What would you do if you could move your science class outside and into the natural environment for a few days? Ewalu specializes in offering quality outdoor learning experiences that are not available in a classroom setting. Come experience the northeast Iowa wildlife at Camp Ewalu!
At Ewalu you’ll have the opportunity to explore the various ecosystems around camp, increase your students’ awareness and appreciation of the natural environment, and help your students make their own discoveries! Your students will gain a better understanding of our dependence on the natural world for food, air, and water. They will learn how to help preserve our environment and conserve our natural resources. Your students will return home excited and changed!
Choose Your Courses
Ewalu staff are available to lead a variety of activities and courses for your group.
Science: Insect Studies, Owl Calling, Stream Studies, Tree identification, Animal Tracking.
Physical Education: Canoeing, Archery, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing, Ropes Course, Backpacking, Survival Skills.
Math: Outdoor cooking, Orienteering, Tree Study.
Language Arts: Drama, Poetry, Journaling, Storytelling, Creative writing.
Social Studies: Native American Studies, Pioneer Lifestyles
Arts and Crafts: Plaster casts, Sand Candles, Nature Photography, Drawing.
Other Activities
In addition to formal classes, you have many other options during your stay.
Free Time Activities: Hikes through forests, fields and along the river; Fishing (year-round); Conservation projects; Frog, snake, and turtle hunts/study.
Field sports: Softball, volleyball, basketball, Camp Olympics (various activities), Scavenger hunt.
Evening Activities: Campfires, Night hikes/star gazing, Skit night/Talent Show, Creative Drama, Dance, Movies, Guest speakers, Award night.
Rainy Weather Option: We hold most programs rain or shine. For rainy weather the following activities are suggested: Indoor nature projects, map making, fire building, story telling, baking, drama, skits, games, arts and crafts, journaling.
Community Resources
State & Federally Owned Areas
There are many good community resources in Northeast Iowa. Schools often use one or more for half-day or full-day outings from camp.
Backbone State Park: Geological formations and rock outcroppings along the Maquoketa River. Located 3 miles south of Strawberry Point. 563-924-2527
Effigy Mounds: Museum exhibits, audiovisual presentations, hiking trails to the mound sights. Located 3 miles north of Marquette on Hwy. 76. 563-873-3491
Pikes Peak State Park: Located 3 miles south of McGregor. 563-873-2341
Big Springs Trout Hatchery: Located 6 miles north of Elkader. 563-245-2446
Manchester Fish Hatchery: Located on RR 2, Manchester. 563-927-3276
Other Places of Interest
Osborne Conservation Education Center: Wildlife exhibits including buffalo, wolves, deer, and elk. Visitor Center with wildlife, soil, water, and woodland exhibits, pioneer village, interpretive nature trail. Located 5 miles south of Elkader on Hwy. 13.
563-245-1516
Garnavillo Historical Museum: Historical maps, manuscripts and photographs.
Native American artifacts, pioneer living, log cabin. Located in Garnavillo, Iowa.
St. Sebald Lutheran Cemetery: Contains historic grave stones and markers.
Located 2 miles northwest of Strawberry Point. 563-933-6127
McGregor Museum: Contains a collection of memorabilia from pioneer and steamboat days. Located on Main Street, McGregor.
Wilder Memorial Museum: Large antique doll collection, Eaton paintings and pioneer life. Located on Mission Street, Strawberry Point. 563-933-4615
