As the school bell rings its last for the academic year, Owatonna's young minds are gearing up for an adventurous summer, with local camps registering eager explorers across various age brackets.

Dino Camp sends 5 to 7-year-old adventurers on a journey through time, blending history with nature. Campers will search woods for dino eggs while participating in themed arts, crafts, and science activities.

Children aged 8 to 12 can dive into Backyard Adventures Camp where team games and sports merge with fun and friendship. From Capture the Flag to rocket building, these challenges promise to kindle camaraderie and physical prowess.

Little Anglers Camp invites preschoolers to the shores for a beginner’s fishing expedition, guiding 5 to 7-year-olds through the basics of angling and aquatic ecology. This is a gentle reel into the wonders of the watery world.

Our parks come alive for 5 to 7-year-olds at the Nature Investigators Camp. Daily outings will bring children face-to-face with local flora and fauna, turning each encounter into a hands-on lesson in the great outdoor classroom of Owatonna.

Catering to 8 to 12-year-olds, Outdoor Adventure Camp offers an immersive experience where learning survival skills, archery, and geocaching opens a gateway to lifelong appreciation and practical aptitude for adventures in nature.

Lastly, Wild Inventors Camp ignites the imaginative spirit of 7 to 11-year-old campers. A celebration of creativity awaits these young minds as they explore the principles of invention through experiential learning.

Each camp extends a clarion call via email, with a list of essentials - backpack, snacks, tennis shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray - acting as a young adventurer’s toolkit for the anticipated summer quest.

It is with these diverse offerings that Owatonna nurtures the unfettered ambition of its youth; emboldening children, with earnest community support, to leap into learning, foster new friendships, and craft unforgettable summer memories under the gaze of our brilliant sun.