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. All youth camp sessions with RECWELL typically include swimming and indoor rock climbing in addition to hands-on activities, themed projects, arts & crafts, and recreational games and feature 2.5-3 hours of instruction on a variety of topics including art, natural sciences, and technology. Regardless of your child's interests, there is something for everyone! See below for programs offered and more information
Enraptured with Raptors
Dates: June 19-23, 2023
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 26-30, 2023
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 10-14, 2023
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 24-28, 2023
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 inspire 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 31-August 4, 2023
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 2023 RECWELL summer camps opens February 13, 2023 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 17-21, 2023 and August 7-11, 2023
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 collection of birds from all over the world to compare their habitats, anatomy, and how they’ve adapted and evolved over time. This program will be based on the University’s Saint Paul Campus where you will meet experts in field research, raptor medicine, and more.
Registration opens Tuesday, February 7 at 10am for Bell members, and Tuesday, February 14 at 10am for the general public.
Click here for more information
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
Rocking Raptors! Nature Inspired Art
Dates: July 31-August 4, 2023
Ages: 6-9
Put A Bird On It! Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Collage
Dats: July 31-August 4, 2023
Ages: 9-12
Register through MCAD's website beginning February 6, 2023
Click here for more information
Richardson Nature Center
Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp
Dates: August 14-15
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 "behind the scenes" 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 17-18
Time: 9:00 am-3:00pm
Ages: 8-12
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 "behind the scenes" 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, 2023 at 7 AM.