Camp Fire Heart Of Iowa

Camp Fire is an inclusive youth development organization founded with the intention of connecting kids with nature and helping them develop the skills needed for a happy, healthy life now and into the future.

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.

Camp Fire Heart of Iowa serves youth ages 5-18 and their families. We offer a variety of youth and family programs including Community Clubs, Out-of-School Time Programs, Day and Overnight Camps, and Teen Leadership Development. Camp Fire Heart of Iowa serves approximately 3000 youth per year. 

Most youth organizations talk about preparing kids for the future or future leadership positions. We believe kids and teens are leaders now. They don’t need to wait for the future to shape the world. We help youth be the best 7-year-old they can be, or the best 17-year-old. We guide kids and teens of all ages to boost their confidence and unlock their potential so they can thrive—where they are now. 

Thrive{ology} is our research-based approach to teaching every kid or teen how to be a better friend, student, son, daughter, member of society, sister, brother…today. Thrive{ology} is woven into every program we offer and teaches youth to identify sparks, develop a growth mindset, learn goal management, and take time to reflect.