Day Camp
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Making new friends and building on renewed friendships are high points of the camping experience. YMCA Camp St. Croix offers a wide variety of exciting activities that build confidence and cooperation. The 6- or 13-day sessions are divided into units for different age levels. Younger campers are guided through a variety of experiences; older campers choose between specialized canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding and backpacking units which offer progressive challenges.
Camp St. Croix is located two miles south of Hudson, Wisconsin, on a beautiful 400-acre site overlooking Lake St. Croix. Open prairie, wooded ravines, pine forest, and St. Croix River shoreline are all part of the scenery at Camp St. Croix.
The facilities include cabins and shelters for group living. The Breakfast Point Outpost has been established with four enclosed shelters. Two modern bathroom and shower buildings serve the camper cabin areas. The Lodge, Dining Hall, River Center, Trail Building, craft center, nature center, stables, archery range, ropes course, climbing wall, and beach enhance the program.
The center of the Camp St. Croix experience is a community of 8-10 campers and two counselors. Younger campers have their own 12 bed cabin. The cabin is cedar paneled with hardwood floors and well ventilated. Bathrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located in another building close to the cabins.
Breakfast Point Outpost:
Just a ten minute hike from the center of camp, Breakfast Point Outpost provides older trail campers with a more remote in-camp housing experience. Staff are equipped with Emergency Cell phones when housed at Breakfast Point.
Three-Season Villages & Shelters:
These cabins are located on the perimeter of the cabin areas. A bit more rustic yet close to camp and bathroom facilities.
The YMCA is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and enjoyment without regard to race, ability, creed, national origin and sex. The YMCA will accommodate special needs into existing programs to the extent that financial and physical resources permit. So we may provide a positive experience, please contact the YMCA if your child has any special needs requiring any accommodations.
We believe everyone should be able to participate in YMCA programs. Based on available resources, the YMCA provides financial assistance through its Y Partners programs. Applications are available by e-mailing us or calling the Camp St. Croix office at (612) 465-0560.
Session 1 |
June 15 - 20 |
Summer Sampler* (Sun-Wed) |
June 15 - 18 |
Session 2 |
June 22 - 27 |
Summer Sampler* (Sun-Wed) |
June 22 - 25 |
NO PROGRAM OFFERED |
June 29 - July4 |
Session 4** |
July 6 - 18 |
Session 4A |
July 6 - 11 |
Session 4B |
July 13 - 18 |
Session 5 |
July 20 - 25 |
Summer Sampler* |
July 20 - 23 |
Session 6** |
July 27 - August 8 |
Session 6A |
July 27 - August 1 |
Session 6B |
August 3 - August 8 |
*Summer Sampler is for campers entering 2-6 grades in 2008
**Indicates a two week session
7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Morning Madness (morning activity for early risers)
7:45 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Flagpole / KP Duty
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Flagpole/ Password
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Cabin Clean-Up
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Activity Period 1
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Activity Period 2
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Rest Period
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Activity Period 3
3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Activity Period 4
5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Shower Hour / Clean-Up
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. All-Camp or Unit Activity
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Campfire / Evening Activity
9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Return to cabins / Devotionals / Bedtime Prep
9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Lights Out
All campers are dropped off at 2:00 p.m. on the first day of their session and are picked up at 5:00 p.m. of the last day.
Experience all that Camp St. Croix has to offer with one of our traditional overnight camps! Campers will spend their time participating in fun-filled activities such as swimming, boating, arts and crafts, music, nature, archery, sports, campfire, horseback riding and more. These programs provide exciting experiences for the new and returning camper, and is a great alternative to our adventure trail camps!
Summer Sampler - Back by Popular Demand!
For campers entering grade 2 - 6 in fall 2008
Fee: $319
Session 1: June 15-18 (Sunday-Wednesday)
Session 2: June 22-25 (Sunday-Wednesday)
Session 5: July 20-23 (Sunday-Wednesday)
This four-day, three-night camp is the perfect introductory program for a first- time camping experience. Camp St. Croix's Summer Samper offers an introduction to traditional camp activities and a chance to meet new friends in a group living setting. A low 6:1 camper to staff ratio is maintained to ensure that your child receives the individual attention they need.
Pioneers
For campers entering grades 3 & 4 in fall 2008
Sessions: 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, 6B
Fee: $476Become a Pioneer as first-time campers enjoy the exciting adventures of overnight camping! Activities include swimming, time with the horses, ecology, arts and crafts, team sports, tennis, cookouts, campfires and more. Caring staff focus on encouraging campers to meet new friends, experience new things, and learn new skills through age appropriate activities and challenges.
Trailblazers
For campers entering grades 5 & 6 in fall 2008
Fee: $476 for one-week session; $945 for two-week session
One-Week Sessions: 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, 6B
Two-Week Sessions: 4 & 6 - Includes a canoe trip on the St. Croix!Trailblazers are truly in for an adventure! Campers will enjoy the experience of living at Camp St. Croix combined with an overnight tent camping experience at main camp. Two-week Trailblazers will participate in a two-night overnight canoeing experience. In addition to traditional camp activities, Trailblazers will also enjoy boating, horseback riding, hiking, arts & crafts, nature activities, team sports, and much more! Emphasis is placed on caring relationships, personal and group challenges and building an appreciation for the world around us.
Homesteaders
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $488 for one-week session
One-Week Sessions: 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, 6B
This program is specifically designed for 7th and 8th graders who want to have a Camp St. Croix experience without a wilderness trail component. Homesteaders participate in swimming, boating, sailing, horseback riding, day-long canoe trips, tennis, team sports, archery, hiking, campfires, and much more.
Woodcrafters
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008.
Fee: $488 for one-week session
One-Week Sessions: 1, 2, 4A, 4B, 5, 6A, 6B
This in-camp program for 9th and 10th graders features a canoe lunch trip, swimming, sailing, horseback riding, group games, climbing, and much more! This is designed especially for our older campers who want to enjoy camp without the trail experience.
Our Adventure Camps offer a sequential camping model in which youth and teens gradually develop skills through age-appropriate trail experiences and new challenges each time they return to Croix. Each Adventure Camp has three levels of skill progression - Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. We encourage campers to try one of our Adventure Camp Trails as a first time camper, or after participating in one of our traditional camp experiences. Choose a specialized trail program and select the appropriate level. It is not required to participate in one of our beginner camps if the camper has equivalent experience. **Indicates a 2-week session.
River-Riders
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in Fall 2008
Fee: $510 / Transportation Fee: $40
Level: 1
Sessions: 1, 2, 4A, 5, 6A
River-Riders learn to work as a team, as they participate in camp activities, practice trail skills, and plan their three-day two-night canoe trip on the upper St. Croix Scenic Riverway. While in camp, River-Riders practice and learn basic canoeing skills, receive instruction in minimum impact camping skills, and have opportunities for arts and crafts, swimming, boating, archery, climbing, games, team sports, hikes, and campfires. This is the ideal introduction to canoe tripping.
Rapid Riders
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in Fall 2008
Fee: $530 / Transportation Fee: $40
Sessions: 2, 4B, 6BJoin us on this canoe trip for older campers that are looking for a one-week trail experience! Spend the first day at camp preparing ofr your trip, reviewing canoeing skills, and gettign acquainted with your fellow canoers and counselors. Then, set off on a three-day canoeing and camping adventure on the Brule or Flambeau River! Time is available at camp for team-building, swimmings, music, archery, camp fire and much more!
Voyageurs**
For campers entering grades 8 & 9 in fall 2008
Fee: $950 / Transportation Fee: $40
Sessions: 4 & 6 (two week camp)
Level: 2
Spend seven days following in the steps of North America’s historical fur traders. The waters of the Namekagon and Upper St. Croix Rivers will be your home for seven days. Voyageurs spend three days in camp refreshing canoeing and wilderness camping skills with time available for swimming, boating, arts and crafts, team building, sports, campfires, and more.
Explorers**
For campers entering grades 10 & 11 in fall 2008
Fee: $985 / Transportation Fee: $40
Sessions: 4 & 6 (two week camp)
Levels: 2 & 3 (or have completed Voyageur program)Learn and implement whitewater canoeing skills, while planning and participating in a 8-day canoe trip on Northern Wisconsin’s Flambeau River. Explorers practice and learn advanced wilderness camping skills while planning their trip. Time is available at camp for team building, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, games and campfires. While in camp, Explorers live at Breakfast Point or a primitive campsite. Explorers must have previous canoeing and camping experience (Voyageurs or similar experience).
Trail Trotters
For campers entering grades 5 & 6 in fall 2008
Fee: $500
Sessions: 1, 2, 4B, 5, & 6B
Level: 1Howdy Partners! This level one horse camp offers an amazing week of horse heaven! Campers wil build confidence and skills while learning the bsics of western riding such as mounting and dismounting, ring riding, and awesome trail rides! Trail Trotters will also be instructed on horse safety, grooming, and maintenance. This horse camp is a great learning experience for first-time riders and offers many key facets of hosemanship. Campers will also enjoy traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, swimming, camp fires and much more!
Boots & Saddles
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $595
Sessions: 2, 4A, 6A
Level: 1-2
Yee-Haw! Join us for our horse intensive Boots and Saddle camp where campers will spend the mamority of their time with our horses and wrangler staff! Each camper will be assigned a horse of their own for the entire week and share in daily care, grooming, feeding, maintenance, and new in '08, natural horesmanship. Natural Horsemanship teaches campers how to communicate with horses respectfully which produces an undeniable bond between horse and rider. Add in 5 hours of English Riding at our local St. Croix Equestrian Center and each camper will be ready for our level 3 riding camp--Badlands Wranglers! Parents can also see their campers in a horse show at 4pm on Friday before check out at the St. Croix Equestrian Center.
Badlands Wranglers**
For campers entering grades 9 -11 in fall 2007
Fee: $970 / Transportation Fee: $90
Session: 4
Levels: 2 & 3 (participant should be comfortable with horses)
Giddy Up! This equine adventure explores the historic Badlands of North Dakota! We’ll spend two entire days horseback riding through the colorful and spectacular rugged wilderness of the Badlands, including a special sunset ride. We will be camping at established campsites along the way, enjoying outdoor cooking and beautiful scenery. Join us as we discover the spirit of the Wild West in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
First Mates
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $510
Sessions: 1, 2, 4A, 5, 6A
Level: 1
The First Mate Program is designed to give an introduction to basic sailing skills and techniques. First Mates spend approximately two hours per day receiving sailing instruction from our qualified staff. Campers will learn how to sail on Sunfish sailboats, which are perfect for beginner sailors. There will also be plenty of time available to experience the fun of Camp St. Croix with opportunities for arts and crafts, team sports, games, nature, swimming, and boating.
Sailors**
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $915
Sessions: 4 & 6 (two week camp)
Level: 2Looking for more sailing adventure? This two-week camp provides an extra week of sailing educational experience! Sailors have nine days of hands-on instruction in small boat sailing under the supervision of our sailing instructors. Sailors have the opportunity to refine their small boat handling skills and learn self-rescue skills. Campers receive two-hours of instruction each day. Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, nature, team sports, tennis, archery, hikes, campfires, and much more.
Schooners
Campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008
Fee: $500
Sessions: 1, 2, 5
Level: 1
This camp is designed for lder campers looking for a one-week introductory sailing program! Campers will receive an introduction to basic sailing skills and techniques aboard our Sunfish and Keel Sailboats. Schooners will also have fun participating in archery, swimming, music, campfires and much more!
Windjammers**
For campers entering grades 8 & 9 in fall 2008
Fee: $950
Sessions: 4 & 6 (two week session)
Levels: 2 & 3Take command over wind and water as a Windjammer! Learn to sail any of Camp St. Croix’s fleet of keelboats (23’ - 27’) during one of these two week sessions! Windjammers have instructional periods reviewing small boat sailing skills and spend most of their time practicing on the water. The highlight of the Windjammer program is a three-day overnight camping trip on the keelboats! Windjammers should arrive at camp with basic sailing skills, i.e., having completed Sailors or comparable program.
All Camp St. Croix Advanced Sailing and kayaking programs are led by experienced sailing staff and supervised by a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain.
Islanders**
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008
Fee: $1300 / Transportation Fee: $60
Session: June 15 - 27
Levels: 1 & 2During this two week program, campers will spend five days and four nights aboard a beautiful sailboat in Lake Superior! After a vessel orientation, the group sets sail through the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore. While on board, you are the working crew - campers plot the course, raise the sails, take the helm, cook the meals and maintain the vessel under the direction of the boat’s U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain and the crew’s First Mate. Other activities while in the Apostles include hiking, lighthouse tours, and exploring the natural beauty of the Apostle Islands.
Mariners**
For campers entering grades 10 & 11 in fall 2008
Fee: $1385 / Transportation Fee: $60
Session: July 20-August 1
Level: 2 (have completed Islanders or comparable sailing experience)Enjoy the sailing adventure of the summer as a Mariner! Campers are in small groups and spend the first portion of their adventure at Camp St. Croix reviewing sailing skills and getting ready for the trip. During the next leg of the trip, we’ll travel to Bayfield, Wisconsin, where we will set sail from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Mariner crews spend the next six days sailing and exploring the Apostle Islands. You will also have opportunities to learn coastal navigation, docking, night sailing, and rules of the road. The Mariner Program is under the supervision of our experienced First Mate and a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain.
Vagabonds**
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $1254 / Transportation Fee: $60
Sessions: 4 & 6
Level: 1Come experience all that the Apostle Islands have to offer! Vagabonds can experience water adventure by combining three days of sea kayaking with three days of sailing. Your group of five will arrive at Camp St. Croix and spend time planning, packing and provisioning. Then it’s off to Bayfield, Wisconsin where you will depart on your kayaking adventure from the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore. During three days of sea kayaking, you will learn paddling skills, self-rescue, and basic navigation while camping in and around the Apostle Islands. From there, you will board one of Camp St. Croix’s advanced sailing vessels and explore the Apostle Islands by sail.
Sea Kayakers**
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008
Fee: $1000 / Transportation Fee: $60
Sessions: 4 & 6
Levels: 1 & 2Learn sea kayaking and refine your skills as you explore the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore! Sea kayaking is an incredible way to explore this amazing wilderness area. You will spend a few days planning and preparing for this trip at Camp St. Croix while enjoying our fun camp activities. Your group will travel to Bayfield, Wisconsin - the gateway to the Apostle Islands - where you will launch your kayaks and explore this amazing wilderness area. We will spend five days and four nights of kayaking and camping in and around the islands.
Rockers
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $525
Sessions: 1, 2, 5
Level: 1On Belay! Experience one of America’s fastest growing adventure sports with our Rockers Unit! Rockers learn basic climbing techniques and safety procedures on one of Camp St. Croix’s climbing towers. Campers then progress on to local climbing areas highlighted by a two-night overnight tent camping trip to Taylor’s Falls, a scenic rock-climbing haven! Back in Camp St. Croix, Rockers also experience camp activities including swimming, boating, archery, arts and crafts, nature, tennis, team sports, canoeing, hiking and campfires.
Rock-n-Ropes
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008
Fee: $500
Sessions: 4A, 6A
Level: 1
Climb On! This one-week adventure will have campers climbing to new heights every day! Campers will receive instruction on both of our climbing towers, experience our low and high teams ropes courses, and get a chance to walk through the tree tops on our high confidence course! Campers will also have a chance to participate in all of our traditional camp activities.
Cliff Hangers**
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008
Fee: $960 / Transportation Fee: $40
Sessions: 4 & 6
Level: 2Can’t get enough of rock climbing? Cliff Hangers can enjoy two weeks of high-climbing thrills! We’ll begin with basic climbing instruction and progress through Camp St. Croix’s climbing towers, indoor climbing at a local climbing gym, and outdoor climbing at Taylor’s Falls. Highlighting the session is a five-night overnight camping trip to Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin. Back in Camp St. Croix, Cliff Hangers enjoy additional camp activities including swimming, boating, team building, team sports, archery, canoeing, and campfires.
North Shore Hikers**
For campers entering grades 7 & 8 in fall 2008
Fee: $889 / Transportation Fee: $60
Sessions: 4 & 6
Level: 1The North Shore Hikers program is a great introduction to backpacking adventure! During this two-week program, campers will spend five days of hiking and camping along the Superior Hiking Trail , learning basic outdoor living skills and an appreciation for wilderness settings. Back in Camp St. Croix, North Shore Hikers will enjoy additional camp activities including swimming, boating, team building, team sports, archery, canoeing, and campfires. Hiking boots are required. Packs are available if needed.
Wilderness Trekkers**
For campers entering grades 9 & 10 in fall 2008.
Fee: $910 / Transportation Fee: $60
Sessions: 4 & 6
Level: 2If a backpacking adventure is what you seek, Wilderness Trekkers can help you find it! This two-week program will help you develop backpacking know-how and refine camping skills as you learn trip planning, navigate trails and experience minimal impact camping. The highlight of Wilderness Trekkers is six days of backpacking the wilderness trails of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Porcupine Mountains! Hiking boots are required. Packs are available if needed.
For participants entering grades 8 & 9 in fall 2008 **
Fee: $905/ Transportation Fee: $80
Session: 4
Back by popular demand! Be an Ambassador of Camp St. Croix in our third annual international camper exchange to Canada! Campers will travel to YMCA Camp Stephens in Kenora, Ontario for a week of fun and adventure with our Canadian neighbors. Camp Stephens is located on a large island in the Lake of the Woods that offers great camp activities including canoeing, swimming, arts & crafts, nature programs, ropes courses and more! Campers will also enjoy a week of programming at Camp St. Croix!
Session1: June 15 - July 11
Session 2: July 13 - August 8
The LDP experience is 26 days of intensive leadership and wilderness training. Each LDP will have the opportunity to develop outdoor skills, personal confidence, youth group skills, time management, planning and supervision. The program also includes a 10-day trail experience of sailing/backpacking or canoeing/rock climbing. LDPs will also become First Aid and CPR certified while at camp. This is an ideal program for campers wishing to become camp staff in the future!
Being an LDP is the mountaintop experience for Camp St. Croix Campers. Participation in this program is competitive with limited space available and many applications. Application packets are available from the Camp St. Croix office after Jan. 1, 2008. Applications are reviewed and interviews scheduled as they are received. Each applicant will be interviewed by Camp Staff and informed within one week of the interview if they have been admitted to the program.
Backpacking/Sailing LDP
For campers in grades 11 & 12 in fall 2008
Fee: $1750
Session 1: June 15 - July 11This 26-day Leadership Program includes a 10-day trail experience. LDPs will sail and backpack in Lake Superior country! LDPs will spend 10 days sailing and hiking near the beautiful North Shore. There will be opportunities to learn coastal navigation, docking, night sailing, and rules of the road. The Sailing LDP Program is under the supervision of our experienced First Mate and a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain. The rest of the program is spent at camp and is designed to give LDPs the needed skills to become leaders at camp and in their community.
Canoeing/Rock Climbing LDP
For campers in grades 11 & 12 in fall 2008
Fee: $1750
Session 1: July 13 - August 8This 26-day Leadership Program includes a 10-day trail experience. LDPs will navigate river waters and climb to new heights on this adventure! Climbing instructors are trained to facilitate safe and fun outdoor climbing experiences. The rest of the program is spent at Camp St. Croix and is designed to give LDPs the needed skills to become leaders at camp and in their community.
