New This Year –
Little Explorers for tots and their families, a series of Monday Sessions for little ones.
Nature Drama Camp July 24th-27th, For ages 7-12, (age range has been extended.) “What’s that I just saw in the woods?” Let’s go find out, create our story, and perform it on the last day of Camp.
PLEASE USE REGISTRATION LINKS BELOW FOR THE SESSIONS AS LISTED. EACH SESSION IS LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED ASAP IF THE SESSION YOU SELECT IS FULL. If a camp is full (the payment button will be marked “Read More”) and you wish to have your child’s name on the waiting list, please email camps@sminc-lake-elmo.org
Registration is first come, first served. Parent or guardian will acknowledge and sign these terms on the first drop-off day:
By submitting this registration I agree that: (A) The camper is in the correct age group. (B) In the event of an emergency I give permission for Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center (SMINC) personnel to administer first aid and/or obtain emergency medical treatment for my child. I understand that if necessary, my child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital emergency room. I agree that any cost incurred for transportation and/or treatment will be my responsibility. (C) I will be charged $15 for every 15 minutes if I am late to pick up my child. (D) My child will not be permitted to leave with anyone except me, or the person named on the camp check-in sheet. (E) SMINC has the right to dismiss a camper without refund for violating SMINC’s Zero Tolerance Policy, copied at the bottom of this page. (F) If my child requires supervision beyond SMINC’s child-to-staff ratio, I agree to provide a personal aide at my own expense. (G) I assume all risks and hazards incidental to the conduct of camp activities and release SMINC from any liability. (H) Participants will bring their own backpack with a mask, snack, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, bug spray and change of clothes if needed. (I) Registration is “first come – first served” and final, payment will be returned ASAP if that camp has filled up. If you need to withdraw your child four or more weeks before the camp start date, half the camp fee will be refunded. You must call the camp director at 651-408-2838 within the stated timeframe to receive the refund. Withdrawals for medical reasons (with a signed doctor’s authorization) will be charged a $50 processing fee. Full refunds will be given if SMINC must cancel a camp for any reason.
Summer Camp 4-day sessions, 9 AM to Noon
Small group, outdoor camps in nature run by experienced instructors and include interpretive education, games, crafts, free play and hikes. NOTE: Wildflower Painting is held on four separated days over two weeks. To register visit https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/product-category/4-day-camp/
Wonder Wednesdays, 9 AM to 2 PM
Our one-day Wonder Wednesday Camps offer small group, outdoor camps in nature run by experienced instructors. Please note that the June 23rd “All About Birds” session is actually on a Friday. Each camp will offer a special guest such as the Raptor Center, Beekeeper, 3M Wizard, Ecologist or Artist. Camps are based at the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center and include interpretive education, games, crafts, free play and hikes based on each camp theme in Sunfish Lake Park in the city of Lake Elmo. Age groups will be split up for hikes or when needed. To register visit https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/product-category/wonder-wednesday/
Little Explorers Mondays, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
These one-day Monday Morning sessions for adults with children aged birth–5 feature pre-K educator Annie Berres. Little Explorers meet in an outdoor welcome circle focused on each day’s theme, followed by open-ended play materials to allow children to explore their own interests in nature at the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center. Adults must stay with their children during this program. To register visit https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/product-category/little-explorers/
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center – Zero Tolerance Policy
The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center is a place of Peace and Respect, anyone violating this policy will be asked to leave or be picked up immediately. The following behaviors will not be tolerated, described such that a reasonable observer would agree that a violation has occurred. Violence – any actual violence such as hitting, kicking, throwing of objects, etc, or threats of violence. Harassment or bullying – speech or body language intending to intimidate or belittle a person, or treat them with disrespect based on any characteristic they exhibit or opinion they express. Property Damage – any deliberate or apparently deliberate property damage inside or outside the building.