August 2021

New Ewalu Program! - Grandparent Camp 

This summer at Camp Ewalu, we added a new program! We had originally hoped to introduce Grandparent Camp last year but felt it best to delay the start to this summer. In the two weeks that Grandparent Camp was offered, forty-five participants decided to give this new program a try.
 
Grandparent Camp campers were able to enjoy the comfort and space of our Stone Center and were also able to travel to Ewalu's main site for some fun base camp activities. Some favorites were many of the traditional camp activities led by counselors like Alpha and Omega, campfire, Bible Study, games, and of course meals! Grandparents especially liked having all sorts of fun things planned out to do with their grandchildren. Grandchildren enjoyed gaga ball and all the opportunities to play. Everyone enjoyed spending time together!

Their full afternoon was spent doing crafts, taking a tractor ride out to the farm to see the animals, going to the canteen for snacks, and a trip to the swimming pool. Families had the flexibility to choose how to spend their afternoon, and one group even went creek stomping! The Sunday to Tuesday group got to go to All-Camp Campfire with the rest of the campers, and the Wednesday to Friday group got to go to the LT's performance of the Musical.
 
We are so grateful for the families who chose to sign up for this new camp. We had an overwhelmingly positive response, with many hoping to come back next year. We are planning on offering it again during summer 2022!

Nature Notes

59,277 Hours Outside!

Prairie Reflections

Over five summers at camp, I've learned the seasons for the most predominant flowers in the prairie. I can now pretty well predict exactly what will be blooming each week of camp. For example, when the staff arrives, Queen Anne’s Lace is in bloom. By week three, we see the peak of the blackberries ripen for snacks throughout the days. By week five, there’s enough bergamot around to make plenty of tea. Watching the prairie transition from whites to yellows to purples is one of my favorite hobbies in the summer.
 
Now that nearly 1,000 campers have passed through this summer and we prepare to close another season, I at least have the bright pops of the goldenrod starting to come in to cheer me up. I’ve also got a stash of leaves I’ve dried to use in teas throughout the year. And soon it’ll be time to harvest what we can from the beehives stores. Even though the peak of the prairie and the summer are past, there are still plenty of things to take away and carry through until they come again.

Ashley Gulrud
Assistant Program Director

Summer Camp Photos

In just a few days another spirit-filled summer at Camp Ewalu will come to a close. We were so excited to welcome nearly 1,000 campers to camp this summer! Take a look at some fun scenes from camp in the photos below. You can see more pictures from this summer on our Facebook Albums.

In line with CDC recommendations, we are encouraging everyone able to receive a vaccine to be fully vaccinated before attending any events at Camp Ewalu, including the 60th Anniversary and Fall Festival & Quilt Auction.

Masks will be required indoors at both of these events.  We will be holding as many activities as possible, including meals outside.  At outside events masks are required for those who are not vaccinated except when eating or drinking, and optional for those who are.  If you feel safer with a mask you are encouraged to wear one.  If you are sick or have had a known Covid-19 exposure or positive test in the last 10 days please do not attend.  Any deposits paid will be fully refunded if a cancellation is made due to a Covid-19 concern.

Because of the current surge in Covid-19 infections in Iowa, these mitigation standards are subject to change.  We will post any additional updates on our website and social media pages.