These programs have been designed to focus on a combination of learning and fun for kids. They work for summer camps, home school, and other groups where learning a specific topic or skill is the major focus. The programs are designed to be flexible with the ability to adjust the focus of the class.
Each program below includes a brief description as well as the subject it covers and the ages of kids who will most enjoy it. Classes are not meant to be a one size fits all so if you want to do it for a age group outside of the recommendation let us know so adjustments can be made. Also if you don’t see a class that you are looking for check out some of the other class pages or head over to the request a program page to request something totally new!
STEM Classes
Birding STEAM: Learn about our feathery friends and the science of studying them through any of the mini lessons that cover a wide variety of STEM topics everything from engineering to technology. Potential mini lessons include Birding & Binoculars,Camouflage & Bird Blinds, Bird Feeder Engineering, Physics of Flight, and Bird Study. Ages 4 – 12.
NEW! Campfire Cooking: Kids will master fire-building and cooking over an open flame while learning about chemistry, physics, biology, and food science! From s’mores and foil packets to Dutch oven baking and spit roasting, they’ll learn to create full-course meals while practicing fire safety. If available, we may even forage seasonal ingredients. Our recipes cater to various dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Let us know about any additional requirements—we’re happy to accommodate! Ages 9 and up.
Eco-Inventors (Biomimicry Engineering): Learn how scientists and engineers study nature to find solutions to fix the problems we face in this STEM camp. We will investigate how to build a better marshmallow launcher by studying how different projectiles found in nature. Then put your problem solving skills and creativity to the test to find a solution to a variety of challenges like earthquake proofing buildings, designing prosthetic limbs, and more! Ages 7 and up.
Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters: Dive into the thrilling world of extreme weather and natural disasters in this 12-week homeschool class! From the fiery chaos of forest fires to the icy grip of avalanches, students will uncover the science behind these mesmerizing events and learn how to stay safe in the face of adversity. Students will also discover how these weather events alter habitats around the world and affect humans and wildlife. Ages 6 and up.
NEW! Magical by Nature: Discover the real science behind mythical stories! This nature-based class explores alchemy, herbology, gemology, and legendary creatures, with options tailored to kids’ interests. This class packs a whoolping 16 different science and math disciplines into a wide variety of activities. Whether you’re a bookworm or love LARPing, there’s something for everyone—exploration, mock battles, board games, wand-making, candle crafting, and more. Join us for a magical blend of imagination and natural science! Ages 7 and up.
Nature Detectives: 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! Ages 7 and up.
NEW! Nature Spa: Join us for a unique, hands-on class exploring the intersection of ethnobotany, nature, and chemistry in beauty and spa products! Kids will learn to make essential oils from plants and use them to create candles, bath bombs, lotions, and more. We’ll also explore other natural beauty techniques, from drying herbs to making lip gloss and mud masks. This engaging class connects science and nature, showing how beauty products originate from the natural world. We can’t wait to inspire your young learners! Ages 7 and up.
Orienteering Adventures: Kids will learn how animal migrate through hands on activities that get them out exploring. Class will include activities like how to make your own compass, navigating with a compass, and more! Great information and skills for kids and families to learn in a fun and engaging way with activities they can do at home! Ages 6 and up.
Snow Day STEAM: 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! Best for ages 7 and up.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Animal Adaptations: The name of the game is survival, literally! Learn the different ways animals adapt to survive predators, pursue prey, out compete the competition, the elements of their habitat, and more! This class is a combination of games and activities to help kids connect to the topics we are covering in class. We have well over 12 different adaptation topics we can cover in class, so the kids are able to personalize the class based on their interests. The class will cover both physical and behavioral adaptations while also providing a space for kids to work on communication, teamwork, problem solving, motor skills, and more! Ages 5 and up.
Aquatic Ecosystem: Learn about the aquatic ecosystem found in ponds through an exploration activity plus opportunities to add on a game or additional activity. It’s okay if you don’t have a pond by you we can bring our own! Ages 8 and up.
Biologist Explorer: Join EcoElsa to learn how to conduct different animal surveys and experiments. Kids will learn how to observe different animals and collect data about them and their habitats as well as how to report that data as a “citizen scientist.” Class will include getting to interact with a wide variety of plants and small wildlife like insects, amphibians, snakes, and or birds as well as using different scientist tools to do their research and exploring. Ages 7 and up!
Ecosystems of the World: This class will cover kids learning about the seven major biomes of the world and the plants and animals that call them home! Class will include games and activities that cover the major adaptations that allow life to survive in the ecosystem as well as how different parts of the ecosystem affect each other. Class also includes kid choice days to allow kids to pick bonus habitats to learn more about. Kids will also learn about other themes like poaching, pollution, and climate change in addition to opportunities to work on other skills like teamwork, problem solving, communication, and more! Ages 5 and up.
Fish Biology: Join a Naturalist from EcoElsa to learn how to learn all about fish biology and conduct studies actual fish biologists do! Kid will get 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 water. Ages 7 and up.
Night Hike: Join EcoElsa on a night hike to learn about and listen to the creatures that call Minnesota home. Participants will get to do owl calls, play night games, and more! Program may also include some astronomy and other night activities not related to wildlife depending on the time of the year, weather, and the group’s request. Ages 5 and up.
The Tracking Games: Form teams and compete in a series of games and activities to help you learn and develop different tracking skills. As well as learn about the more common animal’s and their signs that you can come across outdoors. Best for kids ages 8 and up has specific habitat requirement.
Zoology: Kids will learn about six major animal groups; mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and arthropods through different games and activities. This class not only highlights what is unique about each animal group but also different Minnesota species that kids can continue to study in their local natural spaces. Class is a combination of exploration, games, and other activities to provide hands on learning opportunities for kids to develop other skills like writing, reading, math, science, teamwork, problem solving, and more!
Free Play & Writing Focused
Wild Wanderers: Learn about Nature by following in the footsteps of many OG Naturalists like Jane Goodall, John James Audubon, and Rachel Carson or Nature Writers like Sigurd F. Olson and Aldo Leopold. This class is a combination of hands-on free play exploring, art, and some writing activities. The perfect class for young scientists, authors, and artists this class includes activities for all and is designed to engage kids to explore and learn in a way that best fits them. Kids will leave with a brand-new Nature Journal to use how they like and tons of bonus exploration prompts for future exploration! Ages 7 and up.
Ethno-Nature & History
Ethnoastronomy: In this class we will explore different phenomena of the natural world and how it is explained through different Indigenous perspectives. There is wisdom embedded in indigenous legends, where stories become portals to understanding their unique perspectives on life, nature, and the cosmos. By exploring the universe through the lens of indigenous astronomy, we will discover how different groups of indigenous people navigate the vast skies and historically interpret cosmic phenomena as well as use it for other parts of their lives in addition to their legends. This class goes beyond conventional teachings, offering a holistic approach that intertwines indigenous knowledge of the natural world in the context of the past, present, and future. From sacred landscapes to celestial storytelling, this course provides an exploration of the intricate web woven between indigenous cultures, legends, astronomy, and the wonders of the natural world. Join us in uncovering the timeless wisdom that emerges when indigenous perspectives are given the space to be heard. (Class is up to 30 minutes of presentation and discussion, a maximum of 10 minutes of videos from indigenous storytellers to learn from their perspectives and amplify their voices, and 20 minutes of hands on activities that apply to what we are learning).
Ethnobotany: Join EcoElsa to learn the ways people have used plants throughout history. This class is a combination of biology, science, and history with an emphasis on how to respectfully learn about and from different cultures. We will be covering mostly Indigenous Nations and Europeans while touching on other groups; and how they have used plants for food, medicine, building materials, and for cultural activities throughout history. Kids will get to do a wide variety of activities and games that keep them engaged in the content they are learning. They also will be making some creations and will be able to take them home. Ages 7 and up.
Outdoor Survival: 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, and basic orienteering skills. Ages 7 and up.
Arts & Crafts
Eco-Fashion: Our natural world has played a role in the clothes humans were since the beginning. Join a naturalist from EcoElsa to connect nature to current fashion through the making and ideas phase with things like grass weaving and making dyes from plants and creating designs based on nature. As well as making fashion more sustainable with upcycling and recycling activities. Great class for creative kids who enjoy creating and problem solving that also incorporates themes of sustainability, body-positivity, and science! This class is a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities so make sure kids dress for the weather in clothes they don’t mind getting dirty and wear closed-toed shoes! Kids will take home most of their creations on the last day.
Nature Art & Science: Kids will learn about art mediums through nature and how it connects to different science principles through our activities. Depending on the weather some of the activities we may do are making sustainable nature sculptures, paint & dye color science, fiber weaving, clay creations, animal footprints, primitive art techniques, and more! Kids will benefit from being able to creatively express themselves while also learning about art, science, and history. A mixture of indoor and outdoor activities so make sure to dress for the weather and wear closed toed shoes and long pants! Kids will be able to take home most of their creations. Ages 6 and up.
Service Learning Project Facilitation
Service learning projects are a great way for kids to learn while doing something that helps improve their community and the habitat around them. This is for sure multi session classes to help kids pick a topic, plan a solution, and carry it out. As well as helping with applying for grants or other paperwork that needs to be done. Some of the typical projects include pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and improving habitats for wildlife. If you are looking for more information about Service Learning Project Facilitation check out it’s page. Ages 5 and up but best for 4th through 12th grade.