Get Ready for Day Camp

Prepare for the adventure ahead!

We want to make sure you feel ready for camp! This site contains important information to review before the first day.

Please note: your camper will be sent home with an overview of their weekly schedule on the first day of camp. Schedules include which day your camper will do tie-dye and when they will visit the Camp Store.

 

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

Check-in & Check-out Procedures & Times

  • Check-in: 8:30-9:00am
  • Check-out: 4:00-4:30pm
  • Friday Closing Ceremony starts at 4:00pm – you and guests are welcome and invited to join us!

Late drop-offs/pick-ups

IMPORTANT: 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, option 1, or info@campfiremn.org.

  • Early check-out is available until 3:00pm, please plan accordingly
  • All guests (including parents/guardians and campers) arriving outside of check-in/out times must first check-in at the camp office.

Before & After Care

  • Before care begins at 7:30am. After care ends at 5:30pm. Register for extended care through your Active account.
  • After Care is available Monday-Thursday. There is no After Care on Fridays.*
    • *Week 4 (July 1-3): After Care is available July 1 & July 2. There will be no After Care on Wednesday, July 3.

Learn more about check-in & check-out and more on our Camp Resources page here!

Weekly Themes & Dress-Up Wednesday

Weekly themes create a fun, creative, and silly atmosphere showing up in all-camp games and activities.

Campers are encouraged to dress up on Wednesdays for the weekly theme — have fun!

2024 DAY CAMP THEMES

Week 1: June 10-14 Superstar Spotlight: dress up as your favorite famous person on Wednesday!
Week 2: June 17-21 Renaissance Fair: dress up for a Ren-Fair on Wednesday! 
Week 3: June 24-28 In a Galaxy Far, Far Away: dress up like a galactic being on Wednesday!
Week 4: July 1-3 (M-W) Party in the USA: wear your beach attire on Wednesday!
Week 5: July 8-12 Olympics: dress up in sports gear on Wednesday!
Week 6: July 15-19 Wizards, Witches, and Warlocks: don your cape and hat on Wednesday! 
Week 7: July 22-26 International Bonanza: wear your tourist outfit on Wednesday!
Week 8: July 29-August 2 Summerween: wear your Halloween costume on Wednesday!  
Week 9: August 5-9 Whodunnit?!?: dress up like a detective on Wednesday!  
Week 10: August 12-16 Animal Planet: dress up as your favorite animal on Wednesday!
Week 11: August 19-23 Sailors and Scallywags: wear your best pirate gear on Wednesday!
Week 12: August 26-30 Go Wild!: dress for mess on Wednesday!

 

Packing Lists

Wondering what to bring to camp? View packing lists here!

A few important items to note:

  • 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. 
  • Please bring an afternoon snack (non-perishable and nut-free).

Complete Forms, Approve Waivers, and Pay Outstanding Balances

Log in to your Active Network account to complete the following items if you haven’t already:

  • Finalize registration & health forms
  • Approve waivers
  • Add authorized pick-ups
  • Pay outstanding balances
  • If desired, add lunch for the week or extend the day with Before or After Care (there is no After Care on Fridays)

If your camper will need to take medication while at camp, please bring a completed Request to Administer Medication at Camp form on the first day (blank forms will also be available at camp).

Deposit Money at the 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 the items we will have available here.

You should have received an invitation via email* to create a FunFangle account. If you’ve already created an account, you can login to deposit money for the camp store here. If you have not yet created an account and can’t find your invitation email:

  • Visit https://campfiremn.funfangle.camp/
  • Click “I am a First-Time User”.
  • Enter the same email address you used to register for camp. This will send the invitation email again.

*If you have not yet received an invitation email from FunFangle, be sure to check your spam folder.

Photos

View Google album

Photos will be uploaded 2-3 times per week.

Be sure to download your favorite photos as the Google link will only be available through the end of the summer camp season.

Resources & Policies

At Camp Fire Minnesota, inclusion is one of our core values, and we strive to live that value every day so that we’re creating a welcoming space for all campers to enjoy their camp experience. Please take time to read about what inclusion looks like at summer camp here.

We also invite you to read our Camp Resources page for information like our Code of Conduct, the electronics policy (psst, no phones!), and more.

Still have questions? Please contact our team at info@campfiremn.org or (612) 235-7284.

Upcoming Events

Visit us throughout the year! Check out our events for youth and adults – such as school break camps, our fall fundraiser Under the Stars, and our family-friendly Halloween party Monsters & Munchkins.

Give the Gift of Camp

As one supporter put it – “Kids need joy.”

You see firsthand the impact access to nature and an inclusive community can have on campers. For many, camp can be a life-changing experience – and we need your help to make it possible for more kids. Please consider supporting our scholarship fund: campfiremn.org/donate/

Hear directly from some of our campers who share just how important your support is:

Meet Lalo  |  Meet Talia  |  Meet Elmi

Questions?

Contact us at info@campfiremn.org or 612-235-7284.

Getting to Camp

3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior MN, 55331

Directions

Camp Resources

Answers to all your questions! Please review before your week of camp.

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