2018 Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in the Northland Area

It’s hard to believe, but we’re a few short weeks away from the full bloom of spring. Kids will be chomping at the bit to see the start of summer vacation… and you’ll be staring down a lot of looong, hot summer afternoons trying to keep everyone occupied. But Northlanders are lucky-ducks because we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Cultivate your kiddos’ love for the outdoors while simultaneously shifting the task of entertaining them onto one of the area’s many summer programs. There are plenty of camps with themes kids will love: STEM, sports, traditional overnights, adventure, music and theatre, arts and more. Let your littles pick their favorite and be sure to sign up early so so you can secure your spots!

A big thanks to Marshall School for sponsoring our guide to summer camps.

Camp Invention: (June 18-22) Fast forward to the ALL NEW 2018 Camp Invention program, where children are presented with fun, hands-on activities that encourage creative problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and curiosity. Camp Invention is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the future of innovation and STEM. Program activities are led by experienced, local educators and inspired by the world-changing inventors that have been Inducted into the Hall of Fame. Train Your Brain: (June 25-29) — Train Your Brain camps and classes are open to students entering grades 3-8 from all schools. This year, we are offering Epic Aviation, High Tech Tinkering, Hilltoppers of the Lost Ark, and Mountain Biking! Families and students can choose between all-day camps, and half-day enrichment classes. Campers often register for more than one camp or class. **Both Camps are from 9:00am – 3:30pm but offer an AM Extended Day and PM Extended Day – each $15.00 for the week.

At Camp Esquagama we believe one week can change a child’s world. Youth who come to our camp create lasting friendships, build self-confidence, develop lifelong skills, and most importantly have fun just being a kid! Our traditional youth campers from 8-15 get to design their own unique camp experience by choosing from a variety of daily activities. Register before April 1st and you will receive a $25 Camp Store Gift Certificate. Camp is always more fun when you bring a friend or sibling. Take advantage of our Refer-A-Friend coupon by referring a friend who has never been to Camp Esquagama and both your camper and their friend will receive a $50 discount! You can even refer more than 1 camper and stack your coupon for more savings!

The Bong Veterans Center is offering many camps this spring and summer. Camp Bong: Camp Bong is a sleepover experience at the Bong Veterans Historical Center providing youth and adults the chance to meet with veterans, engage in a variety of learning experiences and visit areas of the Center normally off limits to the public on April 13th. There will be an outdoor camp that will take place in the summer: stay tuned for details! In addition the Center is offering a Jr. Curator Program. Students in 7/8th grade will have the opportunity to gain real museum experience by allowing them to work in the museum collection. This program would run in the summer and allow for two students a week to work hand in hand with the museum curator and educator to get a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations. Not only will this opportunity allow students real world job experience but it will allow those interested in history a glimpse at a possible career.

Prairie Fire specializes in original adaptations of classic children’s tales. This summer three camps will be offered- June 11-15 is The Wizard of Oz, July 16-20 is Alice in Wonderland and August 6-10 is Cinderella. Open to youth ages 7-16 and the cost is $70 per camp, with scholarships available. Registration begins April 2, 2018. Register by calling (218) 723–7000, or online at spotlight.css.edu. or by mail at Mitchell Auditorium, The College of St. Scholastica, 1200 Kenwood Av., Duluth, MN 55811 No experience or preparations necessary. Morning sessions are 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but rehearsal times will vary by the part your child gets, so some flexibility for pick-up/ drop-off times is needed. The theater group consists of two professional actors who mentor the children in all of the steps necessary to produce a play in one week. All costumes, music, and scenery are provided.

Spirit of the Lake Community school strives to strengthen children’s connection to the natural world with three summer sessions focused on Elements, Plants & Animals; Story & Theatre; and Music & Dance. Open to children ages 4-8:  half-day camp from 9:00-12:00 for children age 4, full-day camp from 9:00-3:00 for children ages 5-8.  Sessions are three weeks long and cost $450. View details on our website and register by May 13, 2018 by phone at (218) 721-4236 or by email at  [email protected].

This is in no way intended to be a comprehensive guide for this to do in the Duluth area. We’ve pulled out a select number of events and activities for your family to enjoy throughout the winter months. If you have suggestions or additions, please leave a comment below.