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Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education and Adventure Learning
The Hantesa staff work closely with teachers, church groups, sports teams, and other organizations to build a custom curriculum which builds communication, trust, leadership and other life skills that are vital in the success of society. Program, group and individual goals are an essential aspect of our adventure education as well as self-confidence, personal/group challenge and teamwork. The ultimate focus of our programming is to provide valuable lessons that will enhance your success in the classroom, workplace, and in everyday life. Our goal is to challenge and inspire personal and team growth in a fun and educational manner. With many options to choose from we can work to build a program that fits your time and budget along with a wide variety of cabins and facilities for a rustic or more pampered experience. We also offer meal options for your group.
Adventure
High Ropes Confidence Course-High Ropes Confidence Course presents a controlled environment to explore personal aspects of challenge, goal setting, confidence and achievement. The High Confidence Course has 7 elements that take place approximately 25 feet above ground. Enter the course through a tube ladder and complete the Burma Bridge, Postman's Walk, Catwalk, Multi-Vine, and Criss-Cross before exiting from the Zip Line. While this activity has a high degree of individual challenge, each participant will work with their group to execute each element they choose and safely complete challenges. (Recommended for 6th grade and above.)
Leap-of-Faith- The leap-of-faith can be utilized as an activity by itself or in addition to the High Confidence Course. 
The Leap-of-Faith contains a 20ft pole climb and "leap" towards an individual challenge. This is commonly our most mentally challenging activity. (Recommended for 7th grade and above.)
Climbing and Rappelling-Rock Climbing and Rappelling offer a wide range of options for Adventure Learning groups. Groups and individuals can easily explore individual challenges and group dynamics though Hantesa's 3-sided Climbing Tower. Two sides boast four distinct climbing options (of varying technical difficulty) to utilize our 32-foot tower. The third side offers the option to learn and practice basic rappelling techniques on 15ft and 32ft options. (Recommended for 3rd grade and above. Rappelling for 5th grade and above.)
Bouldering Hut- Groups can also utilize our "Bouldering Hut', a 3-sided structure with over 50 handholds to learn the basics of climbing and "spotting". (No age recommendations)
Teambuilding
Group Initiatives- Our trained facilitator's lead ground-based activities to face mental and physical challenges, based on the progress and age of your group. These activities are designed to stretch imaginations and encourage solutions. We create an atmosphere that allows each student to assume different roles and use a variety of positive communication techniques.
Low Ropes Course-Facilitators guide groups though a series of physical and metal team challenges designed to enhance a group's ability to work together. Group members are challenged to work together, communicate, and trust each other to accomplish the initiative. This effort leads to greater trust, togetherness, involvement, increased self-concept, and a broader understanding of each other's needs and abilities; this helps make a successful team. A discussion, or "processing", follows each activity that gives insight into leadership skills, decision making, and group dynamics. On site challenges may include elements that use wooden platforms, heavy-duty cable, rope, and/or stationary wooden beans and mobile options can be brought to you! (Recommended for 3rd grade and above.)
Orienteering- Learn how to find your way through the forest using only a map and a compass. This activity also provides the opportunity for students to work within a team atmosphere to accomplish a goal.
Horseback Riding
Herman’s Ranch- Camp Hantesa uses an established herd of horses that are on-site year round. The horses vary in size and ability to accommodate a variety of riding levels. Certified riding staff are trained through the Association of American Horsemanship Safety clinics and follow lesson programs developed from the Secure Seat Method which was designed to minimize the risk to the rider and to quickly and effectively establish a balanced seat. Students will learn basics of riding, a balanced seat and control of the horse, such as start, stop, and steer and learn the nature of a horse.
Environmental
Aquatic Ecology- Students will develop on their classroom discussions of the natural water cycle with hands on experiences. Learn how pollution affects the water cycle and local aquatic animal life. Explore what creatures are in our local streams.
Forest Ecology- Students will learn their own basic needs for food, water and shelter as well as the life around, including trees and wildlife. Learn the importance of the forest for shelter and food for animals. Students will also learn how to identify damage and stress to our local forests and learn how to improve it.
Wildlife Experience- Take a hike through the Hantesa forest and discover the rich habitat of local birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Learn how to identify trees using all your senses.
Bird Exploration- Iowa is home to a wide range of birds because of its open space and diversity of habitat. More than 200 birds have been reported in the Des Moines River Valley. Students will learn strategies to identify local birds while searching the land using binoculars. They will also learn differences in bird behaviors based on their need for shelter, food and water.
Cultural History
Rocho’s Cabin- Students travels back in time to the early 1900’s and compare life then and now. It gives students a chance to relate their lives now to what times would have been long ago. While learning some of the skills and jobs that would have been expected of them on a journey across the United States, they will also get hands-on experiences, such as butter making in a churn, biscuit making on a wood stove, candle and soap making, and rag dolls.
Art
Drama- Students will learn how to use their creative skills such as making puppets, developing/writing stories, learning mime and movement and directing.
Hand Arts- Learn skills including copper tooling, lapidary,bead work, leather arts and several more.
Photography- Develop skills in digital technology.
Lapidary – Cut and polish a stone and make a piece of jewelry or keychain, using our lapidary grinding wheels.
Physical Education
Canoeing and Kayaking-Explore wildlife on a trip down the Des Moines River or at nearby lakes. Develop skills in paddling, team growth and communication.
Archery-Students will learn the history, physical, emotional and social benefits in the sport of archery. In addition safety strategies, skills and archery techniques to participate in and enjoy archery will also be addressed.
Riflery- Students will learn proper gun handling, gun safety and marksmanship in a controlled and safe environment.
Sports and Games – Play soccer, baseball or any sport in our large field or enjoy sledding in the winter down our HUGE sledding hill!
For more information, please call Camp Hantesa at (515) 432-1417. For additional pictures, check out our photo gallery.
