From traditional day camps to arts and nature programs, options span interests, ages
Camp guide
18 | Thursday, May 7, 2026 Monticello Times
ALL ABOUT KIDS
Summer camps offer mix of adventure, creativity
From traditional day camps to arts and nature programs, options span interests, ages
LAUREN FLAUM Monticello Times
MONTICELLO— For families looking to fill summer days with more than just free time, a wide range of camp options in and around Monticello offer kids a chance to explore, create and stay active while school is out. From traditional outdoor day camps to specialized programs in art, science and nature, this summer’ s lineup provides options for children of all ages— and a variety of interests.
For those seeking a classic day camp experience, YMCA Camp Manitou at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers one of the area’ s most extensive programs. Running throughout the summer, the day camp serves students from kindergarten through high school with weekly sessions focused on outdoor exploration, teamwork and skill-building.
Campers can take part in activities such as swimming, archery, climbing, paddling and group games, while specialty camps offer more focused experiences in areas like nature studies, water activities and leadership development. Programs are organized by age group, with options ranging from introductory camps for younger children to leadership tracks for teens.
Nature-based camps are also available through Wright County Parks and
COURTESY OF YMCA CAMP MANITOU
Campers gather around a fire pit during a summer session at YMCA Camp Manitou at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Monticello. The day camp offers a mix of outdoor activities, from nature exploration to group games and more.
COURTESY OF YMCA CAMP MANITOU
Campers cool off in Lake Bertram during a summer session at YMCA Camp Manitou in Monticello. Water activities, including swimming and paddling, are a staple of the camp’ s outdoor programming.
Recreation, which hosts programs at locations including Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park in
Monticello and the Robert Ney Nature Center near Maple Lake. These camps emphasize hands-on learning in outdoor settings, encouraging kids to explore local ecosystems, observe wildlife and build confidence through guided activities and play. For more creatively inclined campers, local artist / instructor Aryn Lill is offering summer art camps for kids at MontiArts in downtown Monticello, featuring a range of themed sessions designed to spark imagination and hands-on learning.
This summer’ s lineup includes options such as Pokémon Creators Camp, stop-motion animation, comic book creation and nature-inspired art, along with camps focused on mural-making and sketchbook development.
The camps typically run in weeklong sessions throughout June, July and early August, with small group sizes that allow for more individualized instruction. Each session centers on project-based learning, giving participants the chance to explore different materials and techniques while completing artwork they can take home.
Additional camp-style offerings are available through Monticello Community Education, which includes multi-day enrichment camps in areas such as art, STEM and recreation. These programs range from short workshops to weeklong sessions, giving families flexible options to mix and match throughout the summer.
While formats vary, from full-day camps to shorter sessions, many programs share a common goal: giving kids opportunities to try new things, build friendships and stay engaged outside of the classroom.
With many camps operating on weekly schedules
Camp guide
• YMCA Camp Manitou( Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park)
Full-day summer camp with weekly sessions for grades K-9. Traditional and specialty camps offered, including outdoor adventure, arts and leadership programs. Info: ymcamn. org
• Wright County Parks day camps
Nature-based camps and programs held at Bertram and Robert Ney Nature Center. Focus on outdoor exploration, wildlife and hands-on learning. Info: wrightcountymn. gov / parks
• MontiArts summer camps
Weeklong art camps led by local artist Aryn Lill, with themes including animation, painting and mixed media. Small group, project-based sessions at MontiArts, 213 W. Broadway. Info: https:// secure. rec1. com / MN / monticello-mn
• Monticello Community Education camps
Variety of enrichment camps in art, STEM and recreation, ranging from short workshops to multi-day sessions. Info: monticello. arux. app
and limited enrollment, early registration is encouraged. Popular sessions— particularly for younger age groups— can fill quickly as summer approaches.
For parents, the growing variety of camps offers more than just a way to keep kids busy. For campers, it’ s a chance to discover new interests, gain independence and come home with stories that last well beyond the season.