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

~~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

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Grades 1-2
Friday Camps

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

~~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

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Grades 3-5
Friday Camps

~~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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October 16 & 17 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost per Day: $40 Members, $50 General Public

Have you ever wanted to know how to build a fire without a match or to find your way with a map? In this camp we will cover everything from fort building and fires to using a map and the rules of survival. On the last day of camp we will have a campfire cookout.

Register for one or both days. Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Scholarships are available.
Please register by Oct. 9.

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