Register for Day Camp DayCroix
Summer 2024
Registration for 2024 Day Camp is coming soon.
Offerings, rates, and dates will change.
2023 options are listed below.
Traditional Options
Traditional Day Camp
Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. Campers will explore by hiking, studying the wonder of nature, building connections through teamwork, and conquering many challenges under the leadership of well-trained staff. It exposes participants to various activities – including archery, swimming, nature studies, paddling, fort building, gaga ball, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more – so that each camper leaves camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!
Grades 1–6 | $284 ($309)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $170 ($185)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Wee Backpackers
Start your child's appreciation of the great outdoors by enrolling them in Wee Backpackers! They have opportunities to sing songs, tell stories, explore nature, and meet new friends. Wee Backpackers happen in small groups under the watchful eye of counselors trained to meet the needs of young campers. The Wee Backpacker program maintains a low staff-to-child ratio.
PreK–K | $304 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $185 ($192)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
*[g]
Little Seeds Day Camp
Little Seeds Summer Camp offers varying weekly themes during each session. Little Seeds allows children to engage in nature-based programming and some traditional camping activities. Little Seeds Summer Camp is a half-day program offering flexible drop-off beginning at 9:00 a.m. and pick-up ending at 12:15 p.m. Children must be potty trained by their first day of summer camp.
Ages 3–4 | $150 ($175)
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June 19–23 — Bugs and Butterflies
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June 26–30 — Garden Discovery
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July 10–14 — Farm Friends
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July 17–21 — Forest Explorers
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July 31–Aug 4 — Garden Discovery
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Aug 7–11 — Forest Explorers
*[g]
Arts and Imagination
Arts and Crafts
Participants discover their artistic side and let their imaginations soar. Projects may include sketching, painting, collage, beadwork, and more. Participants create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Dragons, Fairies and Friends
Participants let their imaginations soar in this magical fairytale-themed activity. Adventures will include themed arts and crafts, a mystical quest, and a royal celebration!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
Theater
Kids free their imaginations and develop improvisational skills! Participants explore the theater world through games, acting exercises, script rehearsals, and even performing for an audience.
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $182 ($197)
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
We Dig Dinos
ROAR! Campers will travel back to explore the Jurassic period with their favorite dinosaurs. We Dig Dinos camp aims to ignite the passion and fuel the enthusiasm of budding paleontologists. Campers dig for fossils, create their dinosaur, and more! Will your kids have a great time at this camp? You bet, Jurassic!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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Aug 7–11
Horse Camp
Colts
Colts is an approximately two-hour-per-day introductory program for campers with little or no experience around horses. First-time riders will build confidence and skills while learning the basics of western horseback riding. Instruction includes safety, leading, mounting, dismounting, reining, and basic riding. Kids spend the remainder of the day in traditional camp activities.
Grades 3–6 | $434 ($459)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $260 ($275)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Buckaroos
Buckaroos is an intermediate program for campers with at least one year of riding experience. Approximately two hours of daily instruction includes a basic skill review, intermediate ring riding, trotting, grooming, and saddling. The remainder of the day is spent in traditional camp activities.
Grades 4–6 | $434 ($459)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $260 ($275)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Broncos
Build confidence as you develop horsemanship skills. Trained instructors will teach the basics of western horseback riding. You will work on leading, mounting, ring work, grooming, trotting, and saddling. By week’s end, groups may have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic trail ride.
Grades 7–9 | $434 ($459)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $260 ($275)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Nature and Science
Farm and Garden
Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily.
Grades 1–3 | 324 ($349)
These young farmers will experience the daily routines of caring for a garden. They will have the chance to gain an appreciation for farm plants and animals through crafts, hands-on activities, and field trips. Campers will take multiple field trips during the week to tour nearby farm(s), where they will participate in farm chores and work in the garden.
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July 5–7 | $109 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 21–25
Farm to Table
In Farm to Table Camp, campers will learn harvesting techniques and culinary skills to help them prepare and cook recipes from the garden to the table. Campers will spend a portion of their time tending to garden and farm needs before learning how to interpret when vegetables are ripe, how to pick them correctly, and culinary skills to complete a recipe. Campers can try each dish with fellow campers and take the recipe collection home from the week.
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
Fish, Frogs, and Forts
Filled with exploration and environmental education, we’ll focus on fort-building and discovering insects, fish, and frogs. Campers will take a hike to Croix's waterfront to learn basic fishing skills while practicing the catch-and-release method for shore fishing.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Outdoor Living Skills
Participants discover the finer points of preparing for a big outdoor adventure while learning various practical camping skills, including building a fire, making camp shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, and more!
Grades 4–6 | $364 ($389)
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June 19–23
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
*[f]
Pioneering
Participants take an exciting trip back in time as they learn how the early pioneers lived. Kids will explore heritage foods, crafts, and activities from the 19th century.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 14–18
STEAM
Participants will spend the week engaged in hands-on, interactive projects. There will be lots of learning, using their imaginations, and exploring the indoors and outdoors at camp!
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 7–11
Wild About Nature / Nature Explorer
Enjoy the great outdoors as we explore the wonders of nature! Participants will hike along our many paths to discover the camp's different natural landscapes and ecosystems. Kids learn to identify various trees, plants, and animals.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
- June 19–23
- July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
- July 10–14
- July 31–Aug 4
- Aug 21–25
Outdoor Action
Archery / Slingshot
Participants learn the fundamentals of archery, examine equipment close-up, and learn the science behind target shooting. Instructors teach proper grip, stance, and aim alignment. YMCA of the North provides equipment.
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 21–25
Climbing / Challenge
Learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety. Challenge participants to test their strengths, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $206 ($221)
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 28–Sep 1
*[c]
Log Rolling
Participants discover how the sport of log rolling (or “birling”) developed out of maneuvering logs down rivers to the old sawmills. Skills learned are great for improving balance and coordination!
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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July 17–21
*[a][b]
Outdoor Adventure
This activity provides challenging activities that work on advancing skills in climbing, archery, outdoor survival and more.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
*[b][c]
Outdoor Games
It’s all fun and games as participants learn to play various outdoor games with a “camp style.” Participants learn to play gaga ball, 9-square in the air, and other field games.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Water Action
Fishing
Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. Field trips to local lakes and rivers provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
Sailing
Each day young sailors learn the basics of sailing and safety with YMCA instructors. Participants will be taught techniques and terminology for operating our fleet of sailboats as they practice their skills.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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June 26–30
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
*[b][c]
Water Adventure
Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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June 19–23
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)
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June 12–16
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
*[a][b]
Teen and Leadership
Teen Artist
Self-expression comes to life in this creative art camp! Your imagination becomes the window of discovery as you create original art. You will create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
Teen Canoe / Kayak
Embark on a canoeing/kayaking excursion full of adventure. Develop your paddling skills on the St. Croix River and learn boating safety as you experience the challenge of navigating the water!
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
- July 5–7 | $194 ($109)
- July 17–21
- Aug 14–18
*[a][b]
Teen Climbing
Test your strength, strategy, and skill as you focus on a challenging daily climb. Learn and develop climbing skills, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety.
Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)
- June 26–30
- July 5–7 | $206 ($221)
- July 17–21
- July 31–Aug 4
- Aug 7–11
- Aug 14–18
Teen Farm
Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily. Campers will experience the daily routines of caring for rotational grazing sheep and chickens and practice caring for egg-laying hens. Campers will learn about regenerative farming and how to be good stewards of the land through these hands-on farm chores and work in the garden.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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Aug 21–25
Teen Quest
Teen Quest is an exciting day camp program geared toward teens that want real outdoor fun! As a group quest, you will decide and plan out some of the camp activities and events throughout the week. This program develops valuable life skills such as open communication, team building, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Grades 7–9 | $284 ($309)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23 — Overnight Option
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June 26–30 — Overnight Option
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July 5–7 | $182 ($197)
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July 10–14 — Overnight Option
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July 17–21 — Overnight Option
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July 24–28 — Overnight Option
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July 31–Aug 4 — Overnight Option
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Aug 7–11 — Overnight Option
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Aug 14–18 — Overnight Option
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Aug 21–25
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Aug 28–Sep 1
*[f]
Teen Sailing
Receive daily ground and water instruction in basic sailing skills and techniques, as well as boat maintenance and care. Time is spent learning skills such as rigging, jibbing, tacking, knot tying, water safety, and river etiquette. You will operate our fleet of sailboats on Lake St. Croix.
Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
*[b][c]
Teen Survival Skills
Develop your camping skills as you work together to set up camp and prepare for a big outdoor adventure while learning various helpful camping skills, including building a fire, building shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, navigating maps, and more!
Grades 7–9 | $364 ($389)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
*[f]
Leaders-In-Training
Discover your leadership qualities by learning to lead campers in activities and assist in planning the week for your group! The second week allows you to put those new skills to the test while you shadow a counselor and assist staff in camp activities.
Grades 7–9 | $479 ($504)
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June 19–30
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July 10–21
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July 24–Aug 4
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Aug 7–18
*[f]
Junior Counselor
Do you love working with kids in an outdoor camp setting? Here's your chance to take a leadership role! Junior Counselors are assigned to a group and assist Counselors in leading and carrying out various Day Camp programs.
Ages 14–15
Previous experience in a LIT program or leadership experience working with children is preferred. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process while gaining career readiness experience.
Contact Clara Malanaphy for more information: clara.malanaphy@ymcamn.org or 612-465-0568.
A day camp lead staff member will reach out for an interview around mid-March to talk over details and information about the program. We ask for a minimum of a 3-week commitment. Hope to see you this summer!
2024 Application available in March.
Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.
*[a] Alternative programs may be planned if water or weather conditions such as extreme algae growth, heat, rain, or wind jeopardize the safety of campers.
*[b] Water shoes are recommended for beach activities due to intermittent zebra mussel infestations. Those babies can be sharp!
*[c] Climbers must wear closed-toe shoes to participate in climbing activities.
*[e] Horse campers must wear closed-toe shoes with heels (1" maximum height).
*[f] Campers will have the opportunity to camp overnight in tents (weather allowing - campers will stay the night indoors in cases of bad weather) on the Thursday night of their week at camp and have a cookout dinner with their camp group and counselors. Camp will provide tents, dinner, breakfast, first aid and safety equipment, including flashlights. Please provide your bedding, clothing, snacks if desired, hygiene items, regular camp items, and lunch for Friday. Lunches can be refrigerated overnight.
*[g] Additional camp paperwork will be required for campers ages 4–6. The state of Wisconsin requires the Health History and Emergency Care Plan form, immunization record, and signed waiver at camp.

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