Nebowa offers youth camps beginning with First Chance for campers entering grades 1–2 and continuing through camps for high school students. We also offer opportunities for young adults and adults throughout the year.

Grades are based on the grade your camper will be entering in the fall. Visit Camps & Dates to find the camp that fits your camper.

Registration for the 2027 camp season opens January 1, 2027. Until then, visit our Registration page for the latest information.

Most youth camps have Early Bird, Regular, and Late Registration pricing. Early Bird pricing is available through May 31. Regular pricing begins June 1 and continues until 48 hours before the start of camp. Registrations made within 48 hours of camp use the Late Registration price.

Prices vary by camp. Current rates are listed on our Camps & Dates page.

Campers do not need money for their basic camp experience. Meals, activities, and one daily canteen are included.

Families may choose to send optional spending money for things such as the missionary offering.

A 50% refund may be requested until 14 days before the beginning of the camper's scheduled camp.

No refunds are available within 14 days of camp or after a registration has been transferred.

Campers should bring clothing for the length of their stay, sleepwear, bedding or a sleeping bag, a pillow, towels, toiletries, closed-toe shoes, a swimsuit, Bible, reusable water bottle, and a laundry or trash bag for dirty clothes.

Because campers spend plenty of time outdoors, we also recommend sunscreen, insect repellent, and clothing appropriate for the weather.

For a more complete overview of getting ready for camp, visit our Parent Information page.

Campers should leave cell phones, smart watches and other cellular devices, iPods, televisions, radios, handheld gaming devices, knives, guns, pets, and other prohibited items at home.

Food and drinks other than water are also not permitted in the dorms.

Bring all medications in their original containers. Medications are turned over to the Health Officer during check-in and are distributed by the Health Officer while your camper is at camp.

Parents should be prepared to discuss medications and any important health information with the Health Officer at check-in.

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM in the Dining Hall. Families may arrive beginning at 3:30 PM.

During check-in, you'll complete the arrival process, meet with the Health Officer as needed, and then help your camper move into the dorm.

Nebowa uses open dorms rather than assigned cabins, so campers may choose an available bed when they move in.

Every camp is a little different, but a typical day includes worship and Bible teaching, small groups or devotions, meals, recreation, time with other campers, and plenty of fun.

Depending on the camp and schedule, activities may include swimming in the lake, canoeing or kayaking, basketball, volleyball, large-group games, the playground, open recreation, canteen, campfires, and other activities planned by the camp dean.

Visit What to Expect for a closer look at a typical day at Nebowa.

Campers receive three homemade meals each day, along with one daily canteen and a late-night snack before bed.

Food allergies should be included in your camper's health information so camp staff can prepare appropriately.

Campers may not keep cell phones, smart watches, or other cellular-enabled devices with them during camp. Devices brought to Nebowa must be turned in at check-in or taken home by a parent or guardian.

A camper may access a checked-in device only with permission from the camp dean.

If a cellular-enabled device is required for the operation or monitoring of a medical device, it may remain with the camper for that medical purpose. Parents should identify the need in the camper's health information and discuss it with the Health Officer during check-in.

If you need to reach your camper while they are at Nebowa, call the camp at 712-423-3313. Camp staff will help connect you as appropriate.

Yes. Because mail can take several days to arrive, we recommend sending letters well ahead of your camper's week. We do our best to return mail that arrives after a camper has gone home.

Address camper mail to:
Camper Name: Camp
PO Box 222
Onawa, IA 51040

For example: Jane Smith: Junior 1

Campers who are sick or injured are directed to the Health Officer, who oversees health needs during camp.

While we hope emergency medical care is never needed, we're fortunate to have a hospital with an emergency room less than five miles from Camp Nebowa if the need should arise.

Camp staff monitor conditions and adjust activities when necessary. The Chapel is Nebowa's designated storm shelter when campers and staff need to take shelter.

Yes. Campers are required to have their own health coverage while attending Camp Nebowa.

Pickup times vary by camp, so check the information for your camper's specific week. All campers should be picked up within 60 minutes of the scheduled pickup time.

An authorized adult should first sign the camper out and collect any medications in the Dining Hall. The camper can then be picked up at the Chapel, and belongings can be collected from the dorm.

Camp Nebowa is located on Blue Lake just west of Onawa, Iowa. The camp has served churches, families, and campers from Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and the surrounding region for generations.

No. Campers do not need to attend a church to come to Camp Nebowa. We welcome campers from a variety of backgrounds.

Nebowa is a Christian camp, and biblical teaching, worship, prayer, and conversations about following Jesus are an important part of the camp experience. We also believe the local church plays an important role in helping people continue growing in their relationship with Jesus after camp.

Each camp is led by a dean or dean team who plans and oversees the week. Deans work with volunteers serving in roles such as small group leaders, dorm parents, worship, teaching, recreation, health care, kitchen service, and other areas.

Many of the people serving at Nebowa come from churches throughout our region, which helps campers build relationships with Christian adults and leaders beyond their week at camp.

There are opportunities to serve during summer camp as well as through work days and service projects throughout the year. Summer volunteers serve in areas including small groups, dorms, kitchen and meals, worship, teaching, recreation, maintenance, and wherever else help is needed.

Visit Volunteer at Nebowa to learn more about serving and begin the volunteer process.