Register for Day Camp Gathering Pines
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 1–9 | $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.
Pre K–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 | $182 ($197)
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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
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.
Grades 1–9 | $304 ($329)
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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!
Pre K–K | $324 ($329)
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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
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($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 | $194 ($209)
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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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August 7-11
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Aug 14–18
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)
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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
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 ($329)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
Mystery Quest
Looking for a mystery to solve? Participants will learn more about the many stories surrounding Streefland’s mythical beings. They will set out on a daily adventure to hunt for clues, set traps, and have fun solving mysteries.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
Pirates
Arrrrrgh! Young buccaneers learn the swashbuckling lingo of pirates, play games like Capture the Pirate Flag, try their balancing skills as they walk the plank, go on treasure hunts, and much more.
Pre K–K | $324 ($329)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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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
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?
Pre K–K | $324 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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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
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!
Pre K–K | $324 ($329)
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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 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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
Nature and Science
Critters and Crawlers
Pre K–K
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 ($329)
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June 12–16
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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
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 one field trip (weather permitting) to a local lake to learn basic fishing skills while practicing the catch-and-release method for shore fishing.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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 | $324 ($329)
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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 natural landscapes and ecosystems. Kids learn to identify various trees, plants, and animals.
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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June 12–16
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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
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)
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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
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 1–3 | $324 ($329)
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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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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
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 | $324 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
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 ($329)
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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
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 | $324 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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 12–16
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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
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 ($329)
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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
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 ($329)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
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 ($329)
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June 12–16
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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
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 | $324 ($329)
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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
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.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($329)
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.
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
Teen Green Team
Campers who enjoy and appreciate the outdoors will spend time exploring the natural environment. These teen campers will also play a leadership role in promoting Leave no Trace and good environmental ethics at camp.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($329)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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 | $324 ($329)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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 | $439 ($464)
Experience camp from a new perspective, including doing an overnight sleepover at camp (on the second Monday of their LIT session) and a field trip to Camp Ihduhapi.
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June 12–23
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June 19–30
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June 26–July 7* | $395 ($418)
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July 5–14* | $395 ($418)
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July 10–21
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July 17–28
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July 24–Aug 4
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July 31–Aug 11
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Aug 7–18
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Aug 14–25
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Aug 21–Sep 1
* 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 Nicholas Dyson for more information: nicholas.dyson@ymcamn.org or 952-835-3331.
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!
Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.

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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