Keeping Camp Affordable

How does Tiered Pricing work?

Camp families have differing abilities to pay for an experience at Ewalu. Since you know your family’s financial situation better than we do, we’re introducing a voluntary three-tier pricing structure in which you self-select the rate you can afford!

Please consider selecting the highest level you can afford, knowing that, in doing so, you are enabling others to participate as well – and all campers benefit from greater diversity at camp.

Tier 1: Most closely reflects the “true cost” of camp.
Tier 2: Standard rate from years past, partially subsidized.
Tier 3: Subsidized rate, for families needing more support to make camp affordable.

PLEASE REMEMBER: All campers receive the same high-quality camp experience regardless of the payment tier chosen. Your selection is completely confidential.

You’ll find the Tiered Pricing for each camp in the program descriptions (see below) and in the Online Registration portal.

What about other discounts?

Early Discounts still apply for any tier you choose! First Early Discount: $40 off any tier for full-week programs if registered by February 28 ($20 off for shorter programs unless otherwise listed). Second Early Discount: $20 off any tier if registered between March 1 and April 15 ($10 off for Mini Camp and Farm Mini Camp). No codes needed when registering online!

The Sibling Discount has been discontinued with the advent of Tiered Pricing. If you are registering more than one camper, you can “mix and match” at different tiers or use the same tier. It’s up to you!

NEED MORE SUPPORT? We continue to offer full and partial Camperships to all families who need them. Contact Diane in our office by calling 563-933-4700. We never turn campers away for reasons of financial need!

What's the true price of summer camp?

Because of the strong financial support of our donors and friends, Camp Ewalu subsidizes the true cost of camp for everyone.

The cost of high-quality outdoor ministry experiences at Ewalu includes food and utilities, equipment, insurance, maintenance, staff salaries, and more, which totals more than $800 per camper for our full-week programs.

Our history of subsidizing the true cost of camp – and our generous Campership program – has enabled campers from a broad economic spectrum to come together in Christian community for more than 60 years at Ewalu. To donate to our Campership Fund, click here.

MINI-CAMP

Youth completing Grades 1-2

Mini-Campers will experience three fun-filled days at camp. Meet new friends, sleep in cozy cabins, spend time with the animals at the farm, make a splash creek-stomping and swimming in the pool, learn about Bible stories, and cook your own food one night—all with wonderful staff excited to hang out with first-time campers! Choose a Sunday–Tuesday (A) or Wednesday–Friday (B) schedule.

Cost: Tier 1 – $320; Tier 2 – $270; Tier 3 – $120
(Early Discounts: $20 off any tier if registered by Feb. 28; $10 off any tier if registered between March 1 and April 15. No codes needed!)

2026 Session A Dates (Sun.–Tues.): June 14-16, July 5-7, August 2-4
2026 Session B Dates (Wed.–Fri.): June 17-19, June 24-26, July 8-10, July 15-17, August 5-7

DAY CAMP

Youth completing Grades 1-3

During this on-site program at Ewalu, you’ll get the opportunity to experience all of the classic camp activities. Spend time exploring camp, learning about the Bible, singing songs, playing games, making crafts, and swimming at the pool. Join us Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a great week at camp! This is not an overnight program. Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from camp each day. Day Camp is a great way for younger kids to “dip their toe” into being a camper at Ewalu without an overnight stay.

Cost: $165 (No tiered pricing for this program)
(Early Discount: $10 off if registered by Feb. 28)

2026 Session Dates (Mon.– Fri.): June 7-12 (Week 1)

EXPLORERS

Youth completing Grade 3

Explore more of camp during this week-long program. As an Explorer, you’ll get to learn more about God’s awesome love, relax by the pool, enjoy creation, make s’mores, and sleep in nice cabins. You’ll also get to sing songs, watch skits, and take part in worship around a cozy campfire!

Cost: Tier 1 – $640; Tier 2 – $540; Tier 3 – $240

(Early Discounts: $40 off any tier if registered by Feb. 28; $20 off any tier if registered between March 1 and April 15. No codes needed!)

2026 Dates: June 7-12, June 14-19, July 5-10, July 12-17, July 26-31

TRAILBLAZERS

Youth completing Grade 4

Find new trails on camp as you spend a week in your very own Trailblazer Village! Play outdoor games, swim in the pool and spend more time in the forest village across the Maquoketa River at Ewalu. Trailblazers will cook yummy food over a fire, participate in daily Bible studies, experience creation, and learn more about nature.

Cost: Tier 1 – $640; Tier 2 – $540; Tier 3 – $240

(Early Discounts: $40 off any tier if registered by Feb. 28; $20 off any tier if registered between March 1 and April 15. No codes needed!)

2026 Dates: June 14-19, June 21-26, July 5-10, July 19-24, July 26-31, August 2-7

FORESTERS

Youth completing Grade 5

Get ready to branch out as you spend a week living in Ewalu’s pine forest. Spend the nights in various woodland shelters, like a teepee, yurt, or longhouse, and spend the days exploring the forest, learning about nature, growing in faith, and cooking meals over a fire. You’ll also have a chance to try our zipline and take a day trip to Effigy Mounds! Bring your hiking shoes and a sense of adventure for this incredible week in the woods!

Cost: Tier 1 – $640; Tier 2 – $540; Tier 3 – $240

(Early Discounts: $40 off any tier if registered by Feb. 28; $20 off any tier if registered between March 1 and April 15. No codes needed!)

2026 Dates: June 14-19, June 21-26, July 5-10, July 19-24, August 2-7

PIONEERS

Youth completing Grade 6

Explore new frontiers for a week as a Pioneer. Spend time on the Ewalu farm caring for the animals, try your hand at gardening, and even have a wild hoe-down to end the week! You’ll also enjoy other camp activities like swimming, crafts, a day trip to Fontana Park, and the high ropes course. At the end of each day, hit the hay in a covered wagon just like in the “good ol’ days.” Come and learn more about “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) while doing some pioneering of your own!

Cost: Tier 1 – $640; Tier 2 – $540; Tier 3 – $240

(Early Discounts: $40 off any tier if registered by Feb. 28; $20 off any tier if registered between March 1 and April 15. No codes needed!)

2026 Dates: June 14-19, June 21-26, July 5-10, July 12-17, July 19-24, July 26-31

Registration Information

These programs are for children and youth completing grades 1-6. For grades 6-9 and 9-12, click the “Middle School” or “High School” pages on the menu, above.

Note: Elementary-age campers may register up or down one grade level. Example: a child completing 4th grade in the spring may sign up for Explorers, Trailblazers, or Foresters. Please notify our camp office if you would like to register for a program other than the grade listed. 

To reserve your spot, we must receive your registration and refundable $100 deposit.

To receive the Early Discount prices listed, registration forms must be received or postmarked by the First Early Discount Deadline of Feb. 28, 2026. The Second Early Discount Deadline is April 15, 2026. Additional financial assistance is available; contact Ewalu for more information by calling Diane at 563-933-4700.

Use the links below to register online or download a registration form to mail or email your registration. Summer camp brochures/registration forms will be mailed out to last summer’s campers and distributed at many Lutheran churches across Eastern Iowa; check with your local congregation, or contact us for a full-color brochure.

Complete Registration Online
Download Registration Form
View Summer Schedule Grid

Questions?

Emily Tull, Program Director
Phone: 1-563-933-4700
E-mail: program@ewalu.org

Ewalu is a non-profit organization and serves all people regardless of race, creed, gender, or national origin.