Week long day camps for children ages 5-11

Nature Nuts

(Ages 5 & 6)- We will make crafts, play games, and explore CNC’s trails every day as we learn about the many plants and animals that make their home at CNC. Participants must bring their own snacks, and families are invited to a family picnic on Friday at noon.

June 18 – 22

Times

9:00am-12:00pm

Program Fee 

$99 per participant OR $89 for “Friends of CNC”.

Pioneers

(Ages 7 & 8)- We will make crafts, play games, and explore CNC’s trails every day as we learn about the many plants and animals that make their home at CNC. Participants must bring their own snacks, and families are invited to a family picnic on Friday at noon.

Dates

July 9 – 13

Times

9:00am-12:00pm

Program Fee 

$99 per participant OR $89 for “Friends of CNC.”

Explorers

(Ages 9-11)- Explore nature with us as we hike, create projects, meet friends, and visit the beach nearly every day. Participants should bring their own bag lunches, snacks, and a water bottle. On Thursday campers will pack up for a canoe adventure at a nearby lake and camp-out at CNC Thursday night through Friday morning. Families are invited to a family picnic on Friday at noon.

Dates

July 30 – Aug 3

Times

Mon-Wed 9:00am-4:00pm

Thurs 9:00am – Fri 12:00pm

Program Fee

$174 per participant OR $164 for “Friends of CNC.”

Specialized camps designed to foster an interest in nature for children ages 12+

Raptor Camp

(Ages 11+)- Spend a day at CNC and the Raptor Center at the University of MN learning about amazing birds of prey. On day one learn raptor basics, play predator-prey games, and observe raptors in the wild while you hike at CNC. Spend day two at the Raptor Center meeting their birds, observing raptor care and learning about the process of rehabilitating an injured bird of prey. Transportation to the Raptor Center is provided.

Dates

June 25 – 27

Times

9:00 am -4:00 pm

Program Fee

$125 per participant OR $115 for “Friends of CNC.”

Canoe Trip   Full for 2018

(Ages 12 yrs & up)- Build your outdoor confidence. Join us for a three day/two night canoe trip on the Namekagon and St Croix Rivers. We’ll canoe about 17 miles and spend 2 nights camping along the shores of these scenic rivers. Canoeing experience a plus but not required. We supply canoes, paddles, food, cooking equipment, tents, transportation, PFDs, and our expertise. This is sure to be a fun and challenging experience.

Dates

July 24 – 26

Times

Tues 9:00am – Thurs 4:30pm

Program Fee

$225 per participant OR $215 for “Friends of CNC.”

Pathfinders

(Ages 11+)- See bees at work in the beehives, paddle a canoe in the Kinnickinnic River, see bison up close in the prairie, pick berries at an organic farm and make your own pizza all while learning about careers in the outdoors. This experience is made possible by a USDA-NIFA funded grant and partnerships with the University of Wisconsin River Falls and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Scholarship opportunities available. Register before May 1 to receive the early registration discount.

Dates

July 16 – 20

Times

9:00am-4:00pm

Program Fee

$179 per participant OR $169 for “Friends of CNC.” Early bird discount $99 before May 1

“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.

To register your child for CNC Summer Camp, download and complete our Summer Camp Registration Form.

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