The Easterseals Iowa Respite program provides temporary care for children and adults with disabilities, allowing parents/caregivers a break while providing the clients with a safe and supported social environment. Regularly scheduled respite weekends are held at Easterseals Iowa Camp Sunnyside twice monthly. Emergency care is also available. Respite services provide all the amenities at Camp Sunnyside including boating, swimming, horseback riding and much more.
Respite serves children age four and older and adults.
Funding Accepted: Wellpoint, Iowa Total Care, Molina, Fee for Service/HIPP Medicaid Waiver, Private Pay
To Apply for Respite Services
To get your camper set up for 2026 Respite Services, you will need to first complete an application. You will then register for specific respite weekends on a quarterly basis. Important dates are outlined below for each quarter.
2026 Respite Camp Applications we be available November 3rd, 2025.
To complete an application and if you already have an account, please visit our Campsite Portal.
If you have previously used the Campsite portal, your previous login should be used. If you are unsure of your password, please click the “What's my password” link on the portal login page.
If you are new to services and have not used our Campsite portal before, please create an account and complete the required forms to register at the following link: Create Campsite Account
If you will need a paper application, please stop by our office at 401 NE 66th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313 to pick up.
For paper applications, please send completed materials to Camp Sunnyside using one of the following methods:
Email: campandrespite@eastersealsia.org
Fax: 515-289-1281
Mail or Drop Off: Easterseals Iowa, Attn: Camp Program and Support Specialist, 401 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Partial or incomplete applications will not be accepted. If you are unsure if there is missing information, please contact our Program and Support Specialist at (515) 309-2375.
Please Email all medication changes, medical needs, and diagnosis updates to campandrespite@eastersealsia.org
If you are a new client joining our respite services, you will be contacted by our Intake Coordinator once the application packet and required materials have been received. After the intake process is completed, you will then be able to register for the weekend respite.
To Request Respite Sessions
Registration for weekend respite is done on a quarterly basis. The quarterly registration requests will open on the first of each month at 8:30am, one month prior to the start of the new quarter. The registration request process will close on the 15th of each month, one month prior to the start of the new quarter. Please note, this is an online request only. You will be contacted via mail/email confirming the weekends you are registered. All registrations should be completed by going to the Campsite Portal Link.
If you are using waiver funding, please talk to your case manager before submitting the online request form. It is important to ensure there are enough units issued to cover all of the respite weekends requested.
Private Pay: $698 per weekend
Non-Children's Mental Health Waiver units: 184 units per weekend - T2036 $3.58/unit
Children's Mental Health Waiver units: 184 units per weekend - T2036 $3.79/unit
Check out our Respite Packing List to prepare for your Respite Weekend!
1st Quarter 2025: January, February March
Respite Weekends: Jan 9, Jan 23, Feb 6, Feb 20, March 6, March 27
Registration Open Date: December 1, 2025 at 8:30am
Close Date: December 15, 2025
Register at the Campsite Portal
2nd Quarter 2025: April, May, June
Respite Weekends: Apr 10, Apr 24, May 8, May 29, June 12, June 26
Registration Open Date: March 1, 2026 at 8:30am
Close Date: March 15, 2026
Register at the Campsite Portal
3rd Quarter 2025: July, August September
Respite Weekends: July 10, July 24, Aug 7, Aug 28, Sept 11, Sept 25
Registration Open Date: June 1, 2026 at 8:30am
End Date: June 15, 2026
Register at the Campsite Portal
4th Quarter 2025: October, November, December
Respite Weekends: Oct 9, Oct 23, Nov 6, Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 18
Registration Open Date: September 1, 2026 at 8:30am
Close Date: September 15, 2026
Register at the Campsite Portal
If you still have questions, try reviewing some of our Frequently Asked Questions or you can contact our Program and Support Specialist at 515-309-2375 or campandrespite@eastersealsia.org.
