Voyageurs
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07 | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
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
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17, 2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
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.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Paddling
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-24
Register for BWCAW Canoe Paddling
Explore Wilderness Trips
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.

Bird Banding Drop-In
2026-07-15 07:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-22 07:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-05 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Registration not required for this event.

Since 1993, Wolf Ridge has been a site for a long-term international study to learn about the lives and health of migratory songbird populations. Visitors can observe these beautiful birds up-close and learn about the banding process and bird research.
Meet at the Forest Ecology Building on any one of seven summer mornings.
Free and open to all ages. Banding will be canceled on rainy days.

Adventurers
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
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.

Girls Rock the Ridge
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.

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!

High School Outdoor Recreation Camp
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
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.

Immersive Naturalist Training
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24
Register for S.T.I.N.T Camp
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.

Isle Royale Backpacking Adventure
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-31
https://wolf-ridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Isle-Royal-Video.mp4
Register for Isle Royale Backpack
Explore Wilderness Trips
For students entering grades 9-12
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
An Unforgettable Adventure: Backpacking Camp at Isle Royale National Park
Kick off your adventurer’s summer with an exciting two-day experience at Wolf Ridge, where they will prepare for an epic backpacking adventure! After building essential skills and team spirit, campers will embark on a seven-day journey to Isle Royale National Park, hiking 5-8 miles daily through its stunning and untamed landscape.
On the island, your teen will explore ancient old-growth forests, soak in breathtaking views of Lake Superior, and share captivating stories around the campfire. They might even catch a glimpse of moose in their natural habitat! This immersive experience is designed to cultivate independence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Upon returning, campers will enjoy a few more days at Wolf Ridge, filled with thrilling activities such as rock climbing, survival skills training, and navigating the adventure ropes course. Each evening, they will gather to reflect on their experiences and forge lasting friendships.
This camp perfectly blends the vibrant energy of Wolf Ridge summer camp with the unique adventure of backpacking across Isle Royale National Park—an experience unlike any other that your teenager will treasure for a lifetime.

Summer Half Week Teacher Training Workshop
2026-07-20 11:30 - 2026-07-22 13:00
Can’t stay the whole week?
Join us for the first half (Monday–Wednesday) to experience a taste of what the Teacher Training Institute has to offer!
Spend a short week with the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute and fully immerse yourself in the practices of a naturalist. Throughout this hands-on retreat, you might study watersheds, take part in bird banding, explore the shores of Lake Superior, and so much more!
You’ll dive into nature journaling while learning foundational outdoor pedagogy techniques that will transform how you think about and approach outdoor learning. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is perfect for both newcomers and educators already incorporating outdoor learning into their teaching.
Bring the whole family!
Wolf Ridge offers daytime outdoor activities for youth (accompanied by an adult) and can also recommend nearby destinations for your own adventures. Please call 218-353-7414 after you register if you plan to bring additional family members. Additional fees will apply.
Learn More
Sample Schedule
Register Now
Sample Workshop Topics and Themes
Basics of outdoor learning: how to get started
Naturalist Practices: practices to help our students explore the natural world
Nature Journaling: from starting out to new ideas
Outdoor Pedagogy: engage as a student in an outdoor class and reflect on pedagogy techniques
Phenology: what it is and how to incorporate it all year long
Outdoor investigations: basics of conducting an investigation and collecting and interpreting data
Improv and Community Building: learn improv skills and team games
Citizen Science: learn about ways your students can engage with citizen science projects
Don’t see what you are looking for? Contact scheduling@wolf-ridge.org to co-create the program that best meets your needs.

Summer Full Week Teacher Training Workshop
2026-07-20 11:30 - 2026-07-24 13:00
Spend a week with the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute and fully immerse yourself in the practices of a naturalist. Throughout this hands-on retreat, you might study watersheds, take part in bird banding, explore the shores of Lake Superior, and so much more!
You’ll dive into nature journaling while learning foundational outdoor pedagogy techniques that will transform how you think about and approach outdoor learning. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is perfect for both newcomers and educators already incorporating outdoor learning into their teaching.
Bring the whole family!
Wolf Ridge offers daytime outdoor activities for youth (accompanied by an adult) and can also recommend nearby destinations for your own adventures. Please call 218-353-7414 after you register if you plan to bring additional family members. Additional fees will apply.
Learn More
Sample Schedule
Register Now
Sample Workshop Topics and Themes
Basics of outdoor learning: how to get started
Naturalist Practices: practices to help our students explore the natural world
Nature Journaling: from starting out to new ideas
Outdoor Pedagogy: engage as a student in an outdoor class and reflect on pedagogy techniques
Phenology: what it is and how to incorporate it all year long
Outdoor investigations: basics of conducting an investigation and collecting and interpreting data
Improv and Community Building: learn improv skills and team games
Citizen Science: learn about ways your students can engage with citizen science projects
Don’t see what you are looking for? Contact scheduling@wolf-ridge.org to co-create the program that best meets your needs.

Family Camp: Full Week
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31
Register for this Family Camp
Learn About Family Camp
Adventure for Every Age — Together at Wolf Ridge!Registration for Family Camp is now open!
Embark on an unforgettable Northwoods adventure with the people who matter most. At Wolf Ridge, our sampler and full-week Family Camps are crafted to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and create lasting memories for every member of your household.
What Awaits You at Wolf Ridge:
Cozy, Family-Friendly LodgingSettle into the beautiful Margaret A. Cargill Lodge, where comfortable rooms and inviting spaces offer the perfect place to relax after a day outdoors.
Delicious, Farm-Fresh MealsSavor hearty, nutritious dishes made with ingredients grown on our very own organic farm—fuel for every family adventure.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure ActivitiesFrom guided hikes and canoeing to birdwatching and hands-on nature lessons, our flexible programming lets you build the experience that fits your family’s pace and interests. Prefer to explore on your own? There’s plenty of space to wander, discover, and unwind.
Engaging Kids’ ProgrammingLooking for a moment to recharge? While adults enjoy some well-earned downtime, our experienced instructors lead fun, educational activities that keep kids inspired and active.
At Wolf Ridge, we believe that time in nature strengthens family bonds and creates stories you’ll share for years to come. Whether you’re eager to dive into structured adventures or simply savor quiet moments together under the pines, Family Camp is your invitation to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover the joy of the outdoors.
Join us this summer for a week—filled with laughter, learning, and wilderness wonder. Register today!

Intro to Canoeing
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31
Register for Intro to Canoeing
For students entering grades 8 – 9
All gear provided!
Discover the Great Outdoors: One-Week Introductory Canoe Camp
Give your explorer an adventure of a lifetime with our one-week camp session in Minnesota’s iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness! This breathtaking destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, making it the perfect setting for young adventurers to embark on their wilderness journey.
Our introductory canoe trip is designed to help campers develop essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep connection to nature. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, your camper will learn to paddle and portage through vast forests and pristine lakes, all while immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife and camping at remote, tranquil sites.
This experience not only cultivates outdoor skills but also instills confidence and independence, allowing campers to thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable journey into one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes!

Counselors in Training (CIT)
2026-07-26 - 2026-08-07
Register for Counselors in Training
Summer Camp Website
Entering grades 11 – 12
This two-week program is a wonderful opportunity to enhance and develop self-confidence, communication skills, tolerance for adversity, self-awareness, and personal leadership style.
As a counselor-in-training (CIT), experience camp from both sides, as a camper and as a counselor. The first week of camp will be learning from our counselor staff how things work behind the scenes in between doing some fun camp activities. During this time campers will work on skills such as leadership, team-building, time and behavior management.
The second week of camp, CITs will be paired with our counseling staff to help run a camp! They will sit in on the weekly staff meeting, be there to greet campers as they arrive, play games and show them interesting activities, and help to lead a song or skit at the final campfire. We hope you’ll consider returning to Wolf Ridge as part of our counseling staff in the future!

STEM Camp
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for STEM Camp
Entering grades 6 – 7
Ready, set, design, and build!
Use STEM skills to explore the world of renewable energy. Use solar power to light up your room and cook some food. We’ll explore the connection of energy and the outdoors by designing wind turbine blades and water wheels to see what generates the most power. See how renewable energy sources and batteries can work together to power many of the items we use in our daily life. Even cooking over a campfire will use biomass energy—another renewable source of power!

Intro to Backpacking Trip
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for Intro to Backpacking
Entering grades 8-9
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Explore, Learn, and Thrive on Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail?
Give your teen the opportunity to explore the wonders of Minnesota’s legendary Superior Hiking Trail with our one-week introductory camp session! Spanning 300 miles from Duluth to just south of the Canadian border, this remarkable footpath offers campers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Our backpacking trip is thoughtfully designed to help young adventurers build essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the wilderness. With experienced guides leading the way, your camper will trek through expansive forests and serene lakes, encounter diverse wildlife, and camp at remote, peaceful sites.
Not only will this journey cultivate practical outdoor skills, but it will also instill confidence and independence as campers learn to navigate and thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable experience in one of Minnesota’s most beautiful landscapes!

Intro to Sea Kayaking
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Sign up for Intro to Sea Kayaking
Explore Wilderness Trips
For students entering grades 8-9
All kayaking gear provided
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Big water and bold adventure await teens in this action-packed one-week sea kayaking session!
Learn the basics of sea kayaking before heading out onto lake Superior for a multi day trip discovering what makes this area so special. Learn how to read the weather and the waves, and explore the unique shoreline of Lake Superior. Bring your spirit of adventure and Wolf Ridge will provide the kayaking gear.

Nature Quest Camp
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for Nature Quest
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4 – 5

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure!
It’s time for an adventure! Come to Wolf Ridge and complete various challenges throughout the week. First, learn useful skills such as archery or plant identification, then work with the other campers to see if you have what it takes to complete the quest before the week is out! This is a theatrically themed camp where the adventure is led by a wizard who is guiding campers through a series of activities that culminates in a final quest.
It’s an adventure full of learning, bonding, and memories that will last a lifetime!
