Minnesota Parent Summer Camp and Programs Guide 2024 by Minnesota Parent

2024 Edition

CAMP AND PROGRAMS GUIDE Sponsored by:

Why You Should Consider Sending Your Kids to Camp

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Camp is GOOD for Kids!

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Are Your Kids Ready for Camp?

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Camp Quiz!

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Summer Camp Planning Goes from Job to JOY!

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Camp Gear

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No More Summer Slide!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

Top 7 Reasons Parents Should Consider Sending Their Child to Camp

Newsflash: Camp is Good for Kids

7 Signs That Your Kids are Ready for Their First Sleepaway Camp

Camp Quiz: What Type of Camp Should Your Children Attend

Summer Camp Planning Goes From Job to Joy with My Happy Camper

Tips on Packing and Gear

Beat the Summer Slide: Keeping Kids on Track During Summer Break

Check out our resources on social media, too!

Minnesota Parent is published by Minnesota Parent Publications, LLC. No part of this publication may be reprinted without permission. Minnesota Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

TOP Reasons Parents Should Consider Sending Their Child to Camp By: Mary Ann Blair

With summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it! With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to week long sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations like the YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, and 4-H offer a wide range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child. Camps provide kids with experiences they might not have access to in “everyday” life Horseback riding. Paddling a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival. Conquering a ropes course. Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are endless at camp, and your child will have an opportunity to try something brand new. For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun! Camps are a safe place to practice social skills It might be awkward or uncomfortable for your child during those first few hours of camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging. But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and a camp is a great place to practice! Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise. Camps give kids a much-needed technology break No matter how old your child is, they could probably benefit from a screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships is good for the body and soul! Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too Driving away from your child(ren) on the first day might be a little gut-wrenching. But entrusting your kids to someone else for a while can be truly beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care, or give you and your partner time to reconnect. Maybe it will provide an opportunity to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself. Chances are, your kids are having a blast without you!

Your child’s experience as a camper could help land a summer job in the future Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and leadership skills. Your child might have that same opportunity one day. What great way to spend a summer! Camp is just plain fun So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite part of their summer. Odds are, your kids are going to love it! And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp. u Mary Ann Blair is a mom of two boisterous boys. Besides chronicling her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com, she loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty.

White Bear Sailing School All Day Camp

AR Workshop

All Together Now! More and more parents are joining their kids at camp. Remember your favorite campfire songs? It’s time to dust those off and get ready to sing them again - with your kids. Rather than packing the kids off for a week or two, more Minnesotans are choosing to go to camp together.

NEWSFLASH: CAMP IS GOOD FOR KIDS Life lessons are learned relatively quickly at camp. In many ways, summer camp is a microcosm of the outside world, or a fast-motion take on the relationships and changes kids face year-round. Even from a developmental standpoint, experts recognize summer camp as an amazing place. Kids and parents needn’t worry. The fun is still there. So are the lakes, the friends, the food, the games, and the unforgettable first summer crush. However, camps today are more and more committed to creating experiences that help kids develop confidence, social skills, and leadership. To see how this is working, the Search Institute, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit research organization, teamed up with the American Camp Association (ACA). The two conducted the largest study of camper outcomes ever in the United States, with more than 5,000 families and 80 camps participating. The results show something that parents have always suspected: Camp is good for kids. Dr. Scales, a developmental psychologist and senior fellow at the Search Institute, has a 25+ year relationship with the ACA and was part of the advisory committee directing the research. He calls accredited camps “a social institution that is working” and says camps are changing to reflect new and ongoing research in child development. According to Scales, schools are often too enmeshed in political pulling and pushing among federal, state, and local bodies to serve kids the way camps can. Schools also overemphasize individual work, he says, and kids from ages 7 to 15 really need team experiences, which promote closer connections among kids, teach cooperation, and prepare them for the future wherein they will have to work with teams. Good schools recognize the importance of teams, so they’re often structured more like camps, says Scales.

Wahakee Camp

Camp is Good for You The ACA/Search Institute study showed that camps help children: • Become more confident and experience increased self-esteem • Develop more social skills that help them make new friends • Grow more independent and show more leadership qualities • Become more adventurous and willing to try new things • Realize spiritual growth, especially at camps that emphasize spirituality

Most importantly, camps build a positive identity. “It doesn’t change willy-nilly overnight,” says Scales. Some kids take a long, long time to change, but trying new things and having an experience while doing it changes the way kids see themselves. At camp, there’s often a social and developmental safety net that lets kids do that. Scales points to many more camp benefits: A child who doesn’t think of herself as athletic or strong can claim a rock wall, conquer an obstacle course, and learn to swim or dive. She can be part of a team and contribute in competition. Through interaction with other kids, children develop social skills. In their new surroundings, kids learn self-reliance and independence, discovering skills they didn’t know they had. And, they can have fun doing it.

SIGNS THAT YOUR KIDS ARE READY FOR THEIR FIRST SLEEPAWAY CAMP By: Tanni Haas, PhD.

It’s time to decide whether or not to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know what’s the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? You can’t know simply by how old they are. “There are some six-and seven-year-olds who march eagerly off to camp without a problem,” says Bob Ditter, a camp consultant who’s worked with sleepaway camps for more than four decades, “while some eleven-year-olds cower with a fear of becoming homesick.” Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision. They express an interest in going to sleepaway camp The first and most obvious indicator that your kids might be ready for this important milestone in their young lives is that they express an interest in it. “If they start to show interest in camp or ask for permission to go,” says Kaitlin Kirby of Tiny Beans, a well-known parenting site, “it’s a strong sign that they’re ready to pack their bags and head off for a week (or more!) of fun.” They’ve had one or more successful sleepovers with peers It’s a good sign if your kids express an interest in going to sleepaway camp, but how have their past experiences sleeping away from home been? Have they had sleepovers with classmates or friends that went off without a hitch? You may want to hold off on sleepaway camp if the opposite has been the case. Jess Michaels of the American Camp Association advises parents to use past sleepovers as a diagnostic tool: “Has your child been successful when away from home? If your child felt panic stricken and needed to come home in the middle of the night, sleepaway camp might have to wait.” They understand what sleepaway camp entails Sleepaway camp involves much more than being away from your parents for a couple of days, a week, or longer. It also requires kids to be flexible and navigate new and unexpected situations, be able and willing to follow instructions from caregivers other than parents and teachers, and to exhibit independence and personal initiative. Consider this before making any final decisions. “Before you can feel confident that your child is ready for camp,” Ms. Kirby says, “you’ll want to be sure they know exactly what they’re getting into.” They’re flexible and can navigate new and unexpected situations Erica Patino of Understood.org, a major parenting site, suggests that parents ask themselves how flexible their kids are: “Is switching gears hard for your child? If it’s time to put away an art project and move on to a new activity, will your child get upset or resist?” Most sleepaway camps have jam-packed schedules, so it’s important that your kids can switch from one activity to the next without feeling overwhelmed and stressed. More generally, Ms. Kirby says, your kids should

Girl Scouts River Valley Singing Hills

be able to navigate new and unexpected situations: “Whether it’s participating in a new music or art class, an activity like karate or archery, or simply strutting into new surroundings, your child can likely handle camp if s(he) is confident in these scenarios.” They follow instructions from other caregivers than parents and teachers Your kids should be able and willing to follow instructions from authority figures other than you and their classroom teachers since camp life is full of rules and routines. Ms. Patino says that parents should ask themselves questions such as these: “Can your child remember all the steps for tasks like clearing a table in the dining hall? Will your child listen and follow through if the counselor gives instructions?” If the answer is yes, your kids could be ready for sleepaway camp. They exhibit independence and personal initiative Sleepaway camp requires kids to exhibit independence and personal initiative. They should be able to solve all kinds of problems, on their own, know when it’s better to ask counselors for help, and be able to make new friends among kids they’ve never met before. They should be able to take responsibility for their personal hygiene and handle a daily routine. As Allie Simon, a camp consultant who’s developed programs for several sleepaway camps, puts it, “Make sure your child knows how to brush teeth, take a shower and pick out outfits.” You’re ready to let them go! It’s a great sign if your kids are bursting at the seams to go to their first sleepaway camp, but are you truly ready for it? As Ms. Kirby says, “Your child may be jumping for joy at the thought of spending a week or more with friends old and new, but ultimately, you as the parent have to be ready to let them go.” u Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in theDepartment of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College

CAMP QUIZ: WHAT TYPE OF CAMP SHOULD YOUR CHILD ATTEND? By: Sandi Schwartz When we were kids, life was simpler. Many of us just hung around the house during the summer and played with neighborhood friends or maybe attended a local day camp. Well, nowadays there are camps for everything you can imagine! It can be quite confusing, and even stressful, trying to find the right camp for our kids. Finding the best camp is essential for our children’s comfort and growth. Camps can offer them experiences and tools to go out in the world and discover who they are and what they want to become. A child can only truly grow if given the freedom and chance to gain confidence by exploring new ideas and activities, and eventually finding their passion. If you are struggling to find the right camp for your child this summer, take this fun and easy quiz. Please only choose one answer. 1. How would you best describe your child? A. Artistic B. Athletic C. Brainy D. Adventurous 2. What is your child’s favorite subject in school? A. Music B. Physical education C. Math or science D. My child likes a variety of classes 3. What is your child’s favorite activity after school? A. Music lessons B. Playing a sport C. Robotics or science club D. Participating in a bunch of different activities with friends 4. Which type of birthday party would your child most likely choose? A. Dance party B. Indoor soccer or gymnastics C. Science museum D. Every year it’s different 5. What does your child usually do on weekends? A. Goes to theater rehearsal B. Has a game C. Competes in a robotics or math tournament D. Mixes it up with bike rides, art projects, and shooting hoops

Animal Humane Society Summer Camp

AR Workshop, Stillwater

6. What is your child’s favorite role in a group project? A. Presenter B. Collaborator C. Researcher D. Fills in wherever needed 7. What’s your child’s favorite rainy day activity? A. Listening to music B. Running around the house C. Playing a video game D. Inviting a friend over to hang out 8. Which would be your child’s dream vacation? A. Seeing Broadway shows in New York City B. Touring sports stadiums around the country C. Visiting science museums D. Doing something different every day IE: hiking, playing on the beach, and amusement parks 9. What would your child hope to achieve at summer camp? A. Starring in a musical B. Being team captain C. Creating an app D. Trying new things 10. What does your child want to be when he/she grows up? A. Movie star B. Coach C. Engineer D. No clue

Tally up your answers and match the letter you mostly chose to the type of camp on the next page. u Sandi Schwartz is a multi-award-winning author, freelance journalist, and mother of two. As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project, her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a natural habit to feel happier and calmer.

Continued... A. Creative/Performing Arts Camps Specialty art and musical theater camps focus specifically on the arts. Some may offer a variety of art forms to choose from while others focus solely on one type of art. Musical theater camps typically showcase a production after a few weeks of rehearsals. You can sign your child up for a one-week-long art camp at your local recreational center or find multi-week overnight art camps. B. Sports Camps Sports camps usually consist of only one sport that a child plays throughout the day. The main goal is for participants to improve their skills by focusing extensively on a sport they love. Depending on where you live, you can find all types of sports camps like tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, or gymnastics. It is also a way for your child to try a new sport or something only offered during the summer, such as surfing and sailing. C. Science/Tech Camps If your child loves to code, build, and tinker, then a tech camp may be the right fit. These types of camps make learning about science and technology fun and exciting for kids. They also provide an opportunity for kids to dive deeper into a subject they love, such as working on a science experiment, designing a website, or programming a robot. You can find science and tech camps through local schools, colleges, and museums. D. Traditional Camps If your child enjoys exploring and experiencing new things and has not yet found one specific activity that they are passionate about, then a traditional camp is a wonderful choice. Some are day camps, while others are overnight experiences where your kids can also learn more independence skills. Overnight camps also offer a more rustic, outdoorsy experience with campouts, cabins, campfires, and activities on the lake.

SUMMER CAMP PLANNING GOES FROM JOB TO JOY WITH MY HAPPY CAMPER! By: Aneela Idnani

Do you struggle with summer camp planning? Are you in awe that planning 13 weeks takes 365 days!? As soon as summer is over, it’s time to pour over next summer’s schedules. As soon as the new year starts, registration begins. It’s a non-stop, year-round process! Are your kids sick of being the new kid each week - at the wrong camp? Kids can’t be present or enjoy new experiences if they are not feeling comfortable. You are not alone! My husband, Sameer and I have been through this pain for the last 7 years with our two sons, ages 6 & 10. As local entrepreneurs we are passionate about problem solving. After 2 years of summer camp planning together with our family friends, we realized the need for a tool that helps all families find the right camps for their children and coordinate with other families. Imagine a website that takes the summer camp search (thank you MNParent for your amazing directory!), to the next level by filtering for individual sessions that are right for your kids. Then imagine ditching your excel spreadsheet to map out your “13 weeks of bliss” in an interactive calendar. Finally, picture yourself collaborating with your kids’ friends’ parents so you can “build your village one happy camper at a time.” Now, open your eyes and head to myhappycamper.com - it’s now a reality! After 7 years of summer camp planning and 3 years of doing it in community, here’s my top 5 tips: u Involve your kids in the planning. While getting out of comfort zones is part of the process, please don’t send your non-swimmer to a camp that requires swimming, without a conversation first. Let their interests guide camp selection. u Keep immunization records and pediatrician information handy. Some camps require this

information when registering. I’d hate for a last minute search to be the difference between registered and waitlisted! u Have back ups for camps that fill up fast. Every camp has different rules and registration

dates. Make sure you have secondary options in case you don’t get the camp you (your child) wants.

u Visit camps ahead of time. Some camps will have a “meet the counselor day” which is a great way to get a tour and help your child get familiar with what to expect when it’s time to attend - especially important for overnight camps! u Coordinate with like-minded friends. Summer is more fun with friends - for the kids AND the

parents! You can use MyHappyCamper to schedule together, lean on each other and build a supportive community. While MyHappyCamper’s initial goal is to help MN families make summer planning stressless, it’s our vision to help all families build their village. In this post-lockdown period, loneliness is an epidemic. Not a week goes by that I don’t see an FB Mommy Group post about either a parent or child struggling to make friends. I’ve been there many times. As a kid after moving to a new town in New York, I struggled to find a sense of belonging. When we moved to Minneapolis in 2011, it was just like when my parents immigrated to the US, only knowing 4 other people. Our parents taught us how to build community and in the past 10 years, I am proud to say Minneapolis is home because of the value system and the sense of belonging we’ve created with the friends we’ve made here. A group text message from myHappyCamper testing this past summer sums it it up as one dad share’s:

”

Heading home with the kids. Annette {wife} is making pizza. See you all soon!

We are turning summer camp planning into family playdate happenings! And we are looking forward to YOU joining us at myhappycamper.com.

”

TIPS

ON PACKING AND GEAR

Plan ahead: Think about how long you’ll be living out of a backpack, duffel bag, suitcase, or trunk Follow the rules: Review the packing list provided by your camp Label everything: Use laundry pens, as well as iron-on or sew-in labels Avoid sore feet: Break in shoes and boots before camp begins Here’s a detailed checklist for a week-long sleepover camp:

CLOTHING • T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts • Shorts and pants • Pajamas • Underwear and socks (pack extra) - Pack in a plastic grocery bag so they are easy to find • Sweater or hoodie • Jacket or raincoat • Swimsuit • Hat and sunglasses • Comfortable walking shoes • Sandals or flip-flops for showers Toiletries • Toothbrush and toothpaste • Shampoo and conditioner • Soap or body wash • Deodorant • Hairbrush or comb • Sunscreen • Lip balm • Insect repellent • Towel and washcloth

BEDDING • Sleeping bag • Bedding (usually a twin fitted sheet) • Pillow • Extra blanket PERSONAL ITEMS • Flashlight with extra batteries • Water bottle • Backpack or duffel bag • Camera (optional) • Notebook and pen • Reading material • Any necessary medications SNACKS (if allowed) • Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, trail mix, etc.) • Reusable containers or zip-lock bags

Wahakee Camp

MISCELLANEOUS

GROUP SUPPLIES (if required)

• First aid kit • Personal identification • Camp registration forms • Money for souvenirs or extras • Cell phone and charger (if allowed) • Sleeping mask and earplugs (optional)

• Group snacks or treats • Group games or activities Make sure to adjust this list based on the specific requirements or guidelines provided by the sleepover camp.

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By providing a safe and welcoming artistic home, students learn through discovery, with caring and experienced teaching artists who encourage the growth of hearts and minds, and a supportive environment that nurtures the creation of more compassionate communities.

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Beat the Summer Slide Keeping Kids on Track During Summer Break By: Katie Heruth Parents in Minnesota play a crucial role in preventing the summer slide, a phenomenon where students experience a decline in academic skills during the summer break. Engaging activities, consistent routines, and educational resources can make a significant difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide with practical tips and valuable links: 1. Create a Structured Routine: • Establish a daily schedule that includes designated times for learning, outdoor activities, and relaxation. • Consistency helps maintain a sense of routine, making the transition back to school smoother. 2. Engage in Reading Activities: • Encourage reading by setting aside specific time for it each day. • Visit local libraries, participate in summer reading programs, and explore various genres to keep children interested. • Utilize online platforms like Epic! (https://www.getepic.com) for a vast collection of digital books suitable for different age groups. 3. Math Games and Puzzles: • Incorporate math into daily activities through games, puzzles, and real-world applications. • Websites like Prodigy (https://www.prodigygame.com) offer interactive math games aligned with educational standards. 4. Enroll in Educational Summer Camp Programs: • Explore summer camps, workshops, and classes that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. • Check local community centers and museums for educational programs and activities. • Use our Summer Camp & Resource Guide to help plan a fun and memorable summer for your kids. • Decide if your kids are ready for day camps or possibly overnight camps. These are fun and valuable experiences your kids will remember for years to come. 5. Outdoor Learning: • Take advantage of the Minnesota summer by incorporating outdoor learning experiences. • Explore nature trails, parks, and botanical gardens, turning these outings into educational adventures. 6. Educational Apps: • Integrate educational apps that cater to various subjects and age groups. • Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org) is a valuable resource providing free lessons in math, science, and other subjects.

White Bear Sailing

7. Set Learning Goals: • Collaborate with your child to set achievable learning goals for the summer. • Break down larger goals into smaller tasks to make progress more manageable. 8. Science Experiments at Home: • Conduct simple science experiments using household items to stimulate curiosity. • Websites like Science Buddies (https://www.sciencebuddies.org) offer a plethora of age-appropriate experiment ideas. 9. Museum Tours: • Explore child friendly tours of museums and historical sites to supplement traditional learning. • The Minnesota Historical Society (https://www.mnhs.org/) provides virtual exhibits and educational resources. 10. Socialize and Collaborate: • Organize playdates with an educational twist, encouraging collaborative activities. • Find group learning sessions with friends. Or meet at each other’s house and have a weekly theme that involves learning fun topics over the summer. 11. Monitor Screen Time: • While incorporating digital resources, maintain a balance and monitor screen time. • Use parental controls to ensure a healthy mix of online and offline activities. 12. Gardening and Nature Exploration: • Planting a garden or exploring local flora and fauna promotes hands-on learning. • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/) offers resources for nature exploration. 13. Journaling and Creative Writing: • Encourage journaling or creative writing to enhance language skills. • Provide prompts or themes to spark creativity and expression. CONTINUED...

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Groves Summer Programs Fun and individualized academic summer programs helping students with learning and attention challenges entering grades 2-8.

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CONTINUED...

CONTINUED... 14. Weekly Field Trips: • Explore field trips to landmarks, historical sites, and cultural institutions. • Bookmark the Out & About page on minnesotaparent.com for hundreds of places to check out with the kids. • Websites like Google Arts & Culture (https://artsandculture.google.com/) offer virtual tours worldwide. 15. Family Book Club: • Establish a family book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it together. • Set a goal to read for 20 minutes a day. This promotes critical thinking, time management and enhances comprehension skills and becomes a time of the day the kids look forward to. 16. Physical Activity: • Incorporate physical activities that support cognitive development. • Websites like GoNoodle (https://www.gonoodle.com/) offer interactive movement and mindfulness exercises for kids. • Or just head to your local park…Minnesota is named one of the best places in the U.S. for their park systems. 17. Educational Podcasts: • Introduce educational podcasts covering a range of subjects. • Podcasts like Wow in the World (https://www.wowintheworld.com/) and BrainsOn (https://www.brainson.org/) make learning fun and engaging. 18. Mindfulness and Relaxation: • Teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and improve focus. • Apps like Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/) offer guided meditation suitable for children. 19. Community Resources: • Explore local community centers, schools, and nonprofits for additional resources. • The minnesotaparent.com website provides information on events, resources, and parenting tips. 20. Celebrate Achievements: • Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements throughout the summer. • Positive reinforcement encourages a love for learning. By combining these strategies, parents throughout Minnesota can actively prevent the summer slide and create an enriching and educational summer experience for their kids. Remember to adapt activities based on your child’s age, interests, and learning style. Happy Planning!

SUMMER CAMP

ONLINE DIRECTORY HERE 150+ CAMPS LISTED