Summer Camps

So, in yet another reminder that time sadly marches on, Beatrix has clearly stated that she is too old for summer camps. However, this is the time of year that they ramp up, and back in the day I was kind of a camp ninja, so I'm sharing my thoughts here on some good ones. Obviously, things have changed a lot during covid (she didn't do any camps last year and only virtual ones the year before), so all of my knowledge is getting a little long on the tooth.

DayCroix: This is a great basic camp. In Hudson, but they bus. All you know and love about day camps — counselors with funny names, lots of time outside including swimming and gnome homes and animals and gaga ball and some sand area called "wateroo," skits; there's even an overnight for the older kids. You can do one week or many, in a row or spread out over the summer, basic or specialty camps, and the 45-60 minute bus ride each way gives the parent some extra time in the day (and the kids seem to enjoy it too). Starts with young kids. Not the cheapest camp, but reasonable and there are a few registration weeks early on where there are targeted discounts.

MN Historical Society: These camps are always in huge demand, and they were some of Beatrix's favorites. Beatrix still talks about the "Etiquette for Young Ladies" one she did at the Ramsey house, and the Little House ones are perennial favorites. At various MNHS sites, including Fort Snelling. Usually 4-day camps. Also not much in the way of scholarships, though members get a discount. 

Gibbs Farm: Another history ones that kids really get into. Not a full day ones and I think only 3 days a week, but the price reflects that and tits was another one of Beatrix's faves. At Gibbs Farm right by the U of M Saint Paul campus. Also not much in the way of scholarships, though members get a discount. 

Circus Juventas: All day circus camp, which is different from their summer sessions. A fun way for kids to try out a bunch of different acts, especially of they are younger and/or new to circus. No scholarships, but a packed day that does include a little outdoor time as well as leaning everything from aerial to trampoline to wire walking. At their tent in Highland Park.

ArtStart: Run by ArtScaps and held at Mount Zion temple on Summit.. These camps are one or two weeks long, and each year pick a different part of the world to focus on. There are a mix of classes about the cultural heritage of that area, from visual arts to music to dance. This year it's Australia and New Zealand, and they seem to have a very civid-aware model, Beatrix really liked the mix of classes, and adored the instructors. They do have some scholarships.

Northern Clay Center: This was a staple for years; we first found them through a free library series of classes and Beatrix came to love doing things at NCC — it even led to setting up annual residencies at her school. Camps are half day, with the widest variety for elementary school kids. There's a wide range of kinds of clay classes, from wheel to hand building. We still have a lot of her pottery from these camps displayed. Some scholarships are available. At their building in Seward.

Textile Center: These are half-day classes, though you can combine two to make a full day, and have a wide range of kinds of classes offered. They have pretty reasonable scholarships and the kids make great stuff. Their building is on University Avenue, in Prospect Park.

Science Museum: A huge range of camps, from half day to all day. Obviously all science based, but lots of them add in visual art, or drama, to other fun things, from "So you want to be a vet?" to filmmaking. Half day to full day. They have a very confusing, lottery based scholarship system where you don't always get the camp you wan (because it's a weekly drawing and can come up late), but there are lots of good offerings so you usually do well. Their camps are at SMM, and they seem to have tons of room.

FilmNorth: Their filmmaking and photography camps are especially good for older kids, and this may be one camp Beatrix continues with. All are half-day, and there are a lot of exciting new ones. They have pretty good scholarship offerings. Teens and tweens who do things here always seem to really love it. There's also a "5 Centers" camp with one day each at FilmNorth, the Textile Center, etc. FilmNorth is in Vandalia Tower, so you can have a beer at Lake Monster while waiting to get your kid.

Steppingstone: Beatrix went here under an older model, at the old building, though a neighborhood scholarship. She was not crazy about the camp (it was 2 half day camps cobbled together into one day), but in looking at their new offerings I think they look fun, and they seem very accessible. Not sure how the new scholarships run. I think they are now held in the Midway.

Bakken Museum: Beatrix also did a summer camp here under their old model. It was a LOT to take in, but I think they've made it a little easier to access. Not sure on their scholarships now. Over by Bed Maka Ska.

CTC: Their ACT program is really great for kids access for class scholarships and show tickets, and Beatrix has been able to do several scholarships and classes here. The instructors have all been greta, and she got a lot from them. At their building next to MIA.

Fossil camp: a teacher at Randolph Heights does an annual fossil camp, maybe just available to students there? It's out of his home in Merriam Park and very cozy. Beatrix only did it one year, but enjoyed it, and Mr. Keith is a great instructor.

The Loft: Their writing camps are really great. There's a wide variety of subjects and age ranges and topics, and the instructors have been fantastic. They do some that combine with MN Center for Book Arts. All half day camps. They have a robust scholarship system. On Washington Avenue, in the Open Book Center.

Great River: I've been told this is a good way to get introduced to the school, though I would not imagine it gets you dibs on getting in. What I do know is that the camps are creative and have fun topics, like Star Wars. They were all half day camps, and had some scholarships. At Great River School.

Bell Museum: Their Girls in Science camps were especially great, full day science camps with good scholarships. Beatrix did one session at the old location and one at the (no-longer) new one by the U of M farm campus, and replay loved the new space. Some scholarships.

SheRock: Because what can be better than sending your daughter to camp where she is in a rock band! Teaches them music and working together, and you get to see them perform at the end. Good scholarships. Usually sites in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Foci: Another of the "my kid is cooler than I am" camp was Foci glassblowing. Beatrix learned a lot, made beautiful things, and there was even a show at the end. This was one of my faves. Half day camps. They do have some scholarships, depending on grant funding. I have not seen their new space in Seward, but I bet it's great!

Concordia Language camp: the mainstay of Minnesota language camps, well known across the country. Beatrix only did a virtual Norwegian camp there, through a scholarship through her Norwegian dance group. I wish she would try the overnight, but I think that ship has sailed.

Songs of Hope: I sit on the board here and it has a special place in my heart. For 6 weeks, kids from around the world come together, live in dorms together, rehearse music all day (both kind of hippie American songs and ones form their countries), and then travel throughout the state performing. World peace and art and all the feels. If you can stand for your kid to be gone for 6 weeks straight, this is for sure the one you should try for.

Summer Blast: Free afternoon drop-in camps at various Saint Paul rec centers. It's a little "you get what you pay for," but it for sure fills in gaps and they even go on field trips (though you have to be on the ball to sign up for those).

Warner Nature Center: Sadly no longer in existence, this was our favorite bar none. Kids were outside all day, leaning science in an amazing outdoor community run by the science museum. Fantastic scholarships. I miss the one so much.

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A couple of notes:

Every camp seems to have some kind of presentation, usually on Friday afternoon before they break early for the day, where parents can come out and see a presentation, tour what the kids have been doing, and such. Although billed as "optional," they are not. Don't be the parent who does not show. Thus, even a 5 day full-day camp is more like 4.5 days.

We tend to not book every week in the summer, because we like to get in at least one short vacation, even if it's only to the lake (and we know this is a big luxury for us.). We fill out the summer with some of the fun offerings — at least in the Before Times, there were arts makerspaces at libraries and the parks, music lessons, etc. to kind of fill out with.

We tried to find a balance of camps, based on what she was gettin/not getting at school. We would always try for at least one one history camp, one outdoor experience, one arts-based camp, and one science camp. When we could put them together, like Warner Nature Center with science and outdoors, or where we could have several different kinds of arts experiences like ArtStart, it was a real sweet spot.

Camps start registering really early. Like now, even if we have no clue what the summer will be like. 

May the odds be ever in your favor!