Community Education at Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul, MN

Send your children on a fun-filled adventure this summer where they will gain an appreciation for nature while participating in hands-on recreational, nature and agriculture based programs.

Summer day camps are offered for children entering grades 1-5. Each day will involve a significant amount of time outdoors. Please dress your child appropriately. Campers will also need to bring snacks, lunch (for full-time and Friday camps) and something to drink.

General Camp Information

Costs for Summer Camps vary. See camp descriptions below and/or the registration form for more details.

Registration

Registration is done on the 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-camps fill quickly.

How Do I Register?

Phone registrations are not accepted for camps.

Mail, hand deliver or fax, the completed 2-page registration form to: Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118, Fax 651-455-2575. The office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 a.m.

Spots are only guaranteed once the complete registration form AND payment are received.

Confirmation of registration will be sent to you within 2 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 2 weeks prior to the start of the registered Summer 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 volunteers. Our goal is to maintain a ratio of 1:10 staff to students.

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 stop by the office for scholarship information and/or a scholarship application.

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.

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Summer Camps

Grades 1-2
Full-day Camps

Sky is Falling
June 23-26 M-Th 8:30a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $155 Member, $175 General Public

Rockets and raindrops and stars…oh my! Many things fall out of the sky overhead. Learn about where rain comes from and where it goes, the difference between stars and planets, and send a rocket into the sky and watch it come back to earth.

Into the Wild (near full)
July 14-17 M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $155 Members, $175 General Public

Are you ready for a walk on the wild side? Try to catch a frog, eat wild berries, hide in the prairie grasses, climb a tree, dip your toes in the pond, cook a cattail, and eat a bug. Bring your hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Hunting for Sasquatch
July 28-31 M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $155 Members, $175 General Public

Are the stories true? Does Sasquatch exist? Recent evidence has inspired an investigation. We will learn about what it eats, where it lives, and how it stays hidden. We hope to catch a glimpse of one of nature's ultimate mysteries.

~~Art in Nature~~ FULL
August 11-14 M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $155 Members, $175 General Public

Let nature be your inspiration and your creativity run wild! Visit the ponds, prairie and woodlands. Capture these beautiful places in sculptures and paintings. Mud, rocks, berries, leaves and more will be used to create unique masterpieces.

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Grades 1-2
Half-day Camps

Magic for First Years
June 16-18 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. M-Th
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Would you like to make potions? Meet magical creatures? Campers will spend the week blending fantasy and reality through science experiments and art projects. Care of Magical Creature, and Wands and Potions are classes that will engage creative young minds and introduce campers to everyday “magic.”

Down on the Farm FULL
July 7-10 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. M-Th
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Enjoy life “down on the farm.” Lend a hand with farm chores such as collecting eggs and feeding the animals. This camp is not all work and no play. Holding chickens, playing old-time games and jumping in the hay is some of the fun planned for our visiting farmers.

Tales with Tails: A Grandparent/Child Camp
July 21-24 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. M-Th
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Learn how tails help animals survive and thrive. What tales do their tails tell? We'll bring some great books to life through hikes, crafts, visits with live animals and more. On the last day of camp, bring along a grandparent (or other special adult) to share the day.

Prairie Fun (meets at DNC's Lilly property)
August 4-7 8:30 a.m.-11:30a.m. M-Th
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Dodge Nature Center Lilly Property will be home for participants of this camp. Play hide and seek among the tall prairie grasses. Learn about the animals that search for food and hide in this wide open grassy space. Come experience life and fun on the prairie!

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Grades 1-2
Friday Camps

~~Fort Friday~~ FULL
June 27, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

The title says it all! In this camp we will be building all kinds of forts and shelters. Tarps, sticks and sheets will be used to make our creations around the nature center. Creativity is the key as we build our way through the day.

Pint Size Chefs (near full)
July 18, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Recipe: Out in the woods, build a fire under the biggest stewpot you can find. Add fresh vegetables for soup and roast tasty morsels over the fire. Mix in tastes and treats, snacks and stories and play a game or two. Makes one awesome summer camp day!

Nature Fact or Fiction
August 1, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Is it true if you eat watermelon seeds you will grow a watermelon in your stomach? Discover the truth about some of nature's most talked about myths. We'll learn some interesting facts about creatures, including killer bees, vampire bats and poisonous plants.

Wheat to Bread
August 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Nothing smells as good as fresh bread baking in an oven. The process of making bread is simple, fun and well worth the time it takes waiting for it to rise. We will learn about the history of bread, play with yeast and make a loaf critter, smother it in butter, and eat it! Mmmm good!

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Grades 3-5
Full-day Camps

~~Careers in Nature~~ FULL
June 23-26 M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $155 Members, $175 General Public

Do you love the outdoors, protecting the environment and working with plants and animals? Then this camp is for you! We will explore some of the possible careers working with nature and the outdoors with guest speakers and through hands-on experiences at the nature center.

~~Fishing and Swimming~~ FULL
July 14-17 M-Th 8:30a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $190 Members, $210 General Public

Bring your fishing rod, your swimming suit, and your sunscreen for a week of adventures on local waters. We will travel to nearby fishing spots and try to catch “the big one.” Then we'll spend the afternoon playing at swimming beaches and inventing stories about “the one that got away.” Transportation included.

Take a Hike (near full)
July 28-31 M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $175 Member, $195 General Public

Equipped with handmade hiking sticks we will head out and away as we experience the benefits of hiking. While we hike we will be on the lookout for wildlife and interesting seasonal plants to record on a phenology chart. Let's go hiking! Transportation included.

~~Farmin' Time~~ FULL
August 11-14 M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $155 Member, $175 General Public

Become a farmer for a week! Explore the world of farming as you learn how to care for farm animals, help maintain the barn, and tend crops. Learn how diversity on a farm keeps the animals, crops and land healthy. Enjoy a farmer's hearty brunch as you learn how to use the food and fibers produced on the farm.

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Grades 3-5
Half-day Camps

Feathers and Fur (near full)
June 16-19 M-Th, 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Nature covers animals with many kinds of protective coats. Feathers and fur cover birds and mammals. Do they have an advantage over animals covered with scales or slime? We will focus on birds and mammals and their adaptations for survival. Personal encounters with live birds and mammals will be had by all.

~~Game Camp~~ FULL
July 7-10 M-Th, 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

This camp will be chock-full of fun, hands-on games and activities. Learn about wildlife and basic concepts of the world around us. With games like Oh Deer! and Worms Across the Road we'll share laughter and enjoy investigating various habitats, animal needs, adaptations and more.

Utterly Gross Nature (near full)
July 21-24 M-Th, 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Sick, disgusting and repulsive yet somehow beguiling, we'll get unfortunately close to the sights, sounds, and smells of the grossest things nature has to offer. Whether on top of the manure pile or hip-deep in muck on a “Swamp Stomp,” this will be a week of muck, scat, decomposition, and more.

Hide 'n' Seek Camp
August 4-7 M-Th, 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $75 Members, $90 General Public

Staying hidden is a necessity to several animals that live at the nature center. We will explore the world of camouflage through games and activities while learning about the many animals of Dodge Nature Center.

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Grades 3-5
Friday Camps

~~Nature's Myths~~ FULL
June 27, Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Is it true if you eat watermelon seeds you will grow a watermelon in your stomach? Discover the truth about some of nature's most talked about myths. We will learn interesting facts about creatures such as killer bees, vampire bats and poisonous plants.

Fort Friday (near full)
July 18, Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

The title says it all! In this camp we will be building all kinds of forts and shelters. Tarps, sticks and sheets will be used to make our creations around the nature center. Creativity is the key as we build our way through the day.

~~Cooking in the Great Outdoors~~ FULL
August 1, Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Recipe: Out in the woods, build a fire under the biggest stewpot you can find. Roast tasty morsels over the fire. Add fresh vegetables. Mix in tastes, treats, snacks, stories and play a game or two. Makes one awesome summer camp day!

~~Feeding the Animals~~ FULL
August 15, Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Everyone has a favorite food – even animals! Find out what scrumptious snacks pigs love or what tasty treats our eagle enjoys. Join us as we feed and care for the furry and feathered friends of the nature center.

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NEW!
Family Camp

For all Ages
June 30 - July 2, Evenings 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Cost Per Family: $60 Members, $75 Gen. Public

Parents, have you found yourself jealous of your kids going off to camp each summer? Do you want to have a fun summer camp experience with your kids and relive your own happy childhood camp experiences? This evening camp will allow you to do just that. We will net and identify insects, dip for pond critters, prowl for animals who are out and about on a summer evening and cook out over a campfire. Is there a better way to spend a summer evening? I don’t think so!

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