Camps: General Information
Send your children on a fun-filled adventure where they'll gain an appreciation for nature and participate in hands-on recreational, nature and agriculture-based activities.
Day camps are offered for children entering grades K-6. Each day will involve a significant amount of time outdoors. Remember to:
- Dress appropriately
- Bring snacks, lunch (for full day camps) and something to drink.
Registration
Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration deadline is one week before the start date for each camp. Full payment of camp fees is due upon registration. Checks, cash, money orders, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Camp fees include a $25 non-refundable processing fee, per camp. Register early as camps fill quickly.
How Do I Register?
Mail, hand deliver or fax a completed two-page registration form to:
Dodge Nature Center365 Marie Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Fax 651.455.2575
Registration forms can be found on the Web site by clicking on a link to a specific camp program, or call 651.455.4531 to have one faxed, e-mailed, or mailed to you.
The office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone registrations are not accepted for camps. Spots are only guaranteed once the complete registration form and payments are received.
Confirmation of registration will be sent to you within two weeks of processing forms. Please call 651.455.4531 if you do not receive registration confirmation.
Cancellations or Changes
Requests for cancellation must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of the registered camp to qualify for a refund. All requests for cancellations will be assessed a $25 processing fee per camp cancelled. No refunds will be issued for requests made within two weeks of the start of the camp. No substitutions or transfers will be permitted.
Staff
Camps are staffed by highly-trained naturalists with the assistance of interns and youth volunteers. All camps will strive to maintain a one to eight ratio of staff to students for grades 1 to 2 and a one to ten ratio for grades 3 to 8.
Weather Policy
Campers should come prepared to be outside. Camps will not be cancelled due to inclement weather; activities will be adjusted for the safety of the children. The good thing is that nature does not stop during the rain and some of the best teaching moments occur during stormy weather. Refunds for activity cancellations that are weather-related cannot be provided.
Fee Assistance/Scholarships
Dodge Nature Center is committed to serving families from all economic backgrounds. Financial assistance is possible through a generous donation from the Brian Barenscheer Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation. We encourage families to inquire about assistance in order to make camp affordable. Please call us at 651.455.4531 or click here for more information.
Fees for Late Pick-Up
There is a late charge of $5 for every 15 minutes or portion thereof after the time camp ends. For example, a parent arriving at 3:15 p.m. will be charged an additional $5; arriving at 3:30 p.m. will result in an additional $10 charge.
