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 15th - 18th, 2026
Time and Age: 9:30am - 12:00pm (ages 6-7) and 1:00pm - 3:30pm (ages 8-9)
Want to learn all about raptors? This eye-opening experience is designed to inspire learners to protect raptors and the environment we share. We explore the various raptors found in Minnesota and their role in the environment. Participants learn the key features of raptors and what sets them apart from other birds. We discuss the positive and negative impact humans have on our environment, and participants are inspired by some of our greatest environmental success stories, such as those of the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle!
Soaring with Raptors
Dates: July 13th - 17th, 2026
Time and Age: 9:30pm - 12:00pm (ages 6-7) and 1:00pm - 3:30pm (ages 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 grow in a whole new set of feathers as you get up close and personal with the birds at The Raptor Center!
Raptor Biomimicry and Engineering
Dates: July 6th - 10th, 2026
Time and Age: 9:30am - 12:00pm (ages 10-12) and 1:00pm - 3:30pm (ages 11-13)
What does an owl have to do with a wind turbine? How can a turkey vulture teach us about solar energy? Explore nature's designs and how humans can be inspired by them at Biomimicry Camp at The Raptor Center. Spend the week designing and engineering using live raptors and bird adaptations as your muse!
Raptor Myth and Legends
Dates: July 27th - 31st, 2026
Time and Age: 9:30am - 12:00pm (ages 8-9) and 1:00pm - 3:30pm (ages 10-12)
Discover the magic in the natural world and meet the fantastical creatures known as raptors. Raptors have inspired myths and legends throughout human history, from well-known Greek tales of the Phoenix and griffin, to the ancient Egyptian god Ra’s, to the Thunderbird of indigenous North American myth. Learn about the incredible powers of raptors and their adaptations that allow them to survive the trials and tribulations of life in a changing world. Find out what we can do to protect these magical creatures.
Working with Wildlife
Dates: August 3rd - 7th, 2026
Time and Age: 9:30am - 12:00pm (ages 9-11) and 1:00pm - 3:30pm (ages 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 2025 RECWELL summer camps is now open. To register for a program and see latest availability, visit:
Recreation and Wellness Landing Page
Partnership Camps
Each of these camps feature Raptor Center birds and educators. We are so excited to work with each of these incredible organizations!
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
Creatures from the Cretaceous to the Present (Paleoart)
Creatures from the Cretaceous to the Present (Paleoart)
Dates: July 20th - 24th, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 6-9
Learn about creatures from the Cretaceous to the present, drawing inspiration from both living raptors and prehistoric ancestors. Create paleoart inspired projects using a wide variety of mediums, from basic drawing skills using graphite to three dimensional sculptures using modeling clay and paint. Journey to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to observe artworks featuring animals and natural imagery for additional creative inspiration. The course concludes with a creature-filled showcase of artwork for friends and family to admire.
On Wednesday morning, engage directly with live raptors when Studio Kids partners with the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center! Observe, study, and draw one or two birds of prey up close with guidance from interpretive naturalists.
Get Wild (Nature Inspired Art)
Dates: July 20th - 24th, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 9-12
Get inspired by plants and wildlife while exploring drawing, painting and sculptural artwork. Translate the colors, textures, and forms from the natural environment into various mixed media art projects. Discover how artists like Christi Belcourt, George Morrison, Elizabeth Gould, and Jadé Fadojutimi, have been inspired by nature throughout history. Observe nature themed artworks while touring the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection. The course concludes with a showcase of artwork for friends and families to admire.
On Wednesday morning, engage directly with live raptors when Studio Kids partners with the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center! Observe, study, and draw one or two birds of prey up close with guidance from interpretive naturalists.
Registration opens 2/2,
See the MCAD website for more details
Richardson Nature Center
Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp
Dates: August 10th-11th, 2026
Time: 9am-3pm
Ages: 7-9
This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and the University of Minnesota 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 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 will get a behind the scenes tour of The Raptor Center’s education department to see many different species of raptors up close. Bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center will be provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.
Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp
Dates: August 13th-14th, 2026
Time: 9am-3pm
Ages: 10-13
This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and the University of Minnesota 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 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 will get a behind the scenes tour of The Raptor Center’s education department to see many different species of raptors up close. Bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center will be provided. Registration required by two weeks prior.
Priority registration begins February 24th, 2026 at 7am. See Three Rivers Park’s website to register and for more details.