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Spend a summer week on the shores of Spearhead Lake, 9 miles south of Bemidji, a nature day camp sponsored by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. Nature-loving kids have been coming to the Young Naturalist Program 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. Campers entering grades 2 through 12 are welcome; just bring curiosity and enthusiasm for sometimes muddy and messy fun outdoors. If your contact information changes, please send updates to [email protected] Special Session for 2025 3 Days June 30-July 2 13 spaces as of March 13 $150 kids, $75 adults All Ages Welcome. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult at all times Becoming Native to the Land: An Anishinaabe Adventure Through touch, taste, sound, and smell, we will learn how to live in connection with everything around us. True stewardship is a mindset of respect and harmony. With listening spirits, we will explore indigenous perspectives and how to nurture and care for the world around us. |
REGISTRATION FOR 2025 SUMMER YOUNG NATURALIST PROGRAM SESSIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
You can sign up for YNP two ways: online (click above), or by download and mail in a registration form (click here). |
meet our naturalists
Taylor Miller, Lead Naturalist
“I am excited to help young naturalists connect with the natural world and cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation. Guiding kids through meaningful outdoor activities instills respect, empathy, and responsibility. As a direct descendant of the White Earth Nation, I was taught to live off the land and build a reciprocated relationship with our natural world. I am excited to guide youth in making meaningful connections with our beautiful world.”
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Jared Winge, Assitant Naturalist
“As a former Young Naturalist myself, I’m excited to share the many wonders of Spearhead with a new generation! I’m particularly excited to see how the beavers have shaped the landscape since I was last there, and show the campers all of the ways beavers impact the local ecology.”
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2025 PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Grades 6-12 Eco Rangers |
Session 1, June 16-20 13 spaces as of March 13 $225
Launch into an epic adventure merging nature with creativity as we deepen our connection to the earth. Young explorers will use native materials to engage in a wide array of projects, orienteer to new nature frontiers, and learn survival skills to help them adapt, create, and thrive in a more sustainable world.
Grades 6-8 Sprouting Wings, Deepening Respect for Nature |
Session 2, June 23-27 12 spaces as of March 13 $225
Session 5, July 21-25 10 spaces as of March 13 $225
Session 5, July 21-25 10 spaces as of March 13 $225
Soar into a dynamic week to become true stewards of the Earth. Through hands-on adventures and creative problem-solving Young Naturalists will develop rich life-changing connections to each other and to nature. During the optional overnight camping experience (June 26 or July 24) drift in canoes along the paths of stars amid the haunting calls of loons and owls.
Grades 4-6 A Magical Journey into Nature |
Session 4, July 14-18 10 spaces as of March 13 $225
Session 7, Aug 4-8 9 spaces as of March 13 $225
Session 7, Aug 4-8 9 spaces as of March 13 $225
Enter into a magical journey with other curious Young Naturalists and discover the hidden connections among plants, animals, and their homes. In the water or on the land, through stories and games, the Young Naturalists will discover new ways of seeing, being, and changing the world.
Grades 2-4 Becoming Earth's Bestie |
Session 3, July 7-11 5 spaces as of March 13 $225
Session 6, July 28-Aug 1 14 spaces as of March 13 $225
Session 6, July 28-Aug 1 14 spaces as of March 13 $225
Plunge into an adventure to become friends of the Earth. From water play to nature challenges, young naturalists will discover the magic of the wild and dive into the world of plants and animals. Grounded in indigenous wisdom, Young Naturalists will gain a deep sense of wonder, joy, and respect for the natural world as they become Earth stewards.
All Ages Earth Adventures for Families |
Session 8, August 11-15 8 spaces as of March 13 $225 kids, $125 adults
Come together as family and friends, diving into the world of plants and animals, learning how everything is connected and how we are all a part of Nature – and play a part as stewards to the environment. This unique week invites guardians to join in the fun as you and your child dive into hands-on activities that spark curiosity and create lasting memories. Adults can participate for part of a day or only a few days if they cannot join for all five days. Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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 [email protected] for more information on the 2024 Young Naturalist Program.
Contact number during the sessions is 218-214-2312
Use the code "MHAS Member" or "Sibling" when you check out.
Call 218-586-3414 or email [email protected] for more information on the 2024 Young Naturalist Program.
Contact number during the sessions is 218-214-2312
ynp sCHOLARSHIP fUND
Every child should have the opportunity to participate in our Young Naturalist Program, but for some it is beyond their family's means. Please consider making a donation to our YNP Scholarship Fund. All contributions go directly to YNP campers. It may be the 'best investment' you ever make!