July 9-13 at Drake University

The Des Moines Area Religious Council and The Comparison Project at Drake University are proud to co-host the Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp July 9-13 at Drake University. High School students and 2025 graduates will explore the diverse religious communities of the Des Moines Metro, visiting communities for worship services, meals, and conversations. Each camper will explore their own faith journey and learn about their neighbors’ faith experiences, practices, and beliefs. Participation in the Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp is offered at no cost thanks to our generous partners and supporters.

Interfaith Youth Video Screening Event

July 13 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Drake University

Join us as we watch the moving short video projects created by the participants in the 2025 Interfaith Youth Camp for the first time!

Watch digital storytelling projects (2-4 minute videos) produced by this year’s youth campers. Hear the experiences, practices, & beliefs that have helped shape their personal faith journey.

RSVP to Attend:

Parking: (Campus Map) visitor parking lot located at 25th and Carpenter (Lot 1A) or University and 29th street (Lot 20).

Commuter lots: Open seven days a week, 6 to 2 a.m.; Residential lots: Open 24/7; Visitor lots: Open seven days a week.

group of young girls smile outside of mosque.

I became more aware of the similarities between every system of beliefs and that all are built on love… there are so many ways to worship, and all are unique and valuable.
— Audrey Martin, 2023 camp participant

Stories From Past Campers

Since the first Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp in 2017, over 120 alumni have shared their faith journey through a ‘personal narrative’ video project. These short documentaries convey one meaningful faith experience, practice, or belief to put what the campers learn during the week into practice.