As the days grow longer and you can feel the warmth of sun on your cheek, anticipation builds for summer’s carefree hours. We’ve gathered a list of four local camps where youth of all ages can get a dose of nature, or exercise their creative mojo when school is but a memory. Register early and welcome the season.
Eastman Nature Center Summer Camps
Gain an appreciation for nature while making new friends.
Wetland Wonders Camp, ages 6–9, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., June 21–24, $192
Nature Play Camp, ages 6–9, 9 a.m.–noon, June 28–30, $75,
Bugs, Slugs and Grubs Camp, ages 4–9, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., July 5–7, $145
Fairy Camp, ages 4–6, 9 a.m.–noon, July 12–15, $99
What’s Inside Camp, ages 8–11, July 19–22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., $192
Nature Explorers Camp, ages 4–9, July 26–29, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., $192
Adventure Camp, ages 9–12, August 2–5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., $192
Dinos and Dirt Camp, ages 4–6, August 9–12, 9 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m., $99
Pirates and Explorers, ages 6–9, August 16-19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., $192
Nature Nuts and Science Sprouts Camp, ages 4–9, August 23–26, 9 a.m.–noon, $99
Registration deadline is the Monday before each camp begins.
Eastman camps are held at Fish Lake Regional Park this summer, 14900 Bass Lake Rd., 763.694.7700
Maple Grove Parks and Recreation
Youth activities include sports, music, arts and crafts, science, theater and more. Here are a few:
Prairie Fire Theatre’s original musical adaptation of Wizard of Oz has a special twist, with roles for movers, singers, aspiring actors and kids who just want to gain some self-confidence. Youth entering grades 2–12, July 25–30
A Taste of Broadway musical theater camp participants act, sing and dance as they perform an abridged version of an actual Broadway musical. Youth entering grades 3–9 meet for two weeks with a performance on the final day of camp. Willy Wonka, June; The King and I, August
763.494.6516 for info about theater camps
3D Video Game Design
Customize your own 3D video game with obstacles, characters, terrains and more, and then take it home to share with friends. Computers and software is provided. Youth entering grades 6–12, 9 a.m.–noon, Monday–Friday, One week in June and another in August, 763.494.6512
Skateboarding
Learn ollies, kick flips, heal flips, ramp riding, park safety and etiquette from 3rd Lair Skate Park Instructors. Whether you’re a beginner, experts, or somewhere in between, catch some air and learn to avoid an epic fail. Ages 10–16, 9–12 p.m., Monday–Friday, One week in June and another in August, 763.494.6512.
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd., 763.494.6500,
Camp Arbor
Have fun and learn lots of stuff every Tuesday morning in the central courtyard area at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. Each camper must be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian) at all times. Ages 3–10, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, June 14–July 26, Free, no registration required, The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12459 Elm Creek Blvd., 763.424.0504
Show Choir Camp
Learn about singing, dancing, acting, costume design, promotion, and more—then put it all together in a spectacular show. It’s like the TV-show Glee, without all the drama. Students receive additional private and small group instruction to ensure that everyone has a chance to shine. Virtuosos Music Academy and the Maple Grove Senior High Choir Department partner for a fun week. Ages 7–12th grade, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. July 25–29, $390 with registration before April 1/$475 regular, Maple Grove Senior High, 9800 Fernbrook Ln., 763.231.7900, visitvma.com.
