Aldersgate - Your experience awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I just want to stop in?

Feel free to stop in for a tour, a hike, or to find a place to sit & enjoy creation. We have groups in most weekends and some weekdays, and our outdoor areas typically have something for you to enjoy. Our staff would be happy to arrange a tour for you.

How do we get there?

Aldersgate is located 2 miles west of the Highway 71/Highway 34 junction, 1/2 mile south off Highway 34 and 12 miles east of Red Oak on Highway 34. We are 2 hours from the Des Moines metro and 1 1/2 hours from the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro. A map to Aldersgate can be found on our home page. Many online directions lead you on roads that do not exist! Feel free to call us for directions.

What does Aldersgate mean?

Aldersgate was named for one of the spiritual experiences of John Wesley (considered the father of Methodism). In 1738 he recorded in his journal feeling his heart strangely warmed while at a gathering on Aldersgate Street. As United Methodists, we recognize our heritage with our name and through heart-warming experiences every week at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center in Iowa.

What if there is an emergency?

If there is an emergency at camp, guardians will be notified as soon as possible. If you have a family emergency and need to reach a camper immediately, call Aldersgate and ask to speak to Angela. User groups may contact their host at any point during their stay for emergency assistance and friends and family may contact the number on the answering machine for immediate assistance.

What if I'm interested in volunteering?

Individuals or groups may contact Angela Blair Wallick, Site Director, to make arrangements for a volunteer experience. Projects requiring various skill levels are available, and volunteers are always welcome. Volunteer counselor training is held each spring for adults and youth. We also have a Pastor of the Week/Pastor of the Day program, which offers a unique opportunity for clergy to interact with campers and staff and enriches the camp experience for campers and staff.

What if I want to donate?

Financial donations can be made out to Aldersgate. Our love list contains a list of items our site needs.

What if I can't afford camp?

Camperships are available through local churches and through the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. If you or someone you know needs financial assistance, contact a local United Methodist pastor or Aldersgate for campership information.

How long is a summer camp?

It depends on what grade you just completed and which camp you choose. Click on "Summer Camp" to find a complete listing about all our summer events.

What if I get homesick?

Our caring staff istrained in helping campers enjoy camp as much as possible.

What if I get sick or hurt?

Our staff is trained in first aid and CPR, and a nurse visits the site every day during summer camp. The nearest hospital is located 12 miles straight west, and the nearest ambulance service is 6 miles east.

What if I'm coming with a friend?

We do our best to honor bunkmate requests entered on your registration form.

What is a typical day at summer camp?

There is no such thing! However, most days many campers will get up around 7 a.m. and have morning devotions, followed by breakfast at 8 a.m. Morning Worship is at 11:30. Dinner is usually at 12:15 pm, swimming, snack, and showers in the afternoon, and supper around 5:30 p.m. Every camp has a hotdog roast (complete with s'mores), and almost every evening ends with snacks and evening campfire. What happens in between depends on which camp you attend! You can check out our program page on the left for some options or the summer camp page for some descriptions. All camps have Bible study, sing, hike, and play games.

Can my child contact me while at camp?

Campers and and youth volunteers do not have access to e-mail or the phone during their time at camp, and cell phones and other electronic devices will be stored in the office for their safe keeping during the week. Messages for the camper will be given to the camper daily.

Can I contact my child while at camp?

You can send mail to 2910 Aldersgate Drive, Villisca, IA 50864-7033 or email Aldersgate.campers@iaumc.org. You are welcome to call and speak to Angela about your child's week at any time. You can bring letters with you to check-in to be distributed each day of camp to ensure that your child receives your letter on the correct day.

Can I see pictures of my child at camp?

Aldersgate does not have live streaming of campers. In the past, we have offered DVDs of each week of camp and posted pictures password-protected at the end of the week. In 2007, we hope to update pictures during the week, have cds of each week of camp, and offer upgrades to our current DVD offerings. We will keep you posted as our technology improves!

What if I don't know what retreat dates I want?

We are happy to talk to you about what dates are currently available and talk about your timeframe for making a decision. Because we are constantly booking new groups, we cannot tentatively book multiple dates indefinitely. We will do our best to work with you on scheduling your facilities and program at Aldersgate as you try to schedule your dates with your group.

What if my group wants to add ...?

A horse trail ride, a tree climb, a canoe trip, a ...... after we arrive or the week before we arrive. Let your host know of your groups' interest and we will do our best to make arrangements. Our staff all have other committments, and so we will do our best to make arrangements for your specific program with the staff that specializes in that area.

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