Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society
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​Spearhead Young Naturalist Program


Welcome new Naturalist leaders Karen LaVine and Samantha White! Play the usual games, hike familiar trails and start new traditions with Karen and Sam.
​
​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. 
See the session descriptions below for number of remaining spaces.
If your contact information changes, please send updates to ynp@spearheadmhas.org

2023 Registration is open!
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You can register two ways:
* Click REGISTER ONLINE ; or
* Click the button below and download an application form. Fill it out and mail it back to us.
2023 YNP Registration Form

​2023 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Grades 8-12
Dan's Crew                     Session 1
                    June 19-23
$25/day, $110/week
Help the Naturalist Instructors prepare the Neilson Spearhead Center for the summer by clearing trails, preparing the canoe landing and swimming beach, readying the lab and other buildings for use, playing adventure games and working on nature survival skills. And of course, canoeing, hiking and orienteering!
14 openings as of June 4


​​Grades 6-8
Pines, Lakes, & Rivers        Session 2
​                                              Session 6

​           June 26-30
           July 31-Aug 4
​$185
Discover the natural wonders of the Neilson Spearhead Center. Explore the lake, creek, wetlands, and woods through stories, games, hikes, and water fun.   An overnight camping experience on June 29 or August 3 might be offered and will be optional. It's a special experience to canoe under the moon and stars and listen to the haunting calls of loons and owls.     
Session 2 has 6 openings as of June 4
Session 6 has  12 openings as of June 4                                                


​Grades 4-6
                         Nature Mystery         

Session 4                              July 17-21
Session 7                              Aug 7-11​
$185
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.   
Session 4 has 2 openings as of June 4
Session 7 has 11 openings as of June 4


​​Grades 2-4
Trees, Tales, & Trails

Session 3             July 10-14    
Session 5             July 24-28             

$185
 
 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.   This week-long day camp is all about experiencing the north woods, lake, bog and streams at the Neilson Spearhead Center.   A fast-paced week full of nature-based fun and games, while learning about native ecosystems.
Session 3 has 3 openings as of June 4   
Session 5 has 9 openings as of June 4


​All Ages
Family Week                             Session 8
            August 14-18
​$185; $90 for adults
 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. Campers under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult.   
1 opening as of June 4         

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 2023 Young Naturalist Program. ​Contact number during the sessions is  218-214-2312

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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