Thank you to all of the families and young Naturalists who came to Spearhead this summer. The Audubon Education Committee is grateful for your support of the Young Naturalist Program and the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. We invite you to visit the Neilson Spearhead Center throughout the year, to hike the trails and witness the changing seasons. Information on the 2024 Spearhead Young Naturalist Program will be announced in March 2024 by email to current families, on our Facebook page and in the Audubon chapter newsletter The Source. If you're not an Audubon member, please consider joining. Go to the Home page listed above and click on the Membership button. 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 ynp@spearheadmhas.org |
2023 Registration is open!
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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