Sioux City, iA
About CAMP
WHERE SMILES HAPPEN
Camp High Hopes offers exceptional recreational activities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, special needs, and chronic illnesses. Our compassionate team removes barriers and fosters physical, social, and emotional growth while ensuring safety and independence. We provide tailored programs, adaptive equipment, low staff-to-camper ratio, and personalized attention. Inclusivity, empathy, respect, and fun are at our core, and we aim to empower every individual to flourish and grow.
Our Story
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Camp High Hopes has been a beacon of joy and inclusivity for children, teens, and adults with disabilities since its inception in 2004. Founded on a picturesque 90-acre site just on the east edge of Sioux City, IA, complete with a serene lake, this extraordinary haven embarked on a journey to offer fun, safe, and adaptive recreational experiences to all its campers. With site work commencing in 2008, the Camp High Hopes family set about transforming their dream into reality. Nurtured through three momentous capital campaigns - "Where Smiles Happen" (2010), "S'more Smiles" (2014), and "Hopes and Smiles" (2020-present) - the camp evolved by leaps and bounds, adding fully accessible facilities like modern camper cabins, a boat dock, an archery range, and a soon to be constructed adaptive Rec Center. Over the past 12 years, Camp High Hopes has welcomed over 500 jubilant campers annually, hailing from several Midwest states and ranging from ages 5 to 95. Celebrating its uniqueness - as no similar camp exists within a four-hour radius - the camp proudly commemorates the creation of more than one million smiles, embracing the heartwarming personal stories that have emerged from its community of loving campers and dedicated staff. The story of Camp High Hopes is one of boundless resilience, ambition, and, above all, the unwavering pursuit of happiness for every single one of its cherished campers.
Smile makers
Officers for the May 2023 – May 2024 Term:
President: Dan Myers, Retired
Ex Officio: Jack Ehrich, Ehrich Law Office
Secretary:
Assistant Secretary: Clair Peterson, Thrive Fitness
Treasurer: Ken Beekley, Retired
Current Board Members:
Sarah Morgan, Camp High Hopes
Troy Heitman, Central Bank
Kendra Ericson, St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health
Gary Turbes, Mid-Step Services
Revathi Vongsiprasom, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Annie Shrunk, Schrunk Roofing
Dr. Josh Kruse, Kruse Chiropractic
Micha Herbst, Progressive Insurance
Cora Vermeer, Volunteer
Ben Nusselhuf, Oakleaf Property Management
Cy Chesterman, Chesterman Co.
Dolores Guest, Global Foods Processing
John Wagner, Northwest Bank
Dr. Angela Stearns, Briar Cliff University
Are you interested in serving as a volunteer board member? Email the Executive Director, Sarah Morgan, at smorgan@camphighhopes.com or call her at 712-224-2267 ext. 100 to request a Prospective Board Member Packet.