Guide to Camps and Enrichment Programs

Avoid hearing the dreaded “I’m bored!” this summer by finding a fun summer camp or class for your child, teenager, or even yourself through our informative camps and classes guide.

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ACADEMIC

Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth

Spend time on stage as part of our theater class, play sports before analyzing them from a scientific point of view, put on a smock and paint all afternoon, or try your hand at being a newspaper reporter in the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth’s ExplorSchool Program from June 15 – June 26, geared toward students in fourth – sixth grade. For more information, call 651-696-6590 or visit www.mity.org. 1600 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105.
 

Northland College’s Lake Superior Pathfinders

Lake Superior Pathfinders is a summer residential environmental leadership program for high school students. As a participant, you live and learn on Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake! Learn more about your personal leadership style using low and high ropes courses and climbing walls that offer safe but challenging activities. Kayak into the sea caves, learn about the lake’s cultural and historical significance, and investigate Lake Superior’s critical issues based on a sustainability model that balances social, environmental, and economic perspectives. Two sessions—July 12-18 and June 19-25— are open to high school juniors and seniors. Enroll in one or both. For more information, call (715) 682-1699 or visit www.northland.edu/pathfinders. 1411 Ellis Ave., Ashland, WI 54806.

Tesseract Summer Camp

Preschool or elementary, one week or all summer, Tesseract makes learning FUN! Certified Teachers combine academics, fun and field trips around exciting weekly themes for three-year-olds through sixth Graders in morning, afternoon or all-day classes. Before and after care and individual tutoring are also available. See www.tesseractschool.net for catalog and registration, or call 651-454-0604. 3800 Tesseract Place, Eagan, MN 55122.
 

ANIMALS & NATURE

Minnesota Zoo Camp

Go wild this summer at Zoo Camp! Kids ages 2-18 explore the rainforest, travel under the sea, encounter amazing animals up close, and learn about important wildlife and wild places around the world! Our trained naturalists will change the way your child sees the world. Registration begins Feb. 14, 2009. Visit www.mnzoo.org or call 952-431-9320 for more information. 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

ART

The Art Academy

The Art Academy offers year-round classes and camps for students ages 5-adult. Improve drawing and painting abilities in a safe, fun, noncompetitive environment. A Create Your Own Schedule option provides flexibility to allow families to build our program around other planned activities. Classes and camps take place at our school’s location. The Art Academy’s summer session begins June 15th and runs through August 22nd. Visit www.theartacademy.net for over 100 examples of student artwork. Call 651-699-1573 for a free brochure. 515 S. Albert St., St. Paul, MN 55116.

CULTURE

The International School of Minnesota’s International Kids Camp

International Kids Camp is offered weekly at The International School of Minnesota (ISM) from June 22- August 14 for children ages 3.5 (and potty trained) through sixth grade, and a Counselor in Training program for grades 7, 8, and 9. Experience the “flavor” of different cultures—Japanese, Greek, Swedish, and Arabic—in Around-the-World Fun as we explore unique food, sports, songs, games, crafts, literature, and customs. The Explorers program is for the youngest campers (3.5 to first grade) and includes a mix of hands-on learning and summer fun, The Pioneers Program is for second through sixth graders and includes language labs, arts and crafts, swimming, and games, and The Sport Adventurers program is a great opportunity for lively, action-seeking second through sixth graders. Weekly Sports Camps include Teambuilders, Nature’s Water Wonders, Soccer, Fishing, Golf, Outdoor Adventures, Ball Sports, and Basketball. A non-refundable $75 deposit is required with registration and applied to the overall balance. Sign up before April 1 to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. For more information, call Angela Ponto at 952-918-1828, send an email to kidscamp@ism-sabis.net, or visit www.ism-sabis.net. 6385 Beach Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
 

MUSIC

11th Annual Allegro Orchestra Camp

Day camp for music students currently in grades 3-12. Three levels of orchestras, beginning to advanced. Staff includes 4 conductors, 8 professional sectional coaches & 13 principal musicians from Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. June 15 - 25, 2009. Final registration deadline: May 15. Call 952-258-0394 or visit www.allegronotes.org for more information. Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN 55391.
 

Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs Summer Day Camp

Calling all kids in second through fifth grade who love to sing! Join us for a week filled with singing, music games, and art activities. This camp will serve as a springboard from which singers will explore their vocal potential and increase their confidence in singing. Taught by the professional artistic staff of the Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs program July 27 – 31. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Visit www.angelicacantanti.org or call 952-563-8572. 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431.
 

Sing Minnesota

August 10-14, 2009, 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. Sing Minnesota is a day camp for girls and boys, ages 8-12 (completed grades 2-6) sponsored by the Minnesota Boychoir at Saint Paul’s Concordia University. While focusing on choral singing, campers also participate in other creative arts – drama and movement, visual arts, optional piano lab, and outdoor fun and games! $250, scholarships are available. Visit www.boychoir.org or call 651-292-3219 for more information. Sing Minnesota Day Camp site: Concordia University, Buetow Music Center, 300 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55104.
 

OUTDOOR FUN & ADVENTURES

Tamarack Nature Center Summer Camp Adventures

Is your child suffering from “nature deficit disorder?” The only known antidote is a summer of outdoor fun and adventure! We offer weekly half and full day camps for preschoolers through eighth grade, Friday art classes, and special field trips. Call 651-407-5350 or visit us at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/tamarack/daycamps. 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township, MN 55110.
 

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center’s Summer Camp

Immerse yourself in the Great Northwoods at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center—the perfect summer camp atmosphere. Nestled on a mountain-like ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior, the Wolf Ridge campus offers nearly 2,000 acres to explore the forests, rivers, and lakes of the North Shore. Our programs, for children ages 6 to 18, range from day camps to four-week academic programs for high school students and wilderness canoe, kayak, and backpacking trips. For more information, call 218-353-7414 or visit www.wolf-ridge.org. 6282 Cranberry Rd., Finland, MN 55603.

YMCA Day Camps (Twin Cities area)

This is a great introduction to camping in a safe environment. Full week of day camp activities including canoeing, archery, camp crafts, cookouts, swimming and more! Kids are home each night. Bus transportation available. Specialty Camps: horses, fishing, climbing, kayaking, outdoor living, orienteering, farming, arts, drama, wheel park, rollerblading, golf, tennis, soccer, mini-biking, water skiing and MORE! Specialty Camps vary by location. www.ymcatwincities.org
 

SPECIAL NEEDS

Cool School: Minnesota Life College Summer Day Program

The Summer Day Program “Cool School,” is for high school students with learning disabilities or related conditions such as Aspergers Syndrome and ADD/ADHD. It’s a wonderful opportunity for youth and their families to begin the process of transition and determine if Minnesota Life College would be a good fit after high school. We offer two sessions: “My Social Life” June 15 – 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. where students will learn to build and maintain friendships, community observation, rules of personal safety, hobbies exploration, and dinner party etiquette, and “Get A Job” from June 22 – 26 where the focus is on job readiness, how to create a resume, workplace rules, appropriate work conversations, and interviewing skills. One session is $349 / $749 for both. Students need to include their IEP with the registration form. Contact MLC for possible transportation options or extended hours. For more information, call 612-869-4008 ext. 16 or visit www.MinnesotaLifeCollege.org. 7501 Logan Ave. So., Suite 2A, Richfield, MN 55423.
 

THEATRE ARTS TRAINING

The Children’s Theatre Company Theatre Arts Training

CTC’s Theatre Arts Training classes ignite the imagination and creativity of youth ages 3–18. With leading professionals as teachers, TAT classes build performances skills in the areas of acting, music and dance, while teaching important life skills that allow youth to think critically, express themselves clearly, and work well with others. For more information, call 612-874-0400 or visit www.childrenstheatre.org/tat. 2400 Third Ave. So., Minneapolis, MN 55404.