Into the Wild Outdoor Adventure

Youth entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grades get a chance to put all their outdoor skills to use during a paddling adventure and an overnight camping stay at Botna Bend Park. Participants arrive at Arrowhead at 8:00 a.m. for a day building canoeing skills & learning water safety. Our second day will start out at 8:00 a.m. at the Eddington Memorial Park in Avoca (location subject to change) where we will embark on a canoeing adventure down the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail to our overnight camp out location at Botna Bend park. Parents can pick up their campers at 11:00 a.m. at Botna Bend Park the next day (location subject to change).

Online pre-registration is required as space is limited. 

• What: Into the Wild is designed for unaccompanied campers entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade (students ages 12 to 14).
• Where: The camp will be held at Arrowhead Park in Neola, IA and Botna Bend Park in Hancock, IA.
• When: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27th and 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 28th through 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 29th.
• Pricing: The cost for this three-day camp is $100.00 per camper and includes both days of activities, supplies, & overnight camping needs.
• Camps may be attended by students in the listed grades only. No additional students or parents, please.
• Please note: The overnight stay is weather-permitting.
• Campers will need to provide:
  • A sack lunch for the first and second day of camp (two lunches total)
  • A refillable water bottle
  • Sunblock
  • Insect repellent
  • For the overnight stay: a sleeping bag and change of clothes.
• Recommended clothing includes a hat, sunglasses, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. 
• Tents, outdoor gear & meals during the overnight stay will be provided. 

Friday, June 30th will be a backup rain date.

About 2023 Summer Nature Camps:

Join us for a summer of fun during Pottawattamie Conservation's 2023 Summer Nature Camps! Camps are offered for youth Pre-K through 9th Grade with a focus on fostering an understanding and appreciation of Iowa's unique environment. Campers will experience traditional summer camp games, outdoor adventures, and skill-building activities during these immersive, hands-on camps. 

2023 programming is sponsored by the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation.

Pottawattamie Conservation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status in its employment, programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Human Resource Director 227 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that processing fees will not be refunded. 

• 14 Days (or More) Notice - 50% Refund
• 13 to 8 Days Notice - 25% Refund
• 7 Days or Less Notice - 0% Refund

To cancel your camp registration please call 712-545-3283 extension 1189 or email environmentaleducation@pottcounty-ia.gov.

*Camps with less than 10 registered campers may be canceled at the discretion of Pottawattamie Conservation. Camps canceled by Pottawattamie Conservation will be refunded 100%, including the processing fee.