Iowa 4-H Center free open house events are set for April and June

AMES, Iowa -- Kids and families who are looking for summer camp opportunities should try the Iowa 4-H Center. Free open house events are set for April and June.
“Join us for a wagon tour of camp, and try out the climbing tower and zip line. You also can enjoy a hot dog roast and s’mores before a campfire program with the camp staff in our 250-person capacity Pinecone Amphitheater,” said camp program specialist Traci Haselhuhn.
The open house events are April 19 and 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. and June 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Haselhuhn said to RSVP to (515) 795-3338 by the Saturday prior to each open house. The Iowa 4-H Center is located on 1,100 acres along the Des Moines River near Madrid, Iowa, just off highway E-57.
The open houses include time for kids and families to meet the cabin counselors and camp directors and ask questions about day camps, overnight camps and the overall camp experience, Haselhuhn said.
“Young day campers can become familiar with the camp and the staff before they arrive for their first day of camp. This helps alleviate ‘first day’ homesickness,” Haselhuhn said. “Parents get a chance to see where their day campers will be all day long. Since we provide transportation to and from day camp, this may be the only chance for parents to actually visit the camp.”
Returning overnight campers and camp alumni can share their love of camp with their families. New campers get to check out the camp and staff and learn their way around, she said.
“Even if you can’t fit camp into your summer schedule, come to an open house to see what the 4-H Center is like,” Haselhuhn said. Those who cannot attend an open house but who would like a tour of the camp facilities or program areas should call the camp office at (515) 795-3338 to schedule a visit.
The Iowa 4-H Center offers age-appropriate activities to help youth master skills in a wide variety of interests, including a climbing wall, high ropes, zip lines, a team challenge course, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, creek walks, outdoor cooking and camping skills, GPS, nature exploration, fishing, archery, air rifles, arts and crafts, drama, and sports. Campers can choose to focus their time on one topic or try a little bit of everything the camp offers.
The 2009 camp brochure and registration information are available on the Web at www.iowa4hcamp.com.
“You can register online or you can download and print a paper registration form to register via U.S. mail or fax,” Haselhuhn said.
The Iowa 4-H Center is a retreat center owned by the Iowa 4-H Foundation and operated in conjunction with the Iowa 4-H Program, Iowa State University and ISU Extension. The Iowa 4-H Center is fully accredited by the American Camping Association.
-30-Contacts :Traci Haselhuhn, Iowa 4-H Center, (515) 795-3338, tracidh@iastate.edu