4th-6th Grade & 7th-9th Grade
Journey camp is a special experience for all that attend! This camp is intended for at-risk campers encountering adverse circumstances at home - 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!

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 there 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.
For Journey campers on this day, they'll get to experience pool 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. On this day 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 meant 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)! On this day the campers also get to experience a large group activity and OAT (open activity time) which is a free time in which they can freely enjoy our various games and activities at their own pace.
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 this may include our High Ropes course and axe throwing! For 4th-6th graders, it includes canoeing! Another fun filled day! However, what makes day 3 really special is commitment chapel, an evening chapel in which we encourage campers to reflect on their faith and learn about what it really means to live as a Christian. During this night, some campers will choose to give their lives to the Lord for the first time. Campers also get an opportunity to talk through their faith one on one with their counselor and ask any hard questions they may have.
EXPLORING "WHAT NOW?"
On this day, 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 finally time to wrap up the summer camp experience. After breakfast, each camper packs up their things and proceeds to one final large group game which will include every camper from every camp of the week! During this time, 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.
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
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 original container with camper’s name, medication name, dosage, frequency and times to be taken. Medications will be distributed under supervision of the camp nurse as instructed by parent or physician.
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 attempts 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.
Before your camper heads off for camp, write a couple of letters or postcards to your camper. Focus on their experiences at camp rather than what is happening at home. Give letters to the coordinator at pickup time. Mail letters to camp address below before camp starts.
Address letter to:
Child’s Name, Journey Camp
Inspiration Hills
1242 280th St.
Inwood, IA 51240
Homesickness is a normal reaction to a new environment. Camp staff are trained in dealing with homesickness. Parents can help by:
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.
Casual clothes - modest without offensive wording
At least one pair of long pants and sweatshirt for cool nights
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Swimming suit/towel - modest swim wear, 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 and sleeping bag or bedding for twin bed/blanket
Towels, washcloth, soap, toothbrush, personal hygiene items
Information can be found in the What to Bring file. The list can be downloaded and printed. This form includes time/date of drop off and final chapel for your Camp.
Please do not bring Gaming devices, valuable jewelry, snacks, or cell phones to Summer Camp
Got a question? We’re here to help.
At Journey Camp, campers stay in our bunk rooms in the Main Lodge.
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
We are dilligent in taking food allergies into account during Summer Camp. Just let us know about your camper's allergy in their registration?
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.
Our Mission is to provide an environment in which the individual will come to know and grow in Christ and be challenged for life in God’s Kingdom.
1242 280th St | Inwood, IA | 51240
ihills@inspirationhills.org
712-986-5193