Common Questions about Camp Okoboji
Where Is Camp Okoboji?
How Do I Register?
YOUTH CAMPS
All youth camps – Kids’ Kamp, Cub Week, Junior High Week, Youth Week – must be completed online via our ‘Parent Portal.’
Click ‘Registration’ on our web page..
If you haven’t created an account, click ‘Create A New Account’
If you have created an account, just sign in!
Once signed in, navigate your account by filling out registrations, making payments, filling out forms, etc.
If you have any questions or any confusion, please call us at 712-337-3325! We would love to help you through the online registration process!
JOY CAMP
JOY Camp registration can either be done online or through paper registration. It’s preferred campers are registered online, but we will receive hard copies as well. If you do register via hard copy, please mail it to Camp Okoboji within 21 days of the beginning date of JOY Camp. Download a hard copy of a registration form here.
FAMILY RETREATS
Family Retreat registration must be completed via a hard copy. Download the Family Retreat Registration Form. Either print it and fill it out or fill it out via Acrobat / PDF Reader. Then either snail mail or email (camp@campokoboji.org) it to Camp Okoboji. Be sure to send your $75 deposit with. Once your registration form and $75 deposit is received, you’ll receive a confirmation email within a week! After your confirmation email, you will be able to sign in to your online account and make any online payments.
Download a Family Retreat Registration Form Here.
Download a July 4 Family Retreat Registration Form Here.
If working with technology is not a particularly preferrable situation for you, we’re more than happy to mail you a registration form to your home address. Just give a call to the Camp Office and we’ll send it off!
What forms do I need to fill out?
What should I bring?
YOUTH CAMPS
For youth camps, campers should bring a change of clothes for 6 days, 1-piece swim suit, closed-toed shoes, a Bible, a flashlight, money to deposit in the camp store bank, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, body wash, etc.), linens or sleeping bag, pillow, shower towel, beach towel, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
DO NOT BRING: Electronics, Weapons of any kind, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, and vaping products.
FAMILY RETREATS
For family retreats, families should bring a change of clothes for 5 days, Bibles, personal toiletries, linens (confirm with Camp Office the size of your beds), pillows, towels, and any other needs at camp. Linens and towels can be requested to rent ($15/bundle) from the Camp Office.
When Is Check-In?
Can I Send Mail to my Child At Camp?
YES! Sending mail to your child at camp is encouraged. While they are being built up in the faith and enriched in Christian Community, it is our hope that your letters will remind them of the love and affirmation that you have for them. Provide mail/messages for your child at camp in any of the following ways:
LEAVE LETTERS AT CHECK-IN
Pre-write letters before the beginning of your child’s session. Bring them to the session’s check-in and we will ensure they are distributed throughout the week to your child! This is especially best for families that live longer distances away from Camp Okoboji!
MAIL LETTERS
Mail letters to your child throughout their session. Ensure you include their name and indicate that they are a camper. Camp Okoboji’s mailing address is 1531 Edgewood Drive Milford, IA 51351.
E-MAIL MESSAGES
E-mail messages to your child throughout their session. In the e-mail message, ensure you include the cabin your child is staying in and their full name (Example: Issachar – Joe Sample). Send e-mails to your child at camp@campokoboji.org and we’ll print it off and ensure it is distributed to your child! Know that they will not be able to respond to emails via email.
What if my child has medications?
Can my child request a roommate?
How are counselors trained?
Is there financial assistance?
Yes! Do not let cost be a hindrance to you coming to Camp Okoboji! Financial assistance and camperships are available for individuals and families from the following resources. Be sure to check these resources in this order:
CAMP OKOBOJI AUXILIARY – The Camp Okoboji Auxiliary offers full scholarships to six youth campers (Cub Week, Junior High Week, Youth Week). The application for the Camp Okoboji Auxiliary Scholarship is here and is due to Camp Okoboji by April 22, 2025. Scholarships will be granted late-April / early May.
YOUR CHURCH – Ask your pastor if your congregation provides financial assistance for those attending camp – youth AND families!
IOWA DISTRICT WEST – If you are a member of a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Congregation in the Iowa District – West, you can apply for a scholarship through Iowa District West for Cub Week, Junior High Week, and Youth Week. Contact the district office (515-576-7666) for more information.
CAMP OKOBOJI – We offer scholarships and camperships for those attending camp in need of financial assistance. Call the Camp Office (712-337-3325) or e-mail the Discipleship Director (discipleship.campokoboji@gmail.com) for more information and to receive a Camp Okoboji Campership Application Form.