What age is Menace Camp for?
Menace Camp is geared toward children ages 3 to 14. The camp is for boys and girls of all soccer abilities, from the beginner to the advanced player. Campers are divided into smaller groups based on age and ability.
With the exception of the "Menace Just for Girls Camp," all Menace camps are coed. We have only one night camp 2016: Des Moines Night Camp is July 11-14. All other camps are during the morning.

Who are the camp coaches?
Camp Technical Directors and Menace players lead a fun camp experience. Campers get hands-on direction from members of the Des Moines Menace, Iowa's premier men's and women's soccer teams. One of the cool things about Menace Camp, is children get to learn the game with these high-level athletes -- many who will go on to play professionally. What's more, campers then have the chance to cheer on their counselors at Menace home games. Campers receive complimentary game ticket, and they even get to take the field with the Menace players for the pregame lineup introductions and the National Anthem.

What else sets Menace Camp apart?
With the guidance of camp directors, we use a comprehensive camp curriculum, provided by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). This curriculum coincides with the Junior Menace program, providing children year-round opportunities to raise their level of play while still playing for their local recreational teams.

In 2013, we lowered the registration fees and we changed the length of camp, in accordance with guidelines set by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). These age-specific schedules maximize the fun and the learning, keeping campers engaged and helping them reach their potential.

When is Menace Camp?
Camps run Monday through Thursday. While we offer one camp at night, most camps run from 9 a.m. until 11:00 each day. For these camps, participants may be dropped off as early as 15 minutes before their start time each morning, and they need to be picked up right at the end of that day's camp. Check-in will run the 30 minutes before your first camp session.

Why is Menace Camp only available in the summer?
In the spring, winter and fall, the Menace organization focuses on our weekly Junior Menace program. Junior Menace is very similar to Menace Camp. While these programs share a common curriculum, Junior Menace is led by professional Menace Academy coaches, who are assisted by local college and high-school soccer players. The Menace Camp schedule runs in the summer months, when the Menace men and women are in their respective seasons.

Are there any discounts for camp registration?
Yes! We do offer group discounts for groups of at least five campers. Contact us for more information.

Refunds? 
Des Moines Menace youth programs do provide a full refund minus a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellation must be made 10 days prior to the program start date. No refunds will be given when the program start date is less than 10 days. The only time we offer full refunds is if the Des Moines Menace must cancel the program or if it's due to medical reasons that your child cannot participate. 

What do campers need to wear?
In addition to shorts and a t-shirt or jersey, we encourage campers to wear shin guards, soccer socks, and cleats or comfortable shoes.

What else should campers bring?
Each player is responsible for bringing a soccer ball to each day of camp. When you register for camp, you have the option of buying a Menace soccer ball for just $20; If you do this, we'll have the ball ready for you when you check in on your first day of camp.

It is important for every player to stay hydrated and nourished, especially during the summer months. Each day, campers should come with water or something to drink. In addition, children going 90 minutes or longer (ages 5-14) should bring a healthy snack. Drink breaks will part of each day of camp.

What size of soccer ball should we use?
We suggest the following ball sizes:
Size 3 for ages 3-7
Size 4 for ages 8-12
Size 5 for ages 13-14.

This is based on the United States Soccer Federation's guidelines. The larger the ball size, the larger (and heavier) the ball. For each players' development, we suggest advancing to a larger ball on the early side once a player has the leg strength and skill to consistently kick the ball off the ground, with distance and accuracy.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
In the event of inclement or unsafe weather, camp will be cancelled for that day. We will try to not cancel a day of camp, but sometimes have to due to excessive rainfall, poor field conditions, or lightning. If you are not sure if there will be camp on a given day, please call the Menace weather hotline at (515) 457-6378, or show up at the camp site to confirm.

If a day of camp is cancelled, we will hold a make-up session on the Friday of your camp’s week unless communicated otherwise.

What can campers and their families expect?
We strive to provide the best soccer-camp experience in our community, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle while encouraging the children’s enjoyment of the game. We also want to help the campers reach their potential as soccer players, through a variety of activities, including individual and group drills that focus on developing technical skills, as well as games that allow the players to use their soccer skills in a fun setting.

If Menace Camp isn’t scheduled to come to our community, how can we make this happen?
We would love to bring Menace Camp to your town! To learn more about hosting a Menace Camp, please contact . This is a fundraising opportunity for your organization, and all we ask for is a safe place to play soccer, and help in promoting the camp. Thank you for your support of youth soccer!

I have more questions about Menace Camp. Who can help me?
Please contact us if you have any other questions regarding Menace Summer Camps :