Best Iowa Travel Camps Summer 2025 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: We have over 25 cabins. The crown jewel of the cabin is the beautiful Clayton Lodge. Camp Hantesa also features a ropes course and climbing wall, an equestrian program featuring 14 horses, 2 riding arenas, and abundant pasture land. We also have a swimming pool with a zero entry section for those not as comfortable in the water.

We are proud of our multiple hiking trails, our archery and riflery ranges, our arts center, our drama building, our star observation deck, and our two science and nature centers. We also have the capabilities of hosting groups for conferences, team building retreats, overnight stays, and weddings.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We are an American Camp Association accredited camp.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We have a 2 week leadership council program for 9th and 10th graders. We also offer a 4 week apprentice program for 11th and 12th graders.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We offer need-based scholarships.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Camp

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: We have day camps all 12 months of the year, we also have overnight options in October, December, January, and March.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We have several day camp and sleep-away options for youth grades 1-12, including equestrian day and overnight camp options. Please see our website for more information, at Our Camp Website Link: www.hantesa.com

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Wego is fully committed to developing life and social skills for individuals with special needs ages 14 and up. We believe that our travel trips are a great way to experience independence, improve social skills, and increase self-esteem in a secure, safe and also an exciting environment. Our primary goals are to help travelers build self-esteem, develop better social skills and self-expression, make and maintain friendships, improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and sensory integration.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Wego travels year around.

OTHER CAMP INFO: No Financial aid offered.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Most trips cost $1000 and up

For complete info visit Our Camp Website Link: www.campwego.com

CAMP FACILITIES: Camp Courageous has a lodge, nature center, barn, 3 large cabins, gym, office, nursing area, 3 staff dorms, arts and crafts building, 2 indoor pools, a lake, 1 pavilion, 8 staff houses, 200 new acres to be remodeled.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care program for children and adults with disabilities. Campers with intellectual & physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, autism, brain injuries and other distinct groups are served.

Campers choose from traditional camp activities as well as many adventure activities such as high and low ropes courses and caving.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Campership funds are available for those that need assistance.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Winter week long program for adultes. Spring school camping program. Summer week long program for children, youth and adults. Fall weeklong program for adults. 23 Respite care weekends each year. 23 trips both weekend and weeklong each year.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Summer: May 17- August 14, 2020

Respite: First full weekend of every month

Travel: Vary

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Camp Courageous is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides year-round recreational and respite care for individuals with a variety of disabilities/ability levels. Our campers served come from nursing homes, group homes, and independent/single homes, many with mild, moderate, and profound intellectual and physical disabilities. At camp we hope to inspire a world where individuals with special needs are empowered with courage, to look beyond their current capabilities and explore the world with confidence.

As a camp counselor you will be responsible for the care of these individuals, whether it be with personal care, eating, adapting activities to their ability levels, and overall providing them with an exceptional vacation from their usual routines.
Working with children and adults with different ability levels can often come with some challenges but they come with even greater results. Campers may require additional assistance with personal care including feeding, dressing, and bathroom needs, and others may require behavioral redirection. The hours required are long but by the end of the week you have made many best friends. Many campers are unable to acquire these unique experiences except at camp, so even with these additional needs, you are able to experience the special moments in these individual’s lives.

Volunteer, internships, and paid positions are all available. Volunteers and Interns can receive an optional stipend of $50.00/week plus room and board. Paid counselors and activity specialists receive the best employment package around with a base pay of $490/week with possible additions, and room and board being provided, which includes air-conditioned staff dormitories affording the staff separate living quarters from the campers. (Staff do share nightly cabin duty on a rotating basis.) Other benefits include a health insurance plan and one week of paid vacation for year-round staff. Camp provides a bonus for returning seasonal summer staff and a monetary incentive for recruiting additional summer staff. Candidates for year- round positions must have experience working with individuals of varying ability levels. Seasonal positions are for one or more season.

YR-ROUND: Starts the first day of the season requiring a one year commitment.
SUMMER: May 17- August 14, 2020
POSITIONS: Respite Care Weekends Counselors, $/hour. Adventure Specialist/ Recreation Specialist/ Canoeing Specialist/ Outdoor Living Skills/ Music Specialist/ Kitchen Staff/ Health Staff Assistant/ Crafts Specialist/ Seasonal Counselors

For more information:
Program:
Amy Kurth : akurth[AT]campcourageous.org
Nursing: Sharon Roller: sharon[AT]campcourageous.org
Dietary: Julie O'Connor: julie[AT]campcourageous.org
Non-smokers please.

Feel free to apply online by accessing the camp’s Web site at Our Camp Website Link: campcourageous.org

CAMP FACILITIES: 120 Beds, Heated and Air Conditioned Cabins and Lodge, Dining Hall, Yurts, 7 Outdoor Chapels, Natural Rock Bluffs for Climbing, a variety of Hiking Trails, Campground with spots for RV and tent camping. (Check out our website for pictures)

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Pictured Rocks is an ACA camp and our goal is to provide intentional summer programs and year round support for any individual or group looking to have a unique and meaningful experience. Campers will encounter a staff dedicated to creating the best possible experience. Our summer programs balance a number of growth areas including; faith, community, confidence, leadership, and of course fun. At camp each person matters, is accepted, and has something to contribute.

Our staff take safety (emotional, physical, spiritual) very seriously and each of our staff members receive intensive and continual training throughout the summer to ensure that every camper is cared for and leaves knowing they are more than just a number to us.

Please see our website for more information on specific programs.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership program.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family camp.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
We have a variety camps for all ages, including family camps. Please see our website for more detailed information.