Camp Tanager

A place for kids to learn and grow.

Established in 1926, Camp Tanager provides day and overnight camp programs to over 1,000 campers each summer. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome to attend our programs designed for fun, fitness, friendship, and learning.
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Everyone Loves Camp

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Camps for Kids

For nearly 90 years, Camp Tanager has been providing summer fun through free campership program. Today we offer a wide variety of summer camp options!

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Group Outings

Camp Tanager has a long history of hosting school groups, corporate teams and more for a day of fun and team building at camp. Our team provides the fun!

  • School Field Trips
  • Corporate Events
  • Offsite Team Building
  • Retreats
Camp Grand Lodge Inside

Venue Rentals

Camp Tanager offers indoor and outdoor rental facilities including a grand lodge, two swimming pools, and cabins. Contact us to host your next event.

  • Weddings
  • Conferences
  • Graduation Parties
  • Birthday Parties
  • Baby Showers

Outdoor Fun For All

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Campers enjoy connecting with nature in our 34-acre purpose-built campsite with wooded areas, trails, and a creek to explore. Campers learn about nature and the outdoors through onsite environmental science and nature projects.

Free from cellphones and tablets, camp is a place where kids can unplug from their device and connect face to face.

Camp Tanager Crew

Our Camp Team

It takes an army of excellent staff to provide a safe and nurturing camp environment for our campers! Leading the way are our residential assistant camp directors. Each member of the camp management team bring their own unique flair and passion for the job at hand.

Join the Camp Tanager Team!

We are looking for free-thinking, hard-working relationship builders who want to make the world a better place by changing the way the world interacts with kids! Summer and seasonal camp positions are available.

Our History

kids smiling at Camp Tanager

1926

Camp Tanager Founded

In 1926, public health nurse Elizabeth Johnson identified a need in Cedar Rapids for a place where kids could learn and grow.

2016

Voted Coolest Camp in Iowa

The Philadelphia Inquirer identified Camp Tanager as the coolest camp in Iowa for our unique and expansive program offerings.

ACA Member Camp

As a member of the American Camp Association, Camp Tanager follows strict rules and regulations put in place to help protect campers and provide a safe environment for all participants.

Child painting at Camp Tanager

Photo Gallery

Get a glimpse of our camp experience by viewing our photos. Each week of camp, we provide camp families with access to a photo gallery featuring daily highlights and activities.

Reach us year round!

You can reach our Camp Director or send mail to your camper using the links below.

Experience the magic of Camp Tanager.

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We’re here to help.

If you (or someone with you) are experiencing a medical emergency, or are in danger, call 911 immediately.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal, call or text 988 immediately.

Your Life Iowa:                      (Facilitated by Foundation 2)
855-581-8111

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
988

General Information:
319-365-9164

Get Involved

Donate

Make a difference for children in your community and help thousands of families with a donation to Tanager.

Volunteer

Learn about our reoccurring or one-time volunteer opportunities and help build a brighter future.