Register for Day Camp Spring Lake

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)

• 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

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

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)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 10–14

• July 24–28

• Aug 14–18

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)

• June 12–16

• July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

• July 17–21

• July 24–28

• Aug 7–11

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)

• June 19–23

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 14–18

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)

• July 17–21

• Aug 14–18

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)

• June 26–30

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

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)

• July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

• July 10–14

• July 24–28

• Aug 21–25

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)

• June 26–30

• July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 14–18

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)

• June 26–30

• July 10–14

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 21–25

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($349)

• June 12–16

• July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

• July 24–28

• Aug 7–11

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)

• June 19–23

• July 17–21

• Aug 7–11

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)

• June 26–30

• July 17–21

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 21–25

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 12–16

• June 26–30

• July 10–14

• July 31–Aug 4

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)

• June 12–16

• June 26–30

• July 17–21

• Aug 7–11

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)

• June 19–30

• July 10–21

• July 31–Aug 11

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.