Summer Camps
And there’s always fun stuff to do! Here’s a list of “camps”/dates to keep in mind as well as a number of listings,
that while not “summer camps”, are certainly fun things to do in Rochester this summer.Visit this page frequently, as we’ll post more “camps” as we receive their information. New info will be added to the top of this page so it’s easy to identify it as “new.” In most cases you can find full camp details (price, dates, etc.) by clicking on the link provided.QUARRY HILL SUMMER NATURE CAMP
Quarry Hill Summer Nature Camp (701 Silver Creek Road NE, 328-3950) is a must do summer activity for many Southeast Minnesota youth ages 4 all the way up to teens. During this outdoor day camp, kids will explore and learn about the natural world in the 320 acre park and Nature Center. Quarry Hill camp features small groups, professional staff and a great mix of science learning and fun! Hiking, fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, live animals and more offer kids a hands on experience of the natural world. Off-site and full day opportunities are offered for older campers. Camp begins the week of June 11 and runs weekly (excluding the week of July 2) through the end of August. Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 11:30 am or 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Scholarships and transportation to Quarry Hill are also available. Visit our website for full camp listings, www.QHNC.org. YMCA
The Rochester Area Family Y (709 1st Ave. SW, 287-2260) offers a variety of day camps for kids preschool age through high school: Discovery Y Day Camp, Lego Robotics, Sports & Enrichment Camp, Preschool Camp, and Science, Engineering, and Technology Camp. Visit The Y’s Summer Camps webpage where you can link to more information on each of these camps.GLORIA DEI VBS
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (1212 Twelfth Ave NW) will hold its annual VBS (Vacation Bible School) from June 18th thru June 21st. The program runs from 9 am to noon for 4 and 5 yr olds (as of Sept. 1, 2012). And 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for children entering 1st thru 5th grade. You do not have to be a member of the church to attend. For more info call 289-6325 or visit www.gloria-dei.com.PARKS & RECREATION, YOUTH ADAPTIVE DIVISION
The Adaptive Recreation Spring & Summer Youth Program Brochure is available online, www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/classes_programs/adaptive/index.asp. Fun activities offered for youth with disabilities April through August. Contact Karen Meyer, 328-9665, for more information.
MINNESOTA ZOO
The Minnesota Zoo offers 1/2-day and full-day camps for preschoolers through grades 12. www.mnzoo.org
CAMP INVENTION
A hands-on science and creativity day camp so fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning! Students entering grades 1-6, participate in 5 exciting modules taught by local educators each day. Camps held in Rochester, Dover-Eyota, Kasson-Mantorville and other area sites. Registration: 1-800-968-4332 or www.campinvention.org. This camp sells out early. Register soon.
ROCHESTER HONKERS BASEBALL
The Rochester Honkers baseball team is part of the Northwoods League. The Honkers play games at Mayo Field June through August. Visit their website for a complete schedule of this summer’s games, www.rochesterhonkers.com
HEALING ADVENTURES CAMP
Healing Adventures Camp is a free one-day camp for children and teens (ages 5 – 18 years) who have experienced a loss of a loved one. The Mayo Clinic Hospice Program, with support from Mayo Clinic Hospice staff, volunteers and Mayo Clinic employees, invite you to participate in the Healing Adventures Camp. The spring camp will be on Saturday, April 28, 2012 (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The fall camp will be on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). There are a variety of emotions and feelings when a young person experiences the death of an important person in his or her life. Campers will have the opportunity to spend time with other children who have had a similar experience and meet with trained grief facilitators who will encourage discussion on loss, grief, healing and new beginnings. Campers will be assigned to age-appropriate groups and will participate in a variety of activities, including: nature walks, crafts, rock wall climbing, music and petting zoo. For more information email Carol Kuisle at kuisle.carol@mayo.edu or call 284-1204. The registration deadline for the spring camp is Friday, April 20. The registration deadline for the fall camp is Friday, Sept. 28.
HONORS CHOIRS
• If your child is interested in signing up for a music camp, you’ll find a link to a great list of what’s available in the area and throughout the Midwest on the Honors Choirs website at www.honorschoirs.org. Go to “About Us” and then to the “Education” link in the drop down menu. This is a fabulous list. Definitely check it out!
• The Honors Choirs will be holding its auditions for the 2012-2013 season in May and early June. Honors Choirs is a non-profit organization of four auditioned youth choirs for singers in grades 3 through 12. Now finishing its 20th season, its mission is to promote the highest standard of excellence in the preparation and performance of choral music, seeking to provide artistic challenge and growth opportunities for youth throughout the region and enjoyment for the community at large. This year, the Choirs involve a total of 250+ singers from 25 different communities and 52 schools all over southeast Minnesota. Visit the website’s Auditions page at www.honorschoirs.org for more information. Interested singers are encouraged to call, 507-252-0505, or e-mail, hc@HonorsChoirs.org, to schedule an audition.
CAMP RCLS
Rochester Central Lutheran School’s Camp RCLS is a fun Christian summer camp experience for children entering Preschool through grade 5. Children will participate in creative learning activities, arts and crafts, games, food fun, science actvities, and field trips. Camp RCLS will be open June 18-August 17 from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Families have options of attending the entire nine weeks or just the days and hours that work best for their schedule. For more information on Camp RCLS call 507.289.6325 ext. 606 or botder@rcls.net
SILVER LAKE BOAT and BIKE RENTAL
Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rentals, www.silverlakefun.com, 800 West Silver Lake Dr NE. Complete with 2-4 person electric paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, bikes for all ages, tandem bikes, 2-4 person 4 wheeled family bikes and mini golf. Stop by for a fun filled day with the family. Silver Lake Boat and Bike Rentals is open April 1- Oct 1 from 11am – 1hr before sunset daily. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. are Family Days. Parents that come down with their kids get 20% off rentals.
VBS
Christ United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School. July 16-20, 9am-12pm ages 3-5 OR 9am-3pm grades K-5 (completed). Register at www.cumethodist.com/vbs.
JETS GYMNASTICS
JETS offers themed Summer Camps (Super Heroes, Pirates and Princesses, Jungle Safari) Mon-Thur, June 11 through Aug. 23, 9am to noon. Go online for a complete list of camps and fees. Jets Gymnastics • 2440 Clare Lane NE, 285-9988, jetpretgym@htmail.com, www.jetsgym.com
