Star Lake Wilderness Camp

Changing Lives Through Small-Group Camping

Who we are

Located thirty minutes north of Brainerd, MN, our camp is secluded in its setting and rustic in its accommodations. Campers sleep in tents and eat around a fire. They are outdoors for their entire stay. Activities include canoeing, swimming, crafting, volleyball, hiking, stargazing, and fishing.

• 435 acres on four lakes in Crow Wing County
• Featuring sandy beaches, hardwoods, pines, streams, marshes, a bog, campfires, cooking meals outside, hiking, swimming in a lake, canoeing, and living in intentional small groups.
• Every youth is asked to pay only what they can afford.
• 100% of your donation pays for a youth to attend camp.

What we do

Star Lake Wilderness Camp provides an outdoor recreation and living experience where youth can unplug and grow physically, socially, and mentally. We largely focus on youth who are traditionally underserved, have challenges, or would otherwise lack meaningful exposure to nature.

We operate on “Star Lake time”, where everything slows down and personal engagement becomes deeper. It is in this environment where youth can focus on programming facilitated by staff, without the usual, everyday distractions.

Summer 2022 Highlights

• In July we hosted a small group of teens with stuttering challenges. We had speech-language pathologists on hand to assist with learning new techniques in an environment where struggles were normalized and triumphs were cheered. At Star Lake, campers built confidence and found a community of support and friendship.
• We also hosted a group of sixteen campers from Somali families from St. Joseph, MN. It was their first time sleeping in a tent and exploring by canoe. The forest became a friendly place as they connected with nature and with each other. They are excited to return next year for more adventure. This was funded by a generous donor from St. Joseph.
• Our final week we hosted ten campers from The Cass Lake-Bena School District who are members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This was funded with a State grant (No Child Left Inside, Phase 3) and individual donations.
  

Summer 2023

• Please consider a donation to Star Lake Wilderness camp so we can serve more youth.
• Let's get more kids in the woods!

(Star Lake Wilderness Camp is not associated with the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church)

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