Programs

We offer a multitude of programs to compliment your stay.  Whether you are looking for a relaxing float down the Des Moines River or an afternoon of teambuilding on our ropes course we have something to match every goal of your program.

Communities  Climbing Tower  Zip Line  Archery  Canoeing Low Ropes  High Ropes  Horseback Riding  Fishing 

Other Classes

 

Communities

Problem solving, risk taking, cooperating, failing and succeeding are all words that adults know are key to being successful as an employee, family member, and person. The communities class uses fun and challenging games to demonstrate the power of working together. Participants move out of their comfort zone and into dealing with the processes of taking risks and changing behavior. The major concepts are cooperation, communication, trust, and compromise.

Climbing Tower

Conquer the 40-foot climbing wall that towers above Y Camp. Choose a different route each time you climb to challenge yourself. The climbing tower features three different levels of difficulty, from the half wall for beginners up to the advanced wall with vertical obstacles to make your climb a real challenge.

Zip Line

Challenge your comfort level and test your courage. Zip across the athletic field and enjoy the rush!

Archery

Learn the lost art of archery. Basic level lessons will teach the techniques and skills necessary to get you ready to start shooting bows and arrows like a professional.

Canoeing

Receive expert instruction on canoe safety and paddle instruction on Y Camp’s own pond. This is a great opportunity for beginners to learn new skills or enjoy an easy recreational paddle. River trips can be planned for more advanced participants.

Low Ropes

Team building starts at ground level. Groups develop skills in communication, goal setting, and encouragement with activities designed to focus on specific team attributes. The ropes course is a 3 hour program.

High Ropes

The high ropes course is a system of cables and ropes suspended 35 feet in the air to create a greater challenge for participants. Goal setting, encouragement and self-esteem are key factors of the program. 

Horseback Riding

Learn the basics of riding a horse while being able to enjoy the beautiful outdoors Y Camp has to offer. A small group of 12-15 can experience a trail ride along the Des Moines River at one time. Ages 8 and younger may enjoy pony rides. Available seasonally April-October.

Fishing

Try your luck at our stocked fishing pond.  All tackle provided or bring your own.  No license needed.

We also offer the following classes:

  • Discovery Hike: Students awaken their curiosity and explore the natural world with their own hands. Key concepts discussed include adaptations, changes and relationships. 
  • Birds: This class gives students the tools to continue learning about the outdoors. Books and binoculars help students see birds in their natural environment. A live, crippled red-tailed hawk is used to discuss ethics. 
  • Stream Ecology: Students explore a stream with nets to discover the variety of insects that live there. Individual insects are studied to learn about diversity and water quality. 
  • Habitats: What do all animals, including humans, need to survive? We will look at three distinct Iowa habitats and learn about the animals that do (and did) call this place home. 
  • Making Sense of Nature: This class challenges students' perceptions of the natural world by challenging the way they see, hear, feel, smell, and even taste a natural area. A blind walk and creative writing crystallize the experience into something tangible. 
  • Survival: Winter Survival Techniques: Not only will students learn real survival techniques, such as building a debris hut, this class can be used to stimulate creative writing, practice cooperation and explore new roles. 
  • Big Owls Hoot, Little Owls Toot: This entertaining and eye-opening program introduces students to the beautiful and mysterious birds that occupy the night sky. Students will have an opportunity to see a live owl, learn different owl calls and learn about the conservation of these fantastic animals. 
  • Night Hike: Skilled naturalists lead students through the darkness as they explore their senses, view the night sky and listen for nocturnal creatures. Your students' perception of the dark will never be the same. 
  • Soil: Exploring the pedosphere has never been so much fun.  Students will learn about soil horizons, infiltration, percolation, and much more as they discover the life beneath their feet.  Topics of discussion include the carbon and nitrogen cycles, soil compaction, and sustainable farming practices.