Burnsville
Campfire Bay Resort (Cushing, MN)
Outdoor Learning Retreat: Thursday - Sunday, April 23rd-26th, 2026
Bring yourselves and your kids along to expand your knowledge of the great outdoors! Learn how the Dakota and Ojibwe view the stars with Ethnoastronomy. Take a walk and identify safe-to-eat plants and fungi with Foraging. Learn tasty new recipes (and try them out) with Campfire Cooking. And those are only a few of the classes we will be offering! We are excited to let you know that registration is open for the Outdoor Learning Retreat at Campfire Bay Resort in Cushing, MN happening April 2nd-6th! To reserve your cabin and register for classes you will need to contact Campfire Bay Resort at 218-575-2432 or by email at vacation@campfirebayresort.com!
Crystal & New Hope
Edina
More Classes Coming Soon!
Farmington
HEdFEx Homeschool Co-op Plymouth
Inver Grove Heights
Jordan
Lakeville
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.
Snow Day STEAM Camp: Monday, January 25th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-13
Join an EcoElsa educator for a full day of activities that will get your kids outdoors learning, being active, and having fun! Some activities we may do depending on the weather and snow include snowman relay race, build a better snowball launcher, snow fort engineering, snow poetry, snow science discovery, snowflake art, and snow nature art! Many of these activities are fun things your kids will be able to continue to do at home all winter long! Expect to be outside most of time so dress for the weather!
Guided Snowshoe Hike: Sunday, January 31st, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages +15 with a registered Adult
Join EcoElsa to explore the winter landscape of Ritter Farm Park and learn how to snowshoe. During this fun excursion, you will learn about Minnesota’s winter habitats as well as the history of snowshoeing! This is a great adventure skill to learn, make sure to dress for the weather as the whole program will be spent outdoors! Snowshoes will be provided and participants will be instructed on how to use them.
Explore Ritter Farm Park like you never have before with a naturalist pointing out interesting things along the way. Practice different snowshoe steps and skills while adventuring outdoors.
For adults or a mature 15-17 year old with a registered adult.
Winter Homeschool Classes: Tuesdays, February 2nd-May 4th*, 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., Ecosystems of the World
10:30 a.m.-noon, Adaptive Animals
noon-1:00 p.m., Lunch
1-2:30 p.m., Eco-Inventors
2:40-4:10 p.m., Campfire Cooking
$220 for the first class. Each additional class is $150.
(An additional fee of $25 per class will be added to registrations Feb. 1 or after.)
ECOSYSTEMS OF THE WORLD
Explore the seven major ecosystems of the world and discover the plants and animals that call them home! Through games and hands-on activities, kids will learn about the unique adaptations that help living things survive in each ecosystem and how the different parts of an ecosystem depend on one another. We will also explore important topics such as poaching, pollution, and climate change while building valuable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
ADAPTIVE ANIMALS
Dive into the secrets of the animal kingdom and discover how animals have adapted to survive through games and hands-on exploration! This camp is perfect for active learners who enjoy learning through engaging activities. We will explore how animals use their senses, bodies, and behaviors to adapt to their surroundings and ensure their survival. Then we will bring together all the skills they have learned in the ultimate game of hide & seek tag… “Instincts for Survival”! This class is mostly outdoor activities so make sure kids dress for the weather in clothes they don’t mind getting dirty and wear closed-toed shoes!
ECO-INVENTORS
Learn how scientists and engineers study nature to find solutions to fix the problems we face in this biomimicry focused STEM camp. We will put your problem-solving skills and creativity to the test to find a solution to a variety of challenges like designing & building wind turbines, earthquake proofing buildings, designing prosthetic limbs, and more! Inventors will explore how nature inspires STEM innovations while solving real-world problems and building teamwork and problem-solving skills. Parts of this class take place outdoors, so participants should dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
CAMPFIRE COOKING
Kids will take their fire-building skills to the next level by learning not only how to build fires and different fire structures, but also the science of cooking over a campfire! Campers will start with the basics, such as making s'mores and foil packet meals, then progress to more advanced techniques like Dutch oven baking and spit roasting over an open fire. By the end of the class, campers will know how to safely build and manage a fire while preparing everything from snacks to full-course meals. We may also forage for ingredients to use in some of their recipes based on what is available for the season.
We strive to accommodate a variety of dietary needs. Most recipes offer vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. If your child has additional dietary needs, please let us know and we will make accommodations whenever possible.
*see item details for class skip dates and more information.
Twelve weeks of project-based learning that explores reading, writing, and math in greater depth than our traditional Homeschool Classes. Learning is done through hands-on science and art activities, all connected by the theme of nature. Areas of focus vary depending on the class. Scholarships available to those who qualify.
An additional fee of $25 per class will be added to registrations Feb. 1 or after.
WILD WANDERERS (ages 5-9)
9-10:30 a.m.
This class blends literacy, science, and creativity to help kids connect deeply with the natural world. Each day begins with a shared reading of a nature-themed book, followed by guided activities that bring the story to life. Students will build reading, writing, spelling, and math skills in their personal nature binders while participating in hands-on exploration, science investigations, art projects, and outdoor skill-building activities connected to the day's theme.
NATURALIST EXPLORERS (ages 10-15)
Noon-2 p.m.
Through reading, reflection, and hands-on exploration, this class helps students build a deeper connection to nature. Each day begins with a short article, poem, or story, followed by nature journaling where students record observations and make connections to what they just read. Students will then participate in a group discussion before moving into cross-curricular activities tied to the day's topic and practicing real-world outdoor skills.
Inspired by conservation leaders like Jane Goodall, Rachel Carson, and Aldo Leopold, students will learn to think like both scientists and storytellers. Time is also set aside for independent exploration, including phenology tracking, sketching, and contributing to a collaborative class book about their experiences at Ritter Farm Park.
Students will receive a nature journal and leave with stronger observation skills, greater creativity, and a lasting appreciation for the outdoors.
*see item details for class skip dates and more information.
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.
Enthno-Astronomy Class: Saturday, February 6th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm -Ages +15 with a Registered Adult
Explore natural phenomena through Indigenous perspectives, where stories become portals to understanding life, nature, and the cosmos. By viewing the universe through the lens of Indigenous astronomy, students will discover how Indigenous peoples have historically interpreted celestial events, navigated by the stars, and connected the sky to daily life, traditions, and legends. This class goes beyond conventional teachings, weaving together Indigenous knowledge of the natural world across the past, present, and future. From sacred landscapes to celestial storytelling, students will explore the connections between Indigenous cultures, astronomy, legends, and the wonders of nature while uncovering the timeless wisdom found in Indigenous perspectives.
Full Moon Night Hike: Saturday, February 20th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Ages 5+ with a registered Adult
Learn about and listen to the creatures that call Minnesota home during our winter nights. Join Environmental Educator EcoElsa on a night hike through a winter wonderland. Participants will learn owl calls, play night games, and more! Ages 5+, participants 5-15 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Birding STEAM Camp: Monday, March 8th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm -Ages 5-12
Learn all about birds and birding through a variety of games and activities. Students may explore topics like the physics of flight, bird beak adaptations, camouflage, and more through hands-on activities and role-playing games. Students will discover how birds connect to STEAM topics and the world around them while creating projects they can take home.
Maple Syruping Family Class: Saturday, March 13th, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Ages +5 with a registered Adult
Join an EcoElsa educator to collect tree sap and boil it while learning about the history and science of maple syruping. Families will also get to participate in a variety of games and activities while the sap boils to learn more about the different indigenous people who were the first to make syrup as well as about the trees we harvest sap from. Class will be taught all outdoors so make sure to dress for the weather. Ages 5+, participants 5-15 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
This class is perfect for littles to learn about how animals make noise while also getting to explore and make noise themselves! Preschoolers love making their own sounds and music and it is a great way to explore and learn about the natural world. The class will include learning about rhythm, making their own instruments using nature or recycled materials, and more! Adults will enjoy and be able to continue to do these projects at home with the kids so they can get outdoors all year! The class is geared towards children ages 3-6. Siblings aged 2-8 are welcome at a discounted rate.
Worms & Mud Preschool Class: Saturday, May 1st, 10:00 to 11:30 am, Ages 2-8 with a registered Adult
Learn the earliest signs that spring is on the way! Little ones will be active, creative, and a little dirty, while exploring the world of mud and worms. Make sure your kids, and you, come dressed for the weather and getting dirty. A change of clothes for after class is also recommended! The class is geared towards children ages 3-6. Infants are allowed at no charge.
Join an EcoElsa educator to explore the many edible plants and mushrooms available in spring and discover ways to prepare and enjoy them. This hands-on class will introduce easy beginner-friendly foraging options, followed by an opportunity to harvest plants in the field and bring them back to clean and cook.
The class will highlight the importance of harvesting invasive plants and exploring their uses, while also learning how local Dakota and Ojibwe Nations have traditionally used native plant species. Featured foods may include dandelions, spruce, raspberries, ramps, plantain, morels, and more. Kick off your foraging season by learning skills and knowledge that can be applied throughout the summer and beyond as different plants offer additional harvesting opportunities throughout the year.
Ages 13+, youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Please note you consume wild foods at your own risk.
Outside of our classes, people are not allowed to remove plants from this park.
Mahtomedi
Links coming soon!
Mendota Heights
Minnetonka & Hopkins
Prior Lake
Rosemount
Links coming soon!
Shakopee
Wayzata
