YMCA Camp Christmas Tree is a wonderful place for your child to experience fun, outdoor adventures this summer! YMCA Camp Christmas Tree provides a week packed full of exciting and structured activities for the new and returning camper. Located on beautiful Dutch Lake near Mound, campers age 4-14 participate in small, age-appropriate groups as they build self-esteem, learn new skills, and practice the YMCA?s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. And each year, every child leaves with special beads to mark their accomplishments and treasured experiences.
Traditional camp activities include lake swimming, canoeing, archery, games, environmental education, cookouts, camp crafts such as tie-dye, and more. For the older campers, our 50-foot climbing tower adds further challenges and excitement! On hot days, campers cool off under our umbrella tree spray mister. And Wee Backpackers will love our new, low-to-the-ground tree houses.
YMCA Camp Christmas Tree also offers a variety of specialty camps including Water Skiing, Horseback Riding, Climbing, Canoeing/Kayaking, Arts and Crafts, Fishing, Archery, Golf, Farm Camp and NEW! for 2009: Outdoor Living Skills Camp.
Come explore YMCA Camp Christmas Tree?great fun, great people, great experiences, and great memories! See you there this summer!
Camp Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Camp Christmas Tree
6365 Game Farm Rd., Minnetrista, MN 55364
Transportation: Bus transportation is provided to and from the camp each day.
Wee Backpackers
For campers 4 & 5 years old, including campers entering Kindergarten in fall, 2009
Members: $180/week ? Program Participants: $200/week
Offered June 8 ? August 21
Start your preschooler's love affair with the great outdoors by enrolling him or her in Wee Backpackers! From the moment campers arrive each day, counselors guide them through traditional camp experiences including hiking, nature study, canoeing, archery, and arts and crafts. They will have opportunities to savor the wonderful flavors of outdoor cookouts, sing songs, tell stories, meet new friends, and more. All activities are geared to show your camper the wonders of nature. Wee Backpackers is carried out under the watchful eye of counselors trained to meet the needs of young campers. We maintain a staff to child ratio of 1:8.
Day Camp
For campers entering grades 1 ? 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $175/week ? Program Participants: $195/week
Offered June 8 ? August 21
Imagine yourself as a bold explorer as you conquer amazing challenges! At Day Camp you?ll hike through wooded trails, study the wonders of nature, and canoe along lake shores. Get "Mistified" in the umbrella tree water mister or build a new fort! Enjoy activities including canoeing, hiking, archery, lake swimming, arts and crafts, group games, and more. Share your adventures with your family during family night on Thursdays!
End of Summer Extravaganza
For campers entering grades 1 ? 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $195/week ? Program Participants: $215/week
Offered August 24 - 28
This is your last chance to enjoy the great outdoors before summer ends at Camp Christmas Tree! Our End of Summer Extravaganza combines all of our camp?s highlights into an incredible jam-packed session. Horseback rides, canoeing, swimming, and the climbing tower (grades 5 and 6 only) are all part of the fun. Search for ?silver? and ?gold? in the Gold Rush, then cash in your treasure chest in exchange for fun surprises! You won?t want to miss this opportunity?sign up today!
Please note: There will be no Family Night held during this Extravaganza week
Specialty Camps
Develop a greater passion for the things you love, or try out something new at one of our specialty camps! The remainder of the day is spent enjoying Traditional Camp activities.
Arts and Crafts Camp
For campers entering grades 3 ? 5 in fall, 2009
Members: $180/week ? Program Participants: $200/week
Offered the weeks of June 8, June 15, June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27 and August 10
Let your imagination soar as you discover your artistic side in our Arts and Crafts Camp! Express yourself through a variety of projects that may include: clay sculpture, sketching, watercolors or paints, nature collage, weaving a potholder or placemat, scrap booking, papier maché, picture frames, candle holders, necklaces and bracelets, candle making, mural painting, and much more! Create your very own masterpieces that you can take home to enjoy!
Junior Angler Fishing Camp
For campers entering grades 3 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $185/week ? Program Participants: $205/week
Offered the weeks of June 15, June 22, July 6, July 13, July 27, August 3 and August 10
Get hooked on fishing and learn basic fishing skills. Beautiful Lake Minnetonka provides the scene for shoreline fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Bait is provided at camp, but be sure to bring your own pole and tackle!
Farm Camp
For campers entering grades 2 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $200/week ? Program Participants: $220/week
Offered the weeks of June 22, July 27 and August 3
Join us for a week of wholesome fun on the farm! At Gale Woods Farm, a working farm, you?ll explore the barn and acres of gardens, pastures, fields, and forests. Experience the daily routines of feeding and caring for sheep, cattle, chickens, cats, and a dog. Find out more about the uses of wool and make wool crafts. Discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food that we eat everyday. Learn how to use fresh produce in your own cooking. Learn what it means to be a good steward with this unique farming experience.
Water Sports Camp
For youth entering grades 4 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $240/week ? Program Participants: $260/week
Offered June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3 and August 10
Try out a variety of water sports activities including one-on-one waterski instruction and tubing. Overall, time on these water activities will be approximately 2 hours each day. The remainder of each day will be spent participating in traditional day camp activities. All necessary equipment for instruction and safety will be provided. There is limited enrollment so register early!
Golf Camp
For campers entering grades 4 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $200/week ? Program Participants: $220/week
Offered the weeks of June 15, July 6 and July 13
Practice perfecting your swing, learning your strokes, and chipping and putting your way to golf success! Learn about proper grips, stances, and alignment for setting up great golf shots. Golf skills will be taught at a local high school field during the first four days of camp. On Fridays, you?ll put everything together and play a round of golf at a local par-three golf course! You will need to bring your own clubs. This program is not designed to replace formal lessons.
Archery Camp
For campers entering grades 4 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $180/week ? Program Participants: $200/week
Offered the weeks of June 8, June 29, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 10 and August 17
While learning the fundamentals of archery, campers examine equipment close-up, identify the parts of the bow and arrow, and learn about the science behind drawing the bow and releasing the arrow. Instructors will show the proper grip, stance, and aim alignment to use while approaching the target. Campers will discover their ?eye dominance?, the first step in becoming a skilled archer. Archery Camp will use more advanced equipment such as genesis bows. Equipment will be provided.
Canoe/Kayak Camp
For campers entering grades 4 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $195/week Program Participants: $215/week
Offered the weeks of June 8, June 29, July 6, July 20, July 27 and August 17
Learn paddling skills and canoe/kayak safety as you experience the beauty of Camp Christmas Tree?s Dutch Lake! You?ll identify the parts of the canoe and learn the key strokes of canoeing and kayaking, along with the importance of weight distribution and balancing your center of gravity. An adventure through Dutch Lake will test the skills you've been working on all week, plus you?ll enjoy lunch on the lake!
Climbing Camp
For campers entering grades 5 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $200/week Program Participants: $220/week
Offered the weeks of June 15, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3 and August 10
Put your strength, strategy, and skill against Camp Christmas Tree?s 50-foot rock climbing tower in a spectacular outdoor setting! During your daily practice climbing sessions, you will learn about basic climbing footings and grips, belay techniques, knot tying, and climbing safety. On Friday, test your climbing skills on one of YMCA Camp Ihduhapi's high adventure elements!
Outdoor Living Skills Camp
For campers entering grades 4 - 6 in fall 2009
Members: $195/week Program Participants: $215/week
Offered June 22, July 20 and August 10
Develop your outdoor living skills with this exciting, hands-on specialty camp! Discover the finer points of preparing for your next big outdoor adventure. Campers will develop orienteering skills using a map and compass and learn about plant and animal identification. Campers will also learn a variety of useful camping skills including building a fire, making camp shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking and more! We will cap off the adventure with an exciting overnight at Camp Christmas Tree.
Horse Camp Programs
Come experience the joys of horseback riding at Horse Camp! Camp Christmas Tree?s riding programs are progressively structured to provide campers with a fun experience of interacting with gentle horses. Instructors are trained in horsemanship and carefully match the experience level of the child with an appropriate horse. Instruction is provided at the staging area and on the horses.
Safety is our top priority at Horse Camp. For all horse programs, we recommend that participants wear heeled leather shoes or boots. Long pants and protective helmets are required of all participants. Helmets will be provided by the camp. Our Horse Camp is a progressive recreational riding program and is not intended to replace formal riding lessons.
Alternative programs may be planned if weather conditions such as extreme heat, rain, or wind jeopardize the safety of campers or horses.
Colts 1-Hour Program, Introductory Level
For campers entering grades 2 - 6 in fall, 2009
Members: $245/week Program Participants: $275/week
Offered weekly from June 8 through August 21
Colts is a 1-hour-per-day introductory program for children with little experience around horses. First-time riders will build confidence and skills while learning the basics of western horseback riding. Instruction includes safety, leading, mounting, dismounting, reining, and basic ring riding. The remainder of the day is spent in Traditional Camp activities.
Buckaroos 1-Hour Program, Intermediate Level
For campers entering grades 3 - 6 in fall, 2009
Previous Colts experience preferred.
Members: $245/week Program Participants: $275/week
Offered weekly from June 8 - August 21
Buckaroos is an intermediate program for campers with at least one year of riding experience. One hour of daily instruction includes a basic skill review, intermediate ring riding, and trotting. The remainder of the day is spent in traditional camp activities. By the week?s end, many groups may have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic pasture ride.
Circle Y Camp 2-week Session, Advanced Level
For campers entering grades 4 - 6 in fall, 2009
Riders must demonstrate strong proficiency at basic riding skills and have completed Buckaroos.
Members: $510/two-week session Program Participants: $550/two-week session
Offered bi-weekly June 15 - August 21
In Circle Y Camp, experienced riders spend 10 hours per week in advanced riding instruction including mounting, trotting, and ring work. Riders also learn about proper horse care such as feeding, grooming, and saddling. Highlights for Circle Y riders include a day on a trail ride at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi, and showcasing their skills in a special horse show. This program also includes an over night at YMCA Camp Christmas Tree.
Leadership
Teen Quest
For youth entering grades 6 - 9 in fall, 2009
Members: $190/week Program Participants: $210/week
Offered the weeks of June 22, July 20 and August 10
Teen Quest is an exciting day camp program geared toward teens who want total outdoor fun! Together as a group, your quest will be to decide and plan out many of the camp activities and events throughout the week. This program develops valuable life skills such as open communication, team building, cooperation and conflict resolution. There are several activities to choose from including recreational lake swimming, canoeing and kayaking along the shores, climbing the rock/obstacle tower, nature studies, environmental education, service projects and much more! Teen Quest campers will have a climbing experience at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi on Friday and will spend an overnight at YMCA Camp Christmas Tree.
Leaders-in-Training
For teens entering grades 7 - 9 in fall, 2009
Members: $250/two-week session ? Program Participants: $270/two-week session
Offered bi-weekly June 15 - August 21
Includes overnight at Camp Christmas Tree
Rise to the challenge of Leaders-in-Training camp and discover the leadership qualities within you! LITs will learn and develop camp skills needed to lead camper activities, including personal development through confidence building and responsibility management, as well as group development through activity planning and event organization. Then, you?ll have opportunities to shadow counselors of younger campers and assist staff in their camp activities. There will also be plenty of time to hang out with friends?new and old?including an overnight! Come experience camp from a whole new perspective!
Before and After Care
For your convenience and peace of mind, our Before and After Care provides the camper with supervised activities prior to and following the end of the program day. Before and After Care is only provided at the Ridgedale YMCA. Campers must ride the Penguin bus to and from camp each day.
Drop off: 6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Pick up: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Fee: $30 per week for Before and After Camp Care
Transportation
The YMCA provides safe and reliable transportation each day for our campers to begin their adventure!
Bus stop locations are available throughout the communities listed. Transportation is provided by YMCA-owned vans, leased vans, and buses. All drivers have completed special training.
Transportation is provided to and from camp. Convenient locations have been selected in your neighborhood. Please select only one bus stop on the registration form.
- Buses do not return home from Camp on Thursday afternoons!
- Camp buses stop only at locations listed on schedule.
- Actual pick up spot may change from week to week due to location requirements; please give yourselves a few extra minutes to locate the bus on Monday mornings.
- Traffic congestion and road construction may slightly affect actual times.
- The bus sites are not supervised before pick up times or after drop off times.
- Please be on time, as your delay will affect others. Campers not picked up by an adult on the list will be brought back to the Ridgedale YMCA.
- No bus changes after the first day! Bus changes are subject to a $10 change fee.
Camp Christmas Tree
6365 Game Farm Rd.
Minnetrista, MN
Camp Christmas Tree Bus Schedule
| Bus Route | Location | Morning Pick Up | Afternoon Drop Off |
| Turtle Bus | Ridgedale YMCA |
8:30 a.m |
4:30 p.m |
| Toucan Bus | Glen Lake Elementary | 8:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Clear Springs Elementary | 8:15 a.m. | 4:45 p.m. | |
| Minnewashta Elementary | 8:30 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. | |
| Bumblebee Bus | Plymouth Creek Elementary |
8:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Oakwood Elementary | 8:10 a.m. | 4:50 p.m. | |
| Wayzata Comm. Church Pond Arena |
8:30 a.m. 8:55 a.m. |
4:30 p.m. 4:05 p.m. |
|
| Pony Bus | Meadowbrook Elementary Cedar Manor Elementary |
8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m |
5:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m. |
| St. David?s School | 8:25 a.m. | 4:35 p.m. | |
| Groveland Elementary | 8:35 a.m. | 4:25 p.m. | |
| Raccoon Bus | SLP Central Community Center | 8:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Eisenhower Community Center | 8:15 a.m. | 4:45 p.m. | |
| Excelsior Elementary | 8:30 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. | |
| Penguin Bus | Ridgedale YMCA (Extended Care Only) | 8:00 a.m. |
5:00 p.m. |
| Sunset Hill Elementary Orono Middle School |
8:15 a.m. 8:40 a.m. |
4:45 p.m. 4:20 p.m. |
|
| Frog Bus | Watertown/Mayer Elementary | 8:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Mayer Community Center | 8:15 a.m. | 4:45 p.m. | |
| Southview Elementary (Waconia) | 8:30 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. | |
| St. Bonifacius School | 8:40 a.m. | 4:20 p.m. | |
| Only Runs Weeks 1, 2, 5, 6, 9 | |||
| Koala Bus | Central Elementary, Norwood/Young America | 8:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Guardian Angels Elementary | 8:25 a.m. | 4:35 p.m. | |
| Chanhassen Recreation Center | 8:40 a.m. | 4:20 p.m. | |
| Only Runs Weeks 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 | |||
Bus schedule is subject to change.
For your camper's safety...
Whoever is picking up the camper must have a photo ID and be listed on the Authorized Pick Up section of the bus card. Please contact the camp at 952-472-1018 to make any changes prior to noon on the day of the change.
Family Nights
Every Thursday during your week at camp, your whole family is invited to meet your counselors and tour the camp. Buses will not return home on the regular schedule. Family Night will not be available on July 3 or August 28. During Family Night your family will have opportunities to see the crafts you've made and hear the songs you've been singing all week long! The Minnetonka Y's Service Club offers hotdog and brat dinners during Family Nights as a fundraiser, with the proceeds supporting camp scholarships, Camp Christmas Tree, and the Ridgedale YMCA. After a camp dinner with your family, you?ll enjoy an all-camp program of fun songs, hilarious skits, exciting stories, and more! Tell your family to mark Thursday on your calendar during your week of camp ? they won?t want to miss out!
CONTACT:
Monica Sutton (952) 582-8247