North Dakota is a state that has a truly beautiful summer climate. Ranging in temperatures between 60-75, the weather is never too hot to be outside and enjoy the great outdoors. For children, going outside and exploring nature is one of the most rewarding experiences when school is out for summer. With the climate and outdoor natural beauty, North Dakota has a ton to offer kids looking to attend summer camp. Parents can enroll their children in both day camp sessions and overnight camp sessions throughout the state of North Dakota, all summer long.
1. Red Willow Bible Camp
Red Willow Bible Camp is a faith-based summer program for children who want to get outdoors while also connecting more with their religion. This summer program offers both day programming and overnight programming, for campers and even family sessions, too. Camp groups are established based on age.
The Seekers program is for campers entering K-6th grade and runs in daily camp sessions from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. The overnight/residential camp program is for campers in grades 2-12. Campers groups are age-based. These overnight sessions have many traditional camp activities intertwined with religious practices. Red Willow also offers family camp sessions, as well as a special needs camp for adults.
2. Triangle Y Camp
The Triangle Y Camp is a Christian-based youth program that enriches children through the outdoors, adventures, and faith. They offer an array of programs for people of all ages. They have a mini-camp for younger campers who want to have the “camp experience” but are not fully ready to leave home. This session runs for 3 days. They also have a full resident camp which is an overnight/sleepaway camp program. In addition, they have specialty camps such as climbing, explorer, STEM, horsemanship, and outdoor education. The Triangle Y Camp also offers a woman's wellness camp, as well as a family camp.
The camp activities are much like traditional camp activities with arts and crafts, sailing, kayaking, swimming, sports, and more. Each camp program has age requirements and restrictions, with some offered to younger campers, and others to older campers. Prices vary based on the program.
3. Elk's Camp Grassick
Elk's Camp Gassick is a camp that is specifically catered to campers with physical and intellectual disabilities. The camp is open to both adults and children. The camp is residential and overnight for campers and runs in three different sessions: a 3-week, a 2-week, and a 1-week session. Each session is catered to the needs of the camper, providing both recreational activities and learning opportunities.
The camp is a unique learning experience for campers, as they provide speech, reading, and occupational therapy. In addition, the camp has skill-building activities and specialists who help both children and adults grow and prosper. The staff works with camper's specific IEPs and goals from their own schools so that they can help build on them and assist them along the way.
4. International Music Camp
The International Music Camp Summer School of Fine Arts is an art-specific camp for children who are interested in one of the arts. The camp is located at the International Peace Garden, 15 miles north of Dunseith, North Dakota. The camp offers several programs for different niche groups, such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, and creative arts. Each program is broken down further for specific types, such as band, choir, types of dance, acting, performing, creative writing, and more.
Each session runs weekly and is fully residential. All campers are provided housing and all meals while at camp. In addition, each day is dedicated to different skill-building and lessons. The different sessions also have different age group requirements for registration. Each weekly session costs $600, but there are add-ons that are optional for private lessons and supplies.
5. Breakthrough Basketball Camps
Breakthrough Basketball runs camps throughout the United States for campers who are into basketball, both playing and coaching. The camps have different sessions for different basketball skills and tips. Aside from teaching skills, they teach teamwork and sportsmanship through all camp sessions and workshops. The camps typically run 3-5 day sessions during the week, Monday-Friday. From March until August, Breakthrough Basketball is offering camp sessions in essential skills, shooting and ball handling, and offensive skills.
6. North Dakota State University Camps
North Dakota State University offers 4-H Camp Programs that serve as both a fun, recreational experience for kids and also an educational experience, as well. The programs help children develop independence and personal development skills. The camp is located on 80 acres of property in Washburn. The residential camp has a ton of amenities for campers.
There are several different camp programs offered through 4-H. Many of the camp programs specialize in the outdoors, nature, and animals. 4-H has a livestock camp, adventure camp, fish camp, clover camp, and wildlife camp. They also offer a top-notch chef camp. In addition, campers have many different options for activities weaved into their day. There are walking trails, archery, mud pits, campfires, waterslides, and even a camp dance. The camp cost depends on time and sessions, in addition, they offer scholarships.
7. North Dakota Farmer's Union Camp
The North Dakota Farmer's Union has camps that are provided to children of Farmers Union members. Camp is offered in Elgin and Jamestown, ND. There are several programs that are catered to the outdoors and nature. The camp offers both a junior and senior camp for campers, with the junior camp being 4 days and 3 nights and the senior camp being 5 days and 4 nights. The camp offers water games, sports, campfires, a talent show, projects, crafts, and themed days. The junior camp is $159, while the senior camp is $199.
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