Register for Day Camp Spring Lake
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
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
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 10–14
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July 17–21
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Aug 14–18
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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 19–23
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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Aug 21–25
Photography
Participants will learn the basics of photography and experiment with portrait and landscape photography. Each day will be a different theme – from the viewpoint of an ant or include a tree as a subject. If possible, bring a digital camera or phone to take pictures during the week.
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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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)
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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
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.
Performances will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoons, and families of Theater campers are welcome to attend.
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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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 12–16
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 17–21
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July 24–28
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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.
Camp Spring Lake is excited to partner with YMCA Camp St. Croix for our Horse Camp program. Our horse campers take a bus with their camp counselor from Camp Spring Lake to Camp St. Croix for their daily riding time. They leave Camp Spring Lake at 11:30 a.m., arrive at Camp St. Croix, and do their riding activities there. Then they get on the bus to come back to Camp Spring Lake at about 2:15 p.m. During the first half of their day and at the end of their day, they participate in traditional camp activities at Camp Spring Lake.
Grades 3–6 | $434 ($459)
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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
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.
Camp Spring Lake is excited to partner with YMCA Camp St. Croix for our Horse Camp program. Our horse campers take a bus with their camp counselor from Camp Spring Lake to Camp St. Croix for their daily riding time. They leave Camp Spring Lake at 11:30 a.m., arrive at Camp St. Croix, and do their riding activities there. Then they get on the bus to come back to Camp Spring Lake at about 2:15 p.m. During the first half of their day and at the end of their day, they participate in traditional camp activities at Camp Spring Lake.
Grades 4–6 | $434 ($459)
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July 17–21
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Aug 14–18
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!
Grades 1–3 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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Aug 7–11
Farm and Garden
Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily.
Grades 1–3 | $344 ($369)
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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
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 ($349)
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June 12–16
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
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!
Campers in Outdoor Living Skills will have the opportunity to camp overnight in tents (weather allowing, campers will stay the night in our building 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.
Grades 4–6 | $364 ($389)
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June 19–23
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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July 31–Aug 4
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 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 17–21
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July 31–Aug 4
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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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 10–14
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July 24–28
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Aug 21–25
Wild About Nature
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 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 31–Aug 4
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Aug 14–18
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 ($349)
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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 21–25
Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 12–16
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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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July 24–28
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Aug 7–11
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.
Campers will be bussed from Camp Spring Lake to Camp St. Croix from Tuesday to Friday, spending two to three hours daily on Croix’s high elements.
Grades 4–6 | $344 ($369)
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June 19–23
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July 17–21
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Aug 7–11
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 4–6 | $324 ($349)
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June 26–30
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July 17–21
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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. 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 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 10–14
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July 31–Aug 4
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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July 5–7 | $194 ($209)
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Aug 21–25
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.
Campers will be bussed from Camp Spring Lake to Camp St. Croix from Tuesday to Friday, spending two to three hours daily on Croix’s high elements.
Grades 7–9 | $344 ($369)
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
Teen Content Creator
Participants in the Content Creator camp will use their creativity to highlight the camp experience through video-making. Instructors will emphasize responsible technology and collaboration with other campers and staff. Bring a tablet to take videos during the week, if possible.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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July 10–14
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July 31–Aug 4
Teen Outdoor Adventure
This camp provides challenging activities that work on advancing skills in climbing, archery, climbing, outdoor survival, and more.
This exciting camp allows you to create and implement a fun outing by exploring your favorite outdoor activities. Campers will have adventures both on and offsite.
Grades 7–9 | $324 ($349)
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June 19–23
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July 24–28
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Aug 14–18
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!
Campers in Teen Survival Skills will have the opportunity to camp overnight in tents (weather allowing, campers will stay the night in our building 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.
Grades 7–9 | $364 ($389)
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June 12–16
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June 26–30
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July 17–21
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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.
Campers in Leaders In Training will have the opportunity to camp overnight in tents (weather allowing, campers will stay the night in our building in cases of bad weather) on the Thursday night of their second week at camp and have a cookout dinner with their camp group and counselors.
Grades 7–9 | $479 ($504)
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June 19–30
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July 10–21
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July 31–Aug 11
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 Lane Underdahl for more information: lane.underdahl@ymcamn.org or 651-259-1475.
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!
2023 Application available soon.
Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.

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