Enjoy connecting with nature in our 34-acre purpose-built campsite with wooded areas, trails, and a creek to explore.
Learn more about nature and the outdoors through onsite environmental science and nature projects.
Free swim, snorkeling, and water aerobics are just a few of the ways our campers enjoy the pool on a daily basis.
Activities at camp include archery, basketball, soccer, gaga ball, volleyball, group games, arts, crafts, and more.
Nothing says camp more than roasting a few marshmallows over an open fire with friends new and old.
Free from cellphones and tablets, camp is a place where kids can unplug from their device and connect face to face.
Through intentional planning, our goal each week is to help campers connect with one another and find a new friend.
You can reach our Camp Director or send mail to your camper using the links below.
The Camp Tanager Team works tirelessly to create exciting programs and activities for kids, learning new skills to enhance the camp experience. Through extensive pre-camp training and conferences, we are confident that your camper will experience success in any one of our programs.
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.
In 1926, public health nurse Elizabeth Johnson identified a need in Cedar Rapids for a place where kids could learn and grow.
Children of all backgrounds can benefit from a positive camp experience. That’s why Camp Tanager is devoted to providing an affordable, safe, and fun camp experience for all children.
Monday – Friday
9 Themed Sessions
$235 per week
Our Day Camp Programs meet the needs of the community by providing a wholesome camp experience where kids can make new friends and learn new skills.
Registration opens in January.
6 Day Overnight Program
$450 per camper
Scholarships Available
Our Summer Sleep-Away Camp combines the themed activities of day camps with a week-long camp experience that includes games, campfires, pool parties, and more!
Registration opens in January.
6 Day Overnight Program
9 Themed Sessions
Camp Tanager hosts two specialty health camps for kids living with diabetes and hemophilia. Kids participate in fun activities and work with medical professionals on healthy practices like pump use and infusion.
Registration opens in January.
Camp Tanager is available year-round for summer camps, seasonal programs, facility rentals, and more.
10/28 – 10/30 | Ages 5-11
Halloween campers get ready for spooky fun!
10/29 | Ages 6-11
Get ready to party like a rockstar (or pirate or a princess)!
12/20 – 12/22 | Ages 5-11
Enjoy frozen science activities, winter crafts, camp game favorites, and more!
Feel free to contact us at any time during the week. Our phone number is 319-363-0681. If you need to drop something off for your camper, please call in advance so we can watch out for you. If you have an emergency and need to talk to someone right away, please call Tanager at 319-365-9164 The secretary will be able to contact the Camp Director who will then return your call.
Ready for Camp Tanager? View our packing list of what to bring (and what not to) to help your camper make the most out of their week!
From basketball court rentals to birthday parties, weddings, and corporate team-building events, Camp Tanager is available year-round to meet the needs of the community.
Click on the links below to learn more about our rental options.
The Grand Lodge is a winterized facility that can be used year round. The lodge features a grand room complete with wood burning fireplace, a full kitchen, two 12 bed sleeping cabins complete with bathrooms and showers. Discounted rates for multi-session bookings and non-profit groups.
Camp Tanager offers counselor-led end-of-year field trips for elementary schools in May and June each year. Attending schools have exclusive use of the facility. Camp Tanager staff create a custom program of activities for each school group. Options include swimming, archery, team-building activities, gaga ball, 9-Square in the Air, and more.
Schools looking to use the Camp Tanager facility for team-building events or special events can do so through private facility rentals.
There are several options for families looking to schedule a party at Camp Tanager. Popular packages include our Pool & Pavilion package—a two- or four-hour rental that includes exclusive use of the camp pool with lifeguards provided and exclusive use of the open-air pavilion with outdoor grill, sound system, and seating for over 100.
Popular winter packages include Gym & Lodge rental for overnight and custom themed parties.
Business owners looking to give their employees a one of kind event choose Camp Tanager. Our Winter Lodge sleeps a total of 24 and comes complete with bathroom/shower facilities, full kitchen, main room with seating for over 20, a lounge with comfy couches, and TV and AV systems for work presentations.
Including a 6800-square-foot gymnasium, our facility provides space for group games, team-builders, and activities to get your group moving and energized.
The first phase of the Camp Tanager expansion project increased our reach by creating a new, larger scale camp prepared for the next century of campers. Phase two of the campaign, Nurture. Grow. Discover, is a campaign to increase impact and opportunity by continuing to extend capacity with a second new cabin plus expanding programming elements such as a pool, ropes course and locker rooms.
Our expansion goals cannot be completed without the help of our great community. There are many ways that you help with our project and help provide camp for many more generations of campers. Click the links below to learn more.
Stay up to date on the latest from Tanager.
We’re here to help.
If you (or someone with you) are experiencing a medical emergency, are in danger, or are feeling suicidal, call 911 immediately.
Crisis Call Center:
319-286-4545
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
General Information:
319-365-9164