Find 2021 Summer Camp info. here.
***With the fluidity of COVID-19 pandemic, summer camp officials are cautiously making plans to welcome campers come June, while also admitting those plans could change at any time.
Some camps may either alter their programming, postpone start dates or cancel altogether. Please use caution and be sure to check out the camp’s cancellation policy before registering.
Got a tot who loves to tumble? A teen who dreams of being a basketball hall-of-famer? Or maybe your high-energy kid just never stops moving? Des Moines kids can choose from a number of day camps that have their athleticism in mind—offering tennis, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, horseback riding, and so much more.
In addition to the camps listed below, check out your local YMCA, School District, Youth Sports Program or Parks and Recreation office for programs offered at reasonable prices. And be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide for additional summer camp opportunities.
Note: This is a working list, so check back often for new listings. If you know of a sports themed summer camp or clinic that you would like to have included to this guide, please email the listing information to nicole@dsm4kids.com or leave a comment below.
dsm4kids does NOT host any summer camps. Please contact the specific venue or organization hosting the camp for additional information and to register.
Summer Sports Camps & Classes in Des Moines:
Multiple Sport Summer Camps & Clinics
Central College
Central College offers a number of sports related camps and clinics. Instructors will include members of the Central College coaching staff and outstanding high school coaches from throughout the Midwest. Camps offered include football, soccer, baseball, track and more. Camps kick off in June. Registration info. is available on-line. The evolving COVID-19 public health threat could cause the delay or cancellation of some athletics camps. Decisions will be made as camp dates near and the status of the threat becomes clearer.
Courage League Sports
Courage League Sports is a non-profit adaptive sports and recreational organization that offers year-round programming. CLS typically offers a number of summer camp and class opportunities for school aged kids with special needs. Our June programming will be offered in a very limited basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays only with 6 participants per class. Because of this, we ask that you only sign up for one class (either Tuesday or Thursday). Classes will only be provided at Valley Community Center in West Des Moines at this time. Our virtual Funcise classes will also continue on Facebook Live on Wednesdays only. COMING SOON: We will be adding Youtube Funcise classes very soon, so be on the lookout for those!
Drake University
At Drake summer camps, young athletes not only learn to become better players but also will be challenged with motivational lessons on sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork. They will be hosting camps for football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, tennis, and track. Drake University Bulldogs have cancelled all May and June camps. However, we are continuing to move forward with offering camps in July. Please note, however, the changes made to dates and times of camps.
Grandview University
Grand View offers a variety of camps and clinics during the summer for young athletes. In the past they’ve offered boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, golf, soccer, volleyball and wrestling camps. New information is posted on their athletics website as it is available. Camps have not been scheduled for 2020.
Iowa State University
Each year, Iowa State hosts a variety of Summer Sports Camps. You can find information and contacts for the sport you’re interested in by visiting their individual websites. A few that have offered camps in the past include, football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball. Summer 2020 camps have been cancelled.
Simpson College
Simpson College hosts a number of sports camps over the course of the summer. Kids can participate in volleyball, football, soccer, and wrestling camps. You will need to visit each individual site for program information and registration details.
Summer Baseball & Softball Camps in Des Moines
Game Ready Training
Game Ready Sports Training specializes in providing indoor and outdoor team practice space, hitting & pitching indoor leagues and private and small group instruction for baseball and softball. They also provide camps and clinics run by Game Ready coaches. They have two facilities located in the Ankeny/Johnston area and on the South side of Des Moines.
Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf
Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf is a non-profit organization committed to providing baseball experiences for deaf and hard-of-hearing children living in the state of Iowa. They provide an instructive, safe and fun environment for the children to learn fundamental baseball skills in addition with fun activities. 2020 season canceled.
Summer Basketball Camps in Des Moines
Court Time Basketball
Court Time Basketball camps work to develop each player and touch on the intangible qualities that are an important part of being a person of character as well as a good teammate and player. Basketball is a sport that requires these elements to produce winning teams and winning citizens for life. They offer a number of camps for both boys and girls entering third through eighth grades.
Breakthrough Basketball
Breakthrough Basketball offers summer basketball camps in Des Moines. These multi-day basketball camps are for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels. Camps being offered in Des Moines include: Ball Handling, Shooting, and Decision Training and Shooting & Ball Handling Camps.
Summer Golf Camps & Classes in Des Moines
The First Tee of Central Iowa
The First Tee of Central Iowa conducts summer instruction sessions in June and July. Golfers are grouped by age and experience level. Golf equipment (starter set of clubs with bag) is provided, if needed, as long as supplies last and “scholarships” are available to help cover program costs. Each lesson covers: life skills, rules and etiquette, full swing, short game and putting. 2020 Clinics have been canceled.
West Grand Golf
Junior Camps offered at West Grand Golf provide a complete introduction to the fundamentals of the game, rules and etiquette. Professional instruction covers basic full swing fundamentals and short game techniques. Lots of games and prizes make learning the game fun! Each Junior Camp consists of two hours of instruction for three consecutive days. Camps are designed for youngsters 8 to 12 years old and are limited to six students per camp. Short Game Clinics and Junior Camps are canceled until further notice.
Willow Creek
Willow Creek provides golf lessons for youth ages 5 to 17. Junior Golf combines professional instruction, on-course play and plenty of camaraderie among players. Choose from two sessions, both covering the full swing, short game and putting.
Summer Gymnastics Camp in Des Moines
Chow’s Gymnastics & Dance
Chow’s, in West Des Moines, offers both competitive and recreational day camps and training camps. Their summer camp schedule will be available in March.
Mid-Iowa Gymnastics
During the summer Mid-Iowa Gymnastics offers some fun gymnastics camps for kids. Activities offered at camp typically include obstacle courses, bouncing on their trampolines, tumbling, races and games, arts & crafts, and more. This is a great chance for your child to meet new friends and improve their fitness. No previous gymnastics experience required. Ages 5+.
Summer Soccer Camps in Des Moines
Des Moines Menace
The Des Moines Menace offer soccer camps in June and July for boys and girls ages three to 14. Menace Camp provides a fun mix of games and drills for players of all abilities and experience levels. Counselors are top-level soccer players, who share their love for the game.
Summer Horseback Riding Camps in Des Moines
Chasing Laurels – CHA Certified Riding Instruction, Boarding & Training
Chasing Laurels offers summer day camps throughout the summer months. Each camp is five days of fun on and off the horses! Camp Includes: daily riding time and horsemanship guidance, demonstrations by a vet and a farrier, sessions on the care and nutrition of horses, horse related games and crafts and much more. No riding experience necessary, Camp is Monday- Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (before and after care can be arranged).
Jester Park Equestrian Center
JPEC offers a number of Equestrian Camps throughout the summer. Equestrian camps are a wonderful way for a child to discover the world of horses. Classes are offered for beginner to intermediate riders. They also offer overnight camp. Kids as young as five can participate in their Tiny Tots programs. All other classes are for campers eight and up. And, new this year they will be hosting a High School Camp. Most indoor and outdoor programs are cancelled through June 30. This includes summer camps.
Valley Park Stables
Valley Park offers full day horse camps during the summer. Their day camps offer a wide range of equestrian activities throughout the day including daily lessons on horseback, horsemanship, barn chores and other fun activities. Horse camp is open to campers ages 6-14. Camp is geared toward the beginner and intermediate rider. No riding experience required. Camps run from 9:00 am until 2:30 pm.
Summer Rock Climbing Camps in Des Moines
Climb Iowa
Summer camps engage campers in activities designed for learning climbing basics, promoting fitness and movement, and cultivating an environment of teamwork and respect. Climbers will participate in both climbing and non-climbing activities. Summer camps and classes will start June 15th.
Summer Tennis Camps in Des Moines
Des Moines Parks & Recreation
The Des Moines Parks and Recreation department offers a variety of tennis lessons through the United States Tennis Association (USTA), tennis tournaments, and youth tennis leagues. They also offer FREE tennis lesson through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) program for children ages 9 to 14. Events are canceled/postponed through June 15.
Summer Track Camps in Des Moines
Grimes Parks & Recreation
Grimes’ Run for Fun in the Sun program gets kids interested in the sport of running in a fun and positive way. Camp will begin with a team builder warm-up, then go through dynamic warm-ups, followed by running drills, stretching, instruction/pointers, and end with fun games. For Boys & Girls entering Grades K-5.
Summer Volleyball Camps in Des Moines
Ohana Volleyball Club
Clinics are held year-round at the Ohana Volleyball Club’s facility in Grimes. Their clinics are designed to provide players instruction on various volleyball skills. Summer camps will sharpen your player’s volleyball skills and prepares them for their high school tryouts and season.
Summer Wrestling Camps in Des Moines
High Altitude Wrestling Club
High Altitude Wrestling Club trains hundreds of wrestlers each year at their different training locations across Iowa. They offer numerous camps throughout the year. Their summer camps are held at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center in Indianola. Summer camps start June 26th and run through August 4th, 2020. All camps held at Wesley Woods have been canceled this summer.
Do your kids have a favorite summer sports camp they attend in Des Moines? Tell us about it in the comments.
