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Young Naturalists Camp Parent Information

Camper Information Form

Welcome to Young Naturalists Camp!

We are excited to welcome your child to Young Naturalists Camp at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve. Our camps provide hands-on outdoor experiences that encourage curiosity, exploration, stewardship, and a deeper connection to nature.

Young Naturalists Camps are a program of the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society and are designed to help children learn about the natural world through active outdoor experiences.

Camp Location

Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
48851 County Road 29
Bemidji, MN 56601

Camp Hours

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Please ensure campers arrive signed in on time and by an approved adult.

What Campers Can Expect

Camp activities may include:

  • Hiking natural trails

  • Exploring forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats

  • Nature observation and identification Hands-on environmental education activities

  • Outdoor games and exploration

  • Occasional water-based activities with appropriate safety equipment

Most of our time is spent outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

What to Bring

Please send campers with:

  • Healthy lunch

  • Weather-appropriate clothing Layers for changing temperatures

  • Clothes that can get dirty

  • Closed-toe shoes (required)

  • Sun hat Rain jacket

  • Rain boots and rain pants when appropriate

  • Filled reusable water bottle

A morning snack will be provided.

Please label all personal items.

Outdoor Conditions

Because camp takes place outdoors, campers should be comfortable with:

  • Insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and bees

  • Uneven terrain, including roots, mud, and hills

  • Changing weather conditions

  • Close observation of plants and wildlife

Health & Safety

Camper safety is our highest priority.

Camp staff are trained in basic first aid and emergency response. Parents or guardians must provide current emergency contact information and remain reachable during camp hours.

If a camper becomes ill, injured, or unable to participate safely, parents or guardians will be contacted.

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Two

Set Intentions & Reflect

Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Three

Look Forward & Wrap Up

We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

How It Works

  • Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.

  • Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

Book Your Stay

Register