The National Youth Leadership Training is powering the next generation of leaders. While racism, classism, and oppression affect us all, young people are among the most vulnerable. But with the right resources and adult allies to support them — youth make meaningful change happen.

For youth, NYLT is a life-changing week of adventure, self-discovery, cultural exchange, leadership-building, and service. Adult mentors — the critical connection point between the youth taking charge and the resources provided by the National Youth Leadership Council — gain the skills needed to support these youth in creating a year-long plan of action.

Youth arrive with a range of leadership experiences, and leave with:

1.The ability to work together with people of different races, ethnicities, genders, geographies, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

2.Adult allies to support their leadership development and service-learning action plan.

3.The tools and knowledge to create equitable change in their communities.

4.Motivation to take action for the common good.

5.An enhanced awareness of social, political, and environmental issues, including the achievement gap.

Put down that smartphone or video game controller and grab your exploration shoes! It’s time to get back in touch with the fun and fascinating world of nature. Tamarack Nature Center offers a variety of summer day camps for kids ages 3-years-old through entering 8th grade. Camp weeks are four-days long and filled with activities, games, laughter, and – of course – nature! All of our camps are Naturalist-led and get kids up and active in the great outdoors.

What can you expect this camp season? Camps include:

• Slip, Slither, Hop and Flop

• Prairie Pioneers

• Spy Kids: Eco Agent

• Survivor Child

• Lost!

• Top Garden Chef

• Animal Babies

• Crime Busters

Tamarack also offers special extended ages camps to allow friends and family in neighboring age groups to experience camp together.

New in 2014! We’ve switched things up with our Friday programming and are excited to now offer “Friday Favorites” sessions throughout the summer. These mini-camps are available for ages 6 – 12 and are perfect for families who can’t commit to a full week of camp. Topics include birds, art, survival skills and mammals.

Visit our website to register or view more information on all our summer camp programming!