Youth & Family Camps 

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.

Dates:

- July 28 to Aug. 3, 2013

- Aug. 4-10, 2013

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. Because of increased popularity of the camp in recent years, it's recommended applications be submitted early. The Veterans Camp Ground now boasts new, air conditioned and fully-furnished with flat-screen TVs and wi-fi!

Dates: Aug. 16-23, 2013

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: 2013 dates not yet announced

More Info: Website 

Defending the Blue Line Youth Hockey Camps

Nearly a dozen camps, located throughout the nation, are available for free or at a discount for military youth. The camps are one of many ways Defending the Blue Line ensures that children of Servicemembers are afforded every opportunity to participate in the game of hockey.

Dates: Check website for 2013 dates

More Info: Website - August Camp Flyer  - Registration

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. A $50 campership is offered.

Dates: Several dates in 2013

More Info: Website

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: 2013 dates not yet announced

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: July 14 to 20, 2013

More Info: Website

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. The camp will be held at McGregor Catholic Youth Camp. Camp applications are open through March 4, 2013.

Dates: June 30 to July 5

More Info: Website and flyer

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: None offered in 2013

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: None offered in 2013

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: 2013 dates not yet announced

More Info: Website

YMCA Camp St. Croix

Camp St. Croix is looking for military families with children who would enjoy a week at its summer camp, located just 30 minutes from the Metro Area. The first 100 select applicants will receive 40% off one of the offered overnight camps.

Dates: 2013 dates not yet announced

For questions regarding youth camps, contact Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Child, Youth and School Services.

More camps to be announced as they are confirmed.

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