There’s a lot that we look forward to once summer rolls around – like singing songs around the campfire, paddleboarding on the lake, or sunbathing at the beach. But we’re always extra excited for our friends at Whittier Natural Leaders to stop by for their annual visit to Camp Fire Minnesota!
It’s our 5th year partnering with this beloved program, which is based at Whittier International Elementary School. The program, offered through MPS Community Education, focuses on inspiring youth from the city’s culturally diverse neighborhoods to explore and protect nature.
In Whittier Natural Leaders, kids from grades 1-9 spend the summer learning all about Minneapolis’ natural habitats! They plant pollinator gardens, create art, bike to wildlife areas, learn how to canoe and paddleboard, and so much more. The 7-week camp culminates with a field trip to our Excelsior location.
The field trip has become a cherished way of celebrating the end of the program and deepening connections between students. In 2026, we welcomed approximately 120 students from Whittier Natural Leaders for this highly anticipated excursion. Youth enjoyed going on hikes with our naturalists, canoeing and swimming on our waterfront, participating in team-building activities, and singing songs around the campfire.
The younger half of the students come for the day and go home in the evening, while the older students stay overnight. For many of these young people, it’s their first time sleeping over at camp. This unique experience helps them build independence while sharpening their leadership skills. Some participants are even inspired to become camp counselors once the trip is over!
This great partnership doesn’t just benefit the visiting youth. It has also significantly strengthened our work at Camp Fire Minnesota.
“The bond that we share with Whittier is special,” said Caroline Bowen, Director of School Programs. “Over the years, we have shared many program teachings and traditions with each other.”
We have also exchanged staff between our two organizations, providing our team members with powerful learning opportunities. On top of that, many of the songs our counselors and campers sing throughout the summer – including songs in different languages – were originally taught to us by participants in Whittier Natural Leaders.
These young nature explorers may only be at our campground for a short time, but their impact resonates with us all year long.
“Our staff always takes away lessons from the experience and incorporates what they learn into our overnight program,” said Will Toney, our After School Manager.
And when the students return to Whittier International Elementary, they take back treasured memories that live on long after the trip is over. They even brought a precious part of the Camp Fire experience to their school by setting up their own Heart of Camp, just like ours!
We are deeply grateful to have such a wonderful partnership with Whittier Natural Leaders. Our team looks forward to learning and growing alongside this incredible group of students and teachers for many more years to come.
Funding for partnerships like this is provided by CenterPoint Energy Foundation and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.
Community support fuels our work with partnering schools and allows students, like those at Whittier Natural Leaders, to attend Camp Fire Minnesota at no cost to them! Consider making a gift today to help more youth access the outdoors and discover their spark. 