2023-2024 Program Brochure
Lesson Descriptions, FAQs, and more
ViewSpark your students’ curiosity with STEM and outdoor learning!
View our Lesson Brochure | View available program dates
Conveniently located in the Twin Cities southwest metro area of Excelsior, our 103-acres offer diverse natural habitats for hands-on exploration. We adapt to all educators and youth, customizing our 2023-2024 Environmental Education Lessons to your classroom’s needs. Whether at our 103-acre property or at schools, our lessons adhere to MN State Education Standards and emphasize social-emotional learning. Camp Fire welcomes all, promoting inclusivity in our school-based programs. Meet our team of trained naturalists here.
Environmental Education delivery formats
Join us in inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Explore, learn, and grow with Camp Fire!
Camp Fire Field Trips
Explore our 103-acre outdoor classroom in Excelsior for an in-person Environmental Education Field Trip. Conveniently located in the Twin Cities southwest metro area, our property provides a variety of natural habitats for students to explore and expand on in-class learning, including:
- Big Woods forest
- Three habitat types – black ash swamp, wetlands, and savanna
- Watersheds for Minnesota River and Mississippi River
- Pollinator Garden
- 2,000 feet of shoreline on Lake Minnewashta
- Team-building and high ropes challenge courses
Our new Community & Dining Center also has flexible indoor learning spaces.
Some activities are weather-dependent. Please view the FAQs section our program brochure for weather policies.
In-Person / On-Site Visit at your School
In-class Environmental Ed/STEM Programs are led by our Environmental Educators in your classroom or outdoors near your school. These interactive, in-person programs engage your students in lessons like Renewable Energy, Soil Science, and Animal Adaptations & Populations.
Virtual Live Lessons
Via Zoom, Google Classroom, or the video platform of your choice, our naturalists can bring the magic of our 103-acre property to your students’ computer screen. Virtual Live Lessons cover topics like climate change, stars and constellations, and invasive species.
(FREE) Pre-recorded videos and PDF lessons
Explore nature on your own time! Our My Nature Connection library has free PDF and video lessons for classrooms and families.
Pricing
Sliding Scale Pricing: 2023-2024 School-Year
September 2023-August 2024
- Field Trips $0-15/student*
- Specialty Field Trips $0-17/student* (the schedule includes the choice of archery, high ropes/rock wall climbing, canoeing or teaching kitchen)
- In-Class (in-person) $0-125/hour*
- Virtual (live) $0-75/session*
*Pricing is based on your school’s Free and Reduced Lunch Rate. We’ll work with you to design a program that best fits your curriculum and budget needs.
Transportation Funding Resources
Hennepin County: We are a pre-approved field trip location for bus funding! Learn how to apply for funding here.
Camp Fire Minnesota is unable to provide transportation for students; however, we do have limited funds available to reimburse bussing costs. Please reach out to the Environmental Education Programs Manager to learn more about our first-come-first-serve transportation fund.
We’ll continue to add resources as known.
Inquire about a date or send us your questions with the contact form below; our Programs Manager will follow up with you. View our program availability sheet here — if you do not see your desired date listed, then it is no longer available.