Journey Camp

4th-6th Grade & 7th-9th Grade

Come Along With Us on our Journey!

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Journey camp is a special experience for all who attend! This camp is intended for at-risk campers encountering adverse circumstances, from home lives to financial situations. Journey campers can look forward to outdoor adventures, swimming, fun games, and learning about Jesus in chapel and Bible study.


In addition to all that the younger Journey campers experience, 7th-9th graders will have the opportunity to scale the ropes course and go axe-throwing!

Register Now Pre-Camp Reminders

2026 AVAILABLE DATES

4th - 6th Grade

Option Date
Journey 4th-6th July 27-31

7th - 9th Grade

Option Date
Journey 7th-9th July 27-31

What to Expect

DROP OFF DAY

The first day of camp is a different experience for everyone. For some, excitement is high in anticipation of the adventure ahead, for others, it might be their first time away from home, and they are nervous! Their counselor's mission is to meet them where they're at, get to know them, and help get them adjust to the new environment. 


On this day, Journey campers get to experience chapel, get settled into their bunk rooms, and play a large group activity before settling down for the night in the bunk rooms at the Main Lodge! 

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BUNK GROUP

On the second day of camp, Lodge campers wake up to a hearty breakfast in the dining hall prepared by our camp kitchen staff. Each bunk group will set out to complete their first of many team-building activities they will get to experience throughout the week. These activities are designed to challenge campers to learn life skills like how to work well with others, communicate, and solve problems. 


Of course, no day at Inspiration Hills is complete without praise and worship, chapel, Bible studies, and TAWG (time alone with God). In the afternoon, campers also get to experience OAT (open activity time). This is a free time in which campers can enjoy our various games and activities at their own pace. OAT activities include the pool, canteen, basketball and sand volleyball courts, slip n slide, and much more. 

GETTING TO THE DEEP STUFF

After another day of camp, the campers are learning to be more comfortable being silly around each other! It is business as usual with breakfast, another initiative, lunch, chapel/ worship time, OAT, and a group activity. 


For 7th-9th graders, these activities include our high ropes course and axe-throwing. For 4th-6th graders, it includes canoeing and archery tag.


 However, what makes day three really special is the evening chapel, in which the gospel message is presented to campers. During this night, some campers will choose to give their lives to the Lord for the first time. Campers also have the opportunity to talk about their faith one-on-one with their counselor and ask any hard questions they may have. 

EXPLORING "WHAT NOW?"

The campers once again wake up to another breakfast and another exciting day ahead of them. This is the last full day of the week. After their final initiative and lunch, the campers participate in another group activity and have OAT. Some OAT activities that are open throughout the week include the slip n' slide, pool, and of course, the Canteen! 

After OAT and dinner, the Journey Hype Night begins! The night consists of the classic game of BONKERS, campfire worship, and a massive dance party!

FINAL CHAPEL!

After a long, exciting, life-changing week of spending time with friends and with the Lord, it's time to wrap up the summer camp experience. After breakfast, each camper packs up their things and participates in one final large group game. 


During lunch, parents are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and come before noon for a big cookout and to enjoy final chapel. This chapel includes a recap of the week and one last opportunity for all campers to praise the Lord together before departure. We encourage campers to share with their families what they learned at camp on the ride home.

What's the Cost?

The cost of our summer camp is traditionally $450, but through the generosity of sponsors who believe in the power of the camp experience, tuition has been subsidized for Journey campers. Families who apply to Journey Camp receive a $20 registration cost per camper. Please make sure to include Canteen money for your camper to enjoy snacks and purchase souvenirs during free time. Suggested canteen money: $10-$25. The registration fee includes meals, lodging, activities and a theme t-shirt!

Register for Journey Camp online or use the registration form below. Registration fees are due in full at the time of registration.

Register Now

Busing Drop off/Pick Up

Center of Hope in Sioux Falls, Inspiration Hills offers busing for Journey Camp. Pick up is at 12:45 PM at Center of Hope Ministry Center in Sioux Falls (1905 E. 8th St.) on Monday. Drop off is Friday at 2:30 PM. If you would like your child picked up at Center of Hope, please check the busing option when registering.

Things to Know

  • Medications

    All medications (prescription and non-prescription drugs) must be turned in to the camp nurse at registration. All medications must be clearly labeled and in the original container with your camper’s name, medication name, dosage, frequency, and times to be taken. Medications will be distributed under the supervision of the camp nurse as instructed by the parent or physician.

  • Canteen Money

    We recommend that campers have some money in their canteen account. The amount is up to you. 


    Snacks and Souvenirs can be purchased during camp. Our staff aims to have the Canteen open each day for purchases. We suggest $10 - $25 for week-long camps. Unspent money for each camper will be used for Camper Scholarships! Please remind them to use it during free time. Canteen money will be listed for the camper at the Canteen under the campers name.

  • Sending Mail to Campers

    Before your camper heads off to camp, you may write a couple of letters or postcards to your camper. Focus on their experiences at camp rather than what is happening at home. You can give letters to the coordinator at pickup time or mail them to camp's address before camp starts.


    Address letter to:


    Child’s Name, Journey Camp

    Inspiration Hills

    1242 280th St.

    Inwood, IA 51240

  • Homesickness

    Homesickness is a normal reaction to a new environment. Camp staff are trained in dealing with homesickness. Parents can help by:

    • Talking positively about the camp experience.
    • Do not express your own anxiety about your child being away from home.
    • Read books about camp.
    • Send along a favorite stuffed animal, family picture, or other familiar item.
    • Send letters to arrive on the first or second day of camp.
  • Phone Calls/ Cell Phones

    We discourage phone calls during the camper's time at Inspiration Hills as it may encourage homesickness. If mom or dad needs to be called, we will contact you. For emergencies, please call the camp office at 712-986-5193 during the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM or call the Program Director at 712-578-1422


    Please do not send your child with a cell phone, electronics, or phone watches while at camp. All cell phones or electronics will be stored in the camp office until final chapel time. 

  • What to Bring

    • Casual clothes - modest without offensive wording.
    • At least one pair of long pants and a sweatshirt for cool nights
    • Sunscreen and insect repellent
    • Swimming suit/towel - modest swimwear, preferably one piece.
    • Bible, journal, pen/pencil - if they have one (please do not purchase one for camp).
    • Sturdy laced shoes.
    • Reusable water bottle.
    • Flip flops for the pool only.
    • Pillow, sleeping bag, or bedding for a twin bed/blanket.
    • Towels, washcloth, soap, toothbrush, and personal hygiene items.

    Information can be found in the What to Bring file. The list can be downloaded and printed. This form includes the time/date of drop off and final chapel for your Camp.

  • What Not to Bring

    Please do not bring Gaming devices, valuable jewelry, snacks, or cell phones to Summer Camp

Journey Camp FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Where will my camper be staying?

    At Journey Camp, campers stay in our dormitories in the Main Lodge. 

  • Where do I drop off my camper?

    When you arrive on property to drop off your camper, we will guide you where to go. 


    Our address is 1242, 280th St | Inwood, IA | 51240

  • How will you handle my camper's medication?

    When you drop off your camper, please bring their medications to our Camp Nurse. During Summer Camp, we have an experienced nurse who takes care of administering medications at the proper times. The Camp Nurse is also available at all times if medical attention is needed for your camper. 

  • How do I RSVP for the final chapel?

    You may RSVP with the day camp coordinator at Monday registration or call the office at 712-986-5193.

More FAQs

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