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).

• 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 28th and 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29th through 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 30th.
• Pricing: The cost for this three-day camp is $100.00 per camper and includes both days of activities, supplies, & overnight camping needs. 

*Overnight stay is weather-permitting.

Online pre-registration is required as space is limited. Friday, July 1st will be a backup rain date.

Please note: Camps may be attended by students in the listed grades only. No additional students or parents please. 

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 & additional food during the overnight will be provided. 

Due to COVID-19 the format of this program may be adjusted. Please check back for updates.    

About 2022 Summer Nature Camps:

Join us for a summer of fun during Pottawattamie Conservation's 2022 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. 2022 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.

Related Events

• Into the Wild Outdoor Adventure
  June 24, 2025

Cancellation Policy

• 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%.