1/2 Day – Nature Day Camp
Summer 2012 marks our fourth year of collaboration between the Y and Carleton College. The program is managed by the Northfield Area Family YMCA with curriculum and staff support provided by the Y’s long camp history and the families and kids still retain the use of the abundant resources at the Arboretum and talent of Carleton students as staff! Low 1:5 staff to youth ratios for extra good educational oppurtunities and fun. The Prairie and Wood program continues its long tradition of providing unique summer day-camp experiences for the youth in our community.
- Explore nearby prairie, woodland, bog, marsh, lake, and river ecosystems
- Learn about rocks, trees, animals, and other natural phenomena
- Create environmental arts and crafts projects
- Games Galore with an emphasis on cooperation and teamwork
- Make music, bake, conduct experiments
- Weekly trips to local parks, farms and fossil sites
- New & old friends having a ton of fun
Camp activities include exploring nearby prairie, woodland, bog, marsh, lake and river ecosystems, learn about rocks, trees and animals, create environmental arts and crafts, make music, bake, conduct experiments and take trips weekly!
Parent Information:
Health and Emergency Form
Permission Form
Parent Handbook
Schedule Update and Change form days attending
This program is a 5 day a week ½ day program and is based at Carleton’s Farm House, on Hwy 19, just outside of town. Come one week or come all summer! Each week is unique, educational and tons of fun. The PAW program this year is only a morning program. We will divide campers by age for Prairie and Wood Camp curriculum.
2012 Summer
Weekly Schedule
| Weeks | Themes | Plans |
| June 18-22 | Seeds to Trees | Life Cycle |
| June 25-29 | Hoots and Toots | What goes in, must go out |
| July 2-6 | Mighty Moss and Spindly Plants | Plants of the Arb |
| July 9-13 | Dens and Dinner | Habitats and Diets |
| July 16-20 | Pond Scum and Fish | Water Exploration |
| July 23-27 | Amphibians and Ants | Critters of the Arb |
| July 30-Aug 3 | Rocks and Mud | Need I Say More? |
| Aug 6-10 | Water, Air and Land | Where Are They? |
* Please note that Prairie and Wood will be closed July 4th.
The curricular components of the program focuses on creating a fun, cooperative learning environment that fosters an appreciation of nature. We utilized space at the Farm House, and Carleton students will be actively recruited to participate in the planning, curriculum, and administration of activities for the children in the program. In turn, the Northfield YMCA will add its resources and programming expertise to make the Prairie and Wood experience even better.
For over 35 years, the Prairie and Wood program at Carleton has provided hundreds of children memories for a lifetime. The Y is pleased to carry on this tradition.
Who: Campers ages 5-12 years
What: A week long, 1/2 day camp experience
Where: Carleton College’s Farm House (east on Hwy 19) with easy access to the Arboretum.
When: Camp starts June 18, join us for one week or all 8 weeks
Monday – Friday 8:30-11:30 (drop off: 8:15-8:30, pick up: 11:30-11:45)
Cost: $95/week for Non YMCA members and $88 per week for YMCA members
Deposit: $20 per week to guarantee a spot
*Note: Campers should be dropped off and picked up at the Farm House each day.
To register for the Prairie & Wood Nature Day Camp, press the Online Registration button to the left or complete a registration form and mail to 519 Divison Street, Northfield MN 55057.
Categories: Camps
Click here for detailed membership information.
Thanks to the generosity of our community and donors, the YMCA will not turn anyone away from its membership or programs because of an inability to pay. Please let us know if we may assist you in this way by calling Virginia directly or by completing a Financial Aid form and returning it to us.
