Upcoming Events
Explore upcoming events at Camp Manitowa in Rend Lake Illinois.
Private Full-Camp Retreat
June 6–19, 2026
Camp Manitowa hosts a private, full-campus program June 6–19. During this time, the campground and facilities will be fully reserved for the duration of the event.
Manitowa Day Camps
June 22–August 1, 2026
Camp Manitowa Day Camp returns June 22–August 1, offering local campers a summer packed with adventure, friendships, and classic camp memories — all while returning home each evening. From outdoor activities and games to new experiences and traditions, Day Camp brings the Manitowa magic to local families all summer long.
Summer 2026 | Session I
June 21–July 10, 2026
Camp Manitowa Session I kicks off June 21–July 10, welcoming campers for three weeks of adventure, friendships, traditions, and unforgettable summer memories. From lake days and evening programs to cabin competitions and camp favorites, Session 1 brings the full Manitowa summer experience to life. Sign up today at campmanitowa.com/register.
Summer 2026 | Session IIA
July 12–18, 2026
Camp Manitowa Session IIA takes place July 12–18, welcoming campers for a week packed with outdoor adventure, camp traditions, new friendships, and nonstop summer fun. Sign up today at campmanitowa.com/register.
Summer 2026 | Session IIB
July 19–25, 2026
Camp Manitowa Session IIB runs July 19–25, bringing another unforgettable week of lake days, favorite activities, evening programs, and classic Camp Manitowa memories. Sign up today at campmanitowa.com/register.
Summer 2026 | Taste of Manitowa
July 26–August 1, 2026
Taste of Manitowa takes place July 26–August 1 and offers campers a chance to experience the magic of Camp Manitowa in a shorter session packed with adventure, connection, and camp traditions. Sign up today at campmanitowa.com/register.
Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA)
July 18–26, 2026
The Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) returns to Camp Manitowa July 18–26 for immersive summer programs designed for art educators. These experiences provide opportunities for teachers to step away from classroom routines, reconnect with their own creative practices, and recharge through art, community, and inspiration.
Camp Kesem at SLU
August 2–7, 2026
Camp Kesem at Saint Louis University returns to Camp Manitowa August 2–7 for a week of connection, community, and unforgettable camp memories. Camp Kesem provides a free camp experience for children impacted by a parent’s cancer, and Camp Manitowa is honored to once again host this incredible organization and its campers.
Urban Initiatives
August 8–12, 2026
Camp Manitowa welcomes Urban Initiatives August 8–12. This Chicago-based nonprofit organization empowers youth through sport, play, and teamwork, creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen connections, and grow both on and off the field.
Full Spectrum Healing
August 13–17, 2026
Full Spectrum Healing visits Camp Manitowa August 13–17, bringing together individuals and families for meaningful experiences centered around connection, wellness, and personal growth. Their work focuses on creating spaces that inspire healing, support, and community.
WashU Rodriguez Scholars
August 19–21, 2026
Camp Manitowa welcomes the Washington University in St. Louis Rodriguez Scholars Program August 19–21 for a special retreat focused on leadership, connection, and community. Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, the program creates opportunities for personal growth, relationship building, and meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.
Private Event
August 20–23, 2026
A private wedding celebration takes place at Camp Manitowa August 20–23, transforming camp into a scenic setting for a memorable weekend with family, friends, and festivities.
STL Yoga Collective: Rooted Retreat
August 27–29, 2026
Slow down, reconnect, and recharge during a restorative weekend at Camp Manitowa with STL Yoga Collective. Enjoy yoga sessions, wellness workshops, time in nature, and meaningful community moments designed to help you reset and leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and rooted. Sign up today at https://www.stlyogacollective.com/stl-yoga-events.
Sugar Creek Music Festival
September 17–19, 2026
Join us in celebrating over a decade of love, friendship, & the freedom to be you September 17-19th in Benton, Illinois at the beautiful Camp Manitowa Campground!
Visit www.sugarcreekmusicfestival.com/tickets to purchase tickets for this event.
Private Event
September 24–27, 2026
A private wedding celebration takes place at Camp Manitowa September 24–27, transforming camp into a scenic setting for a memorable weekend with family, friends, and festivities.
Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
September 28–29, 2026
Camp Manitowa welcomes the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience from St. Louis September 28–29 for a special retreat focused on learning, leadership, and community-building outside the classroom.
Lafayette Preparatory Academy (LPA) in St. Louis
October 1–2, 2026
Camp Manitowa welcomes Lafayette Prep from St. Louis October 1–2 for an overnight experience filled with outdoor activities, team-building, and opportunities for students to connect beyond the classroom.
Private Event
October 2–4, 2026
A private wedding celebration takes place at Camp Manitowa October 2–4, transforming camp into a scenic setting for a memorable weekend with family, friends, and festivities.
Full Spectrum Healing
October 8–11, 2026
Full Spectrum Healing returns to Camp Manitowa October 8–11, bringing together individuals and families for meaningful experiences centered around connection, wellness, and personal growth. Their work focuses on creating spaces that inspire healing, support, and community.
Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
October 12–13, 2026
Camp Manitowa welcomes back the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience from St. Louis October 12–13 for a special retreat focused on learning, leadership, and community-building outside the classroom.
Women's Adventure Retreat
October 16–18, 2026
Join Sally Drake for an unforgettable weekend of connection, discovery, fun, and deep relaxation with an inspiring group of amazing women. Tucked away in the serene woods of Camp Manitowa in Benton, Illinois, this retreat is your chance to pause, breathe, and fill your soul.
Visit www.mesracing.com/retreat-at-manitowa-1 for more information.
Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree
October 23–25, 2026
Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree returns October 23–25 for a festive fall weekend at Camp Manitowa filled with seasonal fun, camp traditions, and Halloween spirit. Saturday brunch and dinner, along with Sunday brunch, are included as part of the weekend experience. Sign up today at campmanitowa.com/register.
Girls Empowerment Retreat
November 6–8, 2026
Our new Girls Empowerment Retreats are full of campfires, crafting, connection, and confidence-building at Camp Manitowa.
Contact Dylan at dylan@campmanitowa.com with any questions!
Homeschool Field Trips
Fall 2026
Contact Dan at dan@campmanitowa.com with any questions!
Mother Daughter Weekend
Spring 2027
One of our favorite retreats. Mothers and daughters spend one night and two days at camp where all of our activities are available - rock wall, zip lining, canoeing & kayaking, archery, tie-dying, arts & crafts, hiking, along with an awesome “make your own” trail mix bar, decorate your own cupcakes, campfire with song session and s’mores.
Contact Dan at dan@campmanitowa.com with any questions!