Youth In-House Day Camp Programs

Summer Recreation staff provide quality recreational experiences that promote healthy living, character building, and teamwork through collaborative and active play. Please note, each camp has specific themed activities which will be in addition to traditional camp activities.

About our Staff

Our programs can only be as good as the people who lead them. That is why we pride ourselves on our wonderful staff of talented rec leaders. We look for energetic and responsible individuals who are ready for a summer full of laughter, friendship, and fun. With a small camper to staff ratio, our staff gets to know the campers well. In addition, many of our leaders continue to return year after year, as they come to love the park and rec life. From professional educators to college students and former campers, our loyal staff is made up of a diverse group of people who all bring something uniquely wonderful to our camps. Summer jobs will be posted to our website early February: www.priorlakemn.gov/jobs

Summer 2025

Thanks for a great summer! For more information, visit www.priorlakemn.gov/recreation

2025 Catalog is still available online.

Summer FAQs: Discover the answers to commonly asked questions about our programs by clicking here.

A Family Handbook is created each year to outline rules, policies, and essential camp information for parents to be aware of. View the 2025 Family Handbook here.

Summer 2026

We are working on our 2026 summer calendar. Watch for more information in February!

Please note that summer registration will take place early March. All programs tend to fill up quickly, so registration deadlines and class capacities will be strictly adhered to.

Youth In House Day Camps for Ages 3-6

3-6

Camps for Ages 3-6 Years Old:

Our camps are separated by age. Our 3–6-year-old camps meet three days a week, 3–4-year-olds meet from 9am-12pm while 5–6-year-olds meet from 1-4pm. Themes for these age groups include but are not limited to, Prior Lake Patrollers, Pirates & Mermaids and Animal Adventures.

2025 Schedule:

June 16-18 (Monday – Wednesday)
June 24-26 (Tuesday – Thursday)
No day camp June 30-July 4
July 8-10 (Tuesday – Thursday)
July 15-17 (Tuesday – Thursday)
July 21-23 (Monday – Wednesday)
July 29-31 (Tuesday – Thursday)
No day camp August 4-8
August 12-14 (Tuesday – Thursday)

Locations: These programs will be held at Ponds Park Shelter 1 which is the main shelter for this park.

All programs will fill fast; age requirements and class capacities are strictly enforced.

Youth In House Day Camps for Ages 6-11

The following camps for children ages 6 to 11 years old are led by City of Prior Lake Seasonal Youth Recreation Leaders.

Half Day Camp Hours: Children aged 6 to 11 have the opportunity to attend camp from 9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM, or a full day from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Each camp features a unique theme and a variety of activities, including themes like Camp Classic Kickoff, Camp Olympics, Dodgeball Diehards, APPventure Camp, and Jr. Scientists. All half-day camps will be hosted at Ponds Park.

Campers can create a full-day experience by linking a morning camp with an afternoon camp. By enrolling in both programs, they will have coverage from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Children attending both sessions in the same week are automatically included in Lunch Bunch, with no additional steps needed. Lunch Bunchers should bring their own packed lunch to enjoy with other campers and recreation staff in the park. After lunch, supervised free play will continue until the afternoon program starts.

2025 Half Day Camp Dates:

Morning Camp: 9AM-12PM
Afternoon Camp: 1-4PM

June 16-18 (Monday – Wednesday)
June 24-26 (Monday – Thursday)
No camps during the week of July 4^th
July 9-10 (Monday – Thursday)
July 14-17 (Monday – Thursday)
July 28-31 (Monday – Thursday)

Full Day Camps: The City will host three weeks of full-day camps:

Super Soaked Summer Camp: July 21-24 (Monday -Thursday), 9AM-4PM at Sand Point Beach

ShipRec'd Adventure Camp: August 4-8 (Monday-Friday) 9AM-3:30PM at Lakefront Park

Daytrippers Camp: August 12-14 (Monday-Thursday), 9AM-4PM meet at Ponds Park

Single Day Programs Hosted by City Staff:

Reel Cool Fishing School: Led by experienced fishing instructors and Recreation Leaders, this program uses engaging games and activities to teach fishing fundamentals such as knot tying, casting, bait selection, and fish identification. All necessary equipment is provided, thanks to a generous donation from the Kim Boyer Family. Each camper will take home a fishing pole. This camp is scheduled for June.

Fishing School

Muddy Buddy Run: Grab your buddies and take on this muddy obstacle course for a fun and memorable challenge. Event will take place in August.

mudbud2

All programs will fill fast; age requirements and class capacities are strictly enforced.

Junior Leader Volunteer Program

Junior Leaders (JLs) assist with programs for children ages 3-6 at Ponds Park. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, increase community involvement, serve as a positive role model and gain experience for future employment. Duties include helping with check-in and check-out, setting up, participating in and eventually leading activities. Complete a Junior Leader Application between March 4 and April 6 to be considered for the 2025 program. Please note we have only 12 spots available for this summer.

2023

Selected applicant will be contacted for an interview in April. Accepted applicants will be assigned a specific day of the week to attend programs based on their availability. Applicants will share their preferences on the application.

Must be 12-15 years old to be considered for this program.

2025 Schedule, we require Junior Leaders to attend at least 5 of the 7 weeks of camp:

Mandatory Training Day: Thursday June 12, 10:30am-12:30pm
June 16-18 - no camp June 19 (Thursday JL will be invited to join us for Monday program)
June 24-26
No programs July1-3
July 8-10
July 15-17
July 21-23 - no camp July 24 (Thursday JL will be invited to join us for Monday program)
July 29-31
No programs August 5-7
August 12-14

Available program days, JLs are onsite one day a week:

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday (some Mondays, see above)

Time of Day Options:

Morning 8:45am-12:15pm
Afternoon 12:45-4pm