SUMMER CAMPS
Summer Camp at the SMINC
The SMINC has been hosting summer camps for 5 years now, offering a range of choices based on campers’ ages, duration, and themes.
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. We even have special guests for a few of the camps, such as the Raptor Center and the 3M Wizards.
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.
Check out our offerings for 2025 below!
"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.
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: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS
June 9: Flower Power
In this session we will explore the wildflowers found in the prairie and plant some to take home!
June 23: Into the Woods
Come with us to explore the woods. Keep your eyes open because you never know what you may see!
July 14: Pollinators
In this session we will learn all about bees, butterflies and all the different pollinators found in the park.
July 28: Water Wonders
Dive into the world of pond life! We will explore the fish, turtles, frogs and other fascinating creatures that live in the lakes of Minnesota.
August 11: 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 18: Camp Out
Join us for a camp out session! There will be campfire stories and s’mores for everyone.
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 to 10 (varies according to camp topic)
Cost: $100 per camper/per session
June 11: Prairie Day
Campers will learn the importance of the prairies and all the critters that depend on it. They will adventure through the tallgrass and along the way will learn about the important plants that make up a prairie. (Ages 7-10)
July 2: 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 6-10)
July 30: Water Play
Keep cool while learning about the importance of water through water games and activities. Wear or bring a swimsuit and towel. (Ages 5-7)
"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 Camp (New!)
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: $200 per camper/per session
Sign Up: https://square.link/SUPERCAMP
June 24 & 25: Advanced Outdoor Adventures
Join this popular session and learn how to use a compass and orienteering skills, build a shelter, knot tying and whittling. We will set up a camp and cook outdoors too! (ages 9 and up)
July 15 & 16: Nature-Based Cardboard Camp
Come join us for a creative 2-day camp where kids get to create their own forest and creatures to match! First day will be planning and cutting and the second day with painting and display. Bring cardboard (ages 9 and up)
August 12 & 13: Critter Camp
Campers will learn about and search for the animals that live in Sunfish Lake Park with hikes, crafts, outdoor play and more. (ages 5 to 7)
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: $200 Per camper/per session
June 16-19: Outdoor Adventures
Join this popular session and learn how to use a compass, build a shelter, and whittle. We will set up a camp and cook outdoors too! (ages 6-8)
July 7-10: Bees & Butterflies
Learn all about honeybees, butterflies and all the other pollinators out there. Campers will experience beekeeping and learn how pollination occurs.
(ages 5-8)
July 21-24: Bird Mania!
In this session, campers will learn about bird habitat, food and different behaviors. We will learn a variety of birds and their songs. We will have a visit from a live raptor! (ages 7-10)
August 4-7: It’s a Bug’s Life
Fun Fact: There is only one insect, a wingless midge, found in Antarctica! Camp week will be filled with dragonfly hikes, looking at bugs under microscopes and gathering an understanding for the important role bugs play in nature’s system. (ages 5-8)