Due to the covid-19 pandemic, we are temporarily pausing hosting schools and other groups at Widji. We hope to resume our programming at Camp as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, please check out YMCA Family Campus and Outdoor Campus for information about creative day and half day outdoor education opportunities that are being offered to students and families at other locations. Please call Widji at 218-365-2117 if you have questions and for additional information on re-opening plans.
Minnesota's northern forests are truly a place for curiosity, discovery and exploration. Since 1973, Widji has combined environmental education with experiential learning to introduce school groups from 10 to 90 students to the magic and wonder of the north.
Each activity is an opportunity for discovery, and we keep the idea of "learning by doing" central to our philosophy.
We believe strongly in individualized instruction. Many of our lessons take place in small "study groups," where student-to-staff ratios are usually 8 to 1 or lower. Most schools spend five days at Widjiwagan, arriving on Monday and departing on Friday, and we do offer shorter or longer stays.
Our activities and presentations take advantage of Widji’s unique wilderness setting. Let us help you tailor an experience to fit your school's curriculum.
Activities and presentations include:
- Animal Studies
- Boreal Black Bears
- Glacial Geology
- Forest Studies
- Cross Country Skiing
- Freshwater Studies
- Eco-Hike
- Environmental Simulation
- Map & Compass
- Global Environmental Issues
- Night Hike
- The Night Sky
- Canoeing
- Native Cultures of Northern Minnesota
- Teambuilding
- Predator & Prey
- Voyageurs of the North
- Snow Crystal Study
- Wilderness Survival
- Wolves of the North
- Quiz Bowl
- Finnish Sauna
- Birds of the North Woods
Program Accessibility
We provide quality programming to all persons, regardless of ability. Please let us know of any disabilities or impairments that may have a bearing on your program involvement, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Financial Assistance
We seek out collaborations with schools that work with low-income and otherwise challenged youth, especially from St. Paul and northeastern Minnesota. To help, we make financial aid available for groups, depending on need.
Arrangements for financial aid are made as a part of the registration process and are usually based on the number of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch programs.
Contact Us
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