- Campuses :
- Twin Cities
- Crookston
- Duluth
- Morris
- Rochester
- Other Locations
University of Minnesota Summer Youth Programs are still being confirmed for 2010. Check back in January to review the new schedule!
Summer camps will be open for online registration on Friday, February 5, 2010. For more information about how to register, view the Registration page.
University of Minnesota Summer Youth Programs offer unique fun, enrichment, and activity in a variety of settings for ages 5-15. From the court to the pool, from historic libraries to local parks, no two days are alike. Discover the best that the University and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Kids’ University offers discovery in common University studies such as agriculture, ecology, language, math, and sciences presented through fun, hands-on activities.
Take aim at a lifetime activity with a bow or a rod and reel, reach new heights with a pair of rock-climbing shoes, challenge your time and distance, and more at a Minnesota Sport Schools camp. Sports instruction is available in a wide variety of traditional, adventure, and aquatic activities.
Discovering 'U' is a group of exciting creative programs that allows youth opportunities to explore more about themselves and the world through artistic endeavors.
Gopher Adventures could be the event of the summer! This camp combines recreational activities, top-quality leadership, and state-of-the-art facilities all summer long. This program is known for providing fun and active days filled with exploring the unique features of the campus and beyond.
All day camps take place Monday-Friday, which allows families flexibility to choose which weeks they would like to attend, allowing time for vacations and other activities. Join for one week, or the entire summer. We open at 7:30am for drop-off and 5:30pm for pick-up. Small group and class sizes provide exceptional attention and care, with a ratio of one staff to every six children.
The people who work for University Youth Programs are our biggest asset. Their special interest in today’s youth and their enthusiasm for activity and education make all programs a fun experience. University students and other adults from the community work as group leaders, program coordinators and office staff. All staff are CPR and Standard First Aid certified, have participated in extensive orientation and training programs, and have passed both a background check and vehicle driving record verification.
Classes are designed to give our campers a “taste” of the subject matter and are not intended to be a supplement for the school year. Instructors incorporate engaging, hands on activities in a structured and fun environment. Instruction for all classes takes place for two and a half hours each day; the remainder of the day is spent in recreation activities such as climbing wall, swimming, indoor/outdoor games, crafts, etc. Each program utilizes the University’s outstanding recreation, sport, and academic facilities.
Classes are taught by instructors knowledgeable in their fields and having a true desire to ignite the interest of their campers. Instructional camps are led by exceptional teachers and accomplished athletes affiliated with the University or community specialists who bring expertise and enthusiasm to every activity. All group leaders attend classes with the campers to assist and support the instructors which allows for individualized instruction and attention.
Gopher Adventures
This is a recreation-based program. No formal instruction takes place as part of the usual Gopher Adventure day. Below is a typical day for a Gopher Adventures camper. Keep in mind that schedules and times may vary by ages and other weekly activities.
Minnesota Sport Schools, Discovering ‘U’, Kids’ University
Our selections of instructional classes make University Youth Programs one of the most unique programs in the Twin Cities. These classes follow a similar structure as Gopher Adventures, except from either 9:00am-Noon or 1:00-4:00pm, activities will also include travel and instruction, arts and crafts, swimming, climbing and recreation, and other games.
All programs are based at the St. Paul Gymnasium (1536 N. Cleveland Avenue) and use both on and off-campus sites to meet specific program needs.
The majority of Summer Youth Program activities take place outdoors. Because we cannot depend upon nature to be completely cooperative, alternative programming may be necessary when weather conditions become unsafe or uncomfortable.
All registrants must complete the registration agreement and medical information either on the registration form or online. Parents must also sign to accept the Program Policies used to run the camps. Completed, signed forms are required before youth will be allowed to participate!
Additional waivers may be required for classes taught by contracted outside vendors. Without the completed and signed vendor waivers for these classes, participation will not be permitted. Waiver needs are indicated in the class descriptions. For a list of classes that require waivers prior to participation, visit the Additional Waivers page.
Indicate any requests for friend or sibling pairing on the registration form. Youth Programs will make every effort to accommodate requests, provided students are in the same age group. Please keep in mind that with small group sizes it is very difficult to accommodate requests for multiple friends together. Requests made 7 days or less prior to the start of the activity also may not be accommodated.
Enrollment space in all of our programs is limited to a maximum of 13. This allows for a low child-to-instructor/group leader ratio and high quality experiences.
Regardless of the number of sessions he or she attends, each camper will receive one Youth Program T-shirt per summer.
Staff will make every effort to maintain a safe and enjoyable program for all. Participants are expected to follow basic rules of safety and respect, similar to a school setting. Parents will be informed of discipline details in the Parent Handbook and are expected to support the policies and procedures of the program and staff. Behaviors or incidents of an ongoing, serious and/or threatening nature may be cause for removal from the program without refund or credit.
Carole McNaughton-Commers joined the Department of Recreational Sports’ Youth & Community Programs in October, 2008. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She is licensed as a Community Education Director in Minnesota. Carole has spent her career serving youth and adults in the community, meeting needs for enrichment, recreation and involvement for all ages. She has extensive experience managing multiple, large programs including youth enrichment and recreation, aquatics, school age care and more. Her experience working in the public schools and partnering with a wide range of community organizations will help the Youth Programs continue to grow and flourish. Please share your ideas and feedback with Carole by email at mcnau037@umn.edu or by calling 612-625-2242.
Here are a few of the trips included with Gopher Adventures this summer.
Back by popular demand! Aboard the Minnesota Centennial Showboat, students will take on these amazing adventures without ever leaving the dock in our Excursions in Theatre workshops. This summer we will explore the storytelling process with the cast of "Is There a Doctor in the House?". This workshop is for students who love adventure. This interactive experience gives students an opportunity to be entertained and to entertain at a comfortable level. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be a story to remember!
Discover the amazing facts and observe the habitat dioramas that showcase our prairies, forests, lakes, and more. Get up close to the extensive collection of live animals, bones, skins, rocks, fossils and trees in the Touch and Feel Room. Personalized assistance from the expert interpreters will make this an exciting adventure for all.
How do the zookeepers and gardeners keep the animals and plants healthy at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory? Participants will learn about the important roles of zoos and conservatories, get a behind-the-scenes tour, observe animal training and prepare animal enrichments which are critical to their environment. It will be "zooper" fun! (note: this trip is only available to the Graduate group)
Established in 1974, the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine specializes in the medical care, rehabilitation, conservation, and study of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. In addition to treating more than 800 birds a year, they provide training in raptor medicine and surgery for veterinarians from around the world, reach more than 250,000 people each year through public education programs and events, and identify emerging issues related to raptor health and populations. The essence of their mission is to strengthen the bond between humans and birds, to improve the quality of life for both, and to contribute to the preservation of the natural world.
The Equine Center represents the U’s dedication to an expanded and comprehensive equine program. These programs include: undergraduate equine education, continued devotion to educating the next generation of equine veterinarians; a focus on equine research that will change the lives of horses worldwide, all while providing cutting edge, compassionate care for horses. Now horses will benefit from some of the best in equine care, research, and veterinary education found anywhere in the world.
Housed in a striking stainless steel and brick building designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Weisman Art Museum offers an educational and friendly museum experience for all who visit. The museum's collection features early 20th century American artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Marsden Hartley, as well as a diverse selection of contemporary art. A teaching museum for the University of Minnesota and the community, the Weisman provides a fresh, engaging arts experience through an array of programs and a changing schedule of exhibitions.
Visit the electrical engineering department and learn about electricity with Dr. Bethany Stadler. Hang out in the bug museum or prowl through the hidden areas of the sports arenas. The University of Minnesota and surrounding areas have a wealth of kid friendly places to explore and enjoy. You’ll also go to the zoo, plus learn about our state’s rich history at some of our destinations. These and many more fun and exciting field trips await you at University Youth Programs!
The St. Paul Gym is located at 1536 N. Cleveland Avenue (two blocks south of Larpenteur Avenue). Look for colorful flags and Summer Programs banner.
Drop Off
Campers can be dropped off between 7:30–8:30am for all programs. The drop-off and pick-up location is on north end of the St. Paul Gym. Parents please understand that this is a contract lot, with all spaces paid for and used by University employees. Please use the metered spots on the north end of the lot for parking which are not enforced during drop-off or pick-up times.
There are typically over 280 people arriving between 7:30 and 8:30am, so please show patience. Lines are organized by campers’ last names. Due to the number of newcomers each week, we ask that parents stay with their children on Monday each week until check-in is complete. After check in, children will be directed to the gym or other areas of the building for supervised activities until the morning announcements and start of the day (approximately 8:45am).
Pick Up
Campers can be picked up between 4:00–5:30pm for all programs. This occurs at the same location as where campers are dropped off.
General Information
Registration
Scholarships
Additional Waivers
Partners
Comments
Kids' University
MN Sport Schools
Discovering 'U'
Gopher Adventures
(612) 624-1423
(612) 625-2242
University Youth Programs
104 St. Paul Gym,
1536 N. Cleveland Avenue,
St. Paul, MN 55108
Click on the cover below to view the 2009 Summer Programs Guide. (2.17MB PDF)
Click on the link below to view our summer camp schedule at a glance.
Sample 2009 Summer Camp Schedule (61KB PDF)
Click on the parent handbook for important information about our summer camps.
(198KB PDF)
