FFTC’s 2017 Guide to Twin Cities Summer Camps

Classic outdoor adventures, tech-y enrichment, performing arts opportunities and cultural explorations are just a sampling of what you’ll find in our 2017 Guide to Twin Cities Summer Camps. From day camps for your preschoolers to sleepaways for the teens, these local camps offer something for everyone.

ARTS CAMPS

Shell Lake Arts Center | Shell Lake, WI
Located in beautiful NW Wisconsin, only a 2 hour drive from the Twin Cities, the Shell Lake Arts Center provides a premium arts education experience for all students. Our camps and staff are well-respected nationally, and the Center is home to some of the longest running programs of their kind in the US. With 50 years of experience, we masterfully provide a positive, safe and secure learning environment for students to further develop and explore their talents.
Sessions: 6/11/17-8/11/17, Sunday-Friday (week-long) | students completing grades 6-12 |$595/week | register by 6/1/2017

FOCI Center for Glass | Minneapolis
Glassblowing/Glassworking Camp: Introduce your children to the mesmerizing medium of glass. Through these immersive experiences, they participate in educational, hands-on projects, and create beautiful pieces of art. From fusing to casting to glass blowing, they try it all.
Sessions: 6/26/17-8/11/17 | ages 9-13 | $345-$425 | register by 6/19/17

ArtiCulture | Minneapolis
Full & half-day options plus extended care sessions run 6/13/17–9/2/17 | ages 4+ | $145-$275

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts | Fridley
Kids Art Academy offers morning & afternoon options or both. Sessions run 6/13/17-6/18/17 | ages 5-12 | $45-$80/session

Edina Art Center | Edina
Art camp classes usually run Tues-Thurs throughout the summer | students in grades 2-12 | $95 non-members/$84 members – $10 for supervised lunch

Heartfelt | Minneapolis
Summer Craft Camp sessions run 6/20/17-8/24/17 | grades K+ | $120-$165/session | register by phone or in person

KidCreate Studio | Eden Prairie & Woodbury
Full, half-day or one-day mini-camp options and extended lunch hour sessions run 5/31/17-8/31/17 | ages 3-12 | $67.50-$150/session

Leonardo’s Basement | Minneapolis
A variety of half-day workshops with extended care option sessions run 6/12/17-8/25/17 | ages 6+ $200/session

Loft Literary Center | Minneapolis
Young Writer’s Program runs in week-long blocks July & Aug, full and half-day options | ages 6-17 | $262-$525/session

Simply Jane | Minneapolis
Full and half-day summer camp options run 6/15/17-8/25/17 | ages 5+ | $15-$300/session plus supply fee

Studio Seven Art Camp | Minneapolis
Full-day painting and drawing classes run 6/26/17-7/28/17 | ages 7-17 | $550/session

Textile Center | Minneapolis
Full and half-day textile arts camp options run 6/26/17-8/25/17 | ages 6-16 | $175-$375/session

NATURE/FARM & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMPS

Explore the Outdoors at Tamarack Nature Center Camps

Tamarack Nature Center | White Bear Lake
Calling all nature adventurers! Tamarack Nature Center Summer Day Camps offer a busy summer filled with nature, adventure and discovery. Camp topics vary by week but may include: animal tracking & live animal encounters, hikes, canoeing and swimming, pond-dipping, garden planting & harvesting, orienteering and more!
Sessions: Weekly camps held 6/19/17 – 8/18/17 | ages 3-13 | $25/one day camps, $95/half-day preschool camps, $195/full day camps | register by 6/1/2017

Bruentrup Heritage Farm | Maplewood
Farm-to-Table Day Camp: The Maplewood Area Historical Society and Oliver Hudson Kelley Grange No. 834 will be sponsoring a curriculum-based day camp this summer that will connect elementary aged children to agricultural history and contemporary agriculture. This opportunity at the Bruentrup Heritage Farm will fully immerse students in the science, history, and fun of agriculture and provide the perfect set of activities for kids to enjoy during the summer. Students learn about the science of butter and ice cream, play old-time games like townball, and have fun with arts and crafts. All activities will be tied directly to Minnesota Education Standards.
Sessions: 4-day camp offered several dates throughout the summer, 9am-4pm | $150/session | register by 7/1/17

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | St. Paul
Be a part of Camp Como! The summer camps focus on developing children’s appreciation for the natural world through play and exploration, behind-the-scenes experiences, interactions with zookeepers and gardeners, and up-close encounters with plant and animal ambassadors.
Sessions: Full or half-day options available with extended care offered before and after. Dates run 6/12/17-9/1/17 | pre-K thru grade 8 |$135-$155 per session | register by 6/12/17

Green Earth Children’s Academy | Minneapolis
We provide the magical space for your children to enjoy summer with a group of children creating their own spectacular visions of play ideas and learning from the myriads of art, nature, and environmental science projects. Green Earth summer camp has the freedom to have a diverse and authentic summer experience being a house-based summer camp program with a smaller group of fourteen children with two teachers.
Sessions: 9-1 M-F (two sessions available) | ages 3-8 | $75-$165 | register by 6/9/17

Discovery Day Camp | Base Camp- 201 Bloomington Road, Fort Snelling, MN
Each day campers will explore exciting activities including swimming, hiking, rock climbing, archery, crafts, outdoor skills, and team games, guided by a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff. Choose from multiple sessions throughout the summer at these three locations.
Sessions:  9-4 M-F, June-August | Ages 5-15 | $165 | Register by 6/1/2017

Carpenter St Croix Valley Nature Center | Hastings
Full or half-day camps offered: Fishing Fun, Pioneers, Explorers, Raptor Camp, Canoe Trip, Pathfinders
Sessions: 7/6/17-7/28/17 | ages 6-15 | $179/participant OR $169 for “Friends of CNC.”

International School of MN | Eden Prairie
Summer Adventure Camp full and half-day sessions run 6/12/17-8/11/17 | ages 3.5-15 | $200-$300/week | register by 6/12/17

Minnesota Zoo | Apple Valley
Minnesota Zoo offers dozens of summer camp for all ages levels. Sessions: 6/5/17-9/1/17, 2.5 hours to 5 days per week | ages 4+ | $27-$325 per session

Raptor Center | University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus
Sessions run June 12-August 11 | ages 6-15 depending on the session | $299 | Register by 6/1/2017

Springbrook Nature Center | Fridley
Springbrook Nature Camps run weekly sessions June – August | ages 5-12 | $145-$155/week. One-day Gramp Camps are $35/pair.

Wargo Nature Center | Lino Lakes
Camps vary in length from three to five days, and children as young as four are invited to participate. $95 to $170/session | One-day Grandparent Camp is $30/pair.

Wildlife Science Center | Columbus/Forest Lake
At Wolf Camp, each session is filled with wildlife activities, archery, orienteering, radio telemetry, hands-on science experiments, games and more. Overnight camp is 3 days/2 nights. Day camp is 5 days. Sessions run 6/26/17-8/11/17 | ages 8-15 | $265/week

Three Rivers Park District | Gale Woods Farm
Offers 11 summer camps introducing farming or specific farming skills. Sessions run 6/12/17-8/22/17 | ages pre-K & up | $56.50-$282 per session

Girl Scout River Valleys Summer Camps | Zimmerman & Marine-on-St-Croix
Offers resident, troop and day camps throughout the summer. You need not be a Girl Scout to attend! | grades 1 & up | $90-$680 per session

Loppet Foundation | Minneapolis
Adventure Camp is held at Theodore Wirth Park. Sessions run 6/19/17-8/18/17, Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm | ages 9-13 | $200/week | register by 6/19/2017

YMCA Day Camps: Camp Icaghowan (Amery, WI), Camp Ihduhapi (Loretto), Camp St Croix (Hudson) offer programming for kids ages 5-17

CULTURE & HISTORY CAMPS

American Swedish Institute Summer Day Camps

American Swedish Institute | Minneapolis
Join us for summer adventures at the American Swedish Institute! Through story-telling, theater, art and imaginative play, have fun exploring Minneapolis’ only castle and learning about Nordic history and culture as part of ASI’s new summer day camp program! ASI Summer Day Camps will be held Thursdays in July and August 2016 and are tailored for young minds entering grades 1-5.
Sessions: 1 day / 9am – 3pm, $50 member / $60 non-member

Gibbs Farm | Falcon Heights
Gibbs Farm Day Camps are the perfect mix of day camps for your kids! History, crafts, games, farm animals, one-room schoolhouse, and more! Family-friendly pricing, fun for kids ages 4-13. Choose Pioneer PeeWees, ages 4-5; or one of our three-day camps, ages 6-10, including Pioneer Kid, Gibbs Girl or Dakota Day Camp. Digging History, our archaeology day camp, is for ages 11-13.
Sessions: Camps offered 6/20-8/31 | $99/week | Pioneer Peewees: $19.00 per week.

Dakota City Youth Camps | Farmington
Dakota City offers a Master Apprentice Teen Camp (6/12/17-6/15/17) or Junior Apprentice Camp (6/26/17-6/29/17  and 7/10/17-7/13/17), Mon – Thurs, 9am – 3pm | ages 6-16 | $130 per session | register by 6/5/2017

Gammelgarden Museum | Scandia
Little Green Frog Day Camp offers half or full-day options | grades K-5 | $60 per session

FOOD & COOKING CAMPS

Kids Cooking School | Lino Lakes
At Jr Chef Camp, kids and teens will have a blast learning cooking fundamentals, participate in challenges, and learn about the science of cooking – all in a brand new, hands-on cooking school where young chefs work independently in teams of two at their own mini cooking station with full-size equipment just like they have at home. Each camp includes an apron to keep and we provide lunch. We limit each camp to 12 children so we can interact closely with each child, so camps fill up quickly. If your kid loves to cook – or even if they are a novice and want to learn more – this camp is a great way for children to have a culinary experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
Sessions: 6/8/17-9/1/17 with half/full day options, 4days/wk, or sign up for a week at a time | ages 9-13 250-$500 | register by 5/1/2017

Cooks of Crocus Hill | Grand Ave. St. Paul or Main Street Stillwater
Camps are 3 days each/Several sessions to choose from in June, July and August | ages 8-12 | $225 per session | Register by 6/12/17

THAT Cooking School | Lilydale
Offers camp options from 1-4 days, plus a five-day camp ultimate camp for teens. Sessions run 6/12/17-8/23/17 | ages 5+ | $60-$250. Ultimate course is $799 and includes a $400 knife set.

Way Cool Cooking School | Eden Prairie
Summer cooking camps that allow kids to make some of their favorite dishes and treats! Extended care available. Sessions run 6/5/17-8/31/17 | ages 7-15 | $240-$265 per session

SCIENCE & TECH CAMPS

Snapology | Minneapolis
Snapology Summer Camps: Through camps like Video Game Design, Animation, Lego Robotics and themes like Pokemon, Star Wars and Minecraft, children will learn math, science, technology, engineering, art and literacy concepts using LEGO® bricks and other similar building tools. Kids will have lots of fun designing, creating and inventing in these interactive camps. They’ll soak up real world physics, engineering, programming and robotics concepts through hands-on, playful learning in an inclusive and safe environment.
Sessions: Half day to full day options run 6/19/17-8/18/17 | ages 4-14 | $150 per 15 hour camp half day camp | register by 6/1/2017

The Bakken Museum | Minneapolis
Science Day Camps at the Bakken Museum are seasonal week-long programs where students design and build their own inventions, practice creative thinking skills, make magic tricks, and play games. Camps take place in the Spring, Summer, and Winter, and are directed by the skilled education staff at the Bakken Museum.
Sessions: June-August | ages 9-14 | $250-$325 | register by 8/1/17

Camp Invention | 15 metro locations
This camp program from The National Inventors Halls of Fame offers kids challenges that encourage creative problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Sessions run 6/12/17-8/18/17 | grades K-6 |$225-$245 per week

Computer Explorers of MN | various metro locations
Technology and science day camps include Minecraft, Video Game Design, Programming, Engineering, Robotics, Computers, Filmmaking and many more. Sessions run 6/11/17-8/23/17 | ages 4-15 | $235 per session

Engineering for Kids | various metro locations
Coed day camps explore science, technology and engineering.  Session times, length and price are varied per location and type of camp.  Registration is due 6/4/2017.

Science Museum of Minnesota | St Paul
Camps offered at the Science Museum run 6/12/17-9/1/17 | ages 3-16 | $68-$372/week

Works Museum | Bloomington
Full or half-day Engineering & Design Camps are offered 6/12/17-8/31/17 | ages 5-12 | $72-$185

THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS

Children’s Theatre Company  | Minneapolis
From beginning theatre camps to pre-professional training for the stage, CTC offers half and full-day Theatre Arts Training camps in acting, musical theatre, play creation, and more. With a variety of options from rehearsing a script, strengthening technique, and creating an original play, CTC’s camps build collaboration, creativity, and confidence. Family and friends are invited to a final presentation on the last day of camp to share the work we’ve done. Scholarships and extended care available.
Sessions: 6/12/17-8/18/17 | ages 4-18 | $140-$675 per session | register by 8/12/2017

O’Shea Irish Dance | St Paul
Irish Beginner Dance Camp is Irish Step Dance instruction for fun, fitness and friends! Certified school with Ireland’s An Comisiún, under director Cormac O’Se T.C.R.G., and original cast member of Riverdance.
Sessions: Currently TBD, 1 to 2 hours per sessions | $60 – $80 | register by 6/29/17

SteppingStone Theater | St Paul

SteppingStone Theatre offers a variety of creative and educational experiences for youth Grades Pre-K to 12. We believe students who have frequent access to high-quality Arts Learning opportunities strengthen their ability to hone crucial life-skills in critical thinking, social/emotional development, physical awareness, and a sense of Mastery. Our classes, staffed by professional artists, create space for youth to explore theatrical skill-sets while enhancing self-esteem, and developing a strong sense of community and belonging. SteppingStone Theatre partners with the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum and Compas for additional off-site day camps. Check out our website for registration information.
Sessions: 6/12/17-8/18/17 | ages 3-17 | $75-$475 per session | register by 6/12/17

Brave New Workshop Student Union | Minneapolis
Youth and Teen Improve Comedy Camp sessions begin 6/19/17 | for ages 9-17 | $220 | register by 6/19/2017

Chanhassen Dinner Theaters | Chanhassen
Musical Theatre Camp sessions run 6/12/17-8/11/17 | ages 5-18 | $160 – $450 | register by 6/1/2017

Stages | Hopkins
Offers acting workshops running 6/19/17-8/18/17 | ages 4-17 | $85-$275/workshop

Youth Performance Company | St. Paul
Offers acting classes | grades K-12 | $130-$

Music Camps at the University of Northwestern

MUSIC CAMPS

University of Northwestern | Roseville
Brio Music Camp introduces your child to the wonders of music through movement and nature. Sessions: 6/12-17/17 | ages 4-8 | $115
Show Choir Camp calls those who love to sing, dance and act. Musical rehearsals, vocal coaching and choreography prepare you for a final performance. Sessions: 7/10-14/17 | ages 9-16 | $200
Recording Camp invites you to come with a song, leave with a recording! Bring a song to work on (your composition or cover) during this week of music making. Gain valuable feedback and music coaching while learning to use professional recording tools.  Sessions: 6/19-23/17 | ages 13+| $200
Piano Camp has a goal to provide a concentrated week of stimulating musical activities within a Christian environment which will motivate and encourage students in their piano studies. Sessions:
7/24-29/17 | ages 10-18 | $395 & up

Kindermusik of the Valley | Burnsville & Lakeville
There is nothing like a song and a dance to pass the long lazy summer days and nights. Our classes are for children newborn (really) – 5 years. Come on down on the farm, sing, play instruments, dance, explore, learn about life on the farm. You will be singing and playing all the way through the summer!
Sessions: 6/5/17-8/2/17 in 45-90 minute classes | ages newborn-5 yrs | $75-150 | register by 5/30/2017

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies | St Paul
Open to 50 students each week and they fill quickly! Sessions run 6/26-30/17 and 7/10-14/17, 9 am-3 pm | ages 8-18 | $435/week | register by 5/8/17

Sing Minnesota | St Paul
Session: 8/7-11/17, 8:30 am-4:30 pm | ages 8-12 | $350 | register by 7/21/17

MacPhail Center for Music | 5 metro locations
Summer camps for absolute beginners to advanced players in early childhood music, chamber music, piano, voice, composition, jazz and rock. Sessions run 6/12/17-8/25/17 | ages 3-adult | $175-$1299

HORSE CAMPS

Golden Ridge Stables | Lakeville
Horse Mania in Lakeville offers a wonderful “hands and seat on” day camp designed to create lasting memories for youth ages 8 to 13. Campers will discover how to safely work with his/her horse on the ground as well as a daily structured riding lesson in a small group setting. Awesome activities include fun learning activities, creative crafts, and lots of time with their horse! We ride rain or shine in our safe and convenient indoor facility. Super cute t-shirts available for purchase. Register soon as each session is limited to 8 participants & fills fast!
Sessions: | ages 8-13 | $400 before 5/15/17; $425 thereafter | register by 3/1/17

Regent Arabians: Horsemanship Mentoring Day Camp | Rogers
LESSONS, DAY CAMP, TRAIL RIDING & BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Have fun with horses! Learn to feed and care for this majestic animal. Handle, groom, & ride beautiful, intelligent & experienced horses. We educate & ride year round. Students improve their physical & mental fitness, self-esteem, respect & focus while pursuing their dream with horses!
Sessions: | ages 8 – 18 | $160/day, $600/week, $2,400/month | register by 3/15/17

Bunker Park Stable | Andover
Comprehensive horse riding camps; with lots of riding time. These camps are filling up fast
5-day camps are full. 1-day to 4-day camps still available during sessions 6/9/17-8/31/17 | ages | $95-$375

Sunnyside Stables | Rosemount
Each day includes riding — rain or shine. Campers  will learn the basics of grooming, saddling, body language, posture, contact and balance to develop independent riding skills. Sessions: 6/12/17-8/24/17 | ages 6-13 | $300/week

ACTIVE & SPORTY CAMPS

Circus Juventas | St. Paul
Circus sessions run 6/12/17-7/14/17 | ages 6-15 | $405/week

InnerCity Tennis | Summer Tennis in the Parks, Minneapolis
Sessions run  | ages 6-17 | $65

Joy of the People Soccer Center | St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina
Full and half-day option sessions run 6/12/17-9/1/17 | ages 5-15 | $110-$139/week | Endless Summer options run from $599-$699.

Lake Calhoun Sailing School | Minneapolis
Two week sessions run | ages | $270-$470 | register by 8/13/17

Little Gym of Edina | Edina
Half-day sessions run 6/5/17-8/27/17 | ages 3-12 | $25/day

Kid Yoga Minnesota | Minneapolis
Sessions run June 19-August 4, 9 am-3 pm. $75/day or $355/week for ages 5-10.

PLA-it, Revolutionary Sports | Minneapolis
Offered every day of summer | Register for One-day, One-week, or many days | ages 4-14 | Daily price ranges from $28-$75 | Register by 5/21/2017

Sanneh Foundation Soccer Camps | Various Locations
For ages 5-12. Free soccer camps at parks throughout the Twin Cities.

St Paul Urban Tennis | Various Court Locations around St. Paul – Sessions run June 12-August 11, 2017. Daytime and evening lesson options. $45-$175.

FC Barcelona Soccer Camp | St. Paul Academy and Summit School
For ages 6-18, Camp runs Aug 07 – Aug 11,  9AM – 3PM. $495 -$545 / 15% Sibling discount. Register by 7/31/17

TAGS Gymnastics Camp | Eden Prairie & Apple Valley
Gymnastic Camp for girls and boys. Half Day & Full Day Options available,  $109-$379 for ages 3-17. Register by June 1.

Vertical Endeavors | Bloomington & St Paul
Sessions run June 12-August 25, morning & afternoon options available. $180/Members, $240/Non-members per session ages 6-16. Register two weeks before your selected week of camp.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Audubon Center of the Northwoods | Sandstone
Audubon Center of the North Woods camps have a focus on wildlife, nature, challenge and outdoor skills. Experience the great outdoors and make memories that last a lifetime! All camps are overnight, residential camps with indoor lodging. ACNW provides great accommodations, wonderful scratch-based meal service, and a top-notch staff and activities to provide the best outdoor camp experience around. ACNW has been providing environmental and outdoor education programs since 1971. Our focus is on developing an understanding, ethics and responsibility regarding the environment and the role of humans through formal and informal experiences that link nature and humans.
Sessions: 6/25/17-8/4/17 | ages 10-14 | $445-$595 | register by 4/1/17

Camp Pillsbury | Owatonna
Camp Pillsbury provides the chance to fly on a trapeze, participate in musical theater, team sports, learn magic tricks, go horseback riding, tumble, dance, and play instruments – all in the same day! Camp Pillsbury offers over 100 activities to campers ages 6-17. Our staff is made up of experienced professionals that have been hand selected for their particular expertise. Our campers learn from the best to be the best, and their confidence soars. Camp Pillsbury has been named the best summer camp in Minnesota. Come see why.
Sessions: 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10-week sessions | ages 6 – 17 | $799 per week | register by 6/11/17

Camp Discovery | Multiple New Horizon Academy locations
The summer child care program at New Horizon Academy, Camp Discovery, is your child’s passport to a summer of fun, friends, and field trips. Summer at New Horizon Academy provides your child a safe environment to learn, play, and explore during those happy summer days.
Sessions run from June to August.  Cost varies by location.  For ages 5-10.
Register by June 1, 2017.

Junior Achievement Biz Town Summer Camps | Maplewood
Cultivate your child’s entrepreneurial spirit at JA BizTown Summer Camps. Through fun, interactive activities, participants will learn how to run a successful business, explore careers, discover how STEM is used in the workplace, learn how money works in an economy, and create/market/sell unique products and services. Held at JA BizTown, our unique kid-sized city.
June session explores STEM careers (6/19-22/17); July session will appeal to the young entrepreneur (7/24-27/17) | grades 4-8 | $185-$350 | register by 6/5/17

Autism Society Summer Camps | Eagan, Lake George, Crosslake
Day and overnight sessions run 6/18/17-8/18/17, $75-$165 | adults and children 6+| $725-$$1400 Scholarships are available

Concordia Language Villages | Bemidji
Sessions: 1, 2 or 4 weeks | ages 6-18 | $245-$4,510

University of Minnesota Summer Youth Programs | St Paul campus
Week-long summer day camp sessions run 6/12/17-8/25/17 | ages 5-15 | $224-$354 per week

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center | Finland, MN
Sessions: 3 days – 21 days | all ages | $186-$2300 per session | register by 7/31/17

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