Our Lakeville programs are through partnership with Lakeville Parks & Recreation. Most classes take place at their beautiful Ritter Farm Park. We run a wide variety of classes for a range of ages at their site. This park is 340 acres and has a building and a gazebo to rent, several long hiking trails, and horse riding trails. Big things to note is outside of an EcoElsa program you are not allowed to go off trail or forage in this park. Check out their website to learn more about Ritter Farm park!
Lakeville offers Scholarships for programs click this link to learn more about this!
Current Classes
New! Discovery Sprouts Series: Third Saturday of Each Month January-May, 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 2-10 with an Adult
Calling all preschool explorers! Join us on the third Saturday of each month for hands-on outdoor fun. Preschoolers age 3-6 years old and their caregivers will discover, explore, and play through activities, games, hikes, and art designed to spark curiosity and learning. Siblings 2-10 years can join too, at a discounted rate!
First child registered must be age 3-6 years old.
January 17: Preschool Snow Day
February 21: Winter ABC's Hike
March 21: Winter 123's Hike
April 18: Forts & Fire
May 16: Pollinators & Preschoolers
Homeschool Classes: Tuesdays, February 3rd-April 28th*, Ages 5+
Schedule
A: 8:50 am - 10:20 am = Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters
B: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm = Winter Wildlife STEAM
Lunch: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm*
C: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm = Zoology
D: 2:40 pm - 4:10 pm = Magical by Nature
*Lunch supervision included when signed up for the B & C class sessions
Dates
Tuesdays: February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, April 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th *May 5th (Back Up Day)
***No Class March 31st***
EXTREME WEATHER & NATURAL DISASTERS
Explore the powerful forces of extreme weather. From raging wildfires to icy avalanches, students will investigate the science behind these dramatic events and learn how to stay safe in the face of adversity. Discover how these forces shape habitats around the world and impact both people and wildlife.
WINTER WILDLIFE STEAM
Discover how wildlife survives Minnesota’s winter wonderland in this hands-on STEAM class! Kids will explore the unique adaptations that help animals thrive in the cold—and see how humans have learned from them too. Activities include snowshoeing, tracking wildlife, engineering winter shelters, studying weather, designing early tools, exploring the science of snow sculptures, and more.
HOMESCHOOL ZOOLOGY
Kids will explore six major animal groups including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and arthropods through games and hands-on activities. Along the way, they will discover Minnesota species they can study in their own backyards while building skills in reading, writing, math, science, teamwork, and problem solving. Class will cover different animal phyla in a chronological order and will touch on how different animals develop, evolve, and are organized into the groups we have today.
MAGICAL BY NATURE
Uncover the science hidden in magical stories in this fantasy-themed nature class! Kids will explore mythology and folklore through activities like outdoor exploration, mock battles, and creating items such as wands or candles. Along the way, they’ll learn about topics like mythical creatures, alchemy, herbology, and gemology. Join us for this class that blends imagination with the science of the natural world.
Nature Spa Camp: Monday, February 16th, 8:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 7 to 14 (No School Day!)
Learn how nature, ethnobotany and chemistry combine to create beauty and spa products! This class will cover a variety of topics and skills including how to make essential oils from plants and how to use those oils to make candles, bath bombs, lotions, and other spa products. We will also explore ways to use plants and natural materials for beauty items including drying herbs, lip gloss and more! Kids will discover how everyday plants can be transformed into spa-worthy products through science and creativity.
Woodland Wonders 12 Week Preschool Class: Fridays, February 20th-May 22nd, 9:00 to 11:30 am Ages 4-6
This preschool program is rooted in nature and immerses young explorers in the wonders of their natural space. Learn about plants and animals that inhabit our world while practicing math, science, language arts and art. Through year-round outdoor exploration, class is designed to encourage preschoolers to ask questions and problem-solve. Our 12-week curriculum works well as a stand-alone class or in conjunction with your current preschool experience, adding depth and variety to traditional preschool learning. Come dressed for the weather, much of this class will be taught outdoors and we will run rain or shine!
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start of class to help your child use the bathroom and get ready to go outside.
There is a $16 late fee for any child that is not picked up by 10 minutes after the end of class.
Scholarships available to those who qualify.
***No Class March 27th & April 3rd***
New! Winter Whittling Workshop: Saturday, February 28th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 7 and up, Ages 7-15 with an Adult
For generations, the colder months have been a time to craft the tools and treasures needed year-round. In this class, you’ll learn whittling techniques and how to use wood chisels and rotary tools to bring your own creations to life. From selecting the right wood to shaping it into something useful or magical, you can make projects such as fishhooks, sewing needles, spoons, wands, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or building on existing skills, this cozy, creative class is a meaningful way to connect with nature and tradition during the winter season.
Wild Edibles Monthly Foraging Class Series: Third Sunday of the month, March 15th-November 15th, 1:00 - 3:30 pm Ages 13+ (13-17 with an adult)
Join an EcoElsa educator to forage, gather, and cook wild foods. Discover easy plants and mushrooms. Leave class knowing how to handle foraged food from start to eating. Monthly topics include foods such as puffballs, spruce, raspberry leaves, clover, chicken of the woods and more! Topics may vary slightly based on what nature provides. The third Sunday of the month, we will be venturing into the outdoors and savoring tasty treats in the kitchen. Participants may register for individual classes or the 9-month class series at a discounted rate. Ages 13+, youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
March 15: Exploring the Evergreens
April 19: Tapping Into Nature's Sweetness-Exploring Saps, Morels and Ramps!
May 17: Spring Harvest-Woods to Your Table
June 21: Summer Foraging Staples-Dandelion, Dock & More!
July 19: Hot Month Harvest-Raspberry, Pineapple Weed and More!
August 16: Late Summer Bounty-Plums, Cherries & Mushrooms, Oh My!
September 20: September's Smorgasbord-Let the Feast Begin!
October 18: Autumn Edibles
November 15: Fall's Last Harvest
Please note you consume wild foods at your own risk.
Outside of our classes, people are not allowed to remove plants from this park.
New! Family Spa Day Science: Saturday, March 21st, 1:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 5 and up, Ages 5-15 with an Adult
Step into the world of natural beauty and botanical traditions! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how cultures around the world have used plants to support wellness and self-care. Explore the blend of science and tradition as you create your own spa products to take home, including bath bombs, sugar scrubs, and a scented candle. You’ll also receive bonus recipes and tips for making even more plant-powered creations at home. Perfect for anyone who enjoys nature, wellness, and a touch of everyday luxury!
Campfire Cooking Camp: Friday,March 27th, 8:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 9-15 (No School Day)
Kids will advance their fire skills by learning to create different fire structures and explore the science of cooking. We will start with campfire basics like s’mores and foil packets, then progress to advanced skills such as Dutch oven baking and spit roasting. By the end, they’ll be able to build, manage, and cook full meals over a fire safely.
Potential recipes:
Recipe 1 - s’mores
Recipe 2 - skewers
Recipe 3 - tinfoil packet hash
Recipe 4 - campfire beverages
Recipe 5 - pie irons grilled cheese
Recipe 6 - grill basket french fries
Recipe 7 - Dutch oven monkey bread
Recipe 8 – cowboy cookies
Recipe 9 – wild Soda
Upcoming Summer Classes Registration Open!
Wild Edibles Monthly Foraging Class Series: Third Sunday of the month, March 15th-November 15th, 1:00 - 3:30 pm Ages 13+ (13-17 with an adult)
Join an EcoElsa educator to forage, gather, and cook wild foods. Discover easy plants and mushrooms. Leave class knowing how to handle foraged food from start to eating. Monthly topics include foods such as puffballs, spruce, raspberry leaves, clover, chicken of the woods and more! Topics may vary slightly based on what nature provides. The third Sunday of the month, we will be venturing into the outdoors and savoring tasty treats in the kitchen. Participants may register for individual classes or the 9-month class series at a discounted rate. Ages 13+, youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
March 15: Exploring the Evergreens
April 19: Tapping Into Nature's Sweetness-Exploring Saps, Morels and Ramps!
May 17: Spring Harvest-Woods to Your Table
June 21: Summer Foraging Staples-Dandelion, Dock & More!
July 19: Hot Month Harvest-Raspberry, Pineapple Weed and More!
August 16: Late Summer Bounty-Plums, Cherries & Mushrooms, Oh My!
September 20: September's Smorgasbord-Let the Feast Begin!
October 18: Autumn Edibles
November 15: Fall's Last Harvest
Please note you consume wild foods at your own risk.
Outside of our classes, people are not allowed to remove plants from this park.
Outdoor Survival Camp: Monday-Wednesday, June 8th-10th, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Ages 6-12
Learn the “Rules of Three”, shelter engineering, and fire science. We will also cover basic orienteering skills, how to signal for help, and collect and treat water. Your kids will learn skills through games and activities that will help them learn what to do in a survival situation. Make sure to dress for the weather; wear closed toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors.
Little Nature Explorers: Friday, June 12th, 10:00 to 11:30 am, Ages +3 with an Adult
Explore, through nature learning, the plants and animals that call the outdoors home. We will experience a wide variety of outdoor activities that are great for preschoolers to get their minds and bodies moving!
Family Foraging Class: Saturday, June 20th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages +5 with an Adult
Turn your next outdoor adventure into a tasty one! This beginner-friendly class invites families to explore nature’s edible treasures while learning plant ID, sustainable harvesting, and safe prep and cooking techniques. Each session features hands-on, seasonal recipes—think wild lemonades, cookies, fritters, pizza, and more—that are fun and kid-approved. Build survival skills, spark creativity in the kitchen, and enjoy a flavorful way to connect with nature and each other.
Possible recipes: lemonades, cookies, bars, candy, ice cream, sorbets, pasta, fritters, pizza, etc.
We are committed to providing recipes that meet various dietary needs and are enjoyable for kids to cook and eat. We will use mostly raw, unprocessed ingredients and offer vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options for most recipes. If your family has additional dietary needs, please let us know, and we’ll adjust when possible.
Pricing is per person. This is a family class; an adult must be registered with all youth participants.
Fish Biology Camp: Monday & Tuesday, June 22nd & 23rd, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-14
Learn about fish biology and conduct studies actual fish biologists do! EcoElsa will give the kids a hands-on look at different fish species, their ecosystem, and the role fishing plays in fish population management and conservation. Swimsuits or clothes kids don’t mind getting wet is highly recommended as the entire class will be spent in and near the lake.
Eco-Fashion Camp: Monday-Thursday, July 13th-16th, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 7-14
Explore the connection between nature and fashion in this hands-on Eco-Fashion class! Create designs inspired by the natural world, including grass weaving, plant-based dyes, and upcycled fashion projects. The class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and sustainability while exploring themes like body positivity and science. Activities are both indoors and outdoors, so kids should dress for the weather in clothes they don't mind getting messy. Most creations go home on the last day!
Care over the lunch hour is available when registering for Eco-Fashion Camp and Nature Photography. Lunch Bunch is $57 per child. A minimum of 5 participants must be registered to run Lunch Bunch. Click here for Lunch Bunch at Ritter Farm Park #143301
Nature Photography Camp: Monday-Thursday, July 13th-16th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 7-14
Discover the world through a camera lens at our Nature Photography Camp, where creativity meets adventure. Campers explore the outdoors while learning the basics of photography, including lighting, angles, framing, and perspective to capture beautiful nature shots.
Through guided photo walks and creative challenges, kids strengthen their observation skills and learn how to tell stories with their images. They’ll also experiment with collage-making, scrapbooking, and fun photo displays to showcase their favorite work.
Perfect for young nature lovers and aspiring photographers, this camp encourages kids to connect with nature, develop their artistic eye, and build confidence behind the lens.
Care over the lunch hour is available when registering for Eco-Fashion Camp and Nature Photography. Lunch Bunch is $57 per child. A minimum of 5 participants must be registered to run Lunch Bunch. Click here for Lunch Bunch at Ritter Farm Park #143301
Teen Wild Survival Camp: Monday-Wednesday, July 27th-29th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 11-15
Teens will acquire survival skills through hands-on experience in the woods, learning outdoor survival techniques such as preparation, shelter engineering, fire science, safety, water treatment, orienteering, and pocketknife use. The camp concludes with a survival challenge, requiring participants to pack in and out to a wild park location to test their ability to survive with only what fits in a daypack. The class, supervised by EcoElsa staff, builds on knowledge from youth, family, or basic survival classes. These skills are valuable not just for survival scenarios but also for camping and outdoor excursions, fostering confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, and problem-solving in teens. Dress appropriately for the weather, and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants, as most of the class occurs outdoors.
Preschool Nature Art: Thursday, August 13th, 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Ages +3 with an Adult
Kids will learn about art mediums through nature and how they connect to different science principles. Depending on the weather, some of the activities we may do are making sustainable nature sculptures, paint & dye color science, fiber weaving, animal footprints, and more! Kids will be able to creatively express themselves while learning about art, science, and history. This class is a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities so make sure kids dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes! Kids will be able to take home most of their creations.
Extreme Weather & Disasters: Monday & Tuesday, August 17th & 18th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Ages 6-12
Use nature to find a solution to challenges like designing and building wind turbines, earthquake-proofing buildings, designing prosthetic limbs, and more! Inventors will learn how nature connects to STEM in solving real-world problems while developing teamwork and problem solving skills. Learn how scientists and engineers study nature to find solutions to fix the problems we face in this biomimicry focused STEM camp. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants as parts of this class will be outdoors!
Eco-Inventors: Wednesday & Thursday, August 19th & 20th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-14
Use nature to find a solution to challenges like designing and building wind turbines, earthquake-proofing buildings, designing prosthetic limbs, and more! Inventors will learn how nature connects to STEM in solving real-world problems while developing teamwork and problem solving skills. Learn how scientists and engineers study nature to find solutions to fix the problems we face in this biomimicry focused STEM camp. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants as parts of this class will be outdoors!
A Mystery in the Woods: Monday-Thursday, August 31st-September 3rd, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 7-14
Something or someone is stirring up trouble in our park. Things are going missing and strange clues are being left behind. It is up to our camp to solve the mystery through a series of problem-solving activities and games that will keep kids active, learning about the natural world and using those skills to solve the mystery! This class is a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities sometimes going off trail so make sure kids dress for the weather and wear closed toed shoes!
Outdoor Survival Camp: Monday-Thursday, August 31st-September 3rd, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 6-12
Learn the “Rules of Three”, shelter engineering, and fire science. We will also cover basic orienteering skills, how to signal for help, and collect and treat water. Your kids will learn skills through games and activities that will help them learn what to do in a survival situation. Make sure to dress for the weather; wear closed toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors.
Lakeville Homeschool Classes: Tuesdays, September 8th - November 24th*, 8:50 am to 4:10 pm, Ages 5+
Twelve weeks of highly educational classes taught by an environmental educator from EcoElsa LLC. When registering for two or more classes, immediately before and after the lunch hour, supervision will be provided at no additional charge. Scholarships available to those who qualify.
8:50-10:20 a.m., Eco-Fashion
10:30 a.m.-noon, Ethnobotany
noon-1:00 p.m., Lunch
1-2:30 p.m., Magical Science
2:40-4:10 p.m., Nature Photography
*Dec. 1 is reserved for weather-related make-up classes.
ECO-FASHION
Explore the connection between nature and fashion in this hands-on Eco-Fashion class! Create designs inspired by the natural world, including grass weaving, plant-based dyes, and upcycled fashion projects. The class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and sustainability while exploring themes like body positivity and science. Activities are both indoors and outdoors, so kids should dress for the weather in clothes they don't mind getting messy.
ETHNOBOTANY
This class combines biology, science, and history, focusing on learning respectfully from different cultures. We explore how Indigenous Nations, Europeans, and other groups use plants for food, medicine, building materials, and cultural practices, both today and throughout history. Kids stay engaged through hands-on activities and games and will create projects they can take home.
SPOOKY BY NATURE
Dive into the dark side of the natural world to learn about all things spooky and creepy! In this class we will discover how snakes, spiders, bats, and other misunderstood creatures help keep our ecosystems healthy! In this fun and fascinating class, we’ll uncover the truth behind common fears and learn how to safely and respectfully live alongside these wild neighbors. Through games, hands-on activities, and close-up exploration, kids will build confidence, face fears, and see that sometimes the creepiest critters are actually some of nature’s most important helpers!
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Discover the world through a camera lens at our Nature Photography Class, where creativity meets adventure! Explore the great outdoors while learning the elements of photography and techniques such as lighting, angles, framing, and perspective to capture stunning nature shots. Through guided photo walks and creative challenges, kids will develop their observation skills and learn to tell stories through their images. Kids will experiment with collage-making, scrapbooking, and creative photo displays to showcase their favorite images. Perfect for young nature lovers and aspiring photographers, this camp encourages kids to connect with the world around them, develop their artistic eye, and build confidence behind the lens.
This preschool program is rooted in nature and immerses young explorers in the wonders of their natural space. Learn about plants and animals that inhabit our world while practicing math, science, language arts and art. Through year-round outdoor exploration, class is designed to encourage preschoolers to ask questions and problem-solve. Our 12-week curriculum works well as a stand-alone class or in conjunction with your current preschool experience, adding depth and variety to traditional preschool learning. Come dressed for the weather, much of this class will be taught outdoors and we will run rain or shine!
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start of class to help your child use the bathroom and get ready to go outside.
Scholarships available to those who qualify.
No Class: October 16th & November 27th
Dec. 18 is reserved for weather-related make-up classes.
The Forager's Mocktails Class: Saturday, September 12th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Ages 18+
Whether you're a home bartender, foraging newbie, or cocktail connoisseur, this class is the perfect way to connect with nature—and your inner mixologist. Explore the flavors of foraged plants and learn how to turn them into handcrafted ingredients for mocktails and how to incorporate them with alcohol at home. We’ll focus on beginner-friendly, easy-to-identify plants. Head into the field to harvest, clean, prep, and craft the ingredients into mocktails to try in class. Each participant will get to make and take home a jar of wild soda or make a jar of ingredients to be infused with alcohol at home!
Outside of our classes, people are not allowed to remove plants from this park. This class is for adults 18 and older. No alcohol will be served during the session.
Forts & Fires : Saturday, September 19th, 9:00 to 10:30 am, Ages 3-10 with an Adult
Learn about building shelters and fire through a variety of safe engaging activities and games for early learners. These are also activities that adults will be able to do at home with the kids so they can get outdoors more all year! Kids must be with an adult for class.
Campfire Cooking Camp: Thursday & Friday, October 15th & 16th, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Ages 9-15
Kids will advance their fire skills by learning to build and safely manage fires, cook basics like s’mores, and master advanced techniques like Dutch oven baking and spit roasting. They’ll create full-course meals and, if possible, forage for seasonal ingredients.
Recipe 1 - s’mores
Recipe 2 - skewers
Recipe 3 - tinfoil packet hash
Recipe 4 - campfire beverages
Recipe 5 - pie irons grilled cheese
Recipe 6 - grill basket french fries
Recipe 7 - Dutch oven monkey bread
Recipes will accommodate dietary needs with vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options, using raw, unprocessed ingredients. Notify us of additional dietary needs, and we’ll work to make adjustments!
Family Outdoor Survival Class: Saturday, October 17th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages +5 with and Adult
Join our family-focused outdoor survival class where you'll gain valuable survival skills through engaging games and activities. Learn essential techniques such as the "rules of three," signaling for help, constructing shelters, understanding fire science and safety, and basic water treatment skills. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants as all of the class will be spent outdoors!