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.