Summer Camp Sunnyside

2025 Summer Camp Season was so fun!

To get your camper set up for 2026 Summer Camp, you will need to first complete an application. Once your application has been processed, you can complete the enrollment form. The camp leadership team will communicate with you the confirmed dates of service.  

• November 3rd, 2025: Applications for the 2026 Summer Camp will be available online.  If you need a paper application, please stop by our offices at 401 NE 66th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313.
• January 20th, 2026: Enrollment for 2026 Summer Camp opens at 8:30am.  

Funding Accepted: Wellpoint, Molina, Iowa Total Care, Fee for Service/HIPP Medicaid Waiver, Private Pay, Limited Scholarships are Available.

There is one Campship available per camp season for eligible clients. Residents of RCF housing and other facilities are eligible for a maximum Campship of $250.

Apply for these programs by completing the appropriate session application below. Contact the Program and Support Specialist at campandrespite@eastersealsia.org or 515-309-2375 with questions or for additional information.

Please be aware that submitting an application for multiple weeks of camp does not guarantee you a spot in all of the weeks requested. Due to high demand and the increased need for lower counselor to camper ratios, we are not always able to serve all campers for all of the weeks requested. Our number one priority is to serve as many campers as possible, while ensuring that all campers have a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience at Camp Sunnyside. Once your application has been processed, we will notify you of the weeks we will be able to serve your camper.

You will need to have the following items to register: 

1. Physical and immunization form within the last year. Previous communication had been every 2 years, however, our accrediting bodies are requiring these to be updated yearly going forward. The physical can either be on our form or a physical from your doctor's office. If there are restrictions for any of our activities, it will need to have a physician's signature.
    
2. An updated medication list with dosage and frequency amounts.

If you have already completed a 2024 Respite application or have an account already made from the previous year, please log in using the link below. If you have forgotten your username and password, use the link below and click "forgot password" using the email you created your account with on the Camp Portal.

If you are new to our camp services, create an account and the required forms to register. 

If you will need a paper application, please stop by our office at 401 NE 66th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313 to pick up.

Please fill out application of the session you would like to attend, complete it, and sign the appropriate sections. Once all the required items have been completed, please send them to Easterseals Iowa. All required documents must be sent together, in one shipment. You may send the items by one of the following methods:
           
Email: campandrespite@eastersealsia.org
Mail or Drop Off:  Easterseals Iowa, Attn: Program and Support Specialist, 401 NE 66th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313                                    

If you have already turned in the application for 2024 Respite, you will only need to fill out the registration pages for the summer session(s) you want to attend.

Summer Camp Sessions:  Registration and Applications

2026 Resident Camp

June 14-19: Splash off  
June 29-July 3: Sunnyside Olympics  
July 12-17: Color War  
July 26-31: Western  
August 9-14: Rock-n-Roll 
 

Day Camp

Supported Day Camp - 1:6 Ratio - Ages 5-12
Bridge Day Camp - 1:8 Ratio - Ages 5-12
Teen and Young Adult Day Camp - 1:6 Ratio - Ages 13-21

2026 Day Camp Dates

June 8-12 
June 15-19  
June 22-26  
June 29-July 3  
July 6-10  
July 13-17  
July 20-24  
July 27-31  
August 3-7  
August 10-14 
 

Already requested weeks? Log into your Campsite profile and click "Enrollment" to see your campers enrolled weeks:

Summer Session Descriptions

Day Camp: Ages 5-12

Easterseals Supported Day Camp sessions provide an integrated setting where children with and without disabilities learn and grow together. This day program is designed for children who can be supported in a 1:6 ratio. Campers who utilize additional assistance with hygiene, ambulation, toileting, and 1:1 services are best supported in this setting. This program accepts both private pay and waiver funding. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm.

Private Pay: $318 per week
Waiver Units: 200 per week - T2037 $1.38/unit (non-CMH) $1.59/unit (CMH)

Bridge Camp: Ages 5-12

This day program is designed for children who can be supported in a 1:8 ratio. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Extended hours are available from
7:30am-5:30pm.

Private pay Cost: $292 per week
Extended hours: $50 per week
Waiver units: 200 per week - T2037 $1.46/unit

Teen and Young Adult Day Camp: Ages 13-21

Easterseals Supported Teen and Young Adult Day Camp sessions provide an integrated setting where individuals learn and grow together. This day program is designed for teens and young adults who can be supported in a 1:6 ratio. Campers who utilize additional assistance with hygiene, ambulation, toileting, and 1:1 support are best supported in this setting. This program accepts both private pay and waiver funding. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

Private Pay: $318 per week
Waiver Units: 200 per week - T2037 $1.38/unit (non-CMH) $1.59/unit (CMH)

Teen Bridge Camp: Ages 13-14

This day program is designed for children who can be supported in a 1:8 ratio. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Extended hours are available from 7:30am-5:30pm.

Private pay Cost: $292 per week
Extended hours: $50 per week
Waiver units: 200 per week - T2037 $1.46/unit

Resident Camp: Youth weeks - Ages 5-17, Adult weeks - Ages 18+

Easterseals Resident Camp sessions provide a setting where individuals participate in a traditional overnight camping experience. This week-long program is designed for individuals who can be supported in a 1:6 ratio. Campers who utilize additional assistance with hygiene, ambulation, toileting, and 1:1 support are best supported in this setting. This program accepts both private pay and waiver funding. 

Check in: Sundays, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Check out: Fridays: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Private Pay: $844 per week
Waiver units: 480 per week - T2036 $1.55/unit (non-CMH $1.76/unit (CMH)

Counselor in Training

The Counselor in Training Program is for ages 16+ years old, must have previously attended Camp Sunnyside as a camper to apply, and be able to maintain a 1:10 ratio. Please provide the items in the application linked below and your packet will be reviewed. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm. This is a private pay program only and is $100.00 for the week. A $50.00 deposit is required.

Counselor In Training (CIT) Application

Questions?
Review some of our Camp Services Frequently Asked Questions or you can contact our Program and Support Specialist at 515-309-2375 or campandrespite@eastersealsia.org.

Seasonal Employment Opportunities
Looking for a job that will change your life? One that could possibly be the best summer job you will ever have? Visit the Careers section of our website for seasonal opportunities this summer.