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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: Nic Nelson, RBC Wealth Management

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

Kent Harrison, Tyson Foods

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? Request a Prospective Board Member Packet by emailing the Executive Director, Sarah Morgan, at smorgan@camphighhopes.com or by calling her at 712-224-2267 ext. 100.

Our board of directors

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