Summer Camps with University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness (RECWELL)
The Raptor Center is partnering with University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness to offer several summer youth programs listed below. For more information about all youth camp sessions with RECWELL has to offer you can visit their website here.
Enraptured with Raptors
Dates: June 17-21, 2024 (no camp on June 19th)
Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Ages: 6-7 and 8-10
This eye-opening camp is designed to inspire young learners to protect raptors and the environment we share. Find out what makes raptors unique. Learn all about the impact humans have on our environment and about some of our greatest environmental success stories, such as those of the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle. Take part in activities at The Raptor Center, and see live raptors up close!
Wizarding World of Wildlife
Dates: June 24-28, 2024
Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Ages: 8-9 and 10-12
In the tradition of Hogwarts, discover potions, herbology, transfiguration and the care of magical creatures. What do raptors have to do with dragons? Which magical house will you end up in? What magical properties will your wand be made out of ? Find answers to these questions and uncover the secrets of Minnesota’s Hedwig and other interesting animals from The Raptor Center.
Soaring with Raptors
Dates: July 8-12, 2024
Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Ages: 6-7 and 8-9
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a raptor? Soar the world with them through the seasons! Learn what it takes to migrate, survive the winter cold, nest in the spring, and swap in a whole new set of feathers as you get up close and personal with the birds from The Raptor Center.
Raptor Biomimicry and Engineering
Dates: July 22-26, 2024
Time: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Ages: 9-11 and 12-15
What do talons have to do with non-slip shoes, or vultures with solar energy? How do feathers and eggs relate to insulators and camouflage? Explore nature’s designs and how humans can be inspired by them! Spend the week designing and engineering using raptor adaptations and live birds as your muse with our friends from The Raptor Center!
Working with Wildlife
Dates: July 29-August 2 , 2024
Time: 8:00 am-5:00pm
Ages: 9-11 and 12-15
What’s it like to work with wildlife? Come find out and explore careers in veterinary medicine, animal care, animal training, field biology, scientific illustrations and art! Participate in lots of hands-on activities and get up close and personal with The Raptor Center’s live education birds. A fun way to learn about the exciting science of working with wildlife.
Drop-offs and pick-ups for all Raptor Center camps are through University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness.
For any questions regarding registration or payment contact University of Minnesota Youth Programs at [email protected] or 612.625.2242.
Registration for 2024 RECWELL summer camps opens February 12, 2024 at 6:00 AM. To register for a program and see latest availability, visit:
Partnership Camps
Each of these camps feature Raptor Center birds and educators. We are so excited to work with each of these incredible organizations!
The Bell Museum
Bird's Eye View
Dates: July 15-19, 2024 and August 5-9, 2024
Time: 9:00 am-4:00pm
Grades: 7th-8th
Explore the exciting world of ornithology in this program presented in collaboration with the Bell Museum and The Raptor Center. Participants will gain the skills to go birding in various habitats, spend time with ambassador birds (eagles, owls and more), and visit the museum’s dioramas and bird specimens from all over the world to compare their habitats, anatomy, and how they’ve adapted and evolved over time. This program will take place on the University of Minnesota's Saint Paul campus where you will meet experts in field research, raptor medicine, and more.
Registration opens Tuesday, February 6 at 10:00 AM for Bell members, and Tuesday, February 13 at 10:00 AM for the general public.
Click here for more information
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
The Colorful World of Raptors! (Color Exploration)
Dates: July 29-August 2, 2024
Ages: 6-9
Put A Bird On It! Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Collage
Dats: July 29-August 2, 2024
Ages: 9-12
Register through MCAD's website - Click here for more information
Richardson Nature Center
Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp
Dates: August 12-13, 2024
Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ages: 6-8
This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and The Raptor Center. Richardson Nature Center hosts the first day of camp. Activities include meeting resident raptor ambassadors, discovering their natural history and behaviors, learning the requirements to care for and train birds in captivity, and exploring habitats within the park to search for wild birds. The second day includes a field trip to The Raptor Center. Campers will learn how the veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds and get a tour of their education department to see many different species of raptors up-close. Campers who are 8 years old should choose either the Monday–Tuesday camp or the Thursday–Friday camp, but not both. Transportation to and from The Raptor Center is provided. Registration required by two weeks prior
Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp
Dates: August 15-16, 2024
Time: 9:00 am-3:00pm
Ages: 9-12
This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and The Raptor Center. Richardson Nature Center hosts the first day of camp. Activities include meeting resident raptor ambassadors, discovering their natural history and behaviors, learning the requirements to care for and train birds in captivity, and exploring habitats within the park to search for wild birds. The second day includes a field trip to The Raptor Center. Campers will learn how the veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds and get a tour of their education department to see many different species of raptors up-close. Campers who are 8 years old should choose either the Monday–Tuesday camp or the Thursday–Friday camp, but not both. Transportation to and from The Raptor Center is provided. Registration required by two weeks prior
Register through the Three Rivers Parks website beginning February 28, 2024 at 7 AM.