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Register for Day Camp Heritage

Summer 2024

Registration for 2024 Day Camp is coming soon.

Offerings, rates, and dates will change.

2023 options are listed below.

Cancellations and Changes

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, group games, and more – so that each camper leaves camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!

Grades 1–6 | $284 ($309)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 5–7 | $170 ($185)

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

  • Aug 21–25

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.

Pre K–K | $304 ($329)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 5–7 | $182 ($197)

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

  • Aug 21–25

Summer Extravaganza

Summer Extravaganza is the last chance to enjoy the great outdoors at camp before summer ends! All available activities are jam-packed into a single session.

This experience includes all camp games, scavenger hunts, outdoor sports, and more.

Pre K–Grade 9 | $304 ($329)

  • Aug 28–Sep 1

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)

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 21–25

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)

Field trip experience included for campers in grades 4-6.

  • June 12–16

  • July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

  • July 17–21

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! 

Pre K–K | $324 ($349)

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 21–25

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • June 12–16

  • July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

  • July 17–21

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 14–18

Superheros

BAM! POW! KAZAM! Kids think, dress, and act like superheroes! Activities include super games, super crafts, and super fun. Where else can kids spend the day exploring their superpowers as their alter-ego superheroes, meet other superheroes and save the world?

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 7–11

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)

  • June 26–30

  • July 17–21

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 7–11

Nature and Science

Critters and Crawlers

Participants become “Eco-Explorers” as they investigate the natural surroundings at camp. We will take nature treks to explore our camp environment and search for signs of local wildlife. Activities include bug safaris, nature hunts, and more!

Pre K–K | $324 ($349)

  • July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • June 12–16

  • June 26–30

  • July 17–21

  • July 31–Aug 4

Farm and Garden

Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily. Each farm and garden camp will feature a field trip or special visitor.

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • July 31–Aug 4

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)

  • Aug 7–11

Fish, Frogs, and Forts

Filled with exploration and environmental education, we'll focus on fort building and discovery of insects, fish and frogs. Campers get an introductory experience to fishing, and will learn basic fishing skills while practicing the catch-and-release method. Kids will have the opportunity to try fishing from shore 2-3 times a week. Bait and fishing equipment is provided at camp, but you may bring your own.

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

  • Aug 21–25

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! Features a Survivor Challenge at the end of the week, to put all of your new skills to the test!

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)

  • June 19–23

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 21–25

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. Field trip to Gibbs Farm included.

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • June 19–23

  • July 17–21

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 14–18

Wild About Nature / Nature Explorer

Enjoy the great outdoors as we explore the wonders of nature! Featuring an exciting partnership with Wargo Nature Center, participants will hike along our many paths to discover the area's natural landscapes and ecosystems. Kids learn from real life naturalists to identify various trees, plants, and animals.

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 7–11

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. Field trip experience included.

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 14–18

  • 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 climbing wall and team building elements.

Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

Extreme Adventure

This camp provides the opportunity to advance your skills and challenge yourself in climbing, archery, paddle sports, outdoor survival and more. This increase in difficulty and abililty will be put to use during the overnight with a paddle excursion.

Grades 4–6 | $384 ($409)

  • June 19–23

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

Outdoor Adventure

Begin your outdoor journey here! This action packed camp provides a sample of outdoor activities and opportunities to develop skills such as climbing, archery, paddle sports, fishing and more.

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

  • Aug 21–25

Water Action

Canoe / Kayak

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 4–6 | $324 ($349)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • July 17–21

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

Fishing

Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. 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)

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • July 31–Aug 4

Water Adventure

Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including canoeing, kayaking, log rolling, and swimming- along with other fun water games and adventures.

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

Teen and Leadership

Teen Archery

Fine-tune your archery skills and learn new ones as camp leaders highlight games and friendly competitions throughout the week. This camp features a field trip, and YMCA of the North provides equipment.

Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)

  • June 26–30

  • Aug 7–11

Teen Artist

Campers will discover their artistic side and let their imaginations soar. There will be opportunities to create a variety of projects that may include: sketching, watercolors or paints, nature collages, picture frames, necklaces and bracelets, and much more. This camp also features a field trip.

Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)

  • July 24–28

  • Aug 14–18

Teen Canoe / Kayak

Embark on a canoeing/kayaking excursion full of adventure. Develop your paddling skills on nearby lakes, and experience the challenge of navigating the water during a unique overnight paddle excursion.

Grades 7–9 | $364 ($389)

  • June 26–30

  • July 10–14

  • July 24–28

Teen Challenge

Are you up for a challenge? Head out on bold, challenging adventures of climbing, canoeing, fat tire biking, and more as you test your strength, strategy, and skill through a week of your favorite activities.

Your skills will be put to the test with an overnight experience included! Overnights on Thursday of your child’s week of camp. Other traditional camp activities will be enjoyed throughout the week.

Grades 7–9 | $364 ($389)

  • July 17–21

  • July 31–Aug 4

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.

Includes other camp activities during the week. Spend one day at Camp Manitou’s high teams challenge course. Other traditional camp activities will be enjoyed throughout the week.

Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)

  • July 17–21

  • Aug 14–18

Teen Fishing

Lakes 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.

This camp enjoys a week full of fishing across the Chain of Lakes and features a memorable trip guided by the Wargo Nature Center and a fishing trip to Chisago Lake.

Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)

  • June 19–23

  • July 24–28

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)

  • June 12–16

  • June 19–23

  • June 26–30

  • July 5–7 | $170 ($185)

  • July 10–14

  • July 17–21

  • July 24–28

  • July 31–Aug 4

  • Aug 7–11

  • Aug 14–18

  • Aug 21–25

Teen Water Adventure

Campers spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities that may include boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, log rolling, paddleboarding, and other fun water adventures.

Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)

  • June 12–16

  • July 17–21

  • Aug 7–11

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)

  • June 19–30

  • July 10–21

  • July 31–Aug 11

  • Aug 14–25

*No program July 3–4.

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 Mackenzie Erpenbach for more information: mackenzie.erpenbach@ymcamn.org or 612-465-0554.

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!

Apply Nowlaunch

Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.

Two young ladies at a climbing course

Making Adventure Accessible

The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.

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Have a question or need assistance?

Our customer service team is always happy to help.