Discover, Explore, and Grow with Nature!
Join us for an unforgettable adventure at Ney Nature Center! Our camps are designed for curious minds and adventurous spirits, offering hands-on learning and outdoor fun in the heart of nature. Campers will explore trails, encounter wildlife, conduct science experiments, and create art inspired by the great outdoors.
With programs tailored to various age groups, our camps foster creativity, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Led by experienced educators, every day brings new discoveries and lasting memories.
Highlights Include:
- Interactive nature hikes
- Fun and educational science experiments
- Creative arts and crafts projects
- Team-building games and activities
Age Groups:
We offer camps for ages 4-14 depending on the session. Read session description for more information.
Why Choose Ney Nature Center?
- Experienced and caring staff
- A safe and inspiring outdoor setting
- Opportunities to connect with nature and new friends
Spots are limited, so register today to secure your camper’s place in the adventure of a lifetime! We provide scholarships for families that qualify, click here to learn more.
Spring Break Camps
Discover the wonders of spring at our action-packed Spring Break Camp! Kids will explore the outdoors with guided nature hikes, unleash their creativity with nature-inspired crafts, and get hands-on with science experiments. Each day is different and offers new adventures, teamwork, and fun! Registration will open in January, ages 6-11 years old.
March Dates
March 27th from 9am-3:30pm
March 28th from 9am-3:30pm
April Dates
April 18th from 9am-3:30pm
April 21st from 9am-3:30pm
Summer Camps
Registration will open in January. This year we will have two weekly camp groups under the same theme. The age splits for camp groups are as follows; 4-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old, and 12-14 years old. What should my child bring to camp? Other questions? Click here!
Full-day camps: 9am-4pm
Half-day camps: 9am-11:30am
| Dates | Camp Name | Ages |
| 6/2/2025 – 6/5/2025 | Amazing Animals Camp | 4-8 |
| 6/9/2025 – 6/12/2025 | Creative Critters Camp | 6-11 |
| 6/16/2025 – 6/19/2025 | Dinosaur Camp | 6-11 |
| 6/23/2025 – 6/26/2025 | Outdoor Adventure Camp | 6-11 |
| 6/30/2025 – 7/2/2025 | Best of Summer Camp | 6-11 |
| 7/14/2025 – 7/17/2025 | Pirate Camp | 6-11 |
| 7/21/2025 – 7/24/2025 | Outdoor Adventure Camp | 9-14 |
| 7/28/2025 – 7/31/2025 | Amazing Animals Camp | 6-11 |
Amazing Animals Camp
June 2-5th | 4-8 years old (HALF-DAY FOR 4-5 YEAR OLDS)
July 28-31st | 6-11 years old
Calling all animal lovers! Spend the week discovering the fascinating wildlife that calls Minnesota home. Campers will meet our animal ambassadors, explore diverse habitats, and learn how creatures survive and thrive through games, art, and hands-on activities. Half-day for 4-5 years. Full-day for ages 6-11 years.
Creative Critters Camp
June 9-12th | 6-11 years old
Let your imagination run wild at Creative Critters Camp! Campers will explore the animal kingdom through fun activities like designing their own creation from clay from the prairie, creating wildlife-inspired art, and learning about fascinating critter adaptations – all through art! Perfect for young artists and animal enthusiasts alike. Full-day camp.
Dinosaur Camp
June 16-19th | 6-11 years old
Calling all dinosaur lovers! Spend the week learning more about the wide variety of dinosaurs, the habitats they would have called home, and learn what it is like to be a real paleontologist. Topics covered will include: an overview of different kinds of dinosaurs and their adaptations, fossil examination, digging for bones, scavenger hunts, and more! Full-day camp.
Outdoor Adventure Camp
June 23-26th | 6-11 years old
July 21-24th | 9-14 years old
Gear up for a week of excitement at Outdoor Adventure Camp! Campers will practice new skills like shelter and fire building, foraging, and exploring local ecosystems through hands-on activities. Perfect for young adventurers ready to connect with the great outdoors! Full-day camp.
PLEASE NOTE – DROP-OFF & PICK-UP CHANGES JUNE CAMP:
The 9 to 11 year old campers will need to be dropped off on Thursday, June 26th at Kerfoot Canopy Tours (30200 Scenic Byway Rd, Henderson, MN 56044). We will be doing the High Ropes Course and then take a bus back to Ney Nature Center for the afternoon. Pick-up will be at Ney.
PLEASE NOTE – DROP-OFF & PICK-UP CHANGES JULY CAMP:
Drop off for ONLY our 12-14 year old campers on Wednesday, July 23rd will be at Lake Washington at 9:00am (47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota , MN 56060). Meet us at the community building located at that address! We will be paddling on Lake Washington and playing games, please bring a swimsuit or change of clothes, as well as a towel.
Drop off for all campers on Thursday, July 24th will be at Kerfoot Canopy Tours at 8:45am (30200 Scenic Byway Rd, Henderson, MN 56044). We will be doing the High Ropes Course (9-11yrs) OR the Zipline (12-14yrs) and then take a bus back to Ney Nature Center for the afternoon.
Optional Overnight Information: On Thursday, July 24th, our 12-14 year old campers will have the option to camp overnight. If your camper would like to participate, they should bring a sleeping bag or multiple blankets, a pillow, and whatever toiletries and medications they will need. Dinner and a light breakfast will be provided.
Best of Summer Camp
June 30th-July 2nd | 6-11 years old
Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Best of Summer Camp! This week combines the highlights of all our favorite camps, featuring exciting outdoor games, water balloon fights, time by the campfire, scavenger hunts, and more. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer with a little bit of everything! Full-day camp.
Pirate Camp
July 14-17th | 6-11 years old
Ahoy ye scurvy dogs! Have you got what it takes to be a pirate? The Frog Pond Pirates are looking for new crew members. Come test your skills as we jump into nature. From identifying where to camp during our time on land to reading a map, you will need to understand nature to survive! We will hunt for treasure, learn to navigate, and battle on the tallgrass prairie seas. Adventure awaits! Full-day camp.
Fall & Winter Break Camps
2025 Dates & Themes are TBA
Registration will open later in 2025, ages 6-11 years old.
Youth Day Camp FAQs
What should my child bring to camp?
– Lunch & reusable water bottle (we provide an afternoon snack)
– Change of clothes in case of mud, water balloons, or outdoor adventuring mishap!
– Dress your child as if they will be outside all day, layers are a great idea! Proper footwear for hiking, running, and playing outside will mean your camper has a wonderful experience.
– WINTER CAMPS: Please pack extra socks and other layers in case your camper’s gear gets wet from snow!
Do you offer scholarships?
We do! Visit our scholarship page to learn more and apply.
How do I register?
Once registration opens for you (either member or general public), you can click the “Register Now” button, which will show up on this site. Click the camp(s) you want to register for and add them to your cart. Once you have all camps in your cart, click the cart/check-out icon in the top right-hand corner. Please make sure you have received a receipt for your registration, it will come from info(at)neycenter.org
Do you offer beforecare or aftercare?
We do not at this time, but you can drop off your child as early as 15 minutes before start time and as late as 15 minutes after end time.
My child is too old or too young for the camp I want to register them for. Can I register them anyway?
Our camps are designed for the ages listed, so please get in touch with us if you are interested in registering your child who does not meet the age requirements. Some camps offer more flexibility than others. However, please always ask. For teens, we recommend they apply for our Junior Naturalist Volunteer program, it is all the fun of camp but they earn volunteer hours for skill building or resumes, and we are happy to serve as a reference on future job applications.
My child has accessibility needs. Can you accommodate them?
We will always do our best to accommodate all accessibility needs. Please contact us directly so we can work with your family to make this a great experience.
Is your question not answered here? Contact us directly via email or phone.
CAMP POLICIES
Cancellation Policy: We reserve the right to cancel a camp at any time if our staff or board deems it necessary for health or safety reasons. If Ney cancels prior to the beginning of camp, a full refund will be provided; if it is during the week, we will calculate a remaining per-day refund.
Refund Policy (UPDATED 2025): 29 days or more before the first day of camp, you can receive a full refund by emailing or calling us. Between 28 and 15 days before the first day of camp, we can provide a 75% refund. Between 14-8 days before the first day of camp you can receive a 50% refund, and within the 7 days before the first day of camp or after, no refunds are provided.
COVID-19 & Illness: We follow CDC guidelines for all our procedures. Please visit the MN Department of Health website for more information. If your camper is experiencing symptoms of ANY communicable illness, please stay home! We reserve the right to send your child home if they may be infectious. If you have questions, you can reach us by email or call us at 507-357-8580.
Camper Behavior Policy: Ney Nature Center expects participants to listen to instructors and act respectfully toward everyone, including animals, equipment, and nature. We reserve the right to send a camper home without a refund in case of a physical altercation and/or if consistent misbehavior affects other participants’ experience or safety. This is a last resort, and we ask that you communicate any strategies needed for behavior in your registration or via email before the first day of camp.