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Events For Guard Families
Be first to know about camps, celebrations, and workshops for Iowa's military-connected youth.
2026–27 Program Year
Plan your year with Iowa CYP
Find next program year’s events organized by fall, spring, and summer. Event details come directly from our registration system and are updated as plans are finalized.
Cookies with Santa
Camp Dodge - Dodge House
Settle in for a cheerful holiday gathering with cookies, time with Santa, and family-friendly activities. It is a relaxed chance for children and caregivers to celebrate, meet other Guard families, and make a holiday memory together.
RegisterMFE Des Moines
Emerge Academy
Emerge Academy brings families into a spacious gymnastics and Ninja Warrior setting with trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle-style challenges. Expect an active gathering where youth can try something new while families connect and encourage one another.
RegisterMFE Sioux City
Drop Zone
Drop Zone is built for active family fun, with trampolines, dodgeball, a ninja course, laser tag, and a play area for younger children. It is a welcoming setting to share a challenge, enjoy time together, and meet other Guard families in the Sioux City area.
RegisterMilitary Family Ball
Camp Dodge - Pool Pavilion
Dress up and celebrate military-connected youth with an evening of crafts, dancing, dinner, and time together. Families can enjoy a special night out, meet others who understand military life, and create a shared memory on the dance floor.
RegisterSummer Camp
Des Moines YMCA Camp
Campers spend the week building independence, confidence, and friendships with peers who understand military life. Select Iowa Army National Guard Youth Symposium Camp under Partner Camps during registration.
MFE Cedar Rapids
The Fun Station
Families can expect a lively indoor adventure setting with trampolines, climbing challenges, slides, games, and attractions for a range of ages. The shared fun creates an easygoing way to meet other Guard families and make memories together.
RegisterMFE Council Bluffs
The Hub
The Hub offers an energetic setting with trampolines, a ninja course, arcade games, and spaces for younger children. Families can play, take on friendly challenges, and get to know other Guard-connected families from the Council Bluffs area.
RegisterMFE Cedar Falls
Ninja U
Get ready for an active family outing at Get Air, a trampoline park with open-jump spaces and play designed for different ages. Between the movement and shared activities, families will have plenty of natural opportunities to laugh together and make new friends.
RegisterMFE Davenport
Malibu Jack's Quad Cities (TBD)
Join the Iowa Army National Guard Child & Youth Program for an exciting Military Family Event in the Quad Cities! Enjoy friendly competition, discover new activities, and connect with other military families while building teamwork, confidence, and lasting memories. More activity details will be announced once the venue is confirmed!
RegisterPast events
Look back at previous Iowa CYP gatherings for Guard-connected families.
Fall Family Festival
Camp Dodge - Pool Pavilion
Guard-connected families gathered at Camp Dodge for Rocktober, with trunk-or-treat, youth bands, a carnival, mini golf, and family fun.
Military Family Event: Cedar Falls
5911 University Ave Suite 350, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Space was limited, and families gathered for an evening of connection and fun.
Military Family Event: Des Moines
Emerge Academy, 2100 SE Gateway Dr Suite 200, Grimes, IA
Families connected through an evening activity designed for Guard-connected youth.
Military Family Event: Sioux City
Drop Zone, 3840 Stadium Dr, Sioux City, IA 51106
Guard families gathered for a regional youth and family connection event.
Military Family Ball
Camp Dodge - Pool Pavilion, 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA
Families celebrated Month of the Military Child together at Camp Dodge.
Military Family Event: Cedar Rapids
The Fun Station, 200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Families joined a regional activity for connection, play, and CYP outreach.
Military Family Event: Davenport
The Fun Station, 400 S 14th Ave, Eldridge, IA 52748
Guard families gathered in the Davenport area for a winter family event.
Cookies with Santa
Camp Dodge - Gold Star Museum, 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA
Families celebrated the holiday season together at Camp Dodge.
Fall Family Festival
Camp Dodge - Pool Pavilion, 7105 NW 70th Ave, Johnston, IA
Families kicked off the program year with a fall gathering at Camp Dodge.
Programs
Programs Guard-connected youth keep coming back for
Adventure kits, camps, and leadership opportunities keep Guard-connected youth connected all year. These highlights give partners and caregivers a quick look at what Iowa CYP offers families.
Program Series
Adventure Kits
Best for: Ages 6-14 military-connected youth
Adventure Kits bring Guard families together with seasonal, hands-on projects that spark curiosity and connection. Each kit includes STEM challenges, health tips, and guided videos families can open anytime, anywhere.
“Such great family fun! Events are tailored so well for kids to enjoy and parents to participate alongside them.” - Guard Parent, 5/23/2023
Campaign
Month of the Military Child
Best for: Military kids, families, and educators
Each April, the Guard family unites to honor the strength and sacrifice of military children. Iowa classrooms receive celebration kits—including Purple Up! wristbands—so kids feel seen and proud alongside their peers.
“Great way to honor and value military kids!” - Parent, 5/23/2023
Program
Military Family Events
Best for: Military families statewide
Military Family Events connect Guard households across Iowa through regional gatherings, workshops, and volunteer-led celebrations. These shared moments strengthen community, belonging, and Guard family pride all year long.
“We have so much fun! Super organized events.” - Guard Family, 10/24/2021
Workshop
Yellow Ribbon
Best for: Youth experiencing deployment
Yellow Ribbon youth workshops help kids and teens navigate deployment with confidence. They connect with peers who understand, learn practical tools, and find strength in shared experience and support.
“It means a lot just to have something to do when their dad is deployed… We enjoyed every minute of it.” - Military Spouse, 2/17/2024
Mentorship
State Teen Panel
Best for: Military-connected teens ages 13-17
The State Teen Panel empowers Guard youth to lead, serve, and represent their peers. Members design service projects, build leadership skills, and strengthen the community they love.
“We always have so much fun and get closer every time. I love everything about the STP—but the people are my favorite part.” - STP Youth, 3/11/2024