Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Ornithology Field Camp
2026-06-21 - 2026-06-26, 2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17 | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
Sign up for Ornithology Field Camp
Summer Camp Website
Students entering grades 9 -12
Experience the exciting world of bird banding!
If your high-schooler has a strong interest in birds and bird research, this camp is the perfect opportunity to expand their field ornithology skills. Designed for campers with prior experience—whether through Wolf Ridge’s Introduction to Field Ornithology Camp or other bird-related activities—this program offers hands-on, advanced learning in the fascinating world of ornithology.
Throughout the week, campers will gain valuable field experience, learning to safely remove passerines from mist nets, age and sex birds, and use color and PIT tags to study bird behavior. They may even get the rare opportunity to observe the banding of ruby-throated hummingbirds and peregrine falcons if conditions allow! An exciting outing to a boreal forest will give them the chance to see neotropical migrants in their stunning breeding plumage, deepening their connection to the study of bird life.
In addition to these specialized experiences, campers will enjoy traditional camp fun like rock climbing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. This camp is perfect for young bird enthusiasts looking to develop real-world skills while connecting with nature and like-minded peers.

Leap into Camp: Grades 2-3
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-26
Register for Leap Into Camp
Summer Camp Website
Entering Grades 2-3
Leap into Adventure and Curiosity at Our North Woods Overnight Camps for Grades 2 – 3!
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge offers campers a supportive overnight camp experience designed to build confidence and comfort in a camp setting. Ideal for both first-time campers and those seeking a shorter stay, this program encourages independence, teamwork, and curiosity through outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and opportunities to form new friendships.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Leap into Camp: Grades 4-5
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-26
Register for Leap Into Camp
Summer Camp Website
Entering Grades 4-5
Leap into Adventure and Curiosity at Our North Woods Overnight Camps for Grades 4-5!
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge offers campers a supportive overnight camp experience designed to build confidence and comfort in a camp setting. Ideal for both first-time campers and those seeking a shorter stay, this program encourages independence, teamwork, and curiosity through outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and opportunities to form new friendships.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Leap into Camp: Grades 6-7
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-26
Register for Leap Into Camp
Summer Camp Website
Entering Grades 6-7
Leap into Adventure and Curiosity at Our North Woods Overnight Camp for 6th & 7th Graders!
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge offers campers a supportive overnight camp experience designed to build confidence and comfort in a camp setting. Ideal for both first-time campers and those seeking a shorter stay, this program encourages independence, teamwork, and curiosity through outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and opportunities to form new friendships.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Bio-Blitz
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-28
Register for Bio-Blitz Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8 – 9
Have you ever wondered how many species of animals live around you? That is exactly the question bio-blitz camp tries to answer at Wolf Ridge! A bio-blitz is an event that tries to catalogue as many species as possible in a certain location. We will use the Wolf Ridge campus and will focus on a different category of animals during each day of the event, using scientific tools appropriate for that group. This could include looking for mammal tracks, using dip nets to collect water bugs, binoculars to look for birds, setting a light trap for moths, identifying the plants around them, and so much more. Campers will see an ever-growing list of species through their whole time at camp!
Want some healthy competition? The two bio-blitz sessions run during the first and last weeks of camp. Who can find more species? Or, join in on both and see what new things emerge later in the year!
Session 1: June 23-26
Session 2: August 9-12

FREE Open House
2026-06-27 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Explore what Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center has to offer on this fun filled day! Come join Wolf Ridge Staff at our Free Open House. With opportunities to climb the rock walls, try out the adventure ropes courses and explore the trails, it’s a fun day for the whole family! No advance registration required. Please sign in at the main office when you arrive.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rock Climbing
Adventure Ropes
Canoe on Wolf Lake
Hike the trails
Picnic areas available
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop by and shop our Gift Shop
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (tentative)
Visit the Organic Farm

Adventurers
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02, 2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24
Sign up for Adventurers
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8-9
Embark on a True Wilderness Adventure: Build Outdoor Skills and Confidence at Wolf Ridge!
Putting outdoor skills to the test in real-world adventures. Adventurers build their skills and knowledge, taking outdoor exploration and personal growth to new heights. This camp is designed to deepen campers’ connection to nature, focusing on applying what they’ve learned about the environment and history to real-world outdoor experiences. Campers will embark on a day-long canoe trip, learning canoeing techniques, practicing ‘Leave No Trace,’ and immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Lake Superior. Through teamwork, outdoor challenges, and learning to respect and coexist with nature, campers will gain confidence, make lasting friendships, and leave with a stronger appreciation for the world around them.
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Voyageurs
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02, 2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17
Sign up for Voyageurs
Summer Camp Website
Entering grades 6-7
Adventure Awaits: Build Confidence and Outdoor Skills at Wolf Ridge Camp!
Expanding skills with navigation and wilderness exploration. Campers will advance their outdoor skills, enjoy swimming and bonding with new friends, and engage in exciting challenges like the Adventure Ropes course. This camp will include an all day hiking experience on the Superior Hiking Trail. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Discoverers
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02, 2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17
Sign up for Discoverers
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4-5
Experience Nature’s Wonders at Discovery Camp – Perfect for First-Time Adventurers!
A foundation for building confidence and outdoor skills. Discoverers is the perfect introduction to the classic Wolf Ridge Camp experience, blending outdoor exploration with environmental stewardship. Designed for first-time campers, this program fosters independence and builds confidence while encouraging a deeper connection to nature. Campers will learn how to be comfortable and self-reliant outdoors while developing naturalist skills that help them observe and engage with the environment. Activities include swimming, hiking, group games, participating in our ropes course, exploring our farm, and lots of chances to learn about the plants and animals around us.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Immersive Naturalist Training
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02
Sign up for S.T.I.N.T Camp
Summer Camp Website
Entering grades 9-12
Join Us for the S.T.I.N.T. Camp at Wolf Ridge!
Join us for a Short Term Immersive Naturalist Training (S.T.I.N.T.) camp at Wolf Ridge. Campers will spend their time exploring the unique ecosystems within and around the Wolf Ridge campus through a naturalist’s lens. They will learn and practice slowing down, making observations and asking questions while diving deeper into the ecology around them. The group will explore the unique interests that campers come to camp with or what they discover while they are here. They will have the opportunity to meet and learn with professionals in the field of natural resources. This is a great camp for youth interested in exploring and developing their field science skills.

Day Camp
2026-06-29 - 2026-07-02
Daily, 9am – 4PM
Register for Day Camp
Summer Camp Website
Adventure Awaits at Our Day Camp – Outdoor Fun and Learning for Grades K-5!
Outdoor fun and learning for campers who are looking to explore the natural world without an overnight stay. This hands-on summer adventure immerses younger campers in nature, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for the outdoors. Campers will build connections and create lasting memories as they explore, play games, and engage in developmentally age-appropriate activities. Younger campers will discover animal habitats and investigate the wonders of water, while older campers will dive deeper into outdoor skills and nature exploration. As a special highlight we invite families to join their campers for a celebratory campfire at the end of the week. Both lunch and snacks are included.

Day Camp: Hummingbirds
Entering K – 3

Day Camp: Porcupines
Entering 4 – 5

Girls Rock a Backpack Adventure
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10
Register for Girls Rock a Backpack Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8-9
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Hike. Learn. Grow. A Transformative Backcountry Experience for Girls on the Superior Trail
Spend a week with Wolf Ridge and hike the Superior hiking trail learning practical skills along the way! This girls-only backpacking trip focuses on building a foundation in backcountry skills and a connection to wild places while fostering a sense of confidence in young women. Hike stunning overlooks and explore parts of the Superior National Forest camping in this truly special place! This is a great opportunity for those campers who have aged out of our Girls Rock the Ridge camp, but are still looking for a challenge and building lifelong memories and skills!
Are you looking for a transformative experience for your daughter? Join us for a week and hike the rugged Superior Hiking trail, where young women can develop strength and confidence while learning essential outdoor skills. This world-renowned area, celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and endless exploration opportunities, provides the perfect backdrop for wilderness tripping and canoe camping.

Beginning Survival Camp
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10
Register for Beginning Survival Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4-5
Campers will gain wilderness survival skills in this fun camp all about the outdoors!
Equip your camper with essential wilderness survival skills in this exciting outdoor camp at Wolf Ridge! Throughout the week, campers will challenge themselves on the adventure ropes course, learn to identify wild edible plants, practice fire-building techniques, and improve their skill in wayfinding. They’ll also enjoy a full day of water activities, including canoeing, fishing, swimming, and even raft-building. It’s a perfect balance of skill-building, outdoor adventure, and fun, offering your child a memorable experience while fostering teamwork, confidence, and a love for the outdoors.

Girls Rock the Ridge
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24
Register for Girls Rock the Ridge Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 6-7
Empowering Young Women Through Adventure, Leadership, and Growth
Join us for a week of adventure, growth, and fun during this camp designed to foster confidence and leadership in young women. When campers arrive, they will begin bonding with each other with activities like the adventure ropes course and team games. Build confidence, interpersonal skills and practical skills. Including a day-long adventure on the Superior Hiking Trail. Campers will emerge with new leadership skills to use in their daily lives.

High School Outdoor Recreation Camp
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24
Register for Outdoor Recreation Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 10 – 12
High School Outdoor Recreation Camp: Adventure Awaits
Spend a week at Wolf Ridge immersed in the beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore while exploring a variety of outdoor recreation skills. This adventure-focused camp engages teens in physical activity and fosters lifelong passions for the outdoors. Participants will develop practical skills in paddling, rock climbing, hiking, and more, all under the guidance of experienced instructors. Designed for youth eager to fully embrace recreation, this camp offers an unforgettable experience of learning, adventure, and connection with nature.

S.T.I.N.T Wilderness Trip
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-17
Register for S.T.I.N.T Wilderness Trip
Explore Wilderness Trips
Summer Camp Website
Download Scholarship Application
Entering grades 9-12
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Join Us for the Short Term Immersive Naturalist Training (S.T.I.N.T.) Camp in the Boundary Waters!
Are you looking for an enriching experience that deepens your teen’s connection to nature? Our S.T.I.N.T. camp invites young naturalists to immerse themselves in the breathtaking wilderness of the Boundary Waters. Led by experienced Wolf Ridge staff, campers will explore core naturalist concepts while engaging with the unique ecosystems that make this region so special.
Throughout the camp, participants will practice essential skills such as slowing down, making keen observations, and asking insightful questions. In addition to on-campus learning, campers will venture into diverse habitats—from lush wetlands to serene pine forests—discovering the incredible life that thrives in these environments. They’ll delve into the fascinating worlds of lichens, plants, moths, and dragonflies, enhancing their understanding of nature and developing their skills as aspiring naturalists.
This immersive experience not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world but also encourages personal growth, curiosity, and teamwork. Your child will return home with a wealth of knowledge, unforgettable memories, and a newfound passion for the great outdoors.

Survival Camp
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17
Register for Survival Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 6-7
Building Confidence and Wilderness Skills
Give your camper the ultimate outdoor experience at Wolf Ridge’s Survival Camp! This exciting week is designed to help campers develop practical wilderness survival skills while building confidence and resilience in a fun, supportive environment.
Throughout the week, campers will tackle our rock climbing wall, learn to identify wild edible plants, practice essential fire-building techniques, and master orienteering. They’ll also enjoy a day on the water filled with canoeing, fishing, swimming, and even raft building, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
The highlight of the camp is an on-site overnight adventure where campers will put their skills to the test by building and sleeping in their own shelter! It’s an unforgettable experience that fosters independence, leadership, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Wildlife Camp
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17
Register for Wildlife Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4 – 5
A Week of Discovery and Adventure: Explore the North Shore Animal Kingdom!
Give your child the opportunity to spend a week immersed in nature, discovering new species of animals each day! At this immersive adventure camp, mornings will focus on learning about a featured animal, sparking curiosity and a deeper connection to the natural world. In the afternoons, campers will embark on an adventurous nature scavenger hunt, eager to find and identify as many species as possible. Beyond these thrilling discoveries, your child will also enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming, and tackling our adventure ropes course. It’s a week filled with learning, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime—perfect for young explorers!

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Paddling
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-24
Register for BWCAW Canoe Paddling
Explore Wilderness Trips
Summer Camps Website
For students entering grades 9-12
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Paddle, Explore, and Grow: Teen Wilderness Adventure in the Boundary Waters
Give your high schooler an unforgettable wilderness experience in the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over the course of two weeks, participants will embark on a paddling journey …. they’ll bond with fellow adventurers while gaining invaluable outdoor skills.
During their time on the trail, your young explorer will learn essential wilderness skills such as bird and tree identification, camp cooking, and backcountry survival techniques. The adventure doesn’t stop there—while on Wolf Ridge’s campus, they’ll enjoy classic activities like the adventure ropes course, wild edibles foraging, and hands-on geology lessons.
This is more than just paddling—it’s an opportunity for your teen to build confidence, develop leadership, and create lifelong memories in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas of the country. Wolf Ridge provides all the necessary gear, ensuring a safe and exciting experience for your child.

Rocks, Paddles and Trails Camp
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24
Sign up for Rocks, Paddles and Trails Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8-9

Is your child eager to explore the great outdoors?
Is your camper eager to explore the great outdoors? In this camp, they’ll discover all the ways to enjoy outdoor adventures! From mastering the basics of rock climbing to gearing up for a canoe trip, Rocks, Paddles, and Trails Camp offers a well-rounded experience for young explorers.
Campers will start by learning essential climbing techniques on our indoor wall. Once they’ve mastered the basics, they’ll put their skills to the test on the rugged cliffs of Mystical Mountain, overlooking the stunning Wolf Lake. The adventure continues with a focus on hiking and preparation for an unforgettable canoe journey.
This camp is perfect for kids who want to experience different ways to connect with nature, while building practical outdoor skills they’ll carry with them for life. Along the way, they’ll make new friends, create unforgettable memories, and develop confidence and trust through outdoor recreation. The week wraps up with a celebratory campfire, marking the end of an adventure-packed experience your child won’t soon forget!
