Skip to content

Trending Today

These popular topics are heating up. Explore today's most viewed pages.

Real Estate Search

County Alerts

There are no alerts at this time. To be notified when alerts are added to the Pottawattamie County website, subscribe to our notifications.

Survive the Wild Outdoor Adventure

Member registration opens on January 15th. Not a member? Join us today!

General registration opens on February 2nd. 

Get ready to go off-grid and discover your inner strength and self-reliance as we hit the trails for some next-level hiking into the back country. Sharpen your survival skills and experience the hidden wonders of Hitchcock Nature Center under the stars on this unforgettable overnight adventure, June 2nd and 3rd.

Participants arrive at Hitchcock Nature Center at 8:00 a.m. to learn the basics of back-country backpacking before hitting the trails for a day of hiking and setting up for our overnight camping experience. This overnight adventure will conclude at 10:00 a.m. on the next day. 

  • What: Survive the Wild is designed for high school aged youth. 
  • Where: The camp will be held at Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA
  • When: 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2nd to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3rd. 
  • Pricing: The cost for this two-day experience is $75.00 per youth and includes both days of activities, supplies, & overnight camping needs.
  • Program may be attended by students in the listed grades only. No additional students or parents, please.
  • Participants will need to provide:
    • A sack lunch for the first day 
    • A refillable water bottle
    • Sturdy hiking shoes
    • Sunblock
    • Insect repellent
    • For the overnight stay: a sleeping bag and change of clothes.
  • Tents, outdoor gear & other meals during the overnight stay will be provided. 

Thursday & Friday, June 4th & 5th will be a backup rain dates.

Survive the Wild Expectations

 

About Summer Nature Camps:

Join us in the great outdoors during Pottawattamie Conservation's Summer Nature Camps! Camps are offered for youth Pre-K through high school and are designed to get kids outside exploring, building new skills, and having fun all while cultivating a healthy connection to the natural world.

Summer camp 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.

Registration confirmation and event details, including important updates in the event of weather or other circumstances, will be sent to the email address entered when registering. Make sure to check junk/spam folders. Pottawattamie Conservation is not responsible for missed emails.

2026 programming is sponsored by the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation.

The 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.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 to
Wednesday, June 3, 2026

8:00am

Hitchcock Nature Center
27792 Ski Hill Loop
Honey Creek, Iowa 51542

Ages
High school

Cost
$75 per person

Registration Dates
Member Registration: Now Open!
Sign In
Registration Opens: February 2

Become a Member

Members can register now! Join the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation to gain access.

Join Today

Map to Event

227 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 328-5600
© 2026 Pottawattamie County, Iowa | Website Privacy, Legal, & Linking Policy