Frequently Asked Questions
AM I REQUIRED TO CAMP ALL NIGHT?
The $25 registration fee does include spending the night at Drake Stadium. If you do not intend to spend the night, you must exit the stadium by 11 p.m.
AM I REQUIRED TO RAISE MONEY?
In addition to the $25 registration fee you are not required to raise funds. If you choose to raise funds as an individual or team, this will help YSS meet the $200,000 goal to save 100 lives. Prizes are awarded to the top fundraisers at the event.
HOW CAN I RAISE MONEY?
Ask friends, family, neighbors, classmates, or co-workers to support your fundraising efforts. You can also ask members of your church, youth group, or community organization to get involved. They can write you a check or donate online on your behalf.
Checks can be sent to:
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Attn: Reggie’s Sleepout
612 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
CAN KIDS ATTEND?
Yes. Please note anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian complete the minor consent form and bring it to the check-in table. Participants under 18 must also be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older at the event. Ratio of 1:6.
WHERE DO I SLEEP?
You can bring a cardboard box, a pup tent, or a sleeping bag to sleep under the stars. The Drake Stadium does not allow cots or tents with stakes.
You can find large cardboard boxes at many local businesses, including appliance stores, grocery stores, large electronic stores, and furniture stores.
To stay warm, please bring a tarp or layer of cardboard to put on the ground and wear layers. The event goes on rain or shine.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE SAFETY?
Safety is a major priority. There will be on-site security provided by the Des Moines Police Department, field marshals, and a first aid table staffed by trained volunteers.
WILL FOOD BE AVAILABLE?
Pizza will be provided between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. The Drake Stadium does not allow the following: outside food, drinks, gum, and snacks. Tobacco, e-cigarettes/vaping pens, and alcohol are also strictly prohibited. Violators will be escorted out of the event.
CAN I LEAVE THE EVENT AND COME BACK IN?
In order to maintain security at the event, the doors will be closed at 11 p.m. If you leave after that, you will not be allowed back in. Minors are not allowed to leave without a chaperone.
WHAT WILL I DO AT THE EVENT?
We have a host of activities throughout the night.
+ Enter the Boxed In Design Contest. Set up is from 5-8 p.m. Judging begins at 8 p.m. Awards are presented to winning boxes in the areas of Educational, Creativity, and Structural Integrity.
+ In the educational component this is what we look for: Successful teams find a way to include facts/information/knowledge sharing about homelessness or youth homelessness. Teams can make drawings or write out facts/statistics and apply them to their cardboard buildings.
+ Enjoy entertainment that will be going on from 5-10 p.m.
+ Participate in Reggie’s Got Talent. Bring your singing voices, poetry, dance moves, and other talents to the show.
+ Partake in additional outdoor activities throughout the evening.
