The story of Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation (HHCSR) began in 1930 when the Council’s lease expired on Camp Mishawaka at Stone City, Iowa. At that time Howard H. Cherry contributed $1,000 for the purchase of eighteen acres of land along the Wapsipinicon River one mile north of the town of Waubeek, Iowa. Camp Waubeek opened in 1931 due to the efforts of the Cedar Rapids American Legion’s Hanford Post # 5.
Due to continuing growth in Council membership, attendance at camp, and in line with camp development needs, Howard H. Cherry donated $14,000 in 1957 for the purchase of an additional 125 acres.
In 1965 a $25,000 donation from Howard H. Cherry enabled the Council to purchase an adjoining 265 acres and open a second camp called Wakonda.
Today, the 500 acre reservation is used year-round to serve the needs of Scouting and the greater community.
Dakin Dining Hall can seat up to 300 people. During summer camp, the dining hall allows Scouts to do more programs and activities while our excellent kitchen staff do the cooking. Dakin Dining Hall is also available for rent the remainder of the year for indoor camping and programs.
Considered one of the finest Scout camp facilities in the region, the 7,000 square foot Allsop Center can accommodate up to 72 guests in 18 sleeping rooms and over 80 guests for meetings.
The Allsop Center serves as the summer camp staff lodging facility in the summer. For the remainder of the year, it serves as a winter camping facility for scout units. It is also utilized by businesses, students, and non-profit organizations for strategic planning retreats, team-building retreats, or general meetings outside of the office.
The pool at Camp Wakonda is the perfect place to cool down at camp. The pool is used for swimming and lifesaving merit badges, as well as swim lessons and log rolling.
The pool shower house has separate facilities for youth and adults, males and females. Laundry facilities and a handicapped accessible shower are also available.
C.O.P.E. is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. It is comprised of a series of outdoor challenges, beginning with basic group initiative games and progressing to more complicated low-course and high-course activities. The course also includes the newly installed “Big Zip,” a 300 foot zip line.
The 50 foot tall climbing center ‘Altitude with Attitude’ provides the premier climbing experience within Eastern Iowa.
Scouts may participate in a number of shooting sports at HHCSR depending on their age. Activities include:
Rifles
BB Guns
Pistols
Shotguns
Archery
Sling Shots
Cowboy Action Shooting
An inlet of the Wapsipinicon River, John’s Lake has canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boards.
HHCSR has several mountain bikes and trails for summer camp programs. Bikes are available for rent in the off-season. There are also trails across the 500 acre reservation for hiking.
Safety is a priority of the Scouting program. HHCSR has a medical center with a medical staff during summer camp. Our camp ranger is also an EMT. Wilderness First Aid Courses are available for unit leaders.
The reservation has a total of 9 concrete storm shelters spread throughout the property that can hold 150 people.
HHCSR follows the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America’s “Guide to Safe Scouting” Click below for the online version of this guide.
Camp Wakonda
4521 Boy Scouts Road
Central City, Iowa 52214
(319) 438-1837
From Iowa City/Cedar Rapids: North on I-380 to exit 28, turn right (east) onto County Home Road (E34), go east to Hwy 13, continue east 5 miles into town of Whittier, turn left (north) onto Whittier Road (X-20), go 5 miles to town of Waubeek, turn right crossing bridge onto Boy Scouts Road go 2 miles to Camp Wakonda.
OR
North on I-380 to exit 16, turn right (east) onto IA 151/30, go east 6.8 miles to exit 259 turn right onto Hwy 151/13, continue north 11.5 miles to County Home Road (E34), turn right go 5 miles to town of Whittier, turn left (north) onto Whittier Road (X-20), go 5 miles to town of Waubeek, turn right crossing bridge onto Boy Scouts Road, go 2 miles to Camp Wakonda. From Central City: (Hwy 13) East 3 miles on E16, turn right (south) onto Duck Pond Road, go .7 miles, turn left onto Boy Scouts Road, go .7 miles to Camp Wakonda.
From Monticello: Turn right (west) onto E16, go 12.4 miles, turn left (south) on X-20, go 1.2 miles, turn right onto E16, go 2.2 miles, turn left (south) on Duck Pond Road, go .7 miles, turn left onto Boy Scouts Road, go .7 miles to Camp Wakonda.
Black & White Camp Maps
Color Camp Map
Hawkeye Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
660 32nd Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Toll Free: 877.HAWKBSA
Office: (319) 862-0541
Scout Shop: (319) 261-3750
Fax: (319) 862-0544
