Green Summer
A Week Outside That Actually Matters
Build confidence. Build connection. Build kids who care.
A hands-on outdoor experience for ages 8–13—led by youth leaders, grounded in real conservation, and designed to be fun.
Green Summer is a choose-your-own outdoor experience for kids ages 8–13. Come for one day. Come for all of them.
Each day blends:
• Morning exploration — water science, outdoor ethics, and hands-on learning
• Afternoon adventure — kids choose their own conservation activity and go do it
This isn’t a classroom. This is learning by being outside, doing real things, with real purpose.
Every day includes a mix of:
Water Science
• Explore lakes, rivers, and wetlands
• Hands-on discovery and observation
Outdoor Ethics (through play)
• Learn how to be in nature through games and challenges
• Build respect, awareness, and confidence outdoors
• Real projects that contribute to the health of the land
• Age-appropriate, meaningful, and hands-on
Wildlife & Exploration (as needed / weather-based)
• Species discovery, identification, and observation
Choice-Based Afternoons
• Kids choose their own “conservation adventure” each afternoon
• Builds independence, ownership, and excitement
Green Summer is led by trained Green Crew youth leaders—with:
• 2 trained and certified adult advisors onsite at all times
• Additional adult support and supervision throughout the day
This near-peer model builds:
• Confidence
• Connection
• Leadership by example
We take safety seriously.
• Structured check-in and check-out procedures
• Certified first aid support onsite (including medication support)
• Full safety protocols for weather, hydration, and activities
• Transportation via van, with an additional vehicle onsite for emergencies
Held at the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League property with access to the adjacent wildlife refuge
Kids will be in real, protected natural spaces—not simulated environments.
• $60 per day, per participant
• Scholarships are available.
• We want every kid who wants to be here to be here.
• Attend one day or multiple days
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• Continue into Friday & Saturday as part of the Youth Convention experience