Youth Camps 

Check out the 2012 Summer Camps Brochure here.

Minnesota National Guard Youth & Teen Camp 

Camps are for children of active and retired Minnesota National Guard Servicemembers. Nieces, nephews, siblings and grandchildren of volunteers may also attend. Activities include archery, hiking, biking, canoeing and camping - all while connecting with other military kids. Exploring a training site at Camp Ripley, seeing various military vehicles and marching in formation help youth better understand the military their parents serve in. Volunteers are needed to staff the seven-day camp. 

Looking forward to 2012! 

Dates:

Week 1 - July 22-28, 2012

Week 2 - July 28 - Aug. 4, 2012

More Info: Website

Newsletter: Sign up to receive updates about camp news and events!

Camp Gratitude

A weeklong, rustic camping experience for military families with children between ages 5-11 who have experienced deployment in the past three years. The 2012 Camp Gratitude event will be held at the Veterans camp Ground on Big Marine Lake. Scheduled events include a 4th of July parade and BBQ, fishing, boating, Minnesota Twins game, fireworks and a date night for the veteran and spouse. The only fee, a $100 deposit to reserve the cabin, is refundable at the end of camp. 

Dates: June 29 - July 6, 2012

More Info: Website 

Camp Onomia

Extended weekend is a gift to families who have a parent serving in the armed services for our country. It is a tremendous opportunity for support and family fun on a weekend which celebrates our national heritage. Combined with prayer and worship in the Christian community that Onomia provides, this is a weekend you will come back for year after year. No cost for this weekend, donations accepted as you are able.

Dates: July 1-4, 2012

More Info: Website 

Laketrails Base Camp

A wilderness youth camp located on beautiful Oak Island in Lake of the Woods. As part of a nine-day session, teens who come to Laketrails enjoy a five-to-six day canoe trip through the wilderness and waters of Ontario, Canada. Upon returning from the canoeing adventure, a fun-filled day is spent at Base Camp before returning home on the Laketrails bus.

Dates:

• June 30 - July 8, 2012
• July 10-18, 2012
• July 29 - Aug. 6, 2012
• Aug. 7-15, 2012

More Info: Flyer

See photos of the Minnesota Military Teen Panel's Laketrails adventure, 2011, here.

Military Teen Adventure Camp

Nearly 1,600 military teens (14-18 years old) will have an opportunity to participate at little-to-no-cost. These high-energy, -adventure and -experience camps are planned across the United States from Alaska to Maine. Each camp offers a unique outdoor experience that will allow a teen to builc leadership, self-confidence and teamwork skills while participating in many activities.

Dates: Many camps scheduled through March 2013

More Info: Website

Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp

Provides students entering grades 10-12 an opportunity to get hands on, interactive experience with all aspects of the aviation industry, while at the same time allowing them to explore future career possibilities. Youth will fly an airplane and glider, take a flight on a C130, tour pilot training and aircraft maintenance facilities and much more. Scholarships and financial assistance are available, but considered late after May 10, 2012. Late applications for financial assistance will be considered on a space-available basis. Students stay at the Minnesota National Guard Base at the Minneapolis International Airport.

Dates:

June 17-23, 2012

July 15-21, 2012

More Info: Flyer, instructions and scholarship application

Minnesota Elks Youth Camp

The Minnesota Elks Youth Camp is a privately funded recreational camp for girls and boys ages 9-13. Campers experience a fun week of swimming, kayaking, pontooning, fishing, hiking, nature, team building, campfire skits/shows, rock climbing, archery, carnival games, team games and much, much more. The well-trained staff encourages a fun, safe and nurturing environment, as the ratio of staff to campers is about 1 to 5. Over 275 acres of wilderness near 4 lakes, including beautiful Pelican Lake, offers campers many learning opportunities about wildlife and nature. The Elks have provided a free week at camp for youth and an experience of a lifetime for over 55 years.
Dates: 2012 dates not yet announced 

Operation Purple Camp

This is a free camp for youth ages 7-17 offered by the National Military Family Assocation at various sites across the nation and around the world. There are no Minnesota camps, the closest camp offered is in Indiana.

Dates: 2012 camps run from June to August, nationwide

More Info: Website

Operation Military Kids Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp is for youth who have completed grades 4-12 and have a loved one in the military at any stage of the deployment cycle. Youth will participate in fun, hands-on activities through one of four tracks, based on their interests.

Dates: No camps scheduled for 2012

Operation Military Kids Family Camp

A three-day or one-day condensed camp for military families with at least one child in grades K-12. The camp is intended to help families communicate and have fun. This helps the children better understand what their Servicemember is experiencing. Families will participate in challenges, learn new skills and enjoy time together.

Dates: No camps scheduled for 2012

Project New Hope

Weekend retreat for veterans and their families to help them face the challenge of transition from war to civilian life. Choose from four different retreat locations in Minnesota, each nestled among woodlands, lakes, wetlands and wide-open spaces.

Dates: April 20-22, 2012

More Info: Website

For any questions regarding youth camps, please contact Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Youth Programs by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

More camps to be announced as they are confirmed.

Announcements of these camps will be distributed through your Family Readiness Group email chain.

Operation: Military Kids Camp

This camp, located at Voyageur Environmental Center in Mound, Minn., is for youth ages 8-14. The four-night, five-day camp includes canoeing, kayaking, archery, arts and crafts, nature study, waterfront activities and much more. The $15 camp fee can be waived upon request.

Dates: Aug. 12-16, 2012

More Info: Flyer