Summer Camps 2020
(Updated 5/23/20)
At Carpenter Nature Center, it is our primary concern to keep our visitors, day campers, volunteers and staff as safe as possible during this uncertain time. We have been keeping an eye on the pandemic situation and have been in contact with similar organizations concerning summer camps. Our camps have always been a time for youth to have fun interacting with each other by playing games, taking hikes, laughing and learning in a group setting. Camps are generally considered very social activities and with social distancing guidelines remaining in effect, we feel that we cannot safely conduct the summer camps as usual this summer. Therefore, we have decided to cancel the majority of our summer day camps, except the half-day Fishing Fun sessions.
However, we are instead offering a variety of half-day camps limited to 8 participants (plus 2 Nature Center staff), and are adding additional sessions to our Fishing Fun Day Camp.
For more information on these camps, information on refunds, and to register for our new summer offerings, please see below.
Please contact Mayme with any questions by emailing Mayme@CarpenterNatureCenter.org
Keeping Camp Safe
How is CNC keeping summer campers, parents, and staff safe during Covid-19?
We are taking the guidelines from the governor and the health organizations very seriously and our first priority is keeping everyone at camp safe. We will be enforcing the following procedures during CNC Summer Camps:
- Camp groups will be no more than 10 people (8 children max and 2 CNC staff) and will be outside as much as possible
- Curbside drop off and pick up will happen in the circle drive by the Interpretive Center so there is no need for the parents to get out of the car.
- Prepayment of program fees will be encouraged so there is minimum contact during check-in.
- Children should stay home if they or a household member are not feeling well. If they come down with any symptoms during the day they will be separated from the group and the parents will be contacted.
- CNC staff will be required to wear face coverings and children will be encouraged to wear their face coverings.
- Each child should have their own backpack with supplies – face covering, water bottle, snack, bug spray and sunscreen. Children will not be sharing supplies and CNC equipment (insect nets, aquatic nets, etc.) will be sanitized before and after use.
- Children will be spread out, 6 feet apart, during activities as much as possible and guidelines will be followed to minimize contact with others.
- Hand washing and sanitizing will be done regularly throughout the day.
Under the Executive Order 20-56 from Governor Walz on May 20 we’re happy we can safely offer summer camp experiences, but due to the unpredictability of the virus we reserve the right to cancel if needed and will refund any prepaid program fees. We will keep up to date on the health and wellness recommendations throughout the summer and will adjust our plans accordingly.
Fishing Fun Camp
Fishing Fun
Single half day adventures for children ages 6-11
Join CNC naturalists to go fishing in the St. Croix River from our dock, maintaining social distancing in a small group. Bring your own rod and reel if you have one or use one provided. We will be sanitizing the equipment before and after each group and will not be sharing equipment while fishing. Most of the time will be spent at the river so please be prepared with a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.
Dates
June 24, 2020 (FULL)
July 8, 2020 (FULL)
July 22, 2020
August 12, 2020
Times
1:00pm-4:00pm
Program Fee
$35 per child /$25 per child for “Friends of CNC” per session.
Pre-registration required.
NEW Summer Offerings
Half-day camps for children ages 9-14
These camps cover 4 different topics and are split up by age range. Group sizes will be limited to 8 children for each session, social distancing will be followed and group leaders will wear face coverings. All children will need to provide their own backpack, water bottle, snack, sunscreen and bug spray, and facemasks will be encouraged. Program fee: $35 or $25 for “Friends of CNC” for each session. Pre-registration required.
Birds
July 7 (5-8 year olds) & July 9 (9-14 year olds)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Go on a bird hike, meet live raptors and dig into owl pellets.
Reptiles & Amphibians
July 13 (5-8 year olds) & July 15 (9-14 year olds)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Catch and release frogs, toads and turtles and meet other live snakes, a gecko and salamander.
Invertebrates
August 3 (5-8 year olds) & August 5 (9-14 year olds)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find invertebrates in the pond and the prairie, tag butterflies and make a pollinator house.
Outdoor Skills
August 11 (5-8 year olds) & August 13 (9-14 year olds)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Build a fort, make a campfire and eat some wild edibles.
Registered before May?
For those that have signed up for Fishing Fun on June 24 or July 8 those two sessions will happen on the dates and times scheduled. We will practice social distancing while fishing, the children will not be sharing any equipment and the group size will be no larger than 10 people. The two fishing sessions are full at this time but if you prefer not to have your child participate please let us know by June 1 to get your full refund.
If you signed up your child for Nature Nuts, Pioneers, Explorers, Outdoor Skills, R.A.M.B.O., or the Canoe Trip you are entitled to a full refund of the camp fee. If you prefer we can transfer the payment to next year’s summer camp, which will guarantee a spot for your child next summer. You may also request that the fee be used as a donation to become a “Friend of CNC”. We sincerely appreciate your support and you can be assured that any donated funds will be used for educational purposes.
We will start the process of sending your camp refunds on June 1st. Please contact us before then if you are interested in making a donation or transferring the payment to next summer. Our hiking trails remain open during this time so you are welcome to come visit CNC with your family during our open hours (8:00am – 4:30pm) anytime this summer. Thank you for your continued support!
For any questions, please contact Mayme Johnson.
Program Director
mayme@carpenternaturecenter.org
Phone: 651-437-4359
Registration Information
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
“Friends of CNC”
Families and their children are eligible for camp discounts if they are current “Friends of CNC” at the “Family” level or above.
Deadline
Space is limited, register early. Registrations will be accepted up to 1 week prior to program if space is available.
Staff
CNC camps are staffed by professional naturalists (First Aid/CPR certified) and CNC interns who strive to include all children in quality hands-on nature oriented activities.
Activities
All campers will be encouraged to take part in all activities including crafts, games, nature hikes, snacks, etc. Please inform CNC immediately if your child has any condition or allergies which may prevent them from taking part in all camp activities so we may plan accordingly.
Health & Permission Forms
Upon receipt of registration and payment, CNC will mail a checklist of items to bring, health forms, and any applicable permission forms (for off-site activities) prior to camp. Forms are due the week prior to the first day of camp.
Weather Policy
A great deal can be learned about nature in a rain shower, so programs will not be cancelled due to rain. If weather conditions are severe, activities may be altered or postponed if necessary. Adults will be notified if program changes will arise when your child is in the care of CNC staff.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund will be given if cancellations are made at least 2 weeks prior to camp. No refund will be given after that date.
Register For Camp
To register your child for CNC Summer Camp, download and complete our Summer Camp Registration Form for 2020 (updated May 22)
Completed registration forms and payment should be mailed to:
Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S.
Hastings, MN 55033
Registrations will be accepted up to 1 week prior to camp, if space is still available.
Please contact the day camp coordinator via email or call 651-437-4359 for more information.
Program Director
Mayme Johnson
mayme@carpenternaturecenter.org
Phone: 651-437-4359
Contact Us
Minnesota Campus
12805 St. Croix Trail S.
Hastings, MN 55033
Wisconsin Campus
300 East Cove Road
Hudson, WI 54016
P:(651) 437-4359
F:(651 438-2908
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Upcoming Events
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Spring Migration “Safe at Home” Youth Birding Competition
May 30 - May 31 -
MN Campus Bird Hike
June 6 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am -
Summer Mindfulness in Nature
June 7 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm