Register for Day Camp Spring Lake

Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. Campers will explore by hiking, studying the wonder of nature, building connections through teamwork, and conquering many challenges under the leadership of well-trained staff. It exposes participants to various activities, including archery, fort building, tie-dye, gaga ball, swimming, nature studies, paddling, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more. Campers will participate in some, but not all, of these activities, depending on their age and camp locations. Each camper will leave camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!

The Wee Backpacker program aims to continue fostering a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Campers sing songs, tell stories, and play games while beginning to experience the variety of activities camp has to offer. Wee Backpackers maintains a low staff-to-child ratio.

‘Planting Seeds’ of interest and appreciation for the great outdoors in our youngest campers at Little Seeds Summer Camp! Little Seeds maintains a low staff-to-child ratio under the watchful eye of leadership staff and counselors trained to meet the needs of young campers. Little Seeds offers children the opportunity to engage in nature-based programming while experiencing new things and making new friends!

Summer Extravaganza is the last chance to enjoy the great outdoors at camp before summer ends! All available activities are jam-packed into a single session.

Kids free their imaginations and develop improvisational skills! Participants explore the theater world through games, acting exercises, script rehearsals, and even performing for an audience.

Performances will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoons, and families of Theater campers are welcome to attend.

ROAR! Campers will travel back to explore the Jurassic period with their favorite dinosaurs. We Dig Dinos camp aims to ignite the passion and fuel the enthusiasm of budding paleontologists. Campers dig for fossils, create their dinosaur, and more! Will your kids have a great time at this camp? You bet, Jurassic!

Enjoy the great outdoors as we explore the wonders of nature! Participants will hike along our many paths to discover the camp's natural landscapes and ecosystems. Kids learn to identify various trees, plants, and animals.

Participants learn the fundamentals of archery, examine equipment close-up, and learn the science behind target shooting. Instructors teach proper grip, stance, and aim alignment. YMCA of the North provides equipment.

Learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety. Challenge participants to test their strengths, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.

Campers will be bussed from Camp Spring Lake to Camp St. Croix from Tuesday to Friday, spending two to three hours daily on Croix’s high elements.

It’s all fun and games as participants learn to play various outdoor games with a “camp style.” Participants learn to play gaga ball, 9-square in the air, and other field games.

Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. Local lakes and rivers provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.

Develop your camping skills as you work together to set up camp and prepare for a big outdoor adventure while learning various helpful camping skills, including building a fire, building shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, navigating maps, and more!

Campers in Teen Survival Skills will have the opportunity to camp overnight in tents (weather allowing, campers will stay the night in our building in cases of bad weather) on the Thursday night of their week at camp and have a cookout dinner with their camp group and counselors.

Discover your leadership qualities by learning to lead campers in activities and assist in planning the week for your group! The second week allows you to put those new skills to the test while you shadow a counselor and assist staff in camp activities.

Campers in Leaders In Training will have the opportunity to camp overnight in tents (weather allowing, campers will stay the night in our building in cases of bad weather) on the Thursday night of their second week at camp and have a cookout dinner with their camp group and counselors.

Do you love working with kids in an outdoor camp setting? Here's your chance to take a leadership role! Junior Counselors are assigned to a group and assist Counselors in leading and carrying out various Day Camp programs.

Ages 14–15

Previous experience in a LIT program or leadership experience working with children is preferred. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process while gaining career readiness experience.

A day camp lead staff member will reach out for an interview around late April to talk over details and information about the program. We ask for a minimum of a 3-week commitment. Hope to see you this summer!

Contact Lane Underdahl for more information: lane.underdahl@ymcamn.org or 651-259-1475.