2025 Youth Summer Camps
2025 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS:
- Sculptureland: July 7-11 (Age 12-17)
- Art in the Wild: July 14-18 (Age 8-12) *AM Session*
- Puppet Fever: July 21-25 (Age 10-15)
Keep scrolling to read more about each camp session!
DETAILS:
- Half-days, Monday-Friday
- $225/week (Early bird: $200/week through April 1st)
- Snacks & materials provided
- Each camp will host a celebration for friends & family on Friday
Scholarships are available for families with financial need, thanks to generous support from the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation. Please email info@franconia.org with a short statement of need, interest in the camp, and request for 50% or full scholarship.
CANCELLATIONS:
- Summer Camp Registration must be cancelled on or before May 1 in order to receive a full refund.
- Camps cancelled between May 1-June 1 will receive a 50% refund.
- Any cancellations after June 1 will not be eligible for a refund.
If you would like to volunteer with Franconia’s Youth Summer Camps, email sarah@franconia.org
Sculptureland (Returns!): July 7-11, Ages 12-17
PM Session | 12-4PM daily
Campers will be inspired by Franconia’s sculptures and land to make an installation of their own in the park! Jillian and campers will explore land art, interactive artwork, and building methods for sculpture, working together through a design process to craft an experience for family, friends, and visitors to the park. If you were part of Sculptureland last year, join us again to make something new and advance your skills.
Things to expect: playing games, going on walks, sketching, looking at art, collecting materials, and working with hand tools to build something of your own design.
Jillian Gryzlak is a Chicago-based maker of things. She works with ceramics and textiles, builds sculptural costumes, makes props and puppets for theater, and designs immersive installations. Working with a multitude of materials, Jillian’s process is often one of discovery, intuition, and play. Jillian brings this same process of discovery with her when working with youth. Jillian is excited to return to Franconia this summer to explore the park and art making with youth.
Franconia Sculpture Park x Wild Rivers Conservancy
Art in the Wild: July 14-18, Age 8-12
AM Session | 9AM – 1PM daily
Dive into a week of creative discovery as we explore where science meets art! We’ll explore the wonders of the St. Croix River ecosystem, from its tiniest macroinvertebrates to the whole watershed. Taking inspiration from the nature around us, we’ll transform our scientific observations into works of art with painting, sculpture, and nature journaling.
What to expect: Playing games, making observations, going on walks, telling stories, and creating artwork to be proud of.
Rivers Are Alive is a K-12 environmental education program offered in partnership by the Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway throughout the St. Croix watershed in every season. We offer engaging, hands-on science activities that connect students to this national park and its watershed. Katrina Schlicker, the Environmental Education Coordinator, is excited to connect art and science for a whirlwind week!
Puppet Fever: July 21-25, Age 10-15
PM Session | 12-4PM daily
Join Fletcher for a week full of exploration and experimentation. Think theater camp meets art class! Campers will create their own puppets, embrace silliness in all its forms, and end the week with a unique performance for friends and family! Campers will work together with Fletcher to develop the final performance– crafting the puppets & costumes, writing & rehearsing, and performing.
Things to expect: skits, games, working with cardboard & papier mache, and lots of laughter!
Fletcher Wolfe (they/them) is a puppeteer, educator, and improviser based in Minneapolis. Their work is rooted in expressive absurdity. They love to make people laugh and are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. They’re currently a Lead Educator at the Walker Art Center. When Fletcher’s not making puppets, they’re playing with their miniature schnauzer Nanette.
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
“As a parent, I was so impressed with camp, from communication to inclusion, this experience for my daughter was all I was hoping for and more. She came home that first day filling her notebook with ideas! The reception and display of the kids’ work was wonderful.”
“My son had a rough school year, and his sense of belonging was fractured. He lit up at Franconia’s camp–he felt safe enough to express his authentic self, was able to connect with others with ease, and the things he created were encouraged and even admired. Franconia fostered his creativity in a way that significantly boosted his morale.”
“[My son] got three bee stings while at the camp and still claimed it was the best week of his life!”
QUESTIONS AND CONTACT:
If you have any questions about the Youth Summer Camps at Franconia, please contact us at the Franconia office: 651-257-6668 or info@franconia.org.
Location
29836 St. Croix Trail
Shafer, MN 55074
Franconia Sculpture Park resides on the ancestral Dakota lands of the Wahpekute in Mni Sota Makoce, along the St. Croix River which also holds significance by the Ojibwe and other Native peoples. We recognize, support and advocate for all Native nations and will actively center Native voices in our work.
Hours
The grounds of Franconia Sculpture Park are open 365 days a year from 8am-8pm.
The Franconia Commons building is open:
Apr. 15 – Nov. 14:
Everyday, 10am-5pm
Nov. 15 – Apr. 14: Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Closed on National Holidays
