• Nature trail  Our self-guided nature trail will take you behind the Retreat Lodge and along the creek.  Guidebooks available in the Retreat Lodge.

• Waterslide  The following pictures give an idea of how much fun the waterslide is!  This feature is a big hit with kids at our week-long summer camps.  We've had former campers come back as adults along with family groups--requesting the waterslide!

A tarp is placed in a shallow gully.	"Sliders" sit at the top of the hill on a mat.	Just add water and gravity. SPLASHDOWN!!

• Frisbee Golf  This 9-hole course was handcrafted by our very own staff.  The course begins just south of Pavilion area and travels around the timberline.  Eventually, it cuts through the trees and comes out near to where it started.  Our Frisbees are brightly colored so they are harder to lose in the woods!  You can bring your own discs if you prefer.
• Volleyball  Nets are located in the large, grassy areas adjacent to both the Pavilion and Retreat Lodge; volleyballs are provided.
• Hiking  There are miles of trails that will take hikers all through the timber stands.  Recently, a trail was added that follows the creek all the way through camp.  Each trail includes a cook-out site, and many wildlife sightings!
• Picnicking  Families and individuals are welcome to picnic at Custer Picnic Shelter, or at any of the above-mentioned sites.  Ants are included at no extra charge.
• Canoe/Kayak/Paddleboat  Our nearby pond is a great place for beginners to learn the art of paddling!  An adult must be present at all pond activities.  Please schedule time at the pond with the main office.

Our one-person kayaks skim across the water.	Beginning canoers learn the art of working together as a team.	Young friends at a nearby church raised the money for this paddleboat at their Vacation Bible School.

• Bouldering wall  This low-element climbing wall is suitable for many ages.  Its height ranges from 8 to 12 feet, and provides a challenge for a wide range of abilities.  No special equipment is needed; but please check with the office before using.  Hand holds for the wall were provided in part by many children in our supporting churches, and by the estate gifts of generous supporters of Camp.

Built in time for summer camps 2006, the Bouldering Wall became a hit with the campers. Here, campers discover their strength and determination as they attempt to scale the wall.	Once a climber is actually on the wall, the trick becomes remaining on the wall! Different routes are mapped out on the structure itself for climbers with varying degrees of abilities.
Planning your next move can be a tricky one! It is possible to begin at one end of the wall and climb all the way around without touching the ground. It's not easy, but it is possible!	Yes, this is a view from the ground! Our climber is the one who is upside down, not the photographer. Groups and individuals alike can benefit from building confidence in themselves and each other as they learn to scale the wall.

• Bird Blind

Our recently-built addition to viewing our fine-feathered friends has been a real asset to our birder guests!  You will find materials to help you identify the birds you see.  Bring along your own binoculars and camera and be prepared to be pleasantly surprised; you just never know 'who' might be visiting that day.

• Prayer Labyrinth This outdoor tool for prayer is a classic seven-circuit design.  As with all labyrinths, there is only one way in and one way out.  A labyrinth is not a maze; there are no tricks or dead ends, only the path to the center.  At the center our intention is to create a space for meeting Jesus and leaving behind the chaos of the world; a space to lift up and leave your prayers with Jesus.

There are many activities that one can participate in during the winter season.  Many of them require cooperation from the weather.  If you live in Iowa, you know that when you are dealing with the weather, change is the only constant!  For your group, plan for the worst and hope for the best--that's what we do!  Here are some suggestions for things you can do with or without assistance from the weather:

Tubing    Found just north and west of the Pavilion next to Custer Picnic Shelter, our tubing run is a hit with a wide variety of ages.  Yes, it causes Moms to pause as their offspring disappear from sight for a few seconds, but the offspring declare that it's worth it!  Please abide by the posted rules and have an adult present at this activity; permission from the office is necessary before using the tubing run. 

• Ice Skating/Fishing  When the weather cooperates, there is great fun to be had at our ponds!  The smaller 'frog pond' is just the right size for ice hockey or broomball; and the larger pond has had yielded good results for ice fishermen!  There is an ice auger available for your use and several pairs of ice skates, just check at the office.  Remember to wear LOTS of layers and feel free to use the fire rings located at each of the ponds.

• Hiking All of our trails can be accessed in the winter as well as the rest of the year.  A favorite thing to do while hiking is animal tracking in the snow; you are likely to see signs of deer, rabbit, coyote and game birds such as pheasant, turkey and quail.  You are also welcome to bring along your own equipment for  cross-country skiing  on our trails.

If all else fails, one can always enjoy the warmth and coziness inside.  Relax by the fire in the upper level of the Retreat Lodge, where one can enjoy the view from the inside.  There are plenty of table games and puzzles to keep you occupied, or choose a book or magazine from our library and enjoy the serenity and quiet in our nature setting.

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