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!
June 3, 2026
Youth Show Choir Camp
Details:
Learn three fun songs and a little choreography! There will be a free parent performance in the auditorium at 11:30 am on June 3. Camp participants can find music and practice tracks at www.sepvocalmusic.com.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
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 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
YMCA Summer Sports Clinics
Details:
YMCA Summer Sports Clinics allow kids the opportunity to play and develop their skills in a variety of sports! Whether you have been playing for years or are brand new to the sport, our clinics are a great opportunity to learn, grow, and have a great time this Summer!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 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
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 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 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 11, 2026
Mountains and Texture: Acrylic Dimensional Landscapes
Details:
In this expressive painting class, we’ll explore how to create bold, abstract mountain scenes using heavy body acrylics on raw canvas. You’ll learn how to layer paint for texture, blend sky colors for depth, and use palette knives or brushes to create movement and structure. We’ll finish with optionJuly 12, 2026
Iowa Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp
Details:
July 8-12: High School students and 2026 graduates will explore the diverse religious communities of the Des Moines Metro, visiting communities for worship services, meals, and conversations. Each camper will explore their own faith journey and learn about their neighbors’ faith experiences.July 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 15, 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. By working with a simple Zorn palette of just four colors (black, red, yellow, and white), we remove the guesJuly 19, 2026
Colored Pencil Animal Drawing
Details:
Students will explore the colorful world of animal art in this fun and creative colored pencil drawing class! Students will learn basic drawing techniques, shading, blending, and texture while creating their favorite animals step-by-step. Perfect for beginners and young artists who love animals andJuly 19, 2026
Acrylic Ribbon Landscapes
Details:
Penny Wang created the Ribbon Art Style in 2021. Inspired by her commissioned piece “Hope Rises” for a ribbon cutting ceremony, she uses ribbon-like brush strokes to create unique landscapes. Join us in learning this unique painting style, while selecting your own landscape as inspiration. All supplJuly 23, 2026
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in 3D
Details:
Vincent Van Gogh was known to have painted several different versions of sunflowers. Paint your own version with the addition of cut out painted paper sunflowers for a 3D effect. Follow along step-by-step, but feel free to change colors or anything you like to make this 11×14 canvas your own.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.July 24, 2026
Write Now: Microstory Writing Contest
Details:
This summer, spark your creativity with the University of Iowa’s Microstory Contest. Choose one of two photo prompts and turn it into a powerful 100-word story. Short, imaginative, and fun—no experience required.July 29, 2026
“Color Splash” Mix Media
Details:
Unleash your inner artist in this exploration of color and texture! This class teaches you how to manipulate high-intensity water media and metallic elements to create stunning compositions that pop off the paper. In this workshop, we move beyond the traditional paintbrush.August 5, 2026
Painting in the Negative
Details:
In this workshop you will paint a bright and colorful abstract background, on a 12×12 canvas, using brushes and different items to create texture. You will draw out your own nature composition to paint around with a whitewash leaving a colorful silhouette… painting in the negative spaces.August 8, 2026
Funky Fish Collage
Details:
In this workshop, you will build textural backgrounds by using vintage sheet music and newsprint to create a base for watercolor washes and illustration of a whimsical patterned fish. Whether you love the teal watercolor washes or intricate linework and free form pattern making, you’ll walk away witAugust 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.