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Cultural Camps

The Star Tribune has an online guide.

Search For Camps
The following are links to web pages where you can search for camps and associated information:

www.ymca.net   helps find "Y" camps.
www.girlscouts.org   locates Girl Scout camps
www.campfire.org/go_to_camp/   has a search engine for Campfire Boys and Girls
www.acacamps.org   lists many camps posted by the American Camp Association
www.summercamp.org   helps select a camp listed by the National Camp Association
www.bunk1.com   is a search engine for finding camps

ArtStart
ArtStart presents Lessons from Africa: From the Ashanti to the Serengeti. ArtStart offers children in grades 1-6 the opportunity to spend one or two weeks immersed in the arts. ArtStart's unique approach focuses on the human connection between art, society and the natural environment. Artists connect individual class sessions to the overall theme of the workshop - the cultures and ecosystems of West and East Africa. A companion program, A Start with the Arts is also offered for preschool children age's 3-5 years at the same site. Call for more information or a brochure.

Who Ages 4 - 12 years
When Summer 2008 - Camp dates vary
2008 Theme is "Mississippi River Rendezvous"
Cost Prices from $135-$225 -  extended care available for $7/day
Contact ArtStart
1459 St. Claire Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-698-ARTS (2787)
FAX: 651.698.4677
EMail: info@artstart.org

Bakken Museum Summer Science Day Camps
Bakken is an independent, nonprofit educational institution offering camps to explore the electrifying world of science for youth entering grades second through ninth. Campers will learn the four steps in the Bakken invention process-think it, build it, improve it and show it-and become inventors as they work in the Museum Workshop to creatively solve problems and build their own take-home inventions using lights, drills, switches, circuits, batteries, buzzers, motors and more. Campers will also investigate the history of science through creative dramatics, get charged up during group games and building challenges, learn science-based magic tricks, explore the Museum and medicinal garden, enjoy fun in the sun and make new friends.

Who Youth entering grades 2 through 9; call for information on camps designed for various age groups
When June 23 - August 22, 2008
Where The Bakken Library and Museum
Cost $150 - $275; scholarships are available for those who qualify.  Members & Girl Scouts receive 10% off.
Contact The Bakken Library and Museum
3537 Zenith Avenue South,
Minneapolis, MN 55416
612.926.3878
www.thebakken.org

Camp Artzi
Interdisciplinary, coed, performing arts camp with an integrated Jewish focus.

Who Kindergarten through grade 4
When June 16 - July 3, July 7- 25, July 28 - August 8
Cost $385 - $575/Session    Financial Aid Available
Contact alyssa golob agolob@stpauljcc.org
St. Paul Jewish Community Center
1375 St. Paul Ave
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-698-0751 http://www.stpauljcc.org/
www.campbutwin.org/

Camp Butwin
Teaching on Jewish and Israeli culture, music, theater, athletics, horseback riding, swimming and outdoor adventure.

Who Kindergarten through grade 6
When June 16 - July 3, July 7- 25, July 28 - August 8
Cost $400 - $720/Session    Financial Aid Available
Contact alyssa golob agolob@stpauljcc.org
St. Paul Jewish Community Center
1375 St. Paul Ave
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-698-0751 http://www.stpauljcc.org/
www.campbutwin.org/

Camp Centerland
Music, art, nature, field trips, computer classes and teachings of the Jewish faith. Jewish Community Center membership required.

Who Ages 3 to 5.
When June 16 - July 3, 2008
July 7 - 25, 2008
July 28 - August 8, 2008
August 11 - 27, 2008
Cost $164 - $242
Contact St. Paul Jewish Community Center
1375 St. Paul Ave
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-698-0751 http://www.stpauljcc.org/
Tracy Agranoff 651-255-4761
Email: tagranoff@stpauljcc.org

Camp Choson
Camp Choson is an annual, week-long, Korean culture camp serving Minnesota and Wisconsin, specifically designed for adopted Korean-American children, their families and friends. Resident Camp has a multitude of fun activities for the week include team building tasks, learning how to design a personal portfolio, all camp Olympics, Orienteering, Obstacle courses, teen games, team survival skills, Korean cooking classes, rock climbing, film making, self defense, movies, social time, a dance party, personal journal time, and lots of social interaction. Social interactions, culture classes and group physical activities build self-esteem and promote a sense of belonging...to family, to friends, to humanity.

Who Grades Kindergarten - 12
When July 1-6 for Resident Camp (Grades 7-12) and July 2-6 for Day Camp (Grades K-6)
Where Camp Rolling Ridges -- Hudson, Wisconsin
Cost $200-$370
Contact
info@campchoson.org
www.campchoson.org

Camp Ihduhapi
For over 70 years Camp Ihduhapi has been offering boys and girls the opportunity to experience the magic of camping. Ihduhapi is located just 22 miles west of Minneapolis in Loretto, Minnesota. Camp Ihduhapi is the perfect camp for the beginning camper to experience the fun and excitement of overnight camp while offering the returning campers their favorite activities, renewed friendships, and a place they can call their own.

Who Ages 6 - 18
When Summer 2008
Where Locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area
Contact

Camp Ihduhapi
Box 37
Loretto, MN 55357
Fax (763) 479-1333
http://www.campihduhapi.org/
For information on day camps click here
For information on overnight camps click here
For financial assistance forms click here

Camp Moon-Hwa: A Korean Culture Experience
Described: as a "Korean culture camp held yearly in Rochester, Minnesota for Korean adoptees or anyone else interested in Korean culture and heritage.

Who Pre-K - 9th grade
When June 23 - 28, 2008
Cost $100 - $130
Contact Deb Resman
SMCES Camp Moon-Hwa 
815-9th Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507-281-5838
www.campmoonhwa.com


Camp Masala
Camp Masala Indian Culture Camp is a weekend camp for children of Indian heritage and their families. Our goal is to facilitate our children’s education about Indian culture in a fun environment. Your children will be surrounded by other children who look like them and other families who are built like theirs. The experience of being ‘in the majority’ is invaluable. We look forward to meeting your family and getting our beautiful Indian children together to celebrate their heritage!

This year at Camp Masala we will take a virtual tour of the Northwest states of India: Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Who India culture camp for preschool - grade 12
When Camp Masala 2008
Friday June 13 - Sunday June 15, 2008
Where University of St Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue
St Paul, MN 55105
Cost Varies
Contact www.campmasala.org
info@campmasala.org
CAMP MASALA
c/o ICAN
PO BOX 94
HAMEL MN 55340-0094

Camp Namaste!  (Formerly: Parents of Indian Children)
The theme of the 2007 Camp Namaste is "Animals from India." The camp is co-hosted by Parents of Indian Children (PIC), the India Association of Minnesota (IAM) and the Twin Cities East Indian Community. The camp offers workshops in dance, theater, mask-making, yoga, jungle animal exploration, Indian Super Heroes, parent workshops, cooking demonstrations and much more.

Who East India culture camp for preschool through high school age
When August 14 -16, 2008
Where Macalaster-Plymouth United Church and Como Park Lake Pavilion in St. Paul
Cost Varies
Contact Alice Ottavi
YWIC (Youth With Indian Connections) Coordinator
763-522-3049
Email: Alice@campnamaste.org
www.campnamaste.org

Camp Olami
Camp Olami provides a Jewish camping experience by developing strong, positive identities.

Who Grades K - 8
When Varies, throughout the summer
Where Ackerberg Family Campsite,
Cost Costs varies by program
Contact summer@sabesjcc.org
952-381-3421
www.sabesjcc.org

Camp Sunrise
Ten one-week sessions teaching self-respect, multicultural values and an appreciation for the environment at a camp operated by YouthCARE, 60 miles north of the Twin Cities on the St. Croix River near Rush City, Minnesota.

Who Ages 13 - 18 who live in Minneapolis or St. Paul
Where Rush City, MN (Transportation Provided)
When Varies, throughout the summer
Cost Free
Contact Sarah Nurnberger
YouthCARE
Wyman Building
400 1st Avenue N, Suite 240
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-338-1233
Fax: 612-328-6904
www.youthcaremn.org

Catalyst Foundation Viet Nam Culture Camp

Who Children adopted from Viet Nam
Where July 10 -13, 2008 at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Contact Caroline Ticarro-Parkerat, 507-664-9558
www.catalystfoundation.org

Chinese Language and Culture Day Camp
Campers learn about Chinese landmarks as well as Chinese language, drama, songs, music and art. Outdoor exercise and games also included. Camp is located at Macalester College in St. Paul.

The theme for 2007 is Ancient China: Its Dynasties and Ancient Capitals.

Who Ages 6-13
When July 23 -27, 2007
Where Macalester College
St. Paul, MN
Cost $160 -- Tuition  $30 -- Aftercare
Contact Minnesota China Academy
Jian Wu, 651-442-9517
www.minhua.com/mca 

Concordia Language Villages
Language and cultural immersion programs in Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish held at sites throughout Minnesota.

Who Youth ages 7 to 18 ; Families; Adults
When Youth: June - August; Families and Adults: Year-Round
Where Bemidji and throughout Minnesota
Contact Concordia Language Villages
901 S. 8th St.
Moorhead, MN 56560
1-218-299-4544 or 1-800-222-4750
www.concordialanguagevillages.org

Czech and Slovak Culture Day Camp
Folk art, dancing, language lessons and games, cooking, and arts and crafts.

Who Boys and girls ages 7 - 14
When June 12 & 13 and 16, 17, 18th 2008
Cost $85 for children or grandchildren of Sokol MN members, for the week
$115 for non-Sokol members
Contact Czeck and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
383 Michigan Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-452-6240
eMail: louisewessinger@msn.com

Farm in the City Summer Youth Program – Harvesting the Imagination

Farm in the City Summer Camp is a garden-based summer youth program for children, ages 7-12. This arts-intensive program is an in-depth, experiential, cross-continental tour of cooking, culture, and art! Each week, a guest artist and chef from different parts of the planet (think Africa, Asia, South America, India) will lead campers as we create art and cook food according to the traditions of that culture -- and lead the campers in a community art project. In addition, campers spend a lot of time in the garden, planting, weeding, caring and harvesting. Campers create art in studios (ceramics, photography, sewing, weaving, painting).
 

Who Ages 7 - 12
When Six week session beginning June 16 - June 25th, 2008, following by two week photography or culinary camp
Where Dunning Recreation Center
1221 Marshall Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
Cost Contact for cost
Contact 275 N Syndicate Street
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-641-8831
info@farminthecity.org 
www.farminthecity.org

Global Language Institute English Summer Camps
English as a Second Language with experiential and recreational cultural and educational activities designed to enhance understanding of American life and customs. Full and part-time day options available.

Who Ages 12 - 17 for whom English is a second language
Cost Varies
When July 14 - August 8, 2008
Contact Global Language Institute, College of St. Scholastica
340 Cedar Street, Suite 25
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-209-3525
info@gli.org

Hmong Culture and Language Program
Hmong conversational language skills, arts, gardening and cooking. Sponsored by Concordia University, the City of St. Paul, Arts-Us and Farm in the City.

Who Grades 3 - 7
When July 30 – August 10, 2008 
Cost $20/child or $60/family; scholarships available.
Contact Contact Sally Baas @ baas@csp.edu
Concordia University
275 N Syndicate Street
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-603-6188
www.csp.edu/HmongCultureLanguage/

International Kids Camp
Explore different languages and cultures at International Kids Camp at weekly camps sponsored by the International School of Minnesota. Located on 55 wooded acres adjacent to Bryant Lake, International Kids camp offer opportunities for language and culture classes, swimming, hiking, sports, cooking, crafts and more.

Who Ages 3-1/2 to Grade 6
When June 23– August 15 2008, full or half day options available
Cost Varies
Contact Call 952-918-1800 
email: kidscamp@ism-sabis.net

Kamp Kessa
A therapeutic horse and wilderness camp in Shelby County, Kentucky. They have had a group from Minnesota in the past and would like to continue to have a group from Minnesota. Kamp Kessa works extremely well with youth with learning difficulties, speech and language challenges, youth who are deaf or hard of hearing, who are experiencing school, family or community difficulties, youth recovering from loss, etc. At the Kamp Kessa week- long intensive challenge learning camps, horses and the wilderness have been combined with a nationally acclaimed approach to teaching social skills. This combination creates opportunities for youth to increase their self esteem by learning new skills while having fun. One of the camp’s fundamental goals is to help youth develop, maintain, and enhance positive virtues.

Who Youth who are avid horse lovers of any skill level, youth with learning differences, speech or language challenges, deaf or hard of hearing, experiencing social difficulties, recovering from loss, interested in helping themselves and others by working towards mentoring status.
When Contact for summer dates in 2008
Where Kamp Kessa is located in Kentucky 8 miles off interstate 64 between Shelbyville (the Saddlebred capital of the world) and Lexington (the Thoroughbred Capital of the World).
Cost $700/per week; Sliding scale
Contact www.kampkessa.org
758 Beechridge Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: kampkessa@kampkessa.org;
kampkessa@hughes.net;
anthonyhoward@hughes.net;
thecla@hughes.net;
pmoers@hughes.net

Kamp Kimchee
For 26 years, this day camp in Brainerd for Korean adoptees featuring instruction in Korean culture, language, music, dance, Tae Kwon Do and self esteem.

Who 4-year-olds though 12th grade youth; for 1st and 2nd generation Korean adoptees and their families
Where Baxter Elementary School in Brainerd/Baxter, Minnesota
When July 7– July 11, 2008
Contact www.kampkimchee.org
e-mail: info@kampkimchee.org

Korean Culture Camp
Classes in Korean art, music, language, dance and Tae Kwon Do at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. Campers include adoptees and their siblings, children of former adoptees, first-generation Korean Americans and their children, and anyone interested in learning more about the Korean culture. The camp is open to all.

Who Grades Pre-K - 6
Where Minnehaha Academy North Campus
3100 West River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55406
When July 28 - August 1, 2008
Cost $150 per camper with $10 late fee after March 1, 2007
Contact Lisa Bentley: 952-891-4524
www.kccmn.org

La Semana
A week-long day camp for children adopted from Latin American countries that is sponsored by Parent of Latin American Children (PLAC).  This non-profit, volunteer-managed camp gives children and teens a place to be with kids that "look like me," share experiences and develop pride in their birth country heritage.  Arts and crafts, music, dance, language, cooking, life (adoption and multicultural) are combined with a fiesta, market day and service projects.  Camp is for children and youth, elementary through high school.

Who Elementary school age through high school
When July 28 - August 1, 2008
Where All Saints Catholic Church
19795 Holyoke Avenue
Lakeville, MN
Cost Fees vary by age group
Contact Email: registrar@lasemana.org
952-469-4481
FAX: 952-469-5752
www.lasemana.org /td>

Lake Calhoun Parent/Child Sailing School
This class provides an opportunity for young, first-time sailors (ages 4-6) to experience sailing along with their parent. No prior knowledge is necessary for parents, as they learn how to sail with their child in an Optimist. Students are taught basic concepts of boat rigging and boat handling. There’s fun on shore too, with games, stories, songs and other activities.

Who Young, first-time sailors (ages 4-6)
When varies, contact the school
Where Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis
Cost $95
Contact www.lakecalhoun.org/lcss/index.html
---->

Laughing Waters Art Studio
Offers classes in Chinese painting for parent and child to explore a variety of different art media (drawing, painting, pastels, charcoal, and more), walks by the creek and to Minnehaha Falls, and visits to Bob’s garden (sharpening skills of observation and inspiration). Students will create a visual journal. This is an opportunity for a parent and child to explore together the traditions of Chinese landscape painting.

Who Ages 8 - 14
When Three week session, 2 days weekly 9:30 am – noon: July 29 - August 14, 2008
Contact Robert W. Schmitt at Laughing Waters Art Studio
3718 Minnehaha Parkway East
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-333-1881
www.laughingwatersstudio.com

Minneapolis College of Art Design (MCAD) Summer Youth Program
Every summer, young artists and designers are invited to participate in MCAD Summer Youth Programs and experience first-hand the fun, creative and challenging world of a top-notch art and design school. MCAD Summer Youth Programs provide an authentic studio experience with teachers who are professional artists, and participants gain access to the same world-class facilities used by our degree-seeking students.

Who Ages 5 -18 (classes separated by ages: 5-7, 8-12, 12-14 and 15-18. Also classes for 8-12 in conjunction with the Children’s Theatre Company called Art In Motion.) For teens 16-18 looking for an introduction to life at an art school, there are the Summer Expressions Sessions two-week programs in which students live on campus and get deeply immersed in various visual disciplines. There is also a one-week, non-residential option called SES Express.
When Dates and costs vary, according to age group and class
Contact MCAD Continuing Studies Office
Room M105, Morrison Building
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 874-3765
E-mail: continuing_studies@mcad.edu

Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) Summer Youth Program
Programs focus on works of art in the permanent collection and special exhibitions, giving youth a broad cultural view of the history of art. Studio activities are designed to develop basic art skills and to offer individualized instruction for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Tuition varies and includes materials.

Classes include Fashion Studio where students sketch clothing designs (ages 9 -11, 12-14 or14-16), Art Camps (full and half day for ages 5-7 or 7-9), Drawing and Painting Studio, (ages 9-16).

Who Young artists interested in studying line, color, shape and composition.
When Dates vary by class and by age group.
Where Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Youth Programs
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Call:612-870-3131 or 1-888-MIA-ARTS

Minneapolis Kids
Offers computers, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, science, sports and field trips. Programs are located in various schools in Minneapolis.

Who Grades 1 - 7
When June 17 - Aug 22, 2007 - 6:30 am to 6 pm
Cost $35.50/day
Contact 1006 W Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-668-3890
www.mpls.k12.mn.us and Click on Minneapolis Kids ChildCare

Playworks Summer Camp
Arts and crafts, science, computers, drama and community service projects. Field trips include beaches, pools, historical sites and amusement centers.

Who Grades 1 – 6, Separated by grade level (1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 5th and 6th graders)
When June 9 - August 29,  2008
Cost Varies
Contact 2200 Trail of Dreams N.W.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952.445.PLAY
www.playworksfun.com

Rainbow Families Summer Camp
The 8th annual family camp weekends offer two camp sessions with an opportunity to relax and play with other Rainbow Families at the beautiful Pilgrim Point Camp.

  • Lodging available in the main lodge or private cottages
  • Meals provided family style
  • Playground directly outside dining hall
  • Activities planned by volunteer hosts
  • Bonfire and songs
Who All Rainbow family members
When Camp session I: July 13/14, 2008
Camp session II: August 8 - 10, 2008
Features special programming for young children
Where Pilgrim Point Camp
Alexandria, MN
Cost Varied
Contact (Registration starts at April 21 Rainbow Families conference)
612-827-7731
www.rainbowfamilies.org

St. David’s Child Development & Family Services Summer Clubs
Mini-soccer camp, obstacle courses, games, field trips and cooking projects.

Who Ages Ages 11 -18
When June 9 - July 11 and July 14 - August 26, 2008
Cost Varies
Contact St. David's Child Development & Family Services
3395 Plymouth Road
Minnetonka, MN 55305
952-939-0396   FAX: 952-939-9266

 

Vietnam Culutre Camp 
The Vietnam Culture Camp has two purposes: to enhance self-esteem for children adopted from Vietnam and to establish an appreciation of Vietnamese heritage and culture through interaction. Since 2000, we've had over 500 different families from all across the country (and Canada, Ireland, and England) join us at Culture Camp! We hope you can join in on the fun!

Who Ages Ages 3 -18
When July 10-13, 2008
Cost Varies - Please go to Catalyst Foundation website for more information
Contact Catalyst Foundation
3710 St. Olaf Ave. Ste. 100
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-664-9558 Fax: 866-623-1464

YMCA Day Camps
At YMCA Camp every day is an adventure. Youth and teens learn to be honest and care, to respect, to be responsible for themselves and the environment. These are the values that make YMCA camping different and extraordinary. Join us for an adventure — learn something for a lifetime!

Y Day Camp can be experienced at thirteen locations throughout the Twin Cities area. Safe, challenging outdoor activities where kids build character through the four core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, while having fun! A great introduction to camping in a safe environment. Kids are home each night. Special programs and leadership opportunities are available for older youth at some locations. Extended Care and bus transportation are available at most locations. Financial Assistance is available for all YMCA programs.

Who Ages 4 - 16
Where Locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area
Contact For more information about YMCA Day Camps, call:
MINNEAPOLIS, 612-822-CAMP
SAINT PAUL, 612-465-0450
www.ymcatwincities.org/daycamp.htm


YMCA Camp IHDUHAPI
Program: Recreational, coed camping through small group interaction, skills instruction, camp craft, sports, riding, and ropes course. Special camps for kids with asthma and epilepsy serving children from 4th through 8th grade. Open registration regardless of race, creed, origin or handicap. Retreat and conference center with full high adventure/team building course.

Who Ages 8 - 14
When Numerous camps are offered that range from Teen Camp, Arts and Crafts Camp, Sailing Camp, Water Skiing Camp and more.

Dates also vary. Contact YMCA for costs and more information.
Where Lake Independence, Loretto, MN
Contact YMCA
PO Box 37
3425 Ihduhapi Road
Loretto, MN 55357
763-479-1146

Youth Service Bureau Camps
Boys Day Camp -. This is a self-esteem building day camp where boys participate in activities such as: archery, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, building survival shelters, fishing, team challenges, and starting campfires with flint and steel that we cook our lunch over on the last day. Transportation is available from the Youth Service Bureau in Forest Lake. Drop-off and pick-up at camp is available upon request.

Who Boys entering 4th – 6th grades
Where Camp Lakamaga just west of Scandia
When August 25-28, 2008
Contact Call Matt Howard for more information at 651-464-3685 or e-mail: Matt.Howard@ysblakesarea.org
www.ysblakesarea.org/summerfun.html