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play at CAMP bear creek
Camp Bear Creek is filled with hiking trails to walk, caves to explore, and games to be played. If your group is looking for ways to stay active, engaged, and moving while you’re here, we have plenty of options for you!
Easily one of the most popular games at camp, 9-Square in the Air is a fast moving game that combines elements from 4-Square and Volleyball. The person in the center square leads the game by serving the ball, hitting it in the air to another square. Players must keep the ball from falling to the ground within their square and hit it to other players on the court. When a person is out, everyone rotates forward, and the game begins again. Our 9-Square court is available for groups from Memorial Day through October at no additional cost!
Ready, aim, fire! See if you can hit the bull’s eye on our archery range. Our compound bows are great for novice shooters looking to have some fun and try something new. Our staff can walk you through the basics of shooting and provide participants with their own opportunity to fire some arrows and improve their skills. Shooters must be 8 years old or older to participate.
Rates: $180/hour (max of 15 people)
This is a fun winter sport for those who want to get outside and active during the colder months. Teams play with “brooms” and attempt to sweep the ball into the opposing team’s goal. While commonly played on ice, we just play in the snow for a fast-paced and exciting game.
Rates: $120/hour
Horsethief Cave is part of the lore and legend of Camp Bear Creek! For generations, groups have loved walking to the cave and exploring the inside. Will you be the one to finally discover the treasure left behind by the horse thieves all those years ago? The cave is large enough for groups to stand and walk in the entrance. As you explore deeper in the cave, you’ll have to crouch to reach the inside. It’s a fun place to visit, have a picnic lunch, or spend time exploring.
You might also be interested in traveling to nearby cave attractions such as Maquoketa Caves State Park.
Climb to the top of our climbing tower and ring the bell to let everyone know you made it! Thrill seekers will love this challenging and exciting activity. It’s all about testing your limits and crushing your goals. Choose how high you’ll climb and how far you’ll push. Different sides of the tower offer different challenges and paths for various capabilities of climbers.
Rates: $325/hour for 15 people or less
This activity is perfect for younger children who want to try paddling on their own. Sit cross-legged on your corcl and paddle across Frog Pond with a kayak paddle. The round boats are easy to turn, spin, and paddle. Try racing your friends or just enjoy the peaceful moment as you corcl around the pond. These boats are recommended for elementary age.
Rates: $180/hour (can accommodate 15 boats on the water at one time)
It’s a giant, four foot tall ball! We can lead your group in several different games involving the Earth Ball. Be ready for lots of laughter and this giant ball goes flying across the meadow or over the volleyball net. It’s the perfect activity for middle and high school groups.
Rates: $120/hour (minimum of 16 people required to play)
It looks gorgeous and it’s so much fun to try! Groups looking for some evening activities will love fire spinning. Get your cameras ready and be prepared to capture the circles of fire you’ll create with the guidance of our staff. In order to participate, you’ll need closed toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves.
Rates: $120/hour
It looks gorgeous and it’s so much fun to try! Groups looking for some evening activities will love fire spinning. Get your cameras ready and be prepared to capture the circles of fire you’ll create with the guidance of our staff. In order to participate, you’ll need closed toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves.
Rates: $120/hour
Take a stroll along Bear Creek. Walk to the Pond and enjoy the sounds of wildlife. Choose the path to our swinging bridge and cave. There are plenty of options to choose from throughout our 380 acre site. Be ready for some hills and climbs as we show off some of the most beautiful limestone bluffs in Eastern Iowa. Bring your camera and be on the lookout for deer, turkey, raccoons, and plenty of other wildlife!
This game is exactly as it sounds! Players line up in the court just like the little men in the Foosball game. Hold onto the bar and slide back and forth, with each team attempting to kick the ball into the opposing team’s goal. It’s fast moving and a fun twist to a traditional soccer game. Our Human Foosball Court is available year round at no additional cost!
There’s few things more peaceful than sitting in a kayak watching the clouds move across the sky. Paddle across Frog Pond and listen to the sounds of the world around you. For parents of young children, our sit-on-top kayaks provide an easy opportunity for you to take your little one on your lap and let them enjoy paddling with you! Groups (middle school and older) looking for something more active can play a game of kayak polo, taught and led by our staff!
Rates: $180/hour (can accommodate 15 boats on the water at one time)
A labyrinth is simply a place to walk and pray. Unlike a maze, you cannot get lost. There is one path in and out of a labyrinth. This gives you the chance to focus your mind totally on God as you step by step walk the path. Let your mind unwind and open your heart and soul to God as you spend some quiet, meditative time in the labyrinth. Sometimes, the best way to help our mind be still is to let our bodies move slowly and deliberately. Come to the labyrinth when you’re looking for peace and conversation with God.
There’s nothing better on a hot day than a trip to the pool! Slide down the slide into the deep end or enjoy a relaxing float. Our pool is open each summer for groups to stay cool and have some fun!
Rates: $200/hour (groups larger than 20 people may incur additional charges due to the extra lifeguards needed)
This is the perfect activity for groups looking to work together and grow as a team. We can walk you through different challenges and experiences tailored to hone your communication skills, problem solving, cooperation, and creativity. By the end of a team building session, your group will feel empowered to tackle real-life challenges, share ideas, and collaborate together.
Rate: $180/hour (max of 15 people)
The tubing hill is legendary here at Bear Creek. It’s a steep hill absolutely perfect for winter adventures! Leave your sleds at home and let us provide you with tubes for the hill. Enjoy the thrill in a solo ride or band a group of tubes together and take the trip with your friends. No matter which way you go down, our tubing hill provides a thrilling experience for everyone! Our tubing hill is free to use for any guest group. Availability is based on snowfall and temperature. Let us know if you’re interested in the tubing hill and we’ll get everything prepared (assuming the weather is right)!
Our dual zip lines will give you the chance to soar through the air and race your friends to the end! Are you brave enough to take the leap? The zip lines give you the chance to fly through the trees and scream as loud as you want. This is a great way to take risks, embrace courage, and step outside your comfort zone.
Rates: $325/hour for groups of 15 people or less