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Prairie Backpack

College Community School District’s “green” approach to distributing information from school sponsored activities and non-profit organizations.

Elementary School

Events

  • Metro STEAM Academy Weather Balloon Launch

    Location
    Cedar Rapids Downtown Public Library LivingLearning Roof
    Audience
    All ages, K-12, STEM learners and educators
    Cost
    Free
    Organization
    Cedar Amateur Astronomers
    Contact
    Gordon Baustian
    Email
    gordonbaustian@gmail.com
    Phone
    (319) 721-0659

    Information

    In collaboration with the Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference, the Metro STEAM Academy is launching a Weather Balloon from the LivingLearning Roof of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Public Library on May 16, 2026.

    Launch pep starts at 9:30 AM with the launch at 10:00AM. Come watch and learn how and why this is done to study our atmosphere and how this relates to Astronomy. The students will be tracking the balloon’s flight using onboard tracking telemetry and you can follow the flight as it approached 100,00 ft over Eastern Iowa. Learn about the experiment the students are doing using onboad beetles that will be launched with the balloon.

  • Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference

    Location
    The DoubleTree Hotel and Convention Complex, Downtown Cedar Rapids
    Audience
    All ages and learners and educators
    Cost
    The morning lectures are free. The afternoon session is $40 for a family of up to 4.
    Organization
    Cedar Amateur Astronomers
    Contact
    Gordon Baustian
    Email
    gordonbaustian@gmail.com
    Phone
    (319) 721-0659

    Information

    Two free open to the public presentations: 10:45 AM, Dr. Ryan French about Space Hazards and 11:45 AM Dr. Dominic Benford about Exoplanets. A Weather Balloon launch at 10:00 AM at from the LivingLearning Roof of the Cedar Rapids Public Downtown Library. Plus many other activities from 1-4 PM including a portable planetarium, 5 NASA Solar Ambassadors, Hands on Activities from the Van Allen Observatory Team at the Univeristy of Iowa and more.

  • Write Now: Microstory Writing Contest

    Location
    Virtual
    Cost
    Free
    Organization
    University of Iowa Center for Advancement
    Contact
    Tegan Donahue
    Email
    write.now@foriowa.org
    Phone
    (319) 467-3393

  • Cub Scout Pack 214 – Spring Recruitment Event

    Location
    Schulte Park - 1288 Parkview Ln, Ely, Iowa
    Audience
    K-4
    Cost
    Free
    RSVP
    May 12, 2026
    Organization
    Cub Scout - Pack 214
    Contact
    Erin Wilde
    Email
    crpack214@gmail.com
    Phone
    (319) 310-7478

    Information

    Join Cub Scout Pack 214 for an evening of fun at Schulte Park (1288 Parkview Ln, Ely, Iowa) on May 12th at 6:00 PM! We’ll kick things off with our annual advancement ceremony, followed by plenty of activities including gaga ball, a bounce house, and refreshments available for purchase from the Grind Coffee Truck. This is a great opportunity to meet our Pack, learn about upcoming summer events, and see if Cub Scouts is the right fit for your family. Can’t make it? Feel free to reach out by email with any questions—we’d love to connect!

  • CoderDojo with Korriban Squad of the 501st Legion

    Location
    Foundation 2 - 1st Floor Training Rooms - 305 2nd Ave SE. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
    Audience
    K-5th grade students + families
    Cost
    Free
    RSVP
    May 02, 2026
    Organization
    NewBoCo
    Contact
    Ashley Turner
    Email
    ashley@newbo.co
    Phone
    (319) 412-5222

    Information

    Just days away from “May the forth be with you”, we want to celebrate Star Wars by bringing the Korriban Squad of the 501st Legion. The Legion promotes interest in STAR WARS and facilitates the use of these costumes for STAR WARS-related events as well as contributes to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work, with the Korriban Squad representing the local chapter.

  • CoderDojo at Wellington Heights Community Church

    Location
    1600 4th Ave SE - Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403
    Audience
    K-5th + families
    Cost
    Free
    RSVP
    May 05, 2026
    Organization
    NewBoCo
    Contact
    Ashley Turner
    Email
    ashley@newbo.co
    Phone
    (319) 412-5222

    Information

    CoderDojo is a free, hands-on program designed for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade who are curious about STEM. Children can explore a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math-themed stations at their own pace, with friendly mentors available to help them get started.

  • Mount Mercy Co-Ed Summer Basketball Camp

    Location
    Hennessey Rec Center - Mount Mercy Campus
    Audience
    going in 2nd -8th graders
    Cost
    $100
    RSVP
    Jul 12, 2026
    Organization
    Mount Mercy Men's Basketball
    Contact
    Aaron Jennings
    Email
    ajennings@mtmercy.edu
    Phone
    (319) 213-0230

    Information

    The camp is designed for entering grades 2nd – 8th who want to gain some serious offensive skills this summer! Our outstanding staff of coaches, current and former players will take you through the Mustang Offensive Improvement series.

  • Camp Tanager — Diabetes Day and Overnight Camp Program

    Location
    Camp Tanager, 1614 West Mount Vernon Road, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
    Audience
    Campers with Type 1 Diabetes
    Cost
    Sliding Scale Fee
    RSVP
    Jun 12, 2026
    Organization
    Camp Tanager
    Contact
    Donald Pirrie
    Email
    campmail@tanagerplace.org
    Phone
    (319) 286-4510

    Information

    Calling all young T1D Adventurers! Join us for an unforgettable week at our summer camp filled with exciting outdoor activities, arts and crafts, sports and endless fun. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories, friends and learn about your Type 1 Diabetes in a supportive and medically supervised T1D Summer camp program. Day and Overnight Programs are available! Sliding Scale Fee allows all campers to attend regardless of income.

  • Age Group Competitive SWIM Camp

    Location
    Camp Tanager, 1614 West Mount Vernon Rd, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
    Audience
    Swimmers 8-14 years with prior competitive swimming experience
    RSVP
    Jun 01, 2026
    Organization
    Camp Tanager
    Contact
    Donald Pirrie
    Email
    campmail@tanagerplace.org
    Phone
    (319) 286-4510

    Information

    Sharpen your skills and make a splash this summer at the Camp Tanager Summer Swim Camp! Designed for competitive swimmers ages 8–14, this four-day camp, July 6–9, combines expert instruction with classic camp fun. Swimmers will refine all four strokes, starts, turns, underwaters, and racing strategies while also participating in dryland training, nutrition sessions, and goal-setting activities. Best of all, campers get the unique experience of blending a high-energy competitive swim camp with the excitement and adventure of traditional summer camp. Spots are limited!

  • Prairie Show Choir Camp (Current Grades 1-8)

    Location
    Prairie High School Choir and Show Choir Rooms
    Audience
    Current 1st-8th Graders
    Cost
    $175
    RSVP
    Jun 15, 2026
    Organization
    Prairie Show Choirs/Prairie Music Association
    Contact
    Justin Sands
    Email
    jsands@crprairie.org
    Phone
    (319) 848-5340

    Information

    Join us for three days of singing and dancing at the Prairie Show Choir Camp, June 29-July 1. The camp is led by the Prairie Show Choir Directors, choreographer Jennifer Toney, and high school show choir students. We learn songs, choreography, and have fun sharpening our performance skills! Don’t miss it! Sign up today!