can also bring additional snacks.

Pick up & Drop off Times

Drop-Off: 7:30 – 8:15 AM (may vary slightly by location)
Pick-Up: 4:30 – 5:30 PM (may vary slightly by location)

Ages Served

Kids entering K-5 and 6-8, with camp options by grade to provide age-appropriate activities and/or specialty sessions.

Pricing

*Tier A: $15.00 deposit, full cost dependent on income
Tier B: $230-$295.00
Tier C: $265-$340.00
Tier D: $285-$370.00
*Proof of Eligibility Required

Locations

  • Camp Canwita
    2807 Duff Ave
    Ames, IA 50010

    This location hosts three day camp program options, depending on the grade the camper is entering in the fall:

    • Canwita Day Camp (K-5)

    • Canwita Outrageous (6-8)

    • Junior Apprentice (9-10)

  • Camp Hantesa
    1450 Oriole Road
    Boone, IA 50036

    This location hosts three day camp program options, depending on the grade the camper is entering in the fall:

    • Hantesa Day Camp (K-5)

    • Hantesa Outrageous (6-8)

    • Junior Apprentice (9-10)

    Drop-Off Locations & Pick-Up Locations:

    • Tower Park, 4900 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310

    • Glenbrooke Park, 2803 SW Glenbrooke Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023

    • Camp Canwita, 2807 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010

    • McHose Park, 1215 Francis Mason Dr, Boone, IA 50036

  • West Des Moines United Methodist Church
    720 Grand Avenue
    West Des Moines, IA 50265

    This location hosts three day camp program options, depending on the grade the camper is entering in the fall:

    • Adventure Day Camp (K-5)

    • Des Moines Outrageous (6-8)

    • Junior Apprentice (9-10)

  • 2026 Location TBD - 2025 camp was located at Hillis Elementary School.

    This location will host two day camp program options, depending on the grade the camper is entering in the fall:

    • Discovery Day Camp (K-5)

    • Junior Apprentice (9-10)

Resources & Forms

2026 Themes - Ames/DSM/WDM Camps
2026 Themes - Hantesa
Register