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Answers to your summer camp questions

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Welcome, summer camp families!

Here you’ll find information about registration, packing lists, policies, health and safety, and more. If you’re unable to find what you need, submit your feedback and we’ll contact you.

Jump to…

  1. Registration and Payment
  2. Check-In and Check-Out
  3. Packing Lists
  4. Behavior Policies and Support
  5. Health, Safety, and Other Common Concerns

Scholarships are available.

Learn more and apply online


How to contact us

Phone: (612) 235-7284
email: info@campfiremn.org

During summer camp: Phones are answered 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday. Please leave a message if we are unable to answer your call. Outside of business hours, please leave a message; voicemails are monitored. For urgent matters, we will return your call ASAP. For non-urgent matters, we will return calls during the next business day.

 

Plus – view our collection of Get Ready for Camp videos for tips, tricks, and camp traditions!

Registration and Payment

Registration and Account Login

Overnight Camp Registration Opens: January 3, 9am CST

Day Camp Registration Opens: January 10, 9am CST

 

How to register: Register online at campfiremn.org/register

Returning families: Have your username and password ready at time of registration.

New families: You will create your account at the time of registration. We are not able to create accounts in advance.

Registration forms: There will be forms to fill out in your Active account after registration is complete. This will save time during the initial registration process. Forms must be completed as soon as possible. If forms are not completed, your registration status may be affected.

Waitlists: Sessions can fill quickly. Please register your camper on a waitlist. We continually monitor registration. If space becomes available, you will receive an automated email from support@active.com. You will have 48 hours to accept your spot before it is offered to the next camper in line. We fill sessions based on the chronological order of when camper names were added to the waitlist. 

Payment: Payment of a non-refundable $50 deposit is required at registration. You can either pay the total amount at this time or set up a payment plan to suit your financial needs. Full and partial scholarships are available! Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, session availability, and funds available. If you are applying for a scholarship, there is no need to register for camp on your own online. Learn more and apply here.

Login information for Active Network account: Login to your account to complete camper registration forms, update list of authorized drivers, and more: https://campsself.active.com/campfireminnesota

Camp communications: You will receive an automatic confirmation email when registering for camp. Additional updates will be sent closer to the start of camp. Watch for your “Get Ready for Camp” email the week before your camp session. Please add noreply@active.com and info@campfiremn.org to your contact list to ensure emails do not go to your junk/spam folder. 

What to have ready for registration

Get ready to register! Here’s what you’ll need available:

  1. Your camper’s selected sessions. Make sure to pick a back-up as sessions can fill quickly!
  2. Returning families: you will be asked to enter your username and password for your Active Network account at the time of registration. Be sure to have this information ready. New families: You will create your account at the time of registration. We are not able to create accounts in advance.
  3. Payment information, like a credit or debit card.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing by emailing info@campfiremn.org. Cancelling 30 days before the session begins will result in a refund of fees, except for the $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit. No refunds will be issued with less than 30 days’ prior notice. Registrations may be transferred to another session when enrollment space is available. All session transfers are subject to a $10 transfer fee. No refunds will be given if your child leaves camp early or arrives late for any reason. In the rare instance that a camp session is cancelled by Camp Fire Minnesota, a full refund will be issued. If you choose your refund to remain as a credit on your account, it must be used during the same calendar year in which it is applied. Any credits not used by the end of the year will be forfeited.  

Authorized Pick-up

Camper and staff safety is our first priority. While you can designate multiple adults to pick up your camper, we will not release your camper to anyone whose name is not on their Authorized Pickup list and/or does not have a photo ID present at pickup. 

Camp counselors are unable to add new authorized adults during camper check-in/out. To make all changes you must visit the camp admin office or contact us before your camp session. 

During Registration

  • During registration you’ll be prompted to add authorized adults (it’s listed above waivers at the end of the registration form). 
  • Be sure to click on each authorized name. An adult is authorized when their name is shown in blue font (names in grey font indicate they are not authorized). 
  • Click “+Add Pickup” to add new authorized adults. 
  • If you’ve already registered, please double check that you have current information in your Active registration. 

After Registration

  • Log-in to your account
  • On your dashboard select “Manage Authorized Pickup” on the right 
  • An adult is authorized when their name is shown in blue font (names in grey font indicate they are not authorized). 
  • Add a new name to the list by clicking “+Add Pickup” and entering a name and phone number for the new adult. Authorize or unauthorize names by clicking on the person icon to the left of their name so that it’s blue and says “Authorized”. 
  • The authorized individuals will show up on staff’s tablets to allow authorized adults to pick up your camper. Any individuals who have not been authorized will not appear on the tablets.

Camp Store

We use the app FunFangle for our camp store, which allows families to add camp store money to their camper’s account, see their camper’s balance, and even donate remaining funds to camp if desired.

The camp store will feature snacks ($1-3 each) and souvenirs like hats, hoodies, t-shirts, stuffed animals, water bottles, and more ($3-35 each). See a list of items here.

All families will receive information about how to add funds for the camp store in the spring and in their Get Ready For Camp email.

Day Camp Extras and Meals

Add these items to your registration online: 

Before & After Care:   

Extend your day with additional camp programming and activities!  

  • Before Care Only (check-in at 7:30am; Monday–Friday): $40/week  
  • After Care Only (check-out at 5:30pm; Monday–Thursday, no After Care on Fridays): $35/week   
  • Before & After Care Combo (7:30am – 5:30pm; no After Care on Fridays): $65/week  
  • *Week 4 is a short week (Monday–Wednesday)
    • Before Care Only: $25/week
    • After Care Only: $20/week
    • Combo: $40/week 
    • There is no After Care on Wednesday

Meals:

  • Lunch: $50/week  
  • *Week 4 is a short week: $30/week 

Register in advance for hot lunch. Meal includes main dish and sides.   

We aim to meet dietary needs; please include all dietary restrictions on your camper’s health form. Call or email us to discuss your camper’s dietary needs.  

If you would like to add extras after registration, this can be done in your Active account. If you need assistance, please email us at info@campfiremn.org.

Buddy Requests

Buddy Requests are between two campers who each request one another to be placed in the same group during their week at camp. We limit the number of buddies placed together so that campers without buddies feel included. Thank you for helping us create a welcoming environment for all our campers! 

For buddy requests to be accepted, they must be: 

  • Mutual 
  • Between two campers who are at most 2 years apart in age 
  • Between two campers registered for the same session
  • Between two campers who have the same cabin preferences (for overnight camp) 

We have final say on all placements and cannot guarantee that Buddy Requests can be met. Staff cannot give out information regarding other campers’ Buddy Requests. 

Scholarships & Pricing

Whether you are returning to camp or coming for the first time, we want to share more with you about our 2024 pricing structure. Learn more about what we prioritize as a camp to ensure that your camper has the best experience possible at Camp Fire! Payment plans are also available.

Full and partial scholarships are available! Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, session availability, and funds available. If you are applying for a scholarship, there is no need to register for camp on your own online. Learn more and apply here.

Check-in and Check-out

Day Camp and Day Camp Assistants

Check-in: 8:30–9:00 am 

Check-out: 4:00–4:30 pm  

Friday Closing Ceremony starts at 4:00 pm.  

For the first day of each week of day camp, families will park and check in with staff. There will be opportunities to meet your counselor for the week, and stop by the camp office to make any adjustments to your authorized pick-ups or early-pick up schedule. 

After the first day, you will remain in your car for both pick-up and drop-off. Cars will form a line and campers will be called via radio to make their way to the pick-up line. Please have a photo ID ready. To pick up a camper, the pick-up person must be on the authorized pick-up list in Active.  

On the last day of camp, families are invited to a closing ceremony. Families will park in the lot to attend the ceremony and then check out with staff after the ceremony. Please bring a photo ID.

Mini-Overnight Camp

Check-in: Sunday, 3:00–4:00 pm

Check-out: Wednesday, 3:15–3:45 pm  

Wednesday Closing ceremony starts at 3:00 pm.

Upon arriving on Sunday, camp families will park and go through a series of check-in steps, including receiving your cabin and counselor assignment, completing a health check, and getting set-up in your cabin. Families will also be able to check out the camp store and drop off letters for their camper.

On Wednesday, join us for a closing ceremony where you’ll discover what campers experienced at camp, sing songs, watch skits, and say goodbye to counselors. Please have a photo ID ready. To pick up a camper, the pick-up person must be on the authorized pick-up list in Active.

Overnight Camp

Check-in: Sunday, 3:00–4:00 pm

Check-out: Friday, 3:15–3:45 pm  

Friday Closing ceremony starts at 3:00 pm.

Upon arriving on Sunday, camp families will park and go through a series of check-in steps, including receiving your cabin and counselor assignment, completing a health check, and getting set-up in your cabin. Families will also be able to check out the camp store and drop off letters for their camper.

On Friday, join us for a closing ceremony where you’ll discover what campers experienced at camp, sing songs, watch skits, and say goodbye to counselors. Please have a photo ID ready. To pick up a camper, the pick-up person must be on the authorized pick-up list in Active.

Northwoods Adventure Trips

Check-in: Sunday, 3:00–4:00 pm

Check-out: Friday, 3:15–3:45 pm  

Friday Closing ceremony starts at 3:00 pm.

Upon arriving on Sunday, camp families will park and go through a series of check-in steps, including receiving your cabin and counselor assignment, completing a health check, and getting set-up in your cabin. Families will also be able to check out the camp store and drop off letters for their camper. Adventure Trip campers will leave for their trip from Camp Fire’s Excelsior property the following the day.

On Friday, join us for a closing ceremony where you’ll discover what campers experienced at camp, sing songs, watch skits, and say goodbye to counselors. Please have a photo ID ready. To pick up a camper, the pick-up person must be on the authorized pick-up list in Active.

Day Camp Late Drop-Offs and Early Pick-ups

We understand that there might be a time that your day camper needs to deviate from the normal camp schedule for appointments, sports games, etc.

If you plan to drop off your camper late or pick them up early please notify us at least a day in advance by phone or email – (612) 235-7284 or info@campfiremn.org. It is very helpful for us to know of schedule changes ahead of time so their counselor is aware and so we can have your camper ready when you arrive.

Early check-out is available until 3:00pm, please plan accordingly.

All campers and visitors arriving outside of regular check-in/out times must first check-in at the Camp Admin Office located directly in front of the parking lot with the large “Camp Fire Minnesota” sign. Campers must be signed in and out at the Camp Admin Office.

Packing Lists

Day Camp, Day Camp Assistants

  • Swimsuit and towel 
  • Weather appropriate clothes, including sweatshirt and rain gear
  • A change of clothes 
  • Appropriate footwear:
    • Athletic shoes and/or sturdy sandals with back-strap. Flip-flops are not suitable camp footwear. Campers must have closed-toe shoes for Adventure Activities such as the climbing wall and high ropes course.
    • Shoes will be required at our waterfront as we do have zebra mussels in our swimming area. Shoes can be sandals or closed-toe water shoes; they must have a solid sole. We work to keep the area as clear as possible, but cannot completely eliminate zebra mussels. They are very sharp, and we want to make sure campers have protected feet. 
  • White t-shirt, bandana, or socks for tie-dye activity (unless you pre-ordered a Camp Fire shirt for tie dyeing)
  • Insect repellent (pump sprays or sticks are preferred)  
  • Sunscreen
  • Filled water bottle 
  • Lunch: non-perishable and NUT-FREE.  DO NOT pack any nut products in lunches for the safety of all campers. Please write camper’s name on the outside of their lunch container. Lunch is also available for purchase during registration.
  • Afternoon snack: non-perishable and NUT-FREE. 

Overnight Camp, Mini-Overnight Camp, Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

Clothing

Please consider bringing lightweight, non-cotton options such as athletic shirts and shorts/pants and wool socks.

Campers will spend a significant amount of time exploring the outdoors, so consider packing clothing and footwear that campers don’t mind getting dirty.

  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt
  • 1 pair of long pants
  • 1 sweatshirt or fleece top
  • Pajamas
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Appropriate footwear:
    • Athletic shoes and/or sturdy sandals with back-strap. Flip-flops are not suitable camp footwear. Campers must have closed-toe shoes for Adventure Activities such as the climbing wall and high ropes course.
    • Shoes will be required at our waterfront as we do have zebra mussels in our swimming area. Shoes can be sandals or closed-toe water shoes; they must have a solid sole. We work to keep the area as clear as possible, but cannot completely eliminate zebra mussels. They are very sharp, and we want to make sure campers have protected feet. 
  • Swimsuit
  • One set of clothes that can get REALLY dirty
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Hat or bandana
  • Something white to tie-dye (unless you pre-ordered a Camp Fire shirt for tie dyeing)

Supplies

  • Sleeping bag and pillow (Please bring sleeping bag, not blankets and sheets.)
  • Towels – 1 for the shower, 1 for the beach
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Bag for dirty clothes

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Insect repellent (pump sprays or sticks are preferred)  
  • Sunscreen
  • Shower shoes/flip-flops
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Menstrual products (if needed)
  • Hair ties (if needed)

Optional:

  • Pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes and stationery or postcards
  • Book
  • Sunglasses
  • Costume or hat for the theme of the week

Please remember to bring medications in their original packaging with dose marked.

Camp Fire has a limited supply of packing list items (sleeping bags, headlamps, etc.) If you’d like to plan to borrow anything for the week, please contact info@campfiremn.org.

Northwoods Adventure Trips

We provide the gear needed to complete the trip, including life jackets.

Please consider bringing lightweight, non-cotton options such as athletic shirts and shorts/pants and wool socks.

Clothing

  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Rain pants
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt
  • 1 pair of long pants
  • 1 sweatshirt or fleece top
  • Pajamas
  • Socks (non-cotton or wool)
  • Underwear
  • Appropriate footwear:
    • Hiking-appropriate shoes and/or sturdy sandals with back-strap. Flip-flops are not suitable camp footwear.
    • Shoes will be required at our waterfront and whenever in water on trip. We want to make sure campers have protected feet.
  • Swimsuit
  • One set of clothes that can get REALLY dirty
  • Hat or bandana
  • Something white to tie-dye (unless you pre-ordered a Camp Fire shirt for tie dyeing)

Supplies

  • Sleeping bag and pillow (Please bring sleeping bag, not blankets and sheets.)
  • Towels – 1 for the shower, 1 for the beach
  • Flashlight/headlamp with spare batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Bag for dirty clothes

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Insect repellent (pump sprays or sticks are preferred)  
  • Sunscreen
  • Shower shoes/flip-flops
  • Menstrual products (if needed)
  • Hair ties (if needed)

Optional:

  • Pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes and stationery or postcards
  • Book

Please remember to bring medications in their original packaging with dose marked.

Camp Fire has a limited supply of packing list items (sleeping bags, headlamps, etc.) If you’d like to plan to borrow anything for the week, please contact info@campfiremn.org.

What NOT to bring to camp

Please do not bring any of the following items to camp:

  • Cellphones or other electronic devices – if you must bring a cellphone (for example, if the camper is being picked up by a different parent) please turn it in and we will keep it safely locked away for the duration of the session.
  • Valuables of any sort
  • Personal sports equipment
  • Pocket knives or utility knives
  • Alcohol, drugs, or weapons
  • Animals – please inquire about service animals by emailing info@campfiremn.org or calling 612-235-7284
  • Overnight Campers: Food, candy or other snacks – we’ll have plenty of food available, including snacks throughout the day and fruit always available if a camper is hungry. Food attracts wildlife!

If items of this sort are found with a camper, they may be kept in the office for the duration of the day/session. In some cases, bringing these items may result in being sent home from camp for the duration of the session or summer.

Behavior Policies and Support

Code of Conduct

Please take a moment to review the following guidelines with your camper. Staff will review these expectations at the start of each session and refer to these guidelines if/when redirecting behaviors.  While we work hard to meet each camper’s needs, the inability to abide by the code of conduct could be grounds for dismissal from the program. Campers, participants, staff and volunteers must agree to the following:  

  • Respect other campers, self, staff, nature and property. 
  • Do your best to have a positive attitude and be open to meeting new people and trying new activities.  
  • Help create an environment that is safe and welcoming for all.  
  • Doing intentional harm or bullying another camper or staff either physically or emotionally, is unacceptable and is grounds for dismissal from camp.  
  • Campers must be able to remain with their counselor or activity group at all times.  
  • Use appropriate language and understand that the use of excessive, deliberate, profane language will not be accepted.  
  • Cell phones should be left at home. If there is an emergency, caregivers can communicate directly with the camp office and alternately, camp staff will notify caregivers if needed.   
  • Smoking materials, lighters, matches, illegal drugs, alcohol or weapons of any kind are not allowed on the camp property.  

Cell Phone and Electronics Policy

Summer camp is an unplugged experience, allowing campers to connect with nature and each other. Please do not send your camper to camp with a cell phone or other electronic devices. If your camper needs to come to camp with a device (for example, if they are being picked up by a different parent), please turn that device in during check-in and we will hold it safely until check-out. Discovered devices will be kept locked in the camp office until check-out.  

If there is an emergency and you need to contact your camper, please call 612-235-7284 and we will help you communicate with your camper and pick them up early if needed. 

Minimum Requirements to Attend

We require that campers are able to consistently stay with their group, follow our behavior guidelines, and toilet/wash/dress themselves without help from our staff.  

Campers are welcome to come with a Personal Care Assistant. We will help that person feel at home at camp as another staff person. Our staff cannot offer all-day 1:1 support to campers. Our health team can create support plans to improve your camper’s experience. Please reach out to our office with questions or to set up a time to chat with our health team about a support plan.

Health, Safety, and Other Common Concerns

Illnesses and Communicable Diseases

The safety and health of all of our community is of the utmost importance. If any of the following applies to your camper DO NOT send your camper to camp:

  •  is feeling ill
  •  is showing symptoms of COVID-19
  •  has vomited within the last 24 hours
  •  has a fever (100 degrees or higher)
  •  has crawling lice

If any of these develop while at camp, your camper will need to be picked up promptly. Please call 612-235-7284 to inform us of your situation so we can work with you on the options that day and for the rest of the week.

In the best interest of fellow campers and staff, your camper must be illness and fever free for 24 hours before attending or returning to camp. Each family’s situation is unique. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.

If a camper is exposed to a communicable disease, their caregiver will be notified. Camp Fire Minnesota has protocols in place to respond to communicable disease cases, including COVID-19. We closely monitor and follow guidelines and recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and MN Department of Health. Additionally, we are actively collaborating with Camp Fire National, American Camp Association, and camp and medical professionals to plan and train for safe programs.

Food and Dietary Restrictions

We can accommodate meals for campers with the following dietary restrictions: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pork-free, and dairy/lactose-free. Our programs, including all camp prepared meals and snacks, are entirely nut-free; when packing lunches from home, please ensure it is also nut-free. In our Day Camp program, campers can bring lunch and snacks from home, so we cannot guarantee this program will be completely nut-free. Please reach out prior to camp to discuss options.

If we cannot accommodate your camper’s specific dietary needs during overnight camp, we can accommodate campers bringing their own meals to camp. We are happy to send families a meal schedule ahead of time so that they can send meals that are close to the planned menu, if desired.  

Medication

All medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, must be turned in to the health center upon arrival at camp. 

Please keep any prescriptions or other medications brought to camp in the original containers with original labels and place them inside a ziplock bag along with a photo of your camper. Give medications to health or administrative staff at check-in. All medications are dispensed by designated, trained camp staff. Per health policy, please bring a completed Request to Administer Medication at Camp release form, if medications of any kind are being sent with your camper (including Epi-Pens, Auvi-Qs, and inhalers). Blank forms will also be available at camp.

We welcome campers with diabetes and are trained to safely administer injection medication. Our health office has a refrigerator specifically for refrigerated medications. Camp staff are trained in administering emergency medication, including Epi-Pens, Auvi-Qs, and inhalers.  

Staff Training and Camp Accreditation

The relationship between a camper and their counselor is at the heart of the camping experience. Camp Fire staff members are carefully selected for their maturity, patience, camping skills, and desire to work with youth, as well as their commitment to acting as positive, caring role models. In addition, all staff are trained in youth development, age-appropriate activities, behavior management, and group management skills. These counselors are further supported by a leadership team of program and administrative staff, who are all dedicated to seeing that the needs of campers are met. All camp staff must pass a complete background check and reference check. 

Camp Fire is accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA accredited camps have met or exceeded up to 300 nationally recognized standards. These standards are continually evaluated and updated to reflect state-of-the-art camp practices. They address everything from program quality, to food preparation, to the qualifications of medical personnel and professional staff. Visit ACA’s website at acacamps.org for further information. 

Water Safety and Swim Check

All campers and staff wear lifejackets while boating, swimming in the deep section of the lake, or using the water trampoline.  

Day campers entering 3rd grade and older and all overnight campers will have the opportunity to take a swim check led by certified lifeguards and supervised by the Waterfront Coordinator. This check determines if campers can swim without a lifejacket in the enclosed, shallow water section of our swim area. Campers who do not pass the check or who opt out of the check will always wear a lifejacket in the water, including the shallow section.  

During the check, campers will: swim from one dock to the other and back without touching the bottom, and tread water for 30 continuous seconds. Depending upon availability of lifeguards, campers who do not pass the swim check may have the opportunity to retake the test the following day. 

Weather and Emergencies

Our property and facilities have adequate shelter for rainy days, but getting from one building to another may produce muddy, wet feet and possibly wet clothing if proper rain gear is not worn. Please send your camper with extra clothing for cool mornings and hot afternoons, as well as the occasional rain shower. 

Staff routinely check the weather to monitor for changing conditions. In the case of severe weather, please do not call. The phone lines need to be kept clear for emergency use.  

There is ample emergency shelter space for all campers and staff. Campers and staff will remain in shelter spaces until the severe weather has passed, including during check-in and check-out times.  

All staff are trained on emergency procedures. 

Bathrooms, Showers, and Changing Spaces

Summer camp features all-gender, boy, and girl restrooms and showers. All showers are private stalls.  Expectations in these spaces are reviewed at the start of camp.

Campers can change in their cabins, restrooms, shower stalls, or changing stations which are locked stalls. All campers will get to choose where they change based on whatever they are comfortable with. Counselors always supervise these areas if campers are using them. If changing in the cabin, the counselor will be outside.

Cabins and Cabin Assignments

Overnight cabins are screened-in, open-air, and electricity-free. They feature 8-16 bunks for campers and 2-4 bunks for staff. Staff sleep near the entrances and exits to cabins and are available if campers need them in the night.  

Cabin preferences are selected during registration. Camp Fire summer camp offers boy, girl, and all-gender cabin options.

Counselors are then placed in cabins based on their preferences as well as what leadership think would provide the best possible experience for campers.

Ticks, Lice, and Mosquitos

At camp we spend the majority of our time outdoors. Depending on the weather conditions, mosquitoes may be an issue. We recommend sending spray or stick bug repellent with your camper.  

We recommend day campers check for ticks when they return home. Camp staff remind overnight campers to check for ticks often.  

To prevent the spread of lice, we ask that you check your camper and do not send them to camp if you discover lice. We do not allow sharing hats, combs, or brushes. 

Missing Home

It is very common for campers to miss home and feel anxious their first night at camp. Our staff are trained to help support campers through these challenges. While these feelings usually subside after the first night, sometimes they can persist. In these cases, we may call home to discuss what would be best for the camper. As a best practice, we typically do not allow campers to call home during a stay at overnight camp. This tends to make homesickness worse and makes it harder for the camper to build independence at camp. Campers who don’t call home tend to have a much better experience and adjust to camp life much quicker. Please contact us in advance of camp if you believe your camper will need extra support with the transition to camp and we can discuss options. 

Families can help campers get ready for the transition to camp. Involve your camper in the decision of which camp to attend, discuss what camp will be like before you attend, and practice elements of the camp experience – like using a flashlight, sleeping in a sleeping bag, or sleeping over at a friend’s house. Campers are welcome to bring comfort items from home, and we encourage you to attend our pre-camp events to get to know Camp Fire.

A typical day at summer camp

Day Camp:

  • Most campers arrive between 8:30 am and 9:00 am
  • The day starts with small group games
  • Campers do activities with their group, such as swimming, archery, arts and crafts, or outdoor skills
  • Lunchtime! Some campers bring their own lunch (nut-free) and other’s eat our hot lunch
  • Before being picked up, campers do more fun activities with their group
  • Most campers are picked up between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm.

Overnight Camp:

  • Campers wake up around 7:00 am and head to an early morning activity like Polar Bear Swim or Rockin’ Robin
  • Breakfast time! We also sing and make announcements for the day
  • Campers split by group to complete camp chores called “kapers”, including sweeping the dining hall, watering the garden, or taking out the trash.
  • After kapers, campers split into groups based on what they chose to do for their Opportunity Block. These activities include archery, swimming, boating, arts, drama, nature lessons, and more!
  • Lunch time!
  • After lunch, campers head back to the cabin for Rest Hour – this is a great time to journal, read, write a letter home, or just take a nap
  • Campers do 2-3 activities with their cabin group in the afternoon
  • Dinner time! Sometimes a special dessert is served.
  • After dinner, campers choose between swimming, playing sports, and going on a nature hike each day
  • The evening ends with big group games, a camp fire, or more time with your cabin group.
  • By 10 pm, everyone should be in bed sleeping soundly!

Mini-Overnight Camp:

  • Campers wake up around 7:00 am and head to an early morning activity like Polar Bear Swim or Rockin’ Robin
  • Breakfast time! We also sing camp songs and make announcements for the day
  • Campers split by group to complete camp tasks called “kapers”, including sweeping the dining hall, watering the garden, or taking out the trash.
  • After kapers, campers will do 2-3 activities with their cabin group. They group up with other cabins to play a larger game or learn a skill together
  • Lunch time!
  • After lunch, campers go back to their cabin for Rest Hour. This is a great time to journal, read, write letters home, play quiet games with their friends, or just take a nap
  • Campers do 2-3 more activities with their cabin group in the afternoon
  • Dinner time!
  • After dinner, we have Opportunity Block where campers choose an activity each day. They can choose art, archery, climbing, hiking, and much more.
  • The evening ends with big group games, a camp fire or more time with your cabin group.
  • By 10 pm, everyone should be in bed sleeping soundly!

Birthdays

We love to celebrate birthdays at summer camp! Please notify staff before bringing birthday treats to camp so we can best fit time into the program week and advise parents on quantities and allergy concerns. All food brought to camp must be nutfree. 

If your overnight camper has a birthday during camp, they get a special treat from our Camp Fire cooks.

Photos

Camp Fire’s summer photographer will take photos daily, and photos will be uploaded to our photo gallery a few times each week. A link to the photo gallery will be shared with you before your week of camp.

Mail and communicating with your camper

Overnight campers love getting mail at camp! There are a few ways to send a note to your camper. 

  1. Pre-write letters: After dropping off your camper with their counselor at their cabin, families can visit our letter-writing station and write notes for your camper to read each day they are at camp. We will distribute these at lunch time of the day(s) you indicate. 
  2. Use Bunk1: You can send Bunk1 notes to your camper. We check these daily at 10am and distribute them at lunch that day. Sign up and learn more here.
  3. Snail mail: You can send mail to us and we will distribute it to your camper at the next lunchtime. Please allow three days for delivery. We suggest you send pre-addressed envelopes/postcards including postage with your camper so they can write home too. 

Camper mail should be sent to: 
Camp Fire Minnesota
Attn: Camper’s Name
3300 Tanadoona Dr 
Excelsior, MN 55331 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are a diverse community committed to creating a welcoming experience where each camper can bring their full selves to camp. Discover more about Inclusion at Summer Camp.

All families will acknowledge our Inclusion Statement when registering for summer camp:

“Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships. All are welcome at Camp Fire.”

Videos: Get Ready for Camp!

We want you to feel prepared and excited for camp, so we put together a collection of videos featuring camp tours, tips, and traditions. Watch now!

Questions? Let us know!

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