2023-2024 Program Brochure
Lesson Descriptions, FAQs, and more
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Spark your students’ curiosity through hands-on, experiential learning outdoors, in your classroom, or on the computer screen! Conveniently located in the Twin Cities southwest metro area, Camp Fire’s 103-acre property in Excelsior, MN provides a variety of natural habitats for students to explore and expand on in-class lessons.
Our trained staff will engage your students and staff in environmental education classes that encourage discovery and conversations about being good stewards of our natural surroundings.
We adapt to meet the needs of all educators and youth. Our 2023-2024 Environmental Education Lessons can be customized to fit your classroom’s individual learning models.
All lessons, virtual and in-person, are tied to MN State Education Standards or focus on social-emotional learning (SEL).
All are welcome at Camp Fire. Discover what inclusion looks like at our school-based programs.
Environmental Education delivery formats
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.
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