2026 Youth Summer Camps
Registration for 2026 Summer Camps is now open! Register before April 1 for early bird pricing!
2026 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS:
- Art in the Wild: July 6-10 AM Session
- Teen Week: July 13-17 PM Session
- Kids Make Sculpture: July 20-24 ALL DAY Session
Keep scrolling to read more about each camp session!
DETAILS:
- Half-Day Camps: $225/week (Early bird: $200/week)
- Full-Day Camp: $400/week (Early bird $350/week)
- 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 sarah@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
Franconia Sculpture Park x Wild Rivers Conservancy
Art in the Wild: July 6-10, 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. Campers who attended Art in the Wild last year will enjoy some familiar projects and some new projects!
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!
Teen Week: July 13-17, Ages 12-17
PM Session | 12 – 4PM daily
Join us for a week of design activities, inspiration, and an opportunity to explore materials to share your vision for the world! Campers will make a piece of textile-based art and hang it as part of a collaborative installation of banners at Franconia. Jillian will guide campers through an approachable step-by-step design process so in the end each camper, no matter their previous arts experience, has made an original piece of art that holds meaning to them. This week is designed for teens who are curious about art and the world around them! All levels of art experience are welcome!
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.
Kids Make Sculpture: July 20-24, Age 8-12
All Day Session | 9AM – 4PM daily
What, why and how is sculpture? Come explore the world of creating and constructing 3-dimensional art. Campers will make individual and collaborative sculptures and learn about the principles of art. This is a great week for young campers who love art and being outside! Many different materials will be available to create our own components to build different styles of sculptures.
Lunch not provided. Please send packed lunch with campers!
Kyle Fredricksonhas been working as a professional artist for over 30 years. He is Co-Founder and Creative Director at Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the Resident Artist at White Bear Center for the Arts. He is passionate about hands-on learning, and loves introducing young people to the magical world of sculpture!
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
