Each year, Happy Dancing Turtle offers camping trips for girls and boys in 2nd-8th grade through our Turtle Treks program. These camping trips provide youth with a chance to visit parks across the state. In the past, campers have canoed the lake at Bemidji State Park, explored the falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park, hiked the trails at Itasca State Park and learned how to set up camp and build a fire at Forbes Park right here in Pine River.
Through Turtle Treks, children have the opportunity to experience the ins-and-outs of camping while building friendships and enjoying the great outdoors! Youth learn vital camping skills, such as how to set up tents, how to make a fire (and cook over it!), and Leave No Trace responsibilities, as well as information about Minnesota’s natural resources! We talk about Minnesota’s land, water, plants, animals, and the night sky while kids are entertained with games, lessons, activities, songs, riddles, and stories.
This year, there are three Turtle Treks planned. The first trip will take boys and girls entering 5th-8th grade to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park where they might climb the fire tower, try their hand at geocaching, hike the trails, or go for a refreshing swim. This trip leaves Happy Dancing Turtle at 9 am Thursday, June 27th and returns at 5 pm Friday, June 28th.
August 13th-15th is a two night trip for girls entering 5th-8th grade to St. Croix State Park. Similar to the Kathio Trek, campers will have the opportunity for hiking, swimming, and climbing the fire tower, as well as a possible canoe trip down the river. This longer trip gives girls the opportunity to relax, unwind, and get in touch with nature.
For the younger campers, there is an introductory camping trip for boys and girls entering 2nd-4th grade. Campers will be dropped off at Forbes Park in Pine River at 2 pm Tuesday, August 27 and picked up at 10 am Wednesday, August 28. Kids will participate in all aspects of setting up camp, from pitching the tents to helping build and cook over the fire. They will also have a chance to explore the town or go swimming, with plenty of games, free time, campfire stories and lots of fun back at the campsite.
For more information and to register online please visit our website.