SUMMER CAMPS
Summer Camp at the SMINC
It’s official! We have finalized our 2026 summer camp offerings. We’ve lowered our prices, incorporated a few new camp themes–and brought back some old favorites–and we’re bringing in some great special guests. Take a look below at what we have in store for your campers this year.
The SMINC has been hosting summer camps for 6 years now, offering a range of choices based on campers’ ages, duration and themes, and most camps feature guest presenters with intimate knowledge of their subject.
Past summer camp themes have included outdoor survival skills, learning about the power of the earth’s building elements, activities rooted in soil, air, and water, and lastly the importance of caring for our ecosystems like the prairie and forest. Over the years, our special guests have included representatives from Dodge Nature Center, Prairie Enthusiasts and the 3M Wizards, to name a few.
We offer camps for preschool-aged nature lovers, elementary-school aged kids, on up to nine and older. We have one-day, two-day and four-day camps available.
"Kimora loved the camp experience! She learned lots of new things and always looked forward to the next day. We will definitely bring her back next year!"
Little Explorers
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. Little Explorers camps are limited to 30 children per session and many are close to filling. Sign your child up today to ensure they have a spot!
Day: Mondays
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 1 to 5 (Under 1 year-olds are free)
Cost: $8 per child/per session
Sign up: Little Explorers Registration Page
June 1: Into the Woods
With the forest comes sticks, so we’ll enjoy playful stick exploring, building, and sorting as we let little hands discover the textures of the woods.
June 15: Raptors
Big birds, big wonder! This gentle, toddler-friendly raptor program introduces children to some of the amazing birds that live around Sunfish Lake Park, including hawks, owls, and eagles.
June 29: Camp Out
Toddlers will explore the idea of camping through play, simple map-looking, and hands-on wilderness fun designed just for little explorers. This program is a sweet way to build excitement and confidence before families head off on their own summer camping trips.
July 13: Nature Art
Together we’ll wander the trails, gardens, and forests around the nature center, collecting colors, shapes, and textures to create simple nature-inspired artwork. Toddlers will discover that leaves, flowers, and sticks can become part of their own creative masterpieces.
July 27: Bird Mania!
Join in on our discovery of the different types of birds that are in our little park. We will match birds to their songs.
August 10: Water Wonders
Toddlers will learn about tiny critters, wiggly swimmers, and other animal’s that call the water home through gentle exploration, scooping, and observing. It’s a beautiful way to nurture curiosity about life beneath the surface.
August 24: Bugology
We’ll look for bugs in the grass, under logs, and on plants while learning how insects move, eat, and live. The highlight, of course, is our joyful bug hunt, where wonder and bravery grow side by side.
Wonder Wednesdays
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 5 and up (varies according to camp topic)
Cost: $85 per camper/per session
Sign Up: Wonder Wednesdays Registration Page
June 10: Raptor Mania
Owls, eagles, and vultures, oh my! We are delighted to invite the Dodge Nature Center and one of their impressive raptor ambassadors to join us for this special camp. (Ages 5-10)
July 1: Earth’s Elements
This session is all about the soil, water and air. We will learn how soil provides nutrients and the need for clean water and air. Bring your favorite rocks and we will identify them! (Ages 7 and up)
July 8: Fungus Among Us
This exciting new camp offers a hands-on exploration of the fascinating world of fungi, from spore to mushroom. Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with trees, engage in playful science activities, and cultivate a deep respect for nature while uncovering forest secrets. (Ages 5 and up)
July 29: Water Wonders
In this year’s water camp, in addition to our pond dipping, we are going to focus on turtles, frogs, and salamanders. We will even attempt to catch our own critters so make sure the kids are ready to get wet and muddy! (Ages 5 – 8)
August 12: Citizen Science
Campers will learn ways that the public can help us learn more about the world around us. They’ll witness the process and significance of bird banding. In the afternoon, we will be joined by Monarch Joint Venture to explore their research on Monarch butterflies. The day will conclude with an exciting activity of attempting to catch butterflies for tagging. (9 and up)
"She loved it. She loved the hikes, learning about nature, bugs, etc."
"This was so fun! My daughter absolutely LOVED all the water play options. Awesome story choices!"
2 Day Camps
This summer we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four day camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day camps also feature offerings for older campers.
Days: Tuesday & Wednesday
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: Varies, depending on camp
Cost: $175 per camper/per session
Sign Up: 2-Day Camp Registration Page
June 16 & 17: Nature Art
We are thrilled to announce the return of our nature art camp. During this 2-day session, a talented local artist will be leading nature crafting activities, and the 3M Wizards will be demonstrating how to create recycled paper. (ages 6 and up)
July 14 & 15: Prairie Life
We are excited for our prairie life camp this year, where Alex from Prairie Enthusiasts will be returning to assist us in identifying various prairie plants and gaining a deeper understanding of this vital ecosystem. Additionally, we will delve into the daily life of prairie pioneers and the challenges they faced living in the mid-1800s. (ages 8 and up)
August 18 & 19: Outdoor Adventures
We are revamping this well-loved camp by offering activities such as hiking, orienteering, rope tying, plant and animal identification, and outdoor cooking. We are excited to teach children how to feel at ease in nature. (ages 8 and up)
Sunfish Explorers
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors!
Days: Monday through Thursday
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Ages: Varies according to camp topic
Cost: $175 Per camper/per session
Sign Up: Sunfish Explorers Registration Page
June 22-25: Forest Friends FULL
Join us as we venture into the woods. We’ll trek through the forest, moving like deer, climbing trees like squirrels, and constructing dens like bears. Everyday will be an adventure. (ages 5-10) This camp is currently full. To get on the waitlist, email camps@sminc-lake-elmo.org
July 20-23: Canine Critters
During this camp, we will explore the forest canine families, such as the fox, coyote, and wolf. We will discuss their similarities and differences, their diets, and even learn how to howl like them. (ages 5-8)
August 3-6: Bugology
The beloved camp is returning, and we are excited to resume our bug-catching adventures! We will explore the various types of bugs in the park, their significance, and create our own. Additionally, beekeepers will join us to educate us about those sweet honey makers! (ages 5-10)
Before and after Care through Kind Roots
We are excited to announce, new this year, our longtime community partners at Kind Roots will be offering before and after care for campers 6 and up, scheduled around our camp times. Click the button here for more information and sign up links.