Click ​Join a summer tradition on the shores of Spearhead Lake, 9 miles south of Bemidji, sponsored by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. Nature-loving kids have been coming to the YNP since 1985, spending memorable weeks wading in streams and cattail swamps, hiking and foraging on the miles of trails, canoeing and swimming, and listening wide-eyed to tales of Spearhead mysteries. Kids entering grades 2 through 12 are welcome; just bring curiosity and enthusiasm for sometimes muddy and messy fun outdoors.

Sessions run from 9 am to 3:30 pm daily.

Covid 19 changes as of May 21: Sessions in June (1, 2, 3,) are canceled. Campers registered in those sessions may switch to a later session or receive a full refund.
On June 1 we will decide whether to modify sessions 4-10, cancel certain weeks, or cancel the entire 2020 Young Naturalist Program. Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we adjust to recommendations from the MN Dept of Health, the CDC, and local medical authorities. Parents may request a full refund at any time prior to the beginning of a session. Contact George-Ann at 218-586-3414 or email ynp@spearheadMHAS.org to request a refund, switch sessions or if you have questions.

You can register two ways:
  • Click on REGISTER ONLINE HERE, or; 
  • Click the DOWNLOAD button, fill out a manual application, and mail it back to us just like you've done in the past

​2020 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Grades 8-12
Dan's Crew CANCELED
Value
$20/day, $80/week
Dan’s Crew is more than just a work week.  You will become part of Neilson Spearhead by experiencing what Spearhead has to offer.  You will “eat” your way through the woods and work on trail maintenance and building projects while learning valuable skills such as woodcraft, survival skills and orienteering.
​​Grades 6-8
​Pines, Lakes, & Rivers
​ July 13-17
or August 3-7
​$180
(includes 1 overnight on  July 16 or Aug 6)
​By hiking and canoeing, you will explore the diverse ecology of the woodlands and waterways of Lake Spearhead.  Have a relaxing time around the fire telling stories and listening to the night sounds. Camp out in the woods on Thursday night for more adventures.
​Grades 4-6
​ Nature Mystery
​July 6-10 or July 27-31
$160
Tracks, carrion, scat, bugs, rubs and gnaw marks.  You will crack the code by using the puzzling clues that nature leaves behind. Hike, swim, and canoe, too.
​​Grades 2-4
Trees, Tales, & Trails ​
​
July 20-24 or Aug 10-14

$160 for July & Aug 
Focused on activities for grades 2-4, explore the woods and waters as you learn about everything from tasty plants and bugs, to trees and birds. There will be lots of fun but don’t expect to stay clean.
​All Ages
Family Week
August 17-21
​$160
(optional overnight on Aug 20)         
Siblings, friends and parents welcome during this week of favorite Young Naturalist activities. Swim in the warm sparkling waters of Spearhead Lake, try canoeing, hike on the trails, play games, and listen to the legends of Spearhead. There will be an optional family overnight on Thursday.
​10% discount for MHAS Chapter members, OR 10% discount for siblings.
​Use the code "MHAS Member" or "Sibling" when you check out. 

​Call 218-586-3414 or email ynp@spearheadmhas.org for more information on the 2020 Young Naturalist Program. ​Contact number during the sessions is  218-214-2312
The ​YNP Scholarship Fund needs your support! Help us provide partial scholarships to children who otherwise wouldn't be able to have this unique, summer experience.

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mhas@spearheadmhas.org
​©2019 Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. All rights reserved.