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Summer Camp

Camps at Iowa School for the Deaf

Iowa School for the Deaf summer camps are communication-friendly! Some campers use only American Sign Language; some use only their voices; others use a combination of both. You’ll find a blend of friends- both those who aren’t enrolled at ISD and those who are. Campers cherish fun memories and best friends made at Iowa School for the Deaf camps! Campers should be independent with activities of daily living (eating, toileting, bathing, etc.). REGISTER BY MAY 12, 2023!

Explorers June 18 – 23, 2023 Entering grades 4th – 12th

Are you curious about the world you live in? Do you love to explore, discover, design, build? Are you a hands-on learner? This is the camp for you!

Weekenders July 6 – 9, 2023 Entering grades 4th – 12th

Weekenders are people who know how to have the most fun in a short amount of time! Run, jump and climb with us for a weekend of wild adventures!

Registration

After completing a registration request, you will receive an automated email response indicating your request was received. If you do not receive an automated email, your request was not received and you should contact the camp registrar (send an email here) or video phone: 712.220.2292. You will receive all required registration forms through your email within 2 weeks of your confirmed request.

REGISTER FOR 2023  CAMP HERE!

Camp contact:
Camp registrar 
Video Phone: 712.220.0292

What should I bring to camp?

We suggest you pack with your child so you both know what is going to camp. Please do not send valuables with your child. All items, clothes, suitcases and bags should be marked with your camper’s initials or name. We are busy and work hard, so clothes may get dirty. ISD can provide bedding, pillows, towels and washcloths.

  • Underwear
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Socks
  • Sneakers
  • Flip-flops for shower
  • Backpack or bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuit
  • Hat or ball cap
  • Pajamas
  • Pillow & case
  • Beach towel
  • Sleeping bag or bedding
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Shampoo, soap, deodorant
  • Tote for Bathroom
  • Tooth brush & paste
  • Water bottle (Very important!)
  • Sandals w/heel strap
  • Towels, washcloth
  • Mini fan
  • Night light
  • Stuffed toy for younger children
  • Brush, comb, hair ties

What can I expect?

The $50 cost for these overnight camps include all meals, activities and entrance fees to attractions. Members of the ISD student life team provide supervision and instruction during the day and residential counselors bring in Fun, Part II in the late afternoon! We cater to picky palates, and are kid-focused when planning menus. Crafts, movies, water games and more summer-themed action are guaranteed to attract friends, laughter and a host of memories. Expect a tired, but satisfied child to return home to you!

Registration (DUE MAY 12, 2023)

Cost: Cost of camp is $50* per camp.

After your initial online registration request is processed, you will receive a complete registration packet via a link in an email. Your child will be fully registered once all forms are completed and a payment of $50 per camp. Confirmation letters will be sent closer to camp dates.

Make checks payable to Iowa School for the Deaf and send along with required medical information to:
ISD Camps
Iowa School for the Deaf
3501 Harry Langdon Boulevard
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

NOTE: Submitting this form only temporarily holds a camper’s position. A position is only officially filled once we receive payment* and listing of any medical requirements. Please send in these additional items soon after you submit the registration request to guarantee your spot.

*No child is turned away due to inability to pay.

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Switchboard: 712-366-0571 | VP (videophone): 712-796-0025

3501 Harry Langdon Blvd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503

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Bobcat Football Field

Since 1921, football has been a tradition at Iowa School for the Deaf. ISD Bobcats play late weekday afternoons or Saturdays against local junior varsity teams and Great Plains Schools for the Deaf varsity teams. Go ‘Cats!

Click here for the description in ASL.

Lied Multipurpose Complex

Opened in 2002, this was the first new construction on campus in more than 50 years. Health and physical education classes take place here. In addition to the main gym, which has seating for 1,000, this 58,000-square-foot facility has a 115,000-gallon swimming pool, community rooms, racquetball courts, and fitness areas.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Boys Dormitory

Male students board in the administration building’s west wing. Floors divide the boys by age. Residential counselors and houseparents help with homework, encourage calls home, and plan learning, social and service activities for the boys. Boys typically have rooms to themselves. Videophone and computer stations are in the floor lounge areas.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Administration Building

This is the site of the first building on campus when the school was moved from Iowa City in 1870. At the time, the building was a dorm, dining room, staff living quarters, chapel and administration. (There was a separate school building on campus.) This building has experienced four fires and a tornado (but nothing devastating since 1903!). Currently, it houses the ISD Museum, auditorium, cafeteria, teen center, boys dorm, and the school’s central administration offices.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Cafeteria/Kitchen

ISD cafeteria staff work closely with dietitians and federal programs to ensure their offerings meet stringent nutrition guidelines and the preferences of the pickiest eater! Every child is encouraged to try samplings from all food groups. Occasional food fairs are held to introduce students to new dishes as well as to reinforce the importance of a healthy diet.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Auditorium

The ornate auditorium is often home to prom, the school carnival (Celebrate ISD), and other special presentations needing to seat a larger audience. When not in use, its convenient location next to the Teen Center makes it a popular nine-square attraction!

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Greenhouse

Need tips on germination or transplanting? Check with a student who has worked in the greenhouse! The structure was dedicated in 2001 in memory of Adam Leitch, a former middle school student, who loved the outdoors. The greenhouse was made possible by donations from Adam’s family.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Staff Residence

Some school officials are required to live on ISD’s campus. Other campus houses and apartments may be occupied by ISD staff who rent the units.

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Fleet Garage

The fleet garage holds ISD’s vehicles. Every weekend (weather permitting), students are transported to their hometowns across Iowa and Nebraska. This event operates so efficiently that the average time between school day’s end and the last bus to leave campus is less than 15 minutes. Labor for the original part of this 1941 structure was furnished under the Work Progress Administration.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Groundskeeping Barn

This is headquarters for the groundskeepers and was built in 1984. The staff are also responsible for maintaining ISD’s fleet vehicles.

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Dairy Barn

ISD was once a self-sufficient entity, complete with a dairy herd. This 1935 barn initially housed calves and became the cattle barn when the dairy barn burned in 1944. After its farming life, the building has been used as a teen center and now stores various grounds equipment.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Careers Building/4PLUS

Students gain hands-on work experience in metals technology and woods classes at this building. The 4PLUS transition (to work or college) student center is located on the second floor. The central and south wings were built in 1950; the north wing addition was constructed in 1980.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Plant/Power House

This building was completed in 1956 and contains the campus boilers and utility access points. Powerhouse staff are on campus round the clock whenever students are here, too. In addition to keeping utilities running, they respond to emergency alarms and provide extra security. They’ve also been known to attend to the simple, albeit critical, needs on campus (such as fixing a student’s bicycle).

Click here for the description in ASL.

Elementary School

Opened in 1959, this building houses preschool and elementary grades, with lower grades on the bottom floor and upper grades on the second floor. A computer lab, library, and kitchen are also inside.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Outreach

ISD’s Outreach Department is housed in the former infirmary. Programming focuses around five areas: family resources, extended learning, literacy resources, language resources and assessments. Long before this area was renovated for Outreach, it served as ISD’s own hospital. Tonsillectomies were even performed on campus! This building opened in 1938.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Small Gymnasium

This facility is used as an extra physical education facility for younger students. It also serves as a multipurpose activity area and an extra practice gym. Most of our matches, tournaments, and physical education are now held at the Lied Multipurpose Complex.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Science Center

A modern science center featuring two classrooms, two labs, and plenty of storage, opened in the fall of 2010. The space previously contained a swimming pool and locker rooms and was renovated to provide an accessible environment. Private donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses made the $1.5 million project possible.

Click here for the description in ASL.

J. Schuyler Long Hall/High School

Opened in 1929, this building offers three stories of classrooms with most rooms being used on the second floor. A library, student meeting room, and computer lab are under this roof. The Long Hall Science Center, which opened in 2010, is also connected to the building.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Health Center

Registered nurses working 24 hours a day have all the students’ healthcare needs covered! From bandages to flu shots, nurses provide tender loving care and keep parents informed about the health of their children. When students are ill, they are cared for in the health center until they are ready for classes again.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Girls Dormitory

A large kitchen with double appliances is featured on the main floor. Student lounges are on each floor, containing computer and videophone relay access. Usually, students have rooms to themselves. The building opened in 1963; the north wing was added in 1975.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Audiology

Nearly 60 school districts are served through the Green Hills Area Education Agency, one of nine such organizations in Iowa. Green Hills is an intermediate unit providing educational services to local schools. One of Green Hills’ soundproof hearing testing booths is on the campus of ISD.

Click here for the description in ASL.

ISD Museum


Housed on the second floor of Administration Building’s east wing, each room reflects a decade of history at ISD. Free admission; open by appointment, 712.366.0571.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Teen Center

After homework and sports activities but before bed, a flurry of interaction takes place among students at the Teen Center! This modern space has a pool table, comfy couches, a big screen TV, and its own snack bar.

Click here for the description in ASL.