Camping and exploring the outdoors are staples of the Scouting program. The Boy Scouts of America uses camping and outdoor activities to help grow the physical, spiritual, mental, and social well being of its youth members. The Northeast Iowa Council very much encourages this aspect of the Scouting program, offering two Council-owned camps with vast resources and facilities for local Scouters. These two properties are summarized below for you. The NEIC is also home to many fabulous county & state parks that are excellent spots for camping and hiking with your Scouting unit.
Camp C.S. Klaus
Camp C.S. Klaus is situated within a 200 acre wooded valley, located near the township of Colesburg in the countryside of Northeastern Iowa. The camp is home to a beautiful lake fed by some of Iowa’s rare waterfalls from a natural stream, which is also one of the only naturally reproducing trout streams in the state of Iowa. Camp Klaus also features a 40 foot climbing tower, Low & High COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) courses, trails for all ability levels, and much more. With its eight camp sites, Camp Klaus is furnished with platform tents, cots, and private showers. The newly renovated dining hall creates a comfortable environment for Scouts and Scouters during their stay. Whether you are looking to earn merit badges, participate in high adventure-like experiences, or just relax in the outdoors, Camp Klaus has it all!
The best thing about Camp C.S. Klaus is that it is completely a space for the community, by the community. Almost all maintenance at Camp C.S. Klaus is completed by volunteers! Volunteers come out to the camp grounds almost every weekend of the year to help repair old buildings, trails, preserve the landscape, and maintain the facilities and equipment. Many community groups use Camp C.S. Klaus for picnics, camping, or family events. The gates are hardly ever closed and you can generally find one or two people fishing by the lake or using its trails to jog on.
Camp Burton
Camp Burton is located just west of Durango, IA. This property has a small and large cabin and is only open to Scouting units within the Northeast Iowa Council. Camp Burton gives in-council units a place to camp throughout the year, not just in the summer.