A darkness grows on the outskirts of the galaxy, and our group of intrepid bounty hunters have been called back into action to save the day and stop an evil empire from returning. Join us for four days of action, aliens and adventure. Learn about plants and animals, practice survival skills, become an expert in camouflage, hunt down clues, take aim and try archery, and explore uncharted territories all while keeping an eye out for friend and foe as we race to save the day and unravel a galaxy-wide mystery.  

Bikes and helmets required for one day of camp. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Make new friends while you explore the park. Try camp activities like kayaking, archery, fishing and geocaching, led by instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. 

All equipment is provided, including adapted kayaks and archery equipment. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Make new friends while you explore the park. Try camp activities like kayaking, archery, fishing and geocaching, led by instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School.  

All equipment is provided, including adapted kayaks and archery equipment. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Make new friends while you explore the park. Try camp activities like kayaking, archery, fishing and geocaching, led by instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School.  

All equipment is provided, including adapted kayaks and archery equipment. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exhilarating week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Shoot long, recurve and compound bows. Develop and refine proper technique by learning the National Training System’s 11 steps to shooting. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances while exploring a walk-around course and shooting from an elevated platform. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exhilarating week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Shoot long, recurve and compound bows. Develop and refine proper technique by learning the National Training System’s eleven steps to shooting. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances while exploring a walk–around course and shooting from an elevated platform. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore some of the best activities in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Try stand–up paddleboarding, archery, log rolling, geocaching, canoeing and more. Enjoy new adventures while making new friends.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore some of the best activities in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Try stand-up paddleboarding, archery, log rolling, geocaching, canoeing and more. Enjoy new adventures while making new friends.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore some of the best activities in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Try stand-up paddleboarding, archery, log rolling, geocaching, canoeing and more. Enjoy new adventures while making new friends.

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Start your mornings at the archery range with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. Learn the fundamentals of the sport and sharpen your aim with fun games and challenges, including a trip to the wooded Elm Creek Archery Range. Then swap arrows for different adventures in the afternoons with Mississippi Gateway naturalists. From catching river critters and cruising on a bike to building campfires, geocaching and more—you’ll pack a whole lot of outdoor fun into one unforgettable week.

Transportation to the Elm Creek Archery Range is provided.

Extended care available for an additional $75; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Take your archery skills to the next level. Learn proper technique when using different types of bows and get tips from certified archery instructors. Play games from the Explore Archery program and participate in an archery tournament. Learn survival skills, knot tying, fire starting techniques and how to throw hatchets, atlatls and more.  

Designed for beginning to intermediate archers. All equipment provided.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your mornings learning the art of archery at the range with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Shoot a compound bow, learn range safety and develop proper techniques while playing fun target games. In the afternoons, head to Eastman Nature Center to explore the outdoors with hands-on activities, games and adventures. From discovering local wildlife to exploring trails, each day brings a new way to connect with nature while having fun with friends.  

Transportation provided between the archery range and nature center each day. Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Take your art materials outside! Immerse yourself in nature while using hikeable art mediums such as watercolor or drawing. Practice nature journaling and learn new art techniques such as printmaking. This camp includes lots of reflection time, outdoor time and hiking. 

We recommend this camp for kids who already have a high interest in art and that want to learn some unique art mediums in nature. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the forest, pond and prairie habitats. Build a survival shelter with other campers, start a campfire using different techniques and make a s'more. Try canoeing in our nearby lake, meet our resident animals, and gain skills to navigate and overcome obstacles in the forest. Make friends and engage with others during safe, off-trail adventures away from the comforts of home.  

Participants must be able to demonstrate self-care skills, follow adult direction and safety rules, and show readiness for large group participation, including remaining with the group.  

Developed in partnership with Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM). For information and to learn about AuSM, visit AuSM.org. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the forest, pond and prairie habitats. Build a survival shelter with other campers. Start a campfire using different techniques and make a s'more. Meet our resident animals, and gain skills to navigate and overcome obstacles in the forest. Make friends and engage with others during safe, off–trail adventures away from the comforts of home.  

Participants must be able to demonstrate self-care skills, follow adult direction and safety rules, and show readiness for large group participation, including remaining with the group.  

Developed in partnership with Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM). For information and to learn about AuSM, visit AuSM.org. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Learn about insects through movement and games. Use nets and shovels to catch bugs on land and in water and watch them move. Get up close with live animals and make treasures to take home. Combine with Frogs Toads and Turtles Camp for four days of fun. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get ready for an unforgettable science adventure! Hunt for insects like an entomologist, spot wild birds and meet Richardson’s resident raptors like an ornithologist, and explore the colors, shapes and textures of plants like a botanist. Get hands-on with reptiles and amphibians like a herpetologist and uncover the secret lives of mammals through tracks and clues like a mammologist.

At the end of the week, showcase your discoveries at our very own research symposium. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of science! Track down insects like an entomologist, spot wild birds and meet Richardson’s resident raptors like an ornithologist and dive into the world of plants like a botanist. Handle reptiles and amphibians up close like a herpetologist and uncover the hidden lives of mammals by following tracks and clues like a mammologist. Then hop into a canoe and explore the pond like a real ecologist, observing the entire ecosystem from the water.

At the end of the week, showcase your discoveries at our very own research symposium.  Registration required by two weeks prior.

Calling all adventurous kids! Explore, play, create and enjoy some of your favorite camp activities at the end of the summer. Bring your sense of adventure.

Extended care available for an additional $75; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to explore parks and trails by bike. Adventure 10–20 miles per day while learning bike handling skills and basic rules of the trail.  

Campers must bring their own multi-geared bike and a helmet each day. In the case of severe weather, this program may need to cancel for the day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to explore parks and trails by bike. Adventure 10–20 miles per day while learning bike handling skills and basic rules of the trail.  

Campers must bring their own multi-geared bike and a helmet each day. In the case of severe weather, this program may need to cancel for the day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Bushcraft is the set of outdoor skills that allow you to survive, thrive and enjoy being in the wild. In this camp we’ll learn skills including weaving, whittling, fire-building, foraging, archery and more! This is the camp where nature, art and survival come together.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join a naturalist and an artist and set out to trace the amazing journey water makes from our atmosphere to the lakes, rivers and oceans on Earth’s surface, to sources found underground. We will discover the importance of water to all living things and how it connects different environments and ecosystems across our planet. Along the way, we will dive into water-based artmaking activities such as painting, weaving and natural dye to illustrate our findings. Registration required by two weeks prior.

For a full day of adventure, combine with Digging in Nature & Clay: Handbuilding Camp in the morning. Includes a monitored lunch hour between camp sessions.

This camp is all about wood and woodcarving! Start at the source, learning about local tree species and their structure, as well as how to sustainably harvest green (fresh) wood. Then focus on different cuts, hand grips and sharpening techniques. Spend the rest of the week working on projects such as chopsticks and butter spreaders. To give our hands a rest, we will try other outdoor skills like fire-building, shelter-building and games.

Basic hand strength is required (such as the ability to open a sealed jar). Tools and materials provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Blast off for four days of hands–on, cosmic discovery as we explore the wonders of our solar system, galaxy and universe! Each day, campers will investigate new space themes, from the planets and moons that orbit our sun to the stars and galaxies that fill the universe. We’ll experiment with craters, build and launch our own model rockets and use our pop-up planetarium to journey through the night sky right in the middle of the day.

Along the way, campers will transform their observations and big ideas into imaginative works of art. Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure where science and creativity collide. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Go on adventures through woods, fields and water. Build forts and fires, and catch fish and frogs. Go on a bike ride, learn about animal camouflage and cook over a campfire. Bikes and helmets provided.

Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Do you dare sign up for this adventurous camp? Play games, find and cut rocks, build things, catch and feed critters, and explore the park by foot or on an optional bike or scooter ride. Get ready for fun days filled with daring activities.

Campers must provide their own bike or scooter and helmet for the optional adventure; training wheels and balance bikes are welcome. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the park with an artist and naturalist in search of the clues left behind by the things that live and grow here. We will draw from our wild observations to create functional and sculptural ceramic artwork using handbuilding techniques with slabs and coils. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the potter’s wheel while learning to center, open and shape clay to create basic forms like bowls and cups. Head outdoors each day with a naturalist to unearth cycles and patterns found in nature. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Tensions are rising in the forest. The dryads have been under attack by a mysterious group and have lost touch with their sisters. Help them find their missing kin while determining who is behind the attacks. Learn how forests are impacted by new plants and animals and help the forest around Eastman Nature Center by removing invasive species.

This camp will involve playing Dungeons and Dragons inside and doing activities outside. No previous experience with D&D is necessary. Registration required by two weeks prior.

After answering Acer Township’s call for help with a neighboring village attacking their farms, you discovered that the entire village looks to have been poisoned. You suspect you know the culprit but you have no proof. Jump into adventure along the banks of the Mississippi River, gather evidence by testing the river’s health, raft down the river itself and risk the possibility of nature fighting back. 

This camp will involve the playing of Dungeons and Dragons inside and doing activities outside. Registration required by two weeks prior.

In Extreme Fishing Camp, participants will learn to fish different bodies of water in search of various species like: panfish, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, redhorse sucker and more! Try different techniques and hone skills while learning from experienced Outdoor Recreation School instructors and professionals in the fishing industry. Try angling from a watercraft and from a riverbank. 

Equipment provided. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

In Extreme Fishing Camp, participants will learn to fish different bodies of water in search of various species like: panfish, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, redhorse sucker and more! Try different techniques and hone skills while learning from experienced Outdoor Recreation School instructors and professionals in the fishing industry. Try angling from a watercraft and from a riverbank. Equipment provided.

Each day, campers will meet at one of four parks: French Regional Park, Fish Lake Regional Park, Silverwood Park and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up on each day of camp at one of the locations listed above. These locations will be communicated in the pre–camp email. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

In Extreme Fishing Camp, participants will learn to fish different bodies of water in search of various species like: panfish, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, redhorse sucker and more! Try different techniques and hone skills while learning from experienced Outdoor Recreation School instructors and professionals in the fishing industry. Try angling from a watercraft and from a riverbank. Equipment provided. Each day, meet at one of four different parks: Bryant Lake Regional Park, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park and The Landing.  

Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up on each day of camp at one of the locations listed above. These locations will be communicated in the pre-camp email. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

In Extreme Fishing Camp, participants will learn to fish different bodies of water in search of various species like: panfish, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, redhorse sucker and more! Try different techniques and hone skills while learning from experienced Outdoor Recreation School instructors and professionals in the fishing industry. Try angling from a watercraft and from a riverbank. Equipment provided.

Each day, campers will meet at different parks: Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Lake Minnetonka Regional Park and The Landing. Parents are responsible for drop-offs and pick-ups on each day of camp at one of the locations listed above. These locations will be communicated in the pre-camp email. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Stay overnight in a rustic log cabin with your family. Try summer camp activities such as archery, climbing, nature programs and crafts, or spend time relaxing on your own.  

Meals are on your own and cooked at outdoor grill sites. Camp activity equipment, advice, firewood and cooking/eating utensils provided. Maximum one cabin per family (maximum eight people).

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Learn all about the animals that call Minnesota home. Hike the trails to search for animal homes, hide-outs and clues they have left behind. Get up close, touch and help feed the animal ambassadors living at Richardson Nature Center.

This is not a drop-off program; both adults and children must register and pay. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Explore the three major habitats of Richardson Nature Center within Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Hike the oak forest and search for signs of animals. Sweep the tallgrass prairie with nets to catch and identify insects. Paddle a canoe on Turtle Basking Pond for a closer look at wildlife. Spend the day outside together exploring all parts of this beautiful park.

This is not a drop-off program; both adults and children must register and pay. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Stay overnight in a tent with your family at the Lake Katrina group site in Baker Park. Learn new camping skills and participate in summer camp activities such as archery, crafts, games and nature programs, or spend time relaxing on your own.  

Meals are on your own and cooked at outdoor grill sites or on cookstoves. We provide your tents, sleeping pads, lanterns, cookstoves, firewood and advice, as well as all camp activity equipment. Two tents per registration provided (maximum eight people). Registration required by two weeks prior.

Experience the joy of summer camp and spending family time together in nature. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the park and learning wilderness skills. Discover wild edibles, try building a campfire, roasting a hot dog, creating a campfire dessert and paddling a canoe at dusk.

This is not a drop-off program; both adults and children must register and pay. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Earn a Minnesota DNR firearms safety certificate while camping overnight in a log cabin with friends or family. Learn safe firearms handling, hunter ethics and education and wildlife management. Shoot a .22 at a local gun range. Try archery, fire starting techniques, rock climbing and survival skills. All meals and equipment provided.  

Maximum six children per adult (cabins sleep eight). Run by DNR-certified firearms safety instructors. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Frolic in the enchanted forest and hunt for your sparkling wand. Search for dazzling damselflies, water nymphs and other fairy-sized creatures in the pond. Chase dragonflies, butterflies and moths in the prairie, leave a message in a magical mailbox to reveal fairy mysteries and create a fairy house. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Farm life is full of hidden lessons. With the natural world as our teacher, investigate our link to the land while caring for the animals and gardens, then harvest veggies, eggs and more to prepare your own farm-fresh snacks. Foster respect for nature while gaining valuable skills through wilderness challenges like orienteering and fire building, culminating with an overnight camping adventure on Thursday.

Pick-up on Friday will be 11 AM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Venture through the marvels of the farm. Learn about the animals, prepare snacks straight from the gardens, and investigate the farm’s natural areas through insect hunts, art projects and games. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover the wonders of Gale Woods Farm! Sample tasty treats straight out of the gardens, meet the animals, explore the pastures and more. Learn through stories, songs and hands-on activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the barn and beyond with hands-on activities, hikes and games. Each day we’ll trek to visit the animals, harvest from the gardens and uncover a new secret of life on the farm. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Journey through the farm to examine the connection between people, land and food. Each day a new mission awaits! Quests include farm chores, cooking snacks straight from the garden, farm crafts and exploring beyond the barn. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Experience the behind-the-scenes world of work on the farm. Gain valuable life skills as you learn the tricks of the trade and assist with daily animal and garden chores. Keep the animals, pastures and gardens thriving by working alongside farmers on a variety of farm projects. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Trace the route your food follows from our fields to your fork! Prepare fresh recipes with ingredients harvested directly out of the gardens and from the farm. Become stewards of the land as you learn what it takes to grow fruits and vegetables, and discover how milk, honey and other food make it to your dinner plate. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Are you new to the idea of summer camp? Have you ever wondered how to introduce your child to summer camp? Focus will be to have first time campers all together, building new friendships and exploring parks to increase confidence outdoors. We will experience some classic camp activities like building forts, meeting nature center animals and playing games to make new friends.

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School for a summer camp focused on fishing and other fun recreation activities! Spend time each day learning about fishing equipment, how to safely handle a pole and a fish, tie knots and cast your line. Try awesome recreation activities such as canoeing, geocaching, archery, slacklining and more.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School for a summer camp focused on fishing and other fun recreation activities! Spend time each day learning about fishing equipment, how to safely handle a pole and a fish, tie knots and cast your line. Try awesome recreation activities such as canoeing, geocaching, archery, slacklining and more.

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover the hidden world of Lowry’s bugs! Learn about Minnesota insects large and small, explore wild places to see them up close and gain a new appreciation for why the world needs bugs. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover the hidden world of Lowry’s bugs! Learn about Minnesota insects large and small, explore wild places to see them up close and gain a new appreciation for why the world needs bugs. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Learn the basics of fly fishing equipment, casting skills, knot–tying, how to match the hatch, reading the water and fly presentation. Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors while you develop fly fishing skills, explore methods and watch demonstrations by professionals in the industry. Fishing equipment provided.

Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Learn the basics of fly fishing equipment, casting skills, knot–tying, how to match the hatch, reading the water and fly presentation. Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors while you develop fly fishing skills, explore methods and watch demonstrations by professionals in the industry. Fishing equipment provided.  

This camp will take place at two parks: Silverwood Park and Fish Lake Regional Park. Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up on each day of camp at one of the locations listed above. These locations will be communicated in the pre-camp email. Transportation will be provided to specific fishing locations by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Learn the basics of fly fishing equipment, casting skills, knot-tying, how to match the hatch, reading the water and fly presentation. Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors while you develop other fly fishing skills, explore methods and watch demonstrations by professionals in the industry. Visit two parks, Bryant Lake Regional Park and Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Equipment provided.  

Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up on each day of camp at one of the locations listed above. These locations will be communicated in the pre-camp email. Transportation will be provided to specific fishing locations by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join us for a week of campfire cooking, creative fire making and epic fort building! Every day we will practice a new way to make fire, cook up a scrumptious campfire dish and build cool forts in the woods. We will also take time to experience other camp favorites like archery, pond exploring and crafts. Finish the week with a great campfire cookoff.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Come join our Forest Fellowship of Adventurers, tasked with helping those in need in our many lands. Journey to a fantastical realm where you can talk to the trees, meet magical creatures like elves or dwarves, and maybe even stumble upon a quest. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Learn skills to be comfortable outdoors; we’ll build different kinds of forts, practice making fire in several ways and cook over the fire. Practice reading a map, explore the river and meet some forest animal neighbors. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover how to survive in the woods. Practice keeping a fire lit and build an emergency shelter. Learn to overcome obstacles in your path and hone your skills in off-trail games. Find your way through the woods with the Geocaching Challenge. This is a great sibling camp that can be divided into smaller groups by age.

 Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Search for frogs, toads and turtles in their natural habitat. Explore the park, play games and feed animal ambassadors from the Gateway Center. Meet new friends, explore the environments that these critters inhabit and learn how these cool animals survive. Combine with Backyard Bugs Camp for four days of fun. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend four active days exploring the park and crafting unique and useful projects from natural materials responsibly gathered along the way. Campers will learn how to safely cut and carve using hand tools like knives and handsaws, and experiment with different processes including weaving with natural fibers and colors. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Young wizards and witches get ready to enter a world where things are not as they seem! Learn the secret arts of herbology, potions, mysterious creatures and more. Craft your own wand, play games and prepare for a wild ride of fantasy nature adventures while exploring our magical world.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Does your child have a special adult in their life like a grandparent, aunt or friend? Together they can spend time learning about nature, meeting our animal ambassadors and building special memories. Designed for youth and an older adult—parents get to hear stories later!  

One day will be spent at the historic Grimm Farmhouse in Carver Park Reserve. Participants will travel over uneven ground in a variety of weather conditions. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Does your child have a special adult in their life like a grandparent, aunt or friend? Together, they can spend time in the woods learning about nature, meeting our animal ambassadors and building special memories.

This is designed for youth and an older adult. Parents or guardians get to hear the stories later! This is not a drop-off program. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Does your child have a special adult in their life like a grandparent, aunt or friend? Together, they can share time in the woods learning about nature, meeting our animal ambassadors and building special memories.

This is designed for youth and an older adult—parents get to hear the stories later! Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend two nights in a rustic log cabin making memories with your grandchildren (up to eight people per cabin). Join naturalist-led activities such as rock climbing, pond exploration, campfire cooking and crafts, or spend time relaxing on your own.  

All meals included. Maximum three children per grandparent. This camp is for grandparents and grandkids—parents get time at home! Registration required by two weeks prior.

Become an expert in the grossest parts of nature! Eat bugs, cover yourself in mud and find the grossest smells. Learn how to identify different kinds of animal scat and even dissect a squirrel.

Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Step into the past to experience early Minnesota as we explore the historic lifeways of the Dakota people. Paddle a canoe across the water, practice archery skills and help raise a traditional style tipi. Try your hand at fire-starting and traditional Dakota games. Learn Dakota words connected to the natural world and discover the cultural significance of many plants and animals.  

This camp is based out of Lowry Nature Center but includes an off-site visit with bus transportation to Shakopee to visit Hocokata Ti Cultural Center (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community).  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Step into the past at the Grimm Farm Historic Site to learn about life on a 19th century farm. Learn about the children of the Grimm family while helping with household chores like laundry and rug beating. Help with farm chores as we grind corn and care for the animals. Churn butter and enjoy homemade ice cream as we discover the Grimm family’s contributions to Minnesota’s dairy industry.  

Each day of camp meets at the Grimm Farm Historic Site in Carver Park Reserve. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Enjoy summertime at the lake. Immerse yourself in the story of young Marjorie Myers Douglas, author of "Barefoot on Crane Island", a book about her childhood summers spent on an island in Lake Minnetonka in the 1920s. 

Explore the lake with a boat tour around the islands of Upper Lake Minnetonka. Go fishing from shore, swim at the swim pond and explore nature around the lakeshore. Meet live animals from Lowry Nature Center and discover the fascinating history of Lake Minnetonka. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Help care for the animals and learn how farmers select, train and groom them. Campers will practice these skills with chickens, calves and sheep. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Each day’s adventures begins with a story by Eric Carle, including "The Lonely Firefly", "The Tiny Seed" and "The Very Clumsy Click Beetle". Stories are followed by nature exploration looking for plants and animals mentioned in the stories. Creative games, songs and an art project make an excellent time of fun and learning. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Gain extensive hands-on firearms safety instruction and earn your Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Certificate while exploring the world of bird hunting. Learn pheasant, turkey and waterfowl ecology with some hunting tips and techniques. Shoot a shotgun and .22 at a local gun range. Try archery, shooting crossbows, survival skills, making a turkey call and more.  

Designed for beginning hunters who do not have their firearms safety certification. Run by DNR-certified firearms safety instructors. All equipment provided.  

Scholarships may be available; for information, call 763-694-7856. Sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Chapter of Pheasants Forever and National Wild Turkey Federation.  

Friday's location will be at the Delano Sportsman Club. Campers will be assigned a two hour range timeslot and will need to provide their own transportation. Extended care available Monday-Thursday for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Extended care not available on Friday. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Gain extensive firearms safety instruction and earn your Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Certificate while learning about forkhorn (whitetail deer) ecology and deer hunting skills. Shoot a shotgun and .22 at a local gun range. Try canoeing, archery, survival skills and more.  

Designed for beginning hunters who do not have their firearms safety certification. Run by DNR-certified firearms safety instructors. All equipment provided.  

Scholarships may be available; for information, call 763-694-7856. Sponsored by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.  

Friday location will be at the Delano Sportsman Club. Campers will be assigned a two hour range timeslot and will need to provide their own transportation.  

Extended care available Monday-Thursday for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Extended care is not available on Friday. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games. 

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.  

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for an exciting week of precision, skill and camaraderie. Discover the world of archery by shooting a compound bow, learning range safety and developing proper techniques. Get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances. Discover primitive hunting techniques and challenge yourself with shooting games.

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get a taste of the time-honored tradition that is summer camp. Enjoy classic camp activities such as archery, crafts and campfires. Have adventures with new friends while exploring the woods of Baker Park Reserve. Make memories that last a lifetime!  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the 19th century wilderness and what life was like for early Minnesota explorers. Learn how to tie knots to build your shelter, start a fire without matches, and search for food and water. Discover advanced skills of map reading and using a bow and arrow. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the 19th century wilderness and discover what life was like for early Minnesota settlers. Find the perfect spot to build a shelter, start a fire using flint and steel and set out in search of food. Practice animal tracking and learn the do's and don'ts of wild edibles. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Learn how to sew with a needle and thread, and make an outdoor fire and cook over it. Help with pioneer chores, games and crafts. Spend your days exploring the big woods and prairies just like Laura. One day will be spent at the historic Grimm Farmhouse in Carver Park Reserve.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

It’s time to awaken as a hero! The Kingdom of Carver is becoming unbalanced and the king has requested your help to restore it. In order to protect the land, you must learn about it. Use a map and compass to find your way to find keys and open chests. You will need to explore the three regions of the kingdom and fill out your compendium with information for the king. You’ll need to board a canoe to investigate the water domain, use scientific tools in the land of grasses and be introduced to the hidden secrets of the forest. Play mini–games, follow side–quests and learn all about the environment you’re charged to protect.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

What lives in and under a log? Furry, slimy, crawly, scaly… use different tools to explore these amazing microhabitats and discover all the amazing arthropods and other creatures that call logs and soils their home! This camp is designed for youth who like to get their hands dirty and go off trail.

Extended care available for an additional $36; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Straight from the beloved "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the stories of Minnesota's own Minnie Ellingson Tapping, we'll discover the lives of these two real children. Explore their childhood in the Big Woods, on prairie farms and in small towns. Make new friends as we attend a one room school and help with family chores. 

Activities include cooking and crafts, all in the 19th century setting and buildings of The Landing. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Uff–da! From loon calls to Paul Bunyan, discover what makes Minnesota so Minnesotan. Make your own muddy “hotdish”, look for the state insect in the prairie and explore state symbols and folklore through song, art and outdoor discovery. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Is your child ready for the next level of outdoor exploration? Do they enjoy time in the woods and off trail? This camp will take a deeper dive into being comfortable in the outdoors.

We will introduce knot tying skills and build advanced geodome shelters with rope. We will make simple sitting stools, practice fire building, sample nature journaling, and introduce whittling skills with a focus on safety and different wood types. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Walk in the bootsteps of a farmer to experience caring for the animals. Learn how we raise healthy livestock while you assist with chores and participate in hands-on activities to discover what each animal gives back to us. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Uncover the ins and outs of livestock health and management. Explore animal nutrition and husbandry. Investigate a farmer’s tools of the trade as you assist with daily livestock chores and basic care. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Dig into nature and get messy, muddy and wet! Play games with water and explore aquatic habitats. Build with mud, sticks and leaves. Paint with your hands and feet, make gooey concoctions, and meet slimy worms and bugs. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Take a closer look at the hidden worlds around us! Each day, campers will explore a new level of magnification using different types of microscopes to reveal the tiny details that make up our natural world. From hand lenses to dissecting scopes to high–-powered compound microscopes, we’ll journey deeper and deeper into the micro world-taking micro hikes around the park to collect fascinating samples along the way. Campers will even have the chance to view their own cells up close. Inspired by these incredible discoveries, we’ll create artwork that celebrates light, color and the often unseen patterns of nature. Registration required by two weeks prior.

For a full day of adventure, combine with Nature's Protectors Camp in the afternoon. Includes a monitored lunch hour between camp sessions.

Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to explore methods for river fishing and learn about unique river fish like gar and drum. Hunt for river critters to use as bait for catfish, carp, bass and other large fish. Drop a line from shore and, while wading, head down river to find secret fishing spots. Watch demonstrations by professionals in the fishing industry.

Equipment provided. Transportation to specific fishing locations will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to explore methods for river fishing and learn about unique river fish like gar and drum. Hunt for river critters to use as bait for catfish, carp, bass and other large fish. Drop a line from shore and, while wading, head down river to find secret fishing spots. Watch demonstrations by professionals in the fishing industry.

Equipment provided. Transportation will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours to specific fishing locations. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to discover the basics of singletrack riding. Explore the importance of balance, proper riding position and technique through drills and riding 5–15 miles a day both on and off the singletrack.  

Campers must bring their own multi-geared mountain bike and a helmet each day. In the case of severe weather, this camp may need to cancel for the day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to discover the basics of singletrack riding. Explore the importance of balance, proper riding position and technique through drills and riding 5–15 miles a day both on and off the singletrack.

Campers must bring their own multi-geared mountain bike and a helmet each day. In the case of severe weather, this camp may need to cancel for the day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to discover the basics of singletrack riding. Explore the importance of balance, proper riding position and technique through drills and riding 5–15 miles a day both on and off the singletrack.  

Campers must bring their own multi-geared mountain bike and a helmet each day. In the case of severe weather, this camp may need to cancel for the day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to discover the basics of singletrack riding. Explore the importance of balance, proper riding position and technique through drills and riding 5–15 miles a day both on and off the singletrack.

Campers must bring their own multi-geared mountain bike and a helmet each day. In the case of severe weather this camp may need to cancel for the day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get muddy and messy through crafts and outdoor adventures! Jump in puddles, catch and release pond critters, and play in a "mud kitchen" using natural materials to make mud pies and other creative concoctions. Hunt for slimy slugs and slippery worms in the forest. Catch interesting insects in a tallgrass prairie and meet captive reptiles and amphibians.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get dirty on purpose! Dig in the dirt, make mud and sift in the sand. Explore nature and meet animals that get dirty. Combine with Wet and Wild Camp for a week of fun. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join art instructors from Silverwood Park at French Regional Park for three mornings to explore the creative arts and natural world. Cozy up for a story or song, observe the wild surroundings and create an art project inspired by your discoveries.  

$66 per (child and adult). Ages 2–5 with an adult, siblings under age 2 are free but must register.  

Please note: this is not a drop-off program. Youth must attend with a registered adult. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover the mystery of the monarch butterfly and its migration. Catch and tag monarchs before they fly to Mexico. Search the prairie for insects and make fun monarch crafts.

Designed for children who have not completed kindergarten. Both child and adult must register. Siblings are welcome with registration. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get ready for a playful adventure with your child to learn about animals with paws and claws. Discover what makes them unique through stories, crafts and free play. Explore different habitats in search of animal tracks and homes, and maybe even see a few furry surprises along the way!

Designed for children who have not completed kindergarten. Both child and adult must register. Siblings are welcome with registration. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your summer days exploring the outdoors through hands–on adventures and nature discoveries! Team up with the Outdoor Recreation School and Richardson Nature Center to uncover the critters and creatures that call Minnesota home. From nature hikes and creek or lake explorations, to log rolling, geocaching and more, every day brings a new adventure.

All equipment is provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover nature through art and photography. Explore habitats while creating sketches and seeking the perfect photo. Use a sketchbook to explore nature by drawing in pencil and charcoal and painting with ink and watercolor. Experiment with color, art materials made in nature and a camera to take great photos. Supplies and equipment provided.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore nature as an artist with drawing, painting and photography! Our art adventures will take us near and far: hike, canoe, gather inspiration and materials from nature. Try gesture sketches, and paint in watercolor and ink. Use a camera to create engaging photos, paint the outdoors and try your hand at land art. Make and take your own art tools, canoe and be inspired by new scenes.  

Equipment and supplies provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Become explorers and leave no stone unturned! Use microscopes, magnifiers and nets to discover creatures in the pond, woods and prairie habitats. Games, live animal visitors and hiking are all part of the adventure. Discovery awaits. This is a great sibling camp that can be divided into groups by age.

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the outdoors, hike, bike, and canoe through the trails and waterways of Carver Park Reserve. Play games and solve challenges with other campers. Try swimming, projectile throwing, tie-dye and solo hiking (just a little while). You’ll even spend a full day on the trail with adventures along the way. 

Bikes and helmets required for one day of camp. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Who runs the (natural) world? GIRLS! Join this all–girl camp to try new things and reinforce skills all while spending time outdoors. Make new connections with other campers, build independence, explore the nature center as well as the town of Victoria. Try your hand at projectiles, carving, weaving, alternative fire-starting and more.  

Bikes and helmets required for one day. Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Tromp through the tallgrass prairie and adventure off trail. Scoop in the pond and search for frogs along the shore. Use your imagination while playing in a mud kitchen, climbing in forts and playing with sticks.

This camp encourages child-led free play as we explore various habitats together. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Do you have what it takes to be in an adventuring party? Band together with other kindred spirits as we learn the necessary skills to go on a successful quest. Solve puzzles, build survival skills and learn to navigate the natural world as a group. At the end of the week, test your party's skills on a quest. Will you be up to the task? Registration required by two weeks prior.

Defend the wetlands, forests, prairies and lake while guided by an artist, a naturalist and your imagination. Practice outdoor skills needed along your journey and defend the earth from evil forces. Tell your epic tale of this saga through the artful creations we will make along the way. Registration required by two weeks prior.

For a full day of adventure, combine with Micro Camp in the morning. Includes a monitored lunch hour between camp sessions.

Explore a river, pond, field and forest to discover where animals find their food, build their homes, sleep and play. Catch insects, frogs and fish, play games and meet animal ambassadors that call these habitats home.

Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Pack your lunch pail and meet the teacher for a day at an authentic 1889 one-room schoolhouse. Students of all grades coming from town or neighboring farms were taught together in this historic building. Use slate boards and copy books for your lessons, then enjoy 19th century games and toys at recess. On the second day, we'll experience life on a farm.

Explore and compare two frontier farms from the 1850s and 1890s. Meet the livestock, learn how to build a log cabin, help with farm chores and work in the garden. Your reward will be a tasty snack cooked on a wood-burning stove. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get ready for summer adventures! Put your survival skills to the test with shelter building and fire-making. Step back in time with historical games like spear throwing. Practice your precision and archery skills with a compound bow. Try your luck at baiting a hook and reeling in a fish at Bush Lake. Take to the water and enjoy a canoeing adventure on scenic Turtle Basking Pond.

Learn essential outdoor skills and cool tricks from seasoned experts to prepare for your future adventures. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Put your hands and brains to work making, creating and building. Practice skills including beginner wood carving, campfire cooking, weaving and more. Experiment and explore while creating your own art with natural materials. Try out other outdoor activities like archery and canoeing. All materials provided.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend four days doing science with the great outdoors as your laboratory! You'll spend your time catching critters and exploring habitats around Baker Outdoor Learning Center. We’ll also do a few classic camp favorites like canoeing, crafts and a whole-camp game. Finish off the week by designing and carrying out your own field investigation. All equipment provided.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing.  

No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that environmental conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing.

No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that environmental conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing.  

No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that environmental conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your days on and in the water with other teens! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing.  

No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that environmental conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your days on and in the water with other teens! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing.  

No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that environmental conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Spend your days on and in the water with other teens! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing.  

No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that environmental conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get ready for a playful adventure to learn about animals with paws and claws. Discover what makes them unique through stories, crafts and free play. Explore different habitats in search of animal tracks and homes and maybe even see a few furry surprises along the way! Registration required by two weeks prior.

Finally, the captain has a boat! But there's a twist (because of course there is). Follow maps, start fires, pilot canoes, build shelters, search for wild edibles and practice using all of your senses and, of course, look for treasure. All while trying to figure out who is attempting to foil the plans of the captain and ruin his big boat reveal party. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Go on a discovery mission and use nets to catch creatures that swim in the water, fly through the air and crawl on the ground. Enjoy hands–on fun through crafts, games and other activities. Help take care of caterpillars. Sign up for Reptiles and Amphibians Camp for four days of fun! Registration required by two weeks prior.

Discover the animals that swim, walk and slither in the park. Meet reptile and amphibian ambassadors and learn about them through games, play, art and hikes. Search for food to feed them and learn fascinating facts about their life cycles. Sign up for Go Buggy camp for four days of fun! Registration required by two weeks prior.

Drop your creative explorer off for discovery in artmaking and the outdoor world guided by an artist and naturalist. Each morning we will focus on a new topic in nature through story or song, creative play and investigating different parts of the park. Then we will use what we observe to inspire artmaking across a variety of mediums. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Grab a magnifying glass and go exploring! Hike through woods and fields in search of natural wonders. Dip in the pond and sweep in the prairie to discover insects and other creatures. Observe wild and captive animals, play games and create nature-inspired art. Registration required by two weeks prior.

This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Richardson Nature Center hosts the first day of camp. Activities include meeting resident raptor ambassadors, discovering their natural history and behaviors, learning the requirements to care for and train birds in captivity and exploring habitats to search for wild birds.

The second day includes a field trip to The Raptor Center. Campers will learn how the veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds and will get a behind the scenes tour of The Raptor Center’s education department to see many different species of raptors up close. Bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center will be provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Richardson Nature Center hosts the first day of camp. Activities include meeting resident raptor ambassadors, discovering their natural history and behaviors, learning the requirements to care for and train birds in captivity and exploring habitats to search for wild birds.

The second day includes a field trip to The Raptor Center. Campers will learn how the veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds and will get a behind the scenes tour of The Raptor Center’s education department to see many different species of raptors up close. Bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center will be provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the Mississippi River like few have had the chance to do. Build a raft and see if it floats. Investigate deserted islands and discover what lives in the river. Watch eagles and bike to explore different shorelines. Try canoeing or kayaking on a lake and rafting down the Mississippi on a day-long trip.

Equipment provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.

The mighty Mississippi and the adjacent fields, forests and wetlands are ripe for adventure and making discoveries. Immerse yourself in the wildest parts of the park, follow sneaky trails and learn how people have survived on the banks of this great waterway for centuries. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Join us for three days of fiber fun! Learn to care for the flock and how to process wool from off the sheep into a finished fiber project. Explore a variety of fiber crafts such as spinning, wet felting, needle felting and weaving, then create wool projects of your own. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Get ready for summer adventures by developing essential skills under the guidance of outdoor experts. Practice building shelters and small survival fires. Try reading maps, searching for edible plants and spotting poison ivy. Meet Richardson's animal ambassadors and learn what to do when you encounter animals in the wild. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Use nets, trowels and jars to catch and observe the critters that crawl, hop and fly. Discover insects, arachnids and other amazing arthropods found in the park. Play games, make bug-themed art and meet animal ambassadors with a connection to bugs. Registration required by two weeks prior.

The forest is calling. Are you ready to explore? Create the perfect walking stick, hike meandering paths, and build forts for you and your friends. Try stick-based projectiles of the past, light a fire to cook a tasty treat and enjoy the summer woodland at its finest.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore nature side-by-side with your child. Catch bugs with a net in the pond and prairie, follow your senses through the woods and search for hidden creatures under logs. Create a treasure box and photo frame with a picture of you and your camper. Meet animal ambassadors, play games and meet new friends.

Only for ages 3–5; no additional older siblings. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Grow as an artist and use nature as inspiration. Collect natural materials from the park for your projects. Experiment with painting, drawing, mixed media and nature printing with individual and community art projects.

Show off your creations to family and friends at an open house art exhibition on the last day. Registration required by two weeks prior.

The Riverbank School opens its doors this summer in guiding young witches and wizards in the discovery of nature's magic. New students will be sorted into their houses, joining their fellow returning sorcerers. Under the whispering trees and alongside the murmuring river, students will carve their own wands, delve into the arcane secrets of plants and creatures and discover the wonders of diverse habitats.

Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Our littlest explorers will step into the magical world of nature as we hunt for the tiny wonders hiding all around us! We will search for miniature marvels like mushrooms, acorns, seeds, pebbles, flowers and insects.

Campers will become explorers, discovering the tiniest treasures in nature and creating their own miniature garden using tiny nature items, along with some extra magical touches, to bring home. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Before Elm Creek was a park reserve, these 5,200 acres were home to many different groups of people. Learn about the Indigenous people who were the first caretakers of this land. Then, learn what it was like to immigrate to Minnesota as Swiss farmers and make this land home. Practice playing historical games, cooking a historical recipe and traveling back in time to meet some of the early settlers in this area.

This camp is designed for campers who love to learn about history and use their imaginations. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Paddle into the past and see if you have what it takes to be a voyageur! Each day explore the ins and outs of the fur trade with a new activity, from animal tracking to a day of trekking across the water. Play games and meet friends at the rendezvous. Then gather the furs, get into your canoe or raft, and paddle home. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Paddle into the past and see if you have what it takes to be a voyageur! Each day explore the ins and outs of the fur trade with a new activity, from animal tracking to a day of trekking across the water. Play games and meet friends at the rendezvous. Then gather the furs, get into your canoe or raft, and paddle home. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Paddle into the past and see if you have what it takes to be a voyageur! Each day explore the ins and outs of the fur trade with a new activity, from animal tracking to a day of trekking across the water. Play games and meet friends at the rendezvous. Then gather the furs, get into your canoe or raft, and paddle home. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Paddle into the past and see if you have what it takes to be a voyageur! Each day explore the ins and outs of the fur trade with a new activity, from animal tracking to a day of trekking across the water. Play games and meet friends at the rendezvous. Then gather the furs, get into your canoe or raft, and paddle home. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Adventure to the local creek and pond to explore. Investigate fascinating freshwater creatures like turtles, frogs and dragonflies, and learn how to protect the streams and ponds they live in. With nets in hand and boots in the mud, become explorers doing water tests, catching water creatures and chasing dragonflies.

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior. 

Explore the water features the park has to offer. Play water games and meet animals that live in the water. Prepare to get wet and wild! Combine with Muddy and Mighty for a week of fun. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore the lives of freshwater animals through critter-catching, habitat exploration, live animal visits and nature play. Dive into questions like: What does it take to survive in the water? And what makes freshwater animals so special? Become a beaver architect, catch a minnow and feed a salamander. Discover the amazing adaptations of frogs, turtles, insects and other creatures that live in ponds and streams and learn how these animals find food, stay safe and thrive in their watery homes.

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore different wild places for patterns, colors and sound. Make your own art tools and ink. Use natural clay from the river. Be inspired by encounters with live animals and create unique art using your imagination and found objects.

Extended care available for an additional $60; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Take classic camp activities to the next level! We'll hike deeper into the woods, canoe farther on the lake, and learn advanced camping skills like knots and lashing, compass navigation and campfire cooking. Join us for four days full of enhanced wilderness adventures.  

Gear will be provided. Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Explore and discover what lives in and around the Mississippi River. See how many types of animals you can catch and release, from small mammals and insects to fish and frogs. Meet the animal ambassadors from the Gateway Center and have fun with new friends.

Extended care available for an additional $75; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Calling all young birders! Spend your days outdoors looking for colorful and elusive birds on the world’s greatest treasure hunt. We’ll learn how to find birds, use binoculars, visit an osprey nest, check out cool technology and capture, tag and release wild birds as a part of research. If you love birds, this intensive four-day camp is for you.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.

Hear the stories of pioneer girl, Laura Ingalls and participate in pioneer chores, games and crafts. Spend your days exploring the Big Woods and prairies like Laura. Registration required by two weeks prior.

A strange new pathogen is spreading around the world turning people into zombies. We need you to help find a cure, fight zombies and survive while riding bikes around the park. This camp will be a combination of learning how scientists investigate outbreaks and learning to survive. Learn axe throwing, archery, how to hide and other survival skills while playing zombie games in the woods. Get ready for four days of zombies, science and fun.  

Extended care available for an additional $48; drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pick-up ends at 5 PM. Registration required by two weeks prior.