Frequently asked questions
How Do I Get to Camp Nebowa?
We are on the east shore of Blue Lake, which is just off Interstate 29; a half-hour south of Sioux City, IA and an hour north of Omaha, NE.
If you're using GPS, the address is : 21596 Dogwood Ave. • Onawa, IA • 51040
Driving directions are as follows: Take Exit 112 off I-29, onto HWY 175, and go west 1/2 mile to Dogwood Avenue. Turn right (north) and go 1 1/4 miles. You'll see our sign. We are on the left (west) side of the road, just past the KOA campground. Click here for a map.
What can my child expect to do at Camp Nebowa?
We are an "old school" type of church camp. Campers enjoy three healthy home-made meals each day, as well as a wide variety of Bible classes, group games, open recreation, lake-front swimming and canoeing, chapel and fireside worship. Relationships are at the center of everything.
Do I need to send extra money with my child?
Only if you want to. Campers do not need to buy anything while at Camp Nebowa, since the price of canteen and a camp t-shirt are included in the registration fee. We do, however, encourage campers to contribute to the ministries of missionaries that we support each Summer. To learn more about this year’s mission, click HERE.
What should campers bring to Camp Nebowa?
Campers need to bring their own bedding and hygiene items. Bring clothing, including a modest swimsuit and water shoes (water shoes must be worn in the lake), a towel, and a jacket or sweatshirt. Bring your Bible, a notebook & pen, and money for offerings (if you wish).
What should Not be brought to camp Nebowa?
We recognize the benefits of "unplugging" and being present while at Camp Nebowa. In order to best create this type of environment, cell phones, or any other electronic devices, are not permitted at Camp. During registration campers will have the opportunity to check their phone in, where it can be accessed with the permission of the dean, or send it home with a parent.
In addition to electronics, weapons of all kinds, drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden, campers wearing immodest or inappropriate clothing will be asked to change, and health laws do not allow pets at the campgrounds.
Will my child be safe during storms or tornadoes?
We have an all-concrete chapel building, built into the hill, that serves as a storm shelter. Our camp manager monitors weather alerts at all times. Everyone at Camp Nebowa is safe during even the most sever of storms.
Can I contact my child while he/she is at Camp Nebowa?
Yes. Kids love getting mail from home, so we encourage you to send letters to them at: Camp Nebowa - PO Box 222 - Onawa, IA - 51040. Be sure to note that many of the camp deans require students who get mail to “earn” their letters and packages by signing songs, telling jokes, or even jumping in the lake.
You can also call them at the camp phone number, which is 712.423.3313. However, we encourage parents to call their kids only if necessary, as calls from home tend to be very distracting. Also, please know that your kids will be able to call you if they needed.
What do I need to know about insurance?
Camp Nebowa carries co-insurance for all campers, but the family's individual policy is always the camper's primary coverage. A Health Office is present at every week of camp, and a hospital with an ER is less than 5 miles from Camp Nebowa. We require health information upon registration, and all medications must be given to the Health Office at the beginning of camp.
Can my child attend a week of camp if he/she is not in that age group?
Maybe. Campers are encouraged to attend one of the camps that is appropriate for the grade they are going into. Exceptions may be made by calling the individual Camp Deans, whose names & phone numbers are listed here.
Can I be on faculty at Camp Nebowa?
Maybe. Because each week of camp is planned entirely by individual Camp Dean(s), volunteers need to call them. They recruit and train all the faculty and staff for their individual week of camp. Most Camp Deans want their faculty to be at least 3-5 years older than the campers, and fully expect that said helpers will be active in the church and growing in their faith.
Who runs Camp Nebowa?
We are an independent, non-profit ministry of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches of Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska. Official business is conducted by our volunteer Board of Directors, and programming is provided primarily by the pastors and youth pastors of our supporting churches. Mark Leonard is our camp manager, and his wife Sharon is our camp cook. They can be reached at 712.644.7772.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes. In the event that a camper is not able to attend the camp for which they have prepaid, they will be given full credit to any other camp that same summer, or the following year.