EcoElsa LLC

Teach Anything Outdoors

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Upcoming Classes

Burnsville

Little Nature Explorers: Saturday, March 7th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Ages 3-6 with an Adult

Little Nature Explorers: Saturday, March 7th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Ages 3-6 with an Adult
Join EcoElsa to explore through nature learning about the plants and animals that call it home. We will do a wide variety of outdoor activities that are great for preschoolers to get their minds and bodies moving!

New! Crafting Wild Sodas & Cookies: Saturday, March 7th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 3+ with an Adult

New! Crafting Wild Sodas & Cookies: Saturday, March 7th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 3+ with an Adult
Discover the wild flavors hiding in your own backyard! Join an EcoElsa naturalist for a hands-on foraging adventure designed just for families. This beginner-friendly class makes foraging fun and accessible for all ages—especially kids! You’ll learn how to safely identify edible wild plants, harvest them sustainably, and turn them into tasty treats like wild sodas and cookies. It's not just a walk in the woods—it’s a full-on skills class that leaves you with the know-how (and recipes!) to keep exploring and cooking with nature long after class ends.

Ultimate Survival After School Class: Thursdays, April 9th-30th, 4:00 to 5:00 pm Ages 6-14

Ultimate Survival After School Class: Thursdays, April 9th-30th, 4:00 to 5:00 pm Ages 6-14 (Harriet Bishop Elementary)
Kids will learn survival skills through fun games and activities. They will leave knowing a wide variety of outdoor survival skills like the rule of three, how to signal for help, shelter engineering, fire science and safety, treating water, orienteering, and more! Plus, at the end of the camp they will get the chance to test out all their skills in a survival scenario and graduate from Survival Camp! The skills are not only great for a lost/survival situation but also for camping and outdoor excursions as well as teaching kids’ confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, and problem solving. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors!

Campfire Bay Resort (Cushing, MN)

Outdoor Learning Retreat: Thursday - Sunday, April 23rd-26th, 2026

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

Winter Adventure Camp: Monday & Tuesday, December 29th & 30th, 12:30 am to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-14 (No School Day)

Winter Adventure Camp: Monday & Tuesday, December 29th & 30th, 12:30 am to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-14 (No School Day)
Youth ages 7-14 go on a winter adventure to explore outdoor winter skills including snowshoeing, winter survival, and animal tracking. Learn to build a fire, follow animal tracks, and navigate through snowy terrain. This is a fun-filled, skill-building winter experience.

Snow Day STEAM: Friday, January 23rd, 12:30 to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-13 (No School Day)

Snow Day STEAM: Friday, January 23rd, 12:30 to 3:30 pm, Ages 7-13 (No School Day)
Youth ages 7-13 enjoy a creative and active outdoor winter adventure. Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities: snowman relay race, build a snowball launcher, snow fort engineering, snowflake art, and snow science experiments. Dress for the weather. Register by Jan. 15.

Preschool Snow Day: Monday, January 26th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 3-5 with an Adult

Preschool Snow Day: Monday, January 26th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 3-5 with an Adult
Learn about snow and winter by building and playing games with snow, make snow art and do snow science. Dress for the weather as most time is spent outdoors. Register by January 19.

Winter 123s Hike: Thursday, February 12th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 3-5 with an Adult

Winter 123s Hike: Thursday, February 12th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 3-5 with an Adult
Come on a hike with to learn numbers and counting while learning about nature. Kids will get to do hiking games and activities that help them learn their numbers, motor skills, and more! Register by Feb. 4.

Winter Night Hike: Saturday, February 28th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Ages 18+

Winter Night Hike: Saturday, February 28th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Ages 18+
Ages 18+ take a night hike through a winter wonderland. Learn about and listen to the creatures that call Minnesota home during our winter nights. Learn how to make owl calls, play night games, and more. Register by Feb. 20.

Family Maple Syruping: Saturday, March 21st, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Ages 5+ with an Adult

Family Maple Syruping: Saturday, March 21st, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Ages 5+ with an Adult
Enjoy hands-on outdoor adventure where families (ages 5+ with paying adult) collect sap and help turn it into maple syrup. The program includes fun games, activities that explore the history, science, and Indigenous origins of syruping. Dress warmly. Register by March 13.

Edina

More Classes Coming Soon!

Farmington NEW PARTNER!

Preschool Snow Day: Saturday, January 24th 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 3-6 with an Adult

Preschool Snow Day: Saturday, January 24th 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 3-6 with an Adult
Learn about snow and winter through a variety of engaging activities and games for early learners. These are also activities that adults will be able to continue to do at home with the kids so they can get outdoors all winter long! We will be building with snow, playing games with snow, making snow art, and doing snow science. So, make sure you and your littles are dressed for the weather as most of the time will be spent outdoors.

Winter Survival Camp: Monday, January 26th 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 6-14 (No School Day)

Winter Survival Camp: Monday, January 26th 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 6-14 (No School Day)
Your child will learn skills through fun games and activities that will help them learn what to do in a survival situation. Children will leave knowing the rules of three, how to signal and look for help, shelter engineering, fire science and safety, how to collect and treat water, basic tool making skills, and more! Make sure to dress for the weather, closed-toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors and off trail.

New! Nature Spa Camp: Friday, February 13th 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 7-14 (No School Day)

New! Nature Spa Camp: Friday, February 13th 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 7-14 (No School Day)
Join us for this one of a kind hands on class to learn about how ethnobotany, nature, 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 also will dive into a variety of other ways to use plants and natural materials for beauty items including drying herbs, lip gloss, mud masks, and more! We look forward to your kids joining us for this nature class that teaches beauty products through chemistry and how the materials are sourced from the natural world!

Campfire Cooking Camp: Monday, March 9th 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 9-15 (No School Day)

Campfire Cooking Camp: Monday, March 9th 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 9-15 (No School Day)
Kids will take their fire skills to the next level by not only learning how to make fire and different fire structures but the science of using fire to cook things too! This class will teach all the basics like s’mores and tinfoil packets up to more advanced skills like dutch oven baking and spit roasting over the fire. Your campfire chefs will know how to make full course meals by the end of this class in addition to how to make a fire and manage it safely.  We are working hard to have recipes for all dietary needs that are things kids will enjoy cooking and will be using a lot of raw and unprocessed ingredients and also have vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options for most of the recipes we make. Please let us know if your child has dietary needs beyond this and we will work with you to make alterations when possible!

Winter ABCs Hike: Saturday, March 14th 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 3-6 

Winter ABCs Hike: Saturday, March 14th 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 3-6 
Come on a hike with an EcoElsa educator to learn the Alphabet while learning about winter. Kids will get to do hiking games and activities that help them learn their ABCs, motor skills, and more!

Maple Syruping Family Class: Saturday, March 14th 1:00 to 3:00 pm Ages 5+ with an Adult

Maple Syruping Family Class: Saturday, March 14th 1:00 to 3:00 pm Ages 5+ with an Adult
Tap into tradition and taste the sweet side of nature! Join an EcoElsa educator for a hands-on outdoor adventure where your family will collect sap straight from the trees and help boil it down into delicious maple syrup. As the sap simmers, enjoy fun games and interactive activities that dive into the history, science, and cultural roots of syruping—honoring the indigenous peoples who first discovered this sweet process and exploring the trees that make it possible. This outdoor experience is full of learning, laughter, and sticky-sweet memories. Dress for the weather and get ready for a one-of-a-kind winter day!

Forts & Fires Preschool Class: Saturday, April 11th 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 3-6 with an Adult

Forts & Fires Preschool Class: Saturday, April 11th 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 3-6 with an Adult
Spark your child’s curiosity and love for the outdoors in this hands-on, nature-based class! Together, you and your little one will explore the basics of building shelters and learning about fire through safe, age-appropriate activities and playful games. Designed for early learners, Forts and Fires encourages creativity, problem-solving, and outdoor adventure. Caregivers will also gain ideas and inspiration to keep the learning going at home all year long. Come ready to play, learn, and explore—rain or shine!

Little Nature Explorers: Saturday, May 9th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Ages 3-6 

Little Nature Explorers: Saturday, May 9th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Ages 3-6 
Join EcoElsa to explore nature and learn about the plants and animals that call it home. Class includes tactile learning activities, exploration time, games, and art to help kids engage and connect with their natural space. We will do a wide variety of outdoor activities that are great for preschoolers to get their minds and bodies moving!

HEdFEx Homeschool Co-op Plymouth

Birding STEAM - Thursdays, February 5th - April 23rd 9:15-10:15 am Ages 10-17

Birding STEAM - Thursdays, February 5th - April 23rd 9:15-10:15 am Ages 10-17
Learn all about birds and birding through a variety of games and activities. Depending on the weather, some of the activities we may do are the physics of flight, bird beak adaptation game, binocular building, cats & caverns role playing bird game, bird blind camouflage, and more! Students will benefit from learning how birds connect to different STEAM topics and the world around them. Students will be able to take home some of their creations.

Spooky by Nature - Thursdays, February 5th - April 23rd 10:20-11:20 am Ages 5-9

Spooky by Nature - Thursdays, February 5th - April 23rd 10:20-11:20 am Ages 5-9
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!

Inver Grove Heights

Jordan

Ultimate Survival Camp: Friday, March 27th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 6-14 (No School Day)

Ultimate Survival Camp: Friday, March 27th, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Ages 6-14 (No School Day)
Your kid will learn skills through fun games and activities that will help them learn what to do in a survival situation. Kids will leave knowing the rules of three, how to signal and look for help, shelter engineering, fire science and safety, how to collect and treat water, basic tool making skills, and more! Make sure to dress for the weather, closed-toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors and off trail.

Lakeville

New! Discovery Sprouts Series: Third Saturday of Each Month January-May, 9:00 to 11:00 am Ages 2-10 with an Adult

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+

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, Februray 16th, 8:00 to 4:00 pm Ages 7 to 14 (No School Day!)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

Mahtomedi

Links coming soon!

NEW! Winter Whittling Workshop: Sunday, January 25th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 7+ with an Adult

NEW! Winter Whittling Workshop: Sunday, January 25th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 7+ with an Adult
Tap into an ancient winter tradition and carve your way into creativity! For generations, people have used the colder months to craft the tools and treasures they’d need all year—and now it's your turn. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn essential whittling techniques, plus how to use wood chisels and rotary tools to bring your own creations to life. From harvesting the right wood to shaping it into something useful or magical, you’ll have the option to make projects like fishhooks, sewing needles, spoons, wands, and more. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this class is a cozy and creative way to connect nature and tradition during the colder months of the year.

Youth Snowshoe Class: Monday, February 9th, 2:40 to 4:40 pm, Ages 7-14

Youth Snowshoe Class: Monday, February 9th, 2:40 to 4:40 pm, Ages 7-14
Join an EcoElsa educator to explore the winter landscape of Mahtomedi and learn how to snowshoe. During this fun, winter excursion, kids will learn about Minnesota’s winter habitats as well as the history of snowshoeing! This is a great adventure skill for kids to learn, just make sure kids 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.

Mendota Heights NEW PARTNER!

Minnetonka & Hopkins

Prior Lake

Rosemount

Links coming soon!

Shakopee

Adaptation Adventure Quest Camp: Monday-Thursday, July 20th-23rd, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 5-12

Adaptation Adventure Quest Camp: Monday-Thursday, July 20th-23rd, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 5-12

Kids will dive into the secrets of the animal kingdom and discover how animals have adapted to survive through games and hands-on exploration activities! This camp is perfect for active learners who love learning through engaging ways. Campers will discover 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 and 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! Meets four times.

Nature Photography Camp: Monday-Thursday, July 20th-23rd, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 7-14

Nature Photography Camp: Monday-Thursday, July 20th-23rd, 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! 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. Meets four times.

Extreme Weather & Disasters Camp: Monday-Thursday, August 3rd-6th, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 5-12

Extreme Weather & Disasters Camp: Monday-Thursday, August 3rd-6th, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Ages 5-12

Get ready to explore the wild side of our planet in this hands-on summer camp! From erupting volcanoes and rumbling earthquakes to powerful tornadoes and icy hailstorms, campers will dive into the science behind Earth’s most extreme events. Through fun experiments like “hail in a cup” and our interactive earthquake table, they’ll see natural forces in action and discover how these events shape habitats and impact people and wildlife around the world. It’s a summer of science, excitement and discovery - where the planet itself is your classroom! Meets four times.

Wild Wanderers Camp: Monday-Thursday, August 3rd-6th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 7-14

Wild Wanderers Camp: Monday-Thursday, August 3rd-6th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Ages 7-14

Join a naturalist from EcoElsa for a fun, free-play exploration of nature inspired by legendary naturalists like Jane Goodall, John James Audubon and Rachel Carson, as well as renowned nature writers like Sigurd F. Olson and Aldo Leopold. This class offers a mix of hands-on exploring, building and art projects, and creative writing activities. Perfect for budding scientists, writers and artists, it encourages kids to discover nature in their own unique way. Most of the class will take place outdoors, giving kids the freedom to connect with nature through play and curiosity! Come ready to explore, dressed for the weather, with closed-toed shoes, a water bottle and a nut-free snack. Meets four times.

Wayzata

Winter Survival Class: Sunday, February 1st, 1:00 to 4:00 pm ages 6 to 14

Winter Survival Class: Sunday, February 1st, 1:00 to 4:00 pm ages 6 to 14
Your child will learn skills through fun games and activities that will help them learn what to do in a survival situation. Children will leave knowing the rules of three, how to signal and look for help, shelter engineering, fire science and safety, how to collect and treat water, basic tool making skills, and more! Make sure to dress for the weather, closed-toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors and off trail.

Snowshoe Family Class: Saturday, February 14th, 9:00 to 11:00 am ages 6 and up

Snowshoe Family Class: Saturday, February 14th, 9:00 to 11:00 am ages 6 and up
Join an EcoElsa educator to explore the winter landscape of Wayzata Big Woods Preserve and learn how to snowshoe. During this fun, family excursion, you will learn about Minnesota’s winter habitats as well as the history of snowshoeing! This is a great family outing for ages 6 and up, just 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 so you can enjoy snowshoeing throughout the winter.

Ultimate Survival After School Class: Central Middle School, Thursdays, February 19th - March 12th, 4:15 to 5:30 pm Grades 6th-8th

Ultimate Survival After School Class: Central Middle School, Thursdays, February 19th - March 12th, 4:15 to 5:30 pm Grades 6th-8th
Discover survival skills through fun games and activities. Students will experience a wide variety of outdoor survival skills including the rule of three, how to signal for help, shelter engineering, fire science and safety, treating water, orienteering, and more! At the end of the camp they will get the chance to test out all their skills in a survival scenario and graduate from Survival Camp! The skills will give them courage in a lost/survival situation, equip them for camping and outdoor excursions, as well as build their confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, and problem solving. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors!

Snow Day STEAM After School Class: Sunset Hill Elementary School, Mondays, February 23rd - March 16th, 3:10 to 4:40 pm Ages 6-12

Snow Day STEAM After School Class: Sunset Hill Elementary School, Mondays, February 23rd - March 16th, 3:10 to 4:40 pm Ages 6-12
Join an EcoElsa educator for a three hour “snow day” full 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!

Campfire Cooking Camp: Monday, March 30th, 9:00 to 3:30 pm ages 9 to 15 (No School Day)

Campfire Cooking Camp: Monday, March 30th, 9:00 to 3:30 pm ages 9 to 15 (No School Day)
Kids will take their fire skills to the next level by not only learning how to make fire and different fire structures but the science of using fire to cook things too! This class will teach all the basics like s’mores and tinfoil packets up to more advanced skills like dutch oven baking and spit roasting over the fire. Your campfire chefs will know how to make full course meals by the end of this class in addition to how to make a fire and manage it safely. Additionally, if your site allows it and there are things in season we may also do some foraging for some of the recipes too! We are working hard to have recipes for all dietary needs that are things kids will enjoy cooking and will be using a lot of raw and unprocessed ingredients and also have vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options for most of the recipes we make. Please let us know if your child has dietary needs beyond this and we will work with you to make alterations when possible!

Nature Spa Camp: Tuesday, March 31st, 9:00 to 3:30 pm ages 7 to 13 (No School Day)

Nature Spa Camp: Tuesday, March 31st, 9:00 to 3:30 pm ages 7 to 13 (No School Day)
Join us for this one of a kind hands on class to learn about how ethnobotany, nature, 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 also will dive into a variety of other ways to use plants and natural materials for beauty items including drying herbs, lip gloss, mud masks, and more! We look forward to your kids joining us for this nature class that teaches beauty products through chemistry and how the materials are sourced from the natural world!

Ultimate Survival After School Class: Sunset Hill Elementary School, Mondays, April 13th - May 4th, 3:10 to 4:40 pm Ages 6-12

Ultimate Survival After School Class: Sunset Hill Elementary School, Mondays, April 13th - May 4th, 3:10 to 4:40 pm Ages 6-12
Discover survival skills through fun games and activities. Students will experience a wide variety of outdoor survival skills including the rule of three, how to signal for help, shelter engineering, fire science and safety, treating water, orienteering, and more! At the end of the camp they will get the chance to test out all their skills in a survival scenario and graduate from Survival Camp! The skills will give them courage in a lost/survival situation, equip them for camping and outdoor excursions, as well as build their confidence, self-reliance, teamwork, and problem solving. Make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes and long pants as most of the class will be spent outdoors!

Worms & Mud Preschool Class: Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00 to 11:00 am ages 3 to 6

Worms & Mud Preschool Class: Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00 to 11:00 am ages 3 to 6
Get ready to dig in and discover! In this lively class, your little ones will become nature detectives, learning all about the very first signs that spring is near. Through a variety of fun, hands-on activities, kids will get active and creative while exploring the fascinating world of mud and worms!

Please Note: This class is a guaranteed mess! Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather and to get dirty. A full change of clothes is highly recommended for after class.

*Parent participation is required. When enrolling more than one student, enroll the first at the "adult/child pair" price, then enroll each additional child at the "additional child" price.

Sunset Hill Family Lunch Campfire Cooking: Sunday, May 3rd, 1:00 to 4:00 pm ages 5+ with an Adult

Sunset Hill Family Lunch Campfire Cooking: Sunday, May 3rd, 1:00 to 4:00 pm ages 5+ with an Adult
Sunset Hill families- join us for the fabulous Lunch Campfire Cooking class! Level up your family's outdoor skills! Learn the science of fire, how to build safe fire structures, and how to cook amazing food over a campfire. We'll start with easy skewers and drinks, then move up to baking. By the end, you'll know how to make full meals safely! We offer recipes for many dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.

Recipe 1 - Campfire beverages

Recipe 2 – Grill Basket French Fries

Recipe 3 – Pie Irons Grilled Cheese

Recipe 4 – Campfire bread

**Adult participation required

Sunset Hill Family Breakfast Campfire Cooking: Saturday, May 30th, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm ages 5+ with an Adult

Sunset Hill Family Breakfast Campfire Cooking: Saturday, May 30th, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm ages 5+ with an Adult
Sunset Hill families- Join us for this Family Breakfast Campfire class! Level up your family's outdoor skills! Learn the science of fire, how to build safe fire structures, and how to cook amazing food over a campfire. We'll start with easy skewers and drinks, then move up to baking. By the end, you'll know how to make full meals safely! We offer recipes for many dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.

Recipe 1 - Skewers

Recipe 2 - Campfire beverages

Recipe 3 - Tinfoil Packet Hash

Recipe 4 - Dutch Oven Monkey Bread

**Adult participation required

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