Woodbury’s Outdoor Summer Camps

Your first look at local summer outdoor camps for kids.

By: Maureen Kroening | From the issue: March 2011

Discover countless outdoor camp options in Woodbury.

By the time summer rolls around, kids just want to be kids. It’s the perfect time to kick back, relax and have fun after school lets out. Instead of playing video games all summer, why not get them outdoors where they’ll burn energy, make new friends and gain knowledge outside of the traditional classroom setting? We’ve rounded up a list of awesome outdoor summer camps; from safety camp to mountain biking, there’s something that will appeal to every kid (even preschoolers).

For beginning learners

If your young one is bursting with curiosity and can’t wait to start school, send them to the Stepping Stone's preschool summer camp. Each week has a different engaging theme, ranging from nutrition to dinosaurs, and they’ll play outdoors to learn how to safely have fun in the sun. An added bonus are the weekly field trips to sites like The Giggle Factory and Lookout Ridge. Choose from a schedule of two–five days per week, or just pick the weeks that interest you. $153–$278 weekly (prices range from two to five days per week), plus a $155 registration fee to guarantee your spot. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, 11253 Eagle View Blvd.; 651.998.1661

For the nature lover

Camp Kumalya, run by the YMCA for over a decade, is perfect for kids who enjoy the outdoors. They’ll try archery, canoeing, swimming and more with great guidance from the counselors. Off-site specialty camps for kids with specific interests run for two-hour blocks each day, and transportation is provided. Wednesdays are cookout days, where the counselors grill hot dogs and other treats for the campers. Open to kids ages kindergarten-9th grade (grouped by age). $144–$170 weekly for members of the YMCA, $171–$200 weekly for nonmembers, plus additional fees for specialty camps. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with before and after care available until 5:30 p.m. Lake Elmo Park Reserve North Shelter; 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo; 651.731.9507

For the next Tony Hawk

From beginners to experts, everyone will benefit from skateboarding camp, taught by experienced instructors from 3rd Lair. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and ability, and training in balance, pushing, dropping in and skate park safety will be provided. Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are required for all participants. $160. 9 a.m.–noon Monday-Friday. Ojibway Skate Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

For future explorers

The city of Woodbury offers several camps that will appeal to adventurous kiddos. Try adventure camp, a three-day camp including one overnight for kids ages 9–14. Campers will bike, hike, learn to build a campfire and experience nature at a calm pace. Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

Camp Carver is a full or half-day program that runs for eight weeks for kids ages 6-12. Campers can choose to participate in one, two or all eight weeks. Daily outdoor adventures based on weekly themes include fishing, group games and more. Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

Have a tech-savvy child? They’ll learn to blend technology with nature at geocaching camp. This half-day camp runs for three days and focuses on hiking, learning the basics of GPS units and studying the rules and guidelines to finding and hiding treasures. Woodbury Parks, 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

For PGA tournament hopefuls

Golf camp for beginners is a fabulous way for children ages 7-11 to develop their skills in a fun, safe and non-competitive environment. They’ll learn the fundamentals of grip, stance, swing, ball contact, putting, chipping and driving. Rules and etiquette will also be covered by staff from Sports Unlimited. $100. 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Thursday (with Friday reserved for a weather make-up). Evergreen West Park, 1033 Tamberwood Tr.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

For the budding equestrian

Kids will learn to groom, feed, saddle and control a horse at a walk, trot and rising trot at horse camp. Horse lovers ages 8-13 who can’t wait to get into the saddle will receive an introduction to English horseback riding. All safety equipment, as well as transportation to and from Idylwood Stables, will be provided. $225. 12:30–4 p.m. Monday–Friday. Meets at Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

For the safety-conscious

Safety camp prepares 125 third- through fifth-graders to tackle a variety of life’s challenges, such as bullying and what to do if they smell smoke in their home. Woodbury Parks & Recreation staff, along with police and fire staff, will be on hand to teach kids in a variety of interactive sessions. Each day will also include special guests, challenges and tug-o-war. Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

For aspiring athletes

Unsure of what sport your child excels at? Give them a taste of baseball, basketball and soccer in the sports sampler camp. Fun will be had by all while practicing each sport and playing games. This camp is open to kids ages 7–11. $80 in-house. 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Thursday (with Friday reserved for a weather make-up). Evergreen West Park, 1033 Tamberwood Tr.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

The off-road cycling trails at Carver Lake Park, officially opening this summer, are the new site of mountain bike camp. Bikers ages 8-15 will learn bicycle maintenance, safety skills, trail building and etiquette. Participants must have a functional mountain bike and helmet, but no prior experience is required. Day trips are also available during the summer and fall sessions for those who are interested. $80 for four-week camp, $25 in-house day trips. Off-road cycling trail at Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

Experienced and enthusiastic coaches from MN Volleyball Headquarters will demonstrate proper technique for serving, passing, setting and hitting at volleyball camp. Water, sunscreen and snacks are a must for all players, as it’s sure to be steamy on the sand, and everyone will receive T-shirts at the end of the program. $80. 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Thursday (with Friday reserved for a weather make-up). Ojibway Park Sand Volleyball Courts, 2695 Ojibway Dr.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

If your child can’t get enough of the Vikings, sign them up for flag football camp. Instructors will organize drills and games so the kids can test their skills in action. $80 in-house. 9 a.m.–noon Monday–Thursday (with Friday reserved for a weather make-up). Bielenberg Sports Center Field 10, 4125 Radio Dr.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

Basketball camp is perfect for kids age 7–11 who want to learn the fundamentals of the game in a fun outdoor environment. Shooting, dribbling and passing will be taught while the kids practice playing organized games together. $80 in-house. 9 a.m.–noon Monday-Thursday (with Friday reserved for a weather make-up). Evergreen West Park, 1033 Tamberwood Trl.; 651.714.3583; ci.woodbury.mn.us

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