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The 2024 Young Naturalist Program was a huge success! Naturalists Taylor Miller and Jared Winge led a total of 96 kids on grand adventures at the Neilson Spearhead Center. The Audubon Education Committee is beginning to plan the 2025 sessions. Registration will open in March 2025.
Registration will be announced by email to the 2024 families, on our Facebook page and in the Audubon chapter newsletter The Source. If you're not an Audubon member, please consider joining now. 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] |
Looking Forward to YNP 2025? We are too! As soon as we have everything ready we will announce the date for registration here. You will be able to sign up for YNP two ways: online, or by downloading and mailing in a registration form.
Check back for updated information... ynp sCHOLARSHIP fUNDEvery 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!
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last summer's PROGRAM SCHEDULE (2024)
Grades 8-12 Conservation Crew |
Session 1, June 17 - 21
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!
Grade 6-8 Pines, Lakes & Rivers |
Session 2, June 24-28
Session 5, July 22-26
Session 5, July 22-26
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 27 or July 25 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 15-19
Session 7, Aug 5-9
Session 7, Aug 5-9
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, & Tails |
Session 3, July 8-12
Session 6, July 29 - Aug 2
Session 6, July 29 - Aug 2
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 12-16
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 or guardians 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 [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