My daughter started coming to the Y Camp when she was in single digits with Camp Hertko Hollow (for…read morekids with T1D)... A few years ago she started signing up for their LDP program. First VIP then LA and finally CIT. Now at 17 she is employed as a Leader. She's leading younger kids through their overnight, day, and family camp programs. Along with things coming full circle and helping the kids coming in for Camp Hertko Hollow. I'm pretty proud of her. As a parent I've worked with the staff here for over a decade watching my daughter grow up partly under their care... I've watched her build friendships that don't just last a summer... They get together at each other's homes during the school year too...and if that's not possible thanks to technology they still keep in touch one way or another. We live close enough she still comes home now and then after camp breaks on Saturday and returns before it resumes on Sunday. She came home last weekend for a day and brought two car loads of kids with her. I believe they participate in the IENA program... Kind of an exchange program with international and North American camp leaders. I only got to meet a few of them. Two of her friends were from Ireland and one was from the UK. That was different...and fun! All great kids! The facilities are modern and kept up to date with periodic remodels. It's sure not the tent camping I was used to with Scouts. Now don't get me wrong... It's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Things happen with kids... Kids get homesick and some minor accidents etc. come with the territory. The staff here always deals with it well and involves the parents when needed. As a parent it can be kind of hard to let go and start to give your child that freedom... But I trust the staff and I know she's always been in a good place here.

Stayed at the Y Camp for Pollinate Women's Wellness Weekend on Oct. 9-13 and it was lovely. Aside…read morefrom the outstanding programming of the Pollinate organizers, the facilities were amazing. The cabins were cozy and warm, almost all indoor spaces had a fireplace, the bathrooms were clean, the showers had hot water and the staff were friendly and helpful. Although the cold eliminated some water activities, there was still a ton to do. They offered archery, zip lining, guided hikes, climbing walls, horse back riding, sling shotting, arts and crafts, and a hammock farm! The meals were tasty and the dining hall was comfortable. The grounds felt safe and offered views of a creek and the Boone railway. There were plenty of spaces to just relax in nature and while the campgrounds are huge, most of the facilities are easily within a 5 minute walk of each other. I would love to return for family camp, or to send the kids for one of their many summer camp options. If you are looking for a place to host a family reunion, wedding, or event, I recommend checking them out. They have a space for almost any kind of event and their prices are very reasonable.

Camp is one of my favorite places! The staff is amazing and I look forward to seeing them every…read moresummer!

I went to this camp when I was a child, and most of the counselors were good. However, there was a…read morevery dorky counselor who would make random people sit outside during events because 'they were talking.' He was completely arbitrary with picking on children and if he heard a whisper, then he would send you outside.

Flexibility, independence, and fun stuff to do. Kiddo went to a lot of different camps last summer:…read morescience center, living history farms, gymnastics (some others I can't think of right now). This is the one and only camp she asked to go to this year. And she asked to go all summer. (She isn't doing that much yet but will fill in there at least a week every summer month.) The flexibility is so great. I buy a bunch of days. More than I need because there's a refund at the end for unused days. Then I tell Steve or Kate that Kiddo is coming the day before. Pick her lunch, or let her pick, and that's it. Maybe check to see if there is a water activity planned because good dads shouldn't forget to send a suit and towel. lol Drop her off any time in the morning and pick her up anytime. So. Convenient. Kiddo gets to pick out her day. If she picks to be on a tablet all day every day, that's a conversation for her and one of her grown ups. Independence means she can make less-than-perfect choices and learn from them. Last summer, Kiddo picked baking in the afternoon every afternoon she went. She was so excited about it. Every day. So excited. Maybe this summer she will sew. She did see a baby raccoon hopping out of a Greenwood park garbage can, so I know she was outside at least once. Haha! The staff was young but dedicated last summer. And I expect it will be the same this summer. They were all really on their games and made sure kids were safe while letting them have space to flex their independence. I'm so glad Des Moines has this option. The weekly fun activities are worth paying attention to--the inflatable water slide was not to be missed last summer. And I sort of wish I could get in on the pies in the face!

This place is a rip off. The staff are rude, my kid comes home and says he was on a tablet pretty…read moremuch all day. They offer the kids garbage food like takeout pizza and takeout bagels and he didnt see a single vegetable. Everyone working here is an underpaid teen. We tried to cancel 2 days in advance and it wasn't til after the submission screen we got a pop up message there would be no refund or recredit. We tried to call to at least get the day we paid for back and they said no literally laughed in our face and suggested we pay for the day again.

Moingona girl scouts are fond memories over in the Boone, IA area. We sold more cookies than…read moreanyone else because we ordered a ton of cookies and then went door to door at the college dorms. We made out nicely and got to go to camp for free because of it.

Between her passion and love of art, coupled with her love for teaching children, Jana offers the…read morebest art classes in the Des Moines area.

From the owner: The Art Spot on 25th art studio in West Des Moines offers After School Art Classes, Art Workshops,…read moreand Spring and Summer Art Camps for Preschool through 8th Grade. We also offer art classes for adults. Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, Ceramics, and Fibers taught by experienced art teachers who are also practicing artists. Serving Waukee and Urbandale as well as Clive and the surrounding Des Moines suburbs. Find us at artspot25.com and on Facebook/Instagram.

Awesome and sweet place! My husband just took me for a sleigh ride for my birthday and it was a…read morebeautiful and awesome experience! I highly recommend! The ladies are so sweet and very knowledgeable! It was a very joyful experience and I appreciate the ladies who were very diligently answering all of our questions! You can tell how much they love and care about the horses, which makes it even more worth it and special! We will definitely be a repeat customer!

When you are looking for a Zen experience look no further than Jester Park Equestrian Center…read more Quietly tucked away on the shores of Saylorsville Lake, this priceless piece of paradise should not be missed. It was a perfect day in August when my family and I took a mind-relaxing trail ride at Jester Park. The horses were beautiful and well-mannered. The staff were personable and talked about nature and the amazing wonders we could find at the Park. Afterwards, we toured the barns and were introduced to two of the biggest horses we have ever seen! They were draft horses apparently a breed called Percherons. Black and shiny. We will definitely be back this winter for a sleigh ride!