Programs

Day Camps

Summer is a time for fun for school aged kids.  We make it even more exciting for those families that need quality, affordable alternatives for their children.  We have a variety of locations, themes and options for the youth and their parents.  Our programs are flexible, whether your family would like to join us for a week or the entire summer, we work on your schedule.  Our camps are located in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Boone and Ames, with convenient pick up sites in Ankeny and Madrid. Learn more...

School Day Off Hantesa Day Camps

Many families struggle with the times that their school aged children are out of school for a day or two or even at winter and spring break time.  These youth are too old for day care, but too young to stay home alone, and they get bored easily.  Camp Fire has the solution.  During these breaks, we provide an age appropriate outdoor program designed for families busy work schedules.  Find out more. Learn more...

School Based

Camp Fire works with area schools to provide kindergarten classes with the “Safe and Sure” programs helping to give our kids confidence at home and in school.  Middle School programs designed to help with the transition to high school are also a part of our school based programs. Camp Fire currently partners with elementary schools in Prairie City and Pleasantville to provide before- and after-school programs for  youth, as well as Pre-School wraparound. School-Based Programs offer young people opportunities to develop the skills and motivation they need to achieve milestones such as high school graduation, higher education, meaningful employment, and active involvement in their communities. Learn more...

Camp Hantesa

In addition to our great summer programs that include overnight and day camping experiences, Camp Hantesa offers a variety of programs throughout the year for schools, groups and organizations.  Programs for families include parent/Youth Overnights, Saturdays at the Ranch and Riding Lessons, Winter and Spring Break Camps, School Day Off Programs, and much more.  Find out more about these programs at Camp Hantesa. Learn more...

Clubs

With a variety of Club Programs, Camp Fire is bringing youth development directly to communities all around Central Iowa. This program serves kids of all ages and all economic backgrounds, and gets them involved in service learning projects and group activities with parents and caring adult leaders. Learn more...

Adventure Learning

Camp Fire provides adventure opportunities for children, teens, and adults! Activities include our climbing tower, camping, ropes course, canoeing, kayaking and teambuilding games. Enroll in our specially designed Adventure Leadership program, or custom design an excursion and create your own adventure! Learn more...

Overnight Camp (Camp Hantesa)

Thousands of local boys and girls have been to Camp Hantesa in its 90 year history. This revered Iowa institution offers a variety of traditional summer camp activities on 160+ beautiful acres river valley on the banks of the Des Moines River right next to Ledges State Park. Find out more about Camp Hantesa, enroll for summer camp, and learn about rental opportunities. Learn more...

Teen Leadership

Camp Fire has a rich history of working with youth to provide quality leadership development programs and opportunities to support our community’s greatest asset: our young people. Our range of Teen Leadership programs work to engage teens across four key areas: adventure programming, service-learning, leadership development, and youth opportunities. Learn more...