Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society
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​Spearhead Young Naturalist Program


​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.

September  2022
The Audubon Education Committee thanks all of the families who sent their kids to Spearhead this summer. One hundred campers romped through woods, waters and bogs, making memories with Dan Bera and Eleva Potter. We deeply appreciate the enthusiastic support of our campers and their parents and hope to see many of you next year.
The 2023 schedule will be posted in March 2023. The 2022 families will be notified via email when registration opens, so if your email changes, please send the updated contact information to:
 
   ynp@spearheadmhas.org

      YOUNG NATURALIST REUNION ON SEPT 24                      1-4 PM   at SPEARHEAD


If you've ever been a part of our Young Naturalist Program, join us for our first "YNP Fall Family Reunion" on September 24 from 1-4 pm at the Neilson Spearhead Center.  Meet other campers and their families who have also enjoyed exploring the woods, lake and bogs around Spearhead. We will feature favorite camp games such as capture the flag, fox and squirrel. Finish the summer with one more great day at the Neilson Spearhead Center!
                                    
The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society is seeking enthusiastic and engaging persons to apply for the 9-week long Lead Naturalist and Intern/Assistant Naturalist positions at Neilson Spearhead Center. These positions will start in mid-June and run through mid-August.  The program will primarily be week-long nature-based day camp sessions; however some sessions will have an overnight as part of the overall experience. 
  • Details on Lead Naturalist
  • Details on Intern/
    Assistant Naturalist
2023 Registration will open in March! 
You can register two ways:
* Click REGISTER ONLINE (above); or
* Click the button below and download an application form. Fill it out and mail it back to us.
2022 YNP Registration Form

​2022 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Grades 8-12
Dan's Crew                     Session 1
                    June 20-24
$20/day, $90/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                      Session 4
No Overnights This Year​                 Session 7

​           July 18-22
          August 8-12
​$180
 By hiking and canoeing, you will explore the diverse ecology of the woodlands and waterways of Lake Spearhead. 
                             
                                        


​Grades 4-6
                         Nature Mystery         

Session 3                 July 11-15
Session 6                 Aug 1-5​
$180
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

Session 2             June 27-July 1​
Session 5             July 25-29
$180
 
 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                Session 8
            August 15-19
​$180
 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.   Parents can join their kids at half the registration fee.
                       

A Typical Day at YNP
Parent Info Letter
Emergency Contact Form
​10% discount for MHAS Chapter members, OR 10% discount for each sibling of first camper.
​
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 2022 Young Naturalist Program. ​Contact number during the sessions is  218-214-2312

The ​YNP Scholarship Fund needs your support! Your contribution will 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.
  • Home
  • Neilson Spearhead Center
    • Driving Directions
    • Plan your visit
    • More about NSC
  • Young Naturalist Program
  • Birds, Bees & Butterflies
    • Peace and Freedom Garden
    • Information on Native Plants for Birds & Pollinators
  • MN Bird City Bemidji
  • Events
  • Join MHAS
  • Volunteer
  • Make a Donation
  • About MHAS
  • Contact Us
  • Peace and Freedom Garden