This program is designed to assist organizations in providing youth with an overnight camping experience.

How the Program Works

Participating organizations will bring their youth to a state park for a camping skills overnight workshop. During their visit, trained instructors from the I Can Camp! program will provide camping skills instruction and camping equipment for participants to use during the workshop. Don’t worry if group chaperones do not know how to camp, the instructors are very knowledgeable. Everyone will learn!

The instructors will also lead several interpretive activities and games throughout the day. The participating organizations staff will be solely responsible for all participants throughout the duration of their visit to the state park, including safety and all behavioral and medical issues. The four trained I Can Camp! instructors are there only to provide equipment and camping skills instruction. 

Where and When?

The workshop takes place 10 AM Thursday to 10 AM Friday (approximately 24hrs). Program accommodations can be made at your request at any of the following State Parks and Recreation Areas within one hour of the Twin Cities: Fort Snelling, Afton, William O’Brien, Interstate, Wild River, and Minnesota Valley. 

Youth Group

REQUIREMENTS:

-  Maximum 30 youth

-  Middle school to young high school aged youth (Minimum age 10 years old)

-  Minimum of a 1:10 chaperone to child ratio

-  Chaperones must be at least 18 years old

-  In mixed gender groups, staff composition must include a minimum of one male and one female.

-  Groups must provide their own transportation to and from the state park.

-  Collaborating organizations must have their own staff accompany youth throughout the entire workshop (day and night).

-  Staff will conduct themselves professionally and will wear attire or nametags as specified by the organization to identify them to the public and participants as staff.

-  Groups/Participants are responsible for all personal items (including sleeping bags) and meals (cookware provided).

-  A list of required/recommended items and a food shopping list will be provided in the welcoming packet. 

For more information and cost contacted Kelsey Depew at (651) 259-5703 or  kelsey.depew@state.mn.us (preferred)