Digital Backpack for Southeast Polk
Stay Informed About Local Opportunities
The Southeast Polk Digital Backpack is our “green” approach to distributing information about student-focused community activities, events and opportunities. Check back often as new events are added weekly!
April 18, 2026
ADHD in-person conference in Ankeny on 4/18
Details:
CHADD of Iowa (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is happy to present a dynamic and empowering in-person event featuring 7 professionals speaking on various ADHD topics related to adults and children.April 19, 2026
Insect Expo
Details:
In collaboration with local partners, the Insect Expo is a free celebration by entomologists featuring live insects and interactive displays where entomologists connect with the Greater Des Moines community to inspire curiosity and discover the value of insects in our lives.April 21, 2026
Grand Blue Mile
Details:
The Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark, is a one-mile run/walk in downtown Des Moines for all ages. Back again in 2026, Spike’s Sprint lets kids 10 & under race in four different divisions and earn a plush bulldog giveaway. Enjoy family fun with bounce houses, face painting, &Mascot Madness raceApril 23, 2026
Early Childhood Music Exploration
Details:
Kids discover the joy of music through singing, movement, games, and instruments. Each class builds rhythm, coordination, and creativity in a fun, playful way.April 24, 2026
Track & Field Trip Day
Details:
This voucher is valid for ONE free ticket to the 2026 Drake Relays Friday Day Session for K–12 students in Des Moines/Central Iowa. K–8 students must be with an adult; high school students must show a School ID.May 5, 2026
Impact Academy
Details:
Impact Academy is also a great place for beginners and athletes who are new to club volleyball. We create a supportive environment where players can learn the fundamentals, gain confidence, and better understand the game while still being challenged to improve.May 12, 2026
Oil Portrait Class: Simplifying the Process
Details:
This class is designed for artists who already have some experience drawing or painting portraits and want to learn how to translate those skills into oil paint in a clear and efficient way.May 19, 2026
A Simple Bloom – Acrylic Daisy
Details:
Beauty is often found in the simplest contrasts. This piece focuses on the balance between light and dark. By placing a single daisy against a deep black 12 x 12 canvas, we take away the noise of a background and let the flower’s natural geometry stand out.May 29, 2026
Intuitive ART Creative Workshop
Details:
Relax and let yourself go in this workshop that focuses on your intuition and subconscious impulses. Artist Teri is there to guide you in getting started and how to follow your gut throughout the session to create your unique abstract painting on a 16×20 canvas.May 30, 2026
Wildflower Lines and Color
Details:
In this nature-inspired outdoor painting class, we’ll create a vibrant abstract background using bold acrylic color and expressive brushstrokes on raw canvas. Painting on raw canvas creates a soft, natural texture that allows the colors to interact with the surface in a unique way.May 30, 2026
Iris Watercolor and Ink
Details:
In this class, we’ll combine the fun and unpredictable side of watercolor with the precise nature of ink pens to create loose, beautiful irises. The dualities of these two mediums make them ideal to capture both the organization and chaos we find in florals!June 1, 2026
Youth Show Choir Camp: Students entering grades 5-9 next fall
Details:
Students entering grades 5-9 this fall are welcome to join us June 1-3 from 9:00 am-noon to learn three fun songs and a little choreography! There will be a free parent performance in the auditorium at 11:30 am on Wednesday, June 3.June 1, 2026
Rams Boys Swim Camp
Details:
This camp is an introduction to competitive swimming. The camp will run five days, June 1 - 5th, from 3-4:30pm, and will be run by high school boys swimmers and coaches. Athletes should be comfortable in the water to participate. Register by May 22nd to receive a camp shirt.June 1, 2026
Boys Swim Camp for students entering grades 3-8 this fall
Details:
This is an introductory to competitive swimming camp for Southeast Polk and Bondurant-Farrar boys entering 3rd-8th grade. Athletes will learn all four strokes and the basics to compeitive swimming from SEP swim coaches and athletes.June 1, 2026
SEP Youth Tennis Camp: Students entering grades 1-9 this fall
Details:
This camp is for girls and boys who want to learn how to play tennis. Campers will learn the basic groundstrokes, how to serve, how to play a match, and play plenty of fun games!June 1, 2026
SIMPSON COLLEGE FOOTBALL YOUTH CAMP
Details:
Simpson Storm Football invites you to our annual summer Youth Football Camp. We’re excited to bring kids from the surrounding areas to our campus and expose them to the fundamentals of football. Our four-day camp encompasses football techniques, games, competitions and whole lot of fun!June 6, 2026
Let’s Get Hunter on the Road!
Details:
SEP student Hunter Harris is a bright, resilient young man whose life changed significantly after he was hit by a car last July ('25). He now has a major goal in sight: gaining the independence and mobility that only a wheelchair-accessible van can provide.June 8, 2026
Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI)
Details:
The annual Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI) is a summertime camp designed for young singers ages 14+ to develop their voices and build confidence in performing and auditioning.June 8, 2026
Des Moines Y Camp Summer Camp
Details:
Are you ready for the best summer ever? All of our day and overnight camp programs are designed for building character, connecting with peers and growing independence! Everything we do is rooted in the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.June 8, 2026
NetQuest Volleyball & Basketball Camps
Details:
Come join high school players and staff for basketball, volleyball, or even better- Net Quest camp, which will include both basketball and volleyball back-to-back!! Camp is June 8-10.June 8, 2026
Drake University Voice Intensive
Details:
The annual Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI) is a summertime camp designed for young singers ages 14+ to develop their voices and build confidence in performing and auditioning.June 10, 2026
Early Childhood Music Exploration
Details:
Kids discover the joy of music through singing, movement, games, and instruments. Each class builds rhythm, coordination, and creativity in a fun, playful way. Join us for this free summer music experience OUTSIDE on the EMC Plaza on the front lawn. If there is inclement weather, join us in the CJune 15, 2026
SEP Youth Track & Field Camp
Details:
This camp is for boys and girls entering grades 1-7 next fall. The primary focus is on the fundamentals of track & field and sprint mechanics. Campers will be exposed to several track & field events. It is led by the HS Boys Track staff. The camp will be held June 15 -16, from 10:30 am-noon.June 22, 2026
NewLife Day Camp
Details:
A lot of Jesus and a lot fun. Campers will have four terrific days June 22-25 that includes chapel, sports, crafts, water events, a climbing wall, push cars and more. Breakfast and lunch are included in tuition. Register using the QR code found below.June 22, 2026
Bulldog Girls Basketball Camp
Details:
Bulldog Basketball Camps are designed to be an exciting and positive experience where kids can learn, compete, and have fun. Campers build friendships and connect with others through team play, games, and shared experiences on the court. The camp promotes an active lifestyle while helping players deJune 29, 2026
Watercolor Workshop
Details:
In this workshop, we’ll discuss the basic mechanics of watercolor before applying those ideas to several exercises designed to help us notice what our eyes are actually seeing—not just what we think we see. We’ll practice distinguishing between values, discuss color theory, and play.July 8, 2026
Early Childhood Music Exploration
Details:
Kids discover the joy of music through singing, movement, games, and instruments. Each class builds rhythm, coordination, and creativity in a fun, playful way. Join us for this free summer music experience OUTSIDE on the EMC Plaza on the front lawn. If there is inclement weather, join us in the CJuly 9, 2026
Drivewise Driver education
Details:
We provide drivers education for all students at Southeast Polk and surrounding school districtsJuly 13, 2026
HYC Choral Summer Camp
Details:
Singers who have finished grade K through 8 will enjoy five days of singing and fun that ends with a musical performance! Participants will experience choir rehearsals, musicianship, sectional rehearsals, and movement activities.July 15, 2026
Junior Achievement Rising Women Workshop
Details:
Throughout the day, participants will take part in engaging activities, interactive lessons, and meaningful conversations centered on skills that matter now and for the future. Topics include leadership development, financial literacy, career readiness, goal-setting, and communication.July 24, 2026
Dayton Oaks Summer Camp
Details:
We invite you to explore Dayton Oaks Camp and discover exciting adventures at summer camp. Campers will enjoy outdoor adventures, guided nature hikes, engaging chapel sessions and fun team building activities. We encourage you to check out our summer camp programs.August 12, 2026
Early Childhood Music Exploration
Details:
Kids discover the joy of music through singing, movement, games, and instruments. Each class builds rhythm, coordination, and creativity in a fun, playful way. Join us for this free summer music experience OUTSIDE on the EMC Plaza on the front lawn.