Ney Nature Center offers nature and adventure-themed summer camps for youth 4-14 years old. Fall and winter break camps are designed for youth 6-12 years old. Each camp can accommodate up to 12 campers and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We provide scholarships for families that qualify, click here to learn more.
Join us for unforgettable summer adventures with camps designed to ignite creativity, foster friendships, and inspire the start of a lifelong appreciation for nature. Our diverse range of activities, from outdoor recreation and arts and crafts to team-building challenges, ensures that every camper finds something they love about camp. With thoughtfully crafted schedules and a nurturing environment, our summer camps promise an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, learning, and personal growth.
Upcoming Camps
Winter Camp
Unfortunately, this year’s winter break dates fall at a time that makes it hard for us to respect our staff’s schedules while also providing camp programming. There will be other programs happening in the winter that we hope you will join us for instead! We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you back at winter camp in 2025!
Youth Day Camp FAQs
What should my child bring to camp?
– Lunch & reusable water bottle (we provide an afternoon snack)
– 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!
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 checked out and paid for your registration, click the “Camp Forms” button at the top of this page to view and download the forms and send them to us at info@neycenter.org. We will send you a confirmation email once we have received and reviewed your forms.
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 your camps. 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.
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 AUGUST 2024): 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 on camp forms prior to the first day of camp.