A week-long adventure takes place in four great locations throughout Dubuque. Fun-filled activities include the Four Mounds Challenge Ropes Course, canoeing on Catfish Creek at Mines of Spain, ecosystem adventures at Swiss Valley Nature Center and the EB Lyons Interpretive Center. Campers will also enjoy swimming, creek-stomping, hiking, team building exercises, arts and crafts, and games.
Camp Details:
Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an option of before- and after-care extending hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children are required to bring a sack lunch. All other supplies and safety equipment are provided by the camp, including life vests. Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations at Fulton School and Allison-Henderson Park. We maintain a high staff to camper ratio of at least one staffer for every five campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the camp cost?
$180 per camper
Do I qualify for the $125 Family Scholarship Program?
The City of Dubuque Leisure Services Scholarship is a $125 household credit which can be used for program registration, pavilion rentals, and other services provided through the Leisure Services department. Scholarship applications are available online or by emailing parkrec@cityofdubuque.org. Fully completed applications will only be accepted via email or dropped off at the leisure Services office. Only one application per family. To find out if you qualify for the Family Scholarship Program, go to the Recreation Division page on the City of Dubuque’s website.
What ages can attend?
Children ages 7 through 13 can attend.
How many weeks can I sign my child up for?
Each child may only register for 1 week.
How many campers will be attending each week?
The camp is limited to 25 campers each week.
What if there is a rain date? Will it be made up?
Unfortunately, due to limited staff and time, we are unable to schedule make up days. But we make lots of changes during the camp day and the schedule to prevent cancellations.
When and how can I sign my camper up?
Registration is to be determined. Visit www.cityofdubuque.org/recreation to register online with a Mastercard or Visa. Other registration options include: In-person at the Leisure Services office located at the Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Ave., open Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 6 pm and Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Or you can download a registration form at www.cityofdubuque.org/recreation and mail it to the Leisure Services office, place it in an after hours drop box at MFC or Bunker Hill Clubhouse, or email it to parkrec@cityofdubuque.org.
What if I have additional questions about Adventure Day Camp? Who should I contact?
Please contact:
Becky Bodish
563-557-7292
becky@fourmounds.org
2023 Important Dates:
- April 28: Registration opens at Recreation Division | Dubuque, IA – Official Website (cityofdubuque.org)
- June 12 – 16, 2023: Week of camp for 7-9 years
- June 19 – 23, 2023: Week of camp for 9-11 years
- June 26 – 29, 2023: Week of camp for 10-13 years
- July 10 – 14, 2023: Week of camp for 8-10 years
Adventure Day Camp Itinerary
MONDAY: Plants Around Us
Campers begin their day with introductions, expectations, and an overview of the week. Campers will be active participants in identifying and outlining reasonable expectations for the week. Counselors and campers will discuss the two camp rules and what they look like in action. Camp rules are: 1. Have fun safely 2. Be kind.
On Monday, campers learn about plants around us, from the garden to the prairie, through hands-on activities. Campers will create their own nature weaving with plants from the prairie. Campers end the day by participating in a “Counselor’s Choice” activity or craft.
TUESDAY: Midwest Ecosystems
Campers spend the day at Swiss Valley Nature Center. While there, they hike the trails and participate in station activities to learn about macro-invertebrates (crawdads) water ecosystems, exploring nature through their five senses, and the art of cairn for communication (rock stacking). Campers end the day by participating in a “Counselor’s Choice” activity or craft.
WEDNESDAY: Mines of Spain
Campers participate in station activities to learn about animals in the creek, canoe safety & paddling strategy, and Mines of Spain history. After the lesson students spend the day canoeing on Catfish Creek. Campers end the day by participating in a “Counselor’s Choice” activity or craft.
THURSDAY: Pioneer Day and Pioneer Ways
Campers spend the day at the Mines of Spain. They hike and explore treasures of old along the trail such as the root cellar, the wine cellar, lead mines, and the Pine Chapel. They participate in station activities to learn about plants and animals of the area, how to navigate using a compass at the life size compass marker at the John and Alice Butler trailhead, how to make their own compass, make their own pioneer toys to take with them at the end of the day.
FRIDAY: Pushing Boundaries
Campers take part in team building activities on the high ropes course. For many this means overcoming personal limitations and fear of heights, and extreme trust building. Campers participate in parachute games and activities and make a camp memento to take home with them. At the end of the day students take some time to reflect on the week, their learning, and their favorite experiences.