Kids invited to participate in new YMCA day camp
Children from Prescott and other Pierce County communities are invited to participate in day camps at the new YMCA Day Camp Spring Lake at the Dakota County (Minn.) Spring Lake Park Reserve.
- YMCA Day Camp
Children from Prescott and other Pierce County communities are invited to participate in day camps at the new YMCA Day Camp Spring Lake at the Dakota County (Minn.) Spring Lake Park Reserve.
The weeklong camps will run until the end of August. Campers, ranging in age from four to 14, can participate in guided outdoor experiences, and older teens are offered special outdoor adventures.
The YMCAs in West St. Paul, Eagan and Hastings have combined their efforts to establish this day camp for area youth.
“Our day camp on the Mississippi River bluffs near Hastings is much closer to woods and nature than the former site,” said Nyam Smith, Eagan YMCA executive director.
The camp day begins on the buses with counselors leading the riders in songs and games until they arrive at camp. Bus routes start in Prescott, as well as communities in Minnesota, with multiple pick-up spots along the way.
The Prescott bus route makes stops at Malone Elementary School, 505 Campbell St. North; Prescott Middle School, 125 Elm St. North; Kennedy Elementary School, 1175 Tyler St., Hastings, Minn.; Hastings Middle School, 1000 W. 11th St., Hastings; and the YMCA in Hastings, 85 Pleasant Drive.
With a staff ratio of one to 10, the students will enjoy guided nature trails, outdoor arts and crafts and a close-to-nature experience.
“Our goal was to create a safe, multi-event, outdoor experience,” said Eagan YMCA Day Camp Director Pat Prindle.
For group gatherings and opening and closing of camp each day, an amphitheater seating area around a presentation area has tall posts displaying the Y’s core values: responsibility, caring, honesty and respect. The small lodge at the entrance will prove useful for storm shelter, indoor plumbing, electricity and an isolated reading area for the youngest campers. A covered open air shelter will host outdoor arts and crafts activities.
Team building and physical activities include archery, outdoor cooking, nature walks, canoeing at a nearby lake and swimming at the Y in Hastings.
In addition to the basic camp experience, other specialty camps are offered for children wanting to explore nature, outdoor cooking or fishing. More adventurous courses for teens include physical challenges, leadership development or survival skills. Peak Adventure Camps offer expanded physical challenges for older teens ranging from white water rafting to camping trips to northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
More information and the application form for YMCA Day Camp Spring Lake can be obtained at www.ymcatwincities.org/camps/day_camp_spring_lake/ or by calling 877-832-4548, toll free.
Parents can complete an online form to apply for a scholarships based on need.
Tags: outdoors, prescott, recreation, minnesota
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