Last Call for Summer Camp: August Slots Filling Up Fast

The Three Rivers Park District still has a few openings for a trio of upcoming day camps. Children ages 4-15 can experience nature exploration, outdoor recreation, golf, fishing, farming and Minnesota history.

Wilderness Overnight II Camp

Starts at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, and runs through 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement in Baker Park Reserve.

Kids 11-15 crank their wilderness skills up a notch and learn how to "read" a river and paddle down the Crow River, try a high ropes course, shoot 3D archery targets in the woods, use a GPS and gain outdoor cooking skills.

Campers also will spend time swimming, rock climbing and expanding their backcountry skills. Campers stay in log cabins. All meals and most gear included.

Cost is $350 and reservations are required.  

Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity No. 330310-07.  

Farm and Wilderness Camp

Five days from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug. 8-12 at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista.

Farm life is full of hidden lessons on connecting humans to the land. Kids 10-13 will participate in farm chores and animal care while experiencing the wild areas of Gale Woods Farm. Challenges include canoeing and fishing on Whaletail Lake, navigating the many trails and even joining in an overnight campout.

This experience will teach kids leadership skills and foster a respect for nature.

Campers will stay overnight Thursday until noon on Friday. Cost is $280, and reservations are required. Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #337410-31.

Spanish Immersion Daycamp: Exploradores de Insectos (Insect Explorers)

Three days from Wednesday, Aug. 10, to Friday, Aug. 12. Days run 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Lowry Nature Center Victoria.

Kids become an insect detective and practice Español! Work with park naturalists and a Spanish instructor. Adventures exploring for insects and their prey are planned, on which kids will discover where insects live on the prairie, scoop for them in the ponds and dig deep in the forest to see where they hide.

Campers will also learn about insect "transformations" and make a special insect carrier to take home.

Spanish instruction will be a part of all activities, and campers will be divided into groups based on Spanish language skills. No previous Spanish skill necessary.

Cost is $130 and reservations are required.  

Call 763-559-6700 to make a reservation and reference activity number #311310-42. Camp is for ages: 6-9.

An extended care is option is available for campers starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. for an additional $30. Reference activity number #311310-98.