The 2020 Iowa United Methodist Camp registration is now open and our programming has been developed to offer a summer of friendships, faith building at Lake Okoboji and Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Centers.
Lake Okoboji Camp
Located just off the shores of West Lake Okoboji, generations of campers have enjoyed afternoons at the Lake and evenings around the campfire. Onsite activities include archery, high ropes, go-karts, disc-golf, mountain boarding, canoeing, and so much more. At Lake Okoboji Camp, Christ is shared through song, word, worship, and example by caring staff members.
Week-long campers ages 9-17 can experience our famous Adventure Camps, the biggest and best way to experience camp. Adventure Campers take part in the exciting Okoboji Journey Program each full day of camp. If you’re looking for a little something extra make sure to check out the Adventure Camp Upgrades (Camp Creations, Go-Karts, Amusement Park, Teen Week, Horses, and Aerial Adventure Course) that allow you to take your camping experience to the next level.
Six- to nine-year-olds campers can experience our Short Stacks camp. With two action-packed days and nights filled with classic camp activities. Lil’ Explorers Day Camp is perfect for four- to six-year-olds where they can enjoy a fun-filled day of activities and faith development.
You’ll find opportunities for the entire family at Lake Okoboji, too! Our Guardian & Angel overnights are a long-standing and ever popular choice for the youngest campers to experience Okoboji with a special adult Guardian. The Okoboji Family Camp is for families of all ages and sizes. Take time with the family for an exciting two-night adventure that is sure to create memories for a lifetime!
Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center
Located just south of Des Moines, Wesley Woods is located on 344 acres of rolling hills and woodland. Campers at Wesley Woods are given opportunities to step out of their physical and spiritual comfort zones, connect with peers and role models, and gain self-confidence and an appreciation of who God made them to be. Whether it’s during Bible Study, meal times, or going down the zip line, the Wesley Woods staff’s number one priority is camper’s physical and mental wellbeing. Wesley Woods is a place where faith is grown and true community is formed.
There are opportunities for campers of all ages to join in the fun. Our youngest campers can bring an adult for a fun 24 hours at Fireflies First Flight. Our Mini Summer Adventure camps are perfect for our six- to nine-year-old friends. Older campers can choose a full week Summer Adventure with a menu of upgrades to pick from if they’d like to add to their adventure, or they can sign up for one of our Outpost Camps!
Summer Adventure campers stay inpost, sleep in air conditioned lodging, and eat all meals in the dining hall. Summer Adventure campers will participate in large group worship, daily Bible studies, swim in the pond and pool, choose from Journey activities, large group evening activities, make S’mores, and so much more. Summer Adventure campers have the option to register for an upgrade such as Splash Zone or Let’s Ride. We also offer camps for Exceptional Persons, Grandparent/Grandchild, and Horse Camps.
Outpost campers cook breakfast and dinner over a fire and stay in one of our rustic campsites, such as the farm barn or yurts. Our Outpost campers join our campers staying inpost for lunch in the dining hall. Outpost campers participate in large group worship, daily Bible studies, swim in the pond and pool, make S’mores, take a trail ride, and so much more.
Iowa United Methodist Camps offer many different activities at each of our sites, and we know you’ll have the best week ever with our caring staff to guide you. Every youth and adult can find something that they’ll enjoy.
We understand the impact that camp can have on your family and want to be a part of an experience that will last a lifetime. Both of our sites are accredited members of the American Camp Association, so you can rest easy knowing that safety is our top priority.
When asked what message she would like to share with the Iowa United Methodist churches, members and friends, Shannon Bardole-Foley, camp registrar said, "It's been four months since summer camp ended. We miss it. We hope you miss it, too. But good news — registration for summer 2020 is now open!"
Visit our website (https://www.iaumc.org/camps) to view the catalog and register online. Or if you love flipping through that hard copy catalog, email the Camps office for a copy – camps@iaumc.org.
Come join us this summer for an Adventure of a Lifetime. We can’t wait to see you.