JUST FOR KIDS
Summer youth programs DESPITE RESTRICTIONS, THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD FOR LOCAL KIDS BY VICKI GERDES
SUMMERSCAPE
ART AND STEAM DAY CAMPS
The Becker County Museum remains closed to the public this summer, but museum staff has received special permission from the state to offer some on-site youth day camps, according to Executive Director Becky Mitchell. “We’re trying to be creative in how we service our region,” Mitchell says. Spots will be limited to 12 campers per session to allow for social distancing, and there’s an online alternative for every camp. Other precautionary measures are being taken, as well, such as face masks worn by staff and sneeze shields at each station. This summer’s remaining sessions include a STEAM camp Aug. 11-14, which incorporates science, technology, engineering, arts and math into daily activities; a camp that teaches participants how to build a working computer (Aug. 31-Sept. 2); another that teaches them to build their own video game (Aug. 4-6); a LEGO Mind Builder robotics challenge camp July 28-31; a Native American heritage camp, Aug. 25-28; and two art camps, on July 21-24 and Aug. 14-17. All camps are designed for kids between the ages of 7-14. A complete schedule, as well as more information about each camp, is available on the museum’s website, beckercountyhistory.org (look under the “Store” link at the top of the page) and Facebook page. 12 | SUMMERSCAPE 2020
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ome summer activities for kids in the Lakes Area may look a little different this year, but they are happening, thanks to the cooperative efforts of various youth-focused sports and recreation programs and arts organizations. “We started talking about things we can do collectively,” says Kim Bettcher, marketing and membership director for the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center (DLCCC). “This has been a community-wide effort. It’s been a really great experience, partnering with so many different organizations.” Here’s a look at what’s happening.
VIRTUAL LIBRARY ACTIVITIES Since all Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) sites, including Detroit Lakes Public Library, were closed to the public until July 1, the library’s annual summer reading program went digital. “Lake Agassiz Regional Library is offering a virtual summer library experience this year,” said Eliza Gores, Detroit Lakes’ youth services librarian. “We are going completely online.” Through Saturday, Aug. 15, local youth can sign up at larl.org/explore to participate in reading challenges and virtual activities — such as at-home science projects, art tutorials and storytime sessions — to earn tickets for an opportunity to win some exciting prizes. “You could win a geode to crack open, a (computer) tablet, a LEGO set, a fossil dig kit with real fossils, or a fabulous mystery prize,” said Gores. Plus, she added, “Each child will receive a free book just for signing up for our Virtual Summer Library Experience!” In addition, there will be a summer mystery challenge for adults and teens, who can pick up weekly clues on the LARL website for a chance to win prizes by guessing “whodunnit.”
FINE ARTS PROGRAMMING
Detroit Lakes Community Education and the Historic Holmes Theatre are teaming up this summer to present a variety of fine arts programming. Just a sampling of the programs on the schedule for the remainder of the summer include an anime and manga drawing workshop; Young Rembrandts online art classes; virtual art
classes hosted on Zoom; in-person painting classes on the city beach; and a virtual magic camp hosted by professional magician Jeff Siefert. All in-person classes and camps will adhere to the most current state and federal social distancing guidelines. For more information, or to sign up, visit dlccc.org/ holmes-theatre.html or dlcommunityed.com.
PERHAM AREA ACTIVITIES
Perham’s Just for Kix is holding an outdoor summer pom class, with participants broken up into small groups to keep things socially distanced. The 3-month class started on June 9 but is still welcoming those who wish to join. The class will culminate in a performance during a varsity football game halftime show. Register at justforkix.com/danceclasses/perham-mn. Also, the Perham Public Library is holding a summer reading program until the end of July. Participants can keep track of their reading minutes either online at www.perhamlibrary.org or on paper; prizes are available. In addition, the library is hosting weekly Storybook Window (and crafts) events at the library window facing the park, and picture book parades are happening on the walking path at Arvig Park every Thursday throughout the summer.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AT TAMARAC The Visitor Center and Discovery Center at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge have been closed since mid-March, and that doesn’t look like it will change until at least September. But that doesn’t mean Tamarac’s outdoor features are closed — in fact, the Blackbird Wildlife Drive, hiking trails, picnic areas and lake accesses are very much open and ready to welcome visitors of all ages. In addition, some new programming has been introduced for kids and families, such as Tamarac Take Out and the brand-new Tales on the Trail. Since launching June 15, Refuge
Reporter RosaLin Alcoser contributed to this story.
staff has been setting up new Tales on the Trail adventures every week, installing temporary interpretive signage and activities to do along Tamarac’s many trails. Tamarac Take Out youth activity backpacks are available for families to pick up every other Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Visitor Center parking lot, or for home delivery when volunteers are available to do so. Packs are $40 and are also available at Lakeside Tavern in Detroit Lakes. Currently, there are two pack options available, for either bug lovers or bird lovers. Call the Friends of Tamarac at 218-844-1767 to order a pack, or for more information.
