The Raptor Center Summer Youth Programs
The Raptor Center, 1920 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
About
The Raptor Center Summer Youth Programs include sessions where participants explore the various raptors found in Minnesota and their role in the environment, learn key features that set raptors apart from other birds, and get up close with The Raptor Center’s live education birds and resident raptor ambassadors. Depending on the session, participants discuss the positive and negative impact humans have on the environment, learn about environmental success stories such as the peregrine falcon and bald eagle, and study what it takes for raptors to migrate, survive winter, nest in spring, and grow new feathers. Other sessions focus on designing and engineering using live raptors and bird adaptations as inspiration, discovering myths and legends involving raptors, exploring careers related to wildlife and art, and creating nature-inspired drawings, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media art projects, often concluding with a showcase of artwork for friends and family.
• Ages: 6–15 years old
• Schedule: Half-day camps run in June, July, and August 2026 in 4- or 5-day sessions, and full-day and 2-day camps are also offered during July and August 2026.
The Raptor Center Summer Youth Programs include specific sessions such as Enraptured with Raptors, Soaring with Raptors, Raptor Biomimicry and Engineering, Raptor Myth and Legends, Working with Wildlife, Creatures from the Cretaceous to the Present (Paleoart), Get Wild (Nature Inspired Art), and Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp for different age groups. Hands-on activities include observing, studying, and drawing birds of prey up close with guidance from interpretive naturalists, exploring habitats to search for wild birds, and learning how a veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds. Some sessions include journeys to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to observe artworks featuring animals and natural imagery, tours of nature-themed collections, and translation of colors, textures, and forms from the natural environment into art projects. Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp includes bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center and a behind-the-scenes tour of the education department to see many different species of raptors up close.
The Raptor Center Summer Youth Programs are offered in partnership with University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness, with additional collaboration from Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and Richardson Nature Center for specific camps. Each partnership camp features Raptor Center birds and educators. The Raptor Center is part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and is described as a world renowned hospital that is nearly 100% donor supported, treating over 1000 birds every year and working at the forefront of developing emerging avian care techniques and collecting ecosystem health data. The Raptor Center depends on public support for 60% of its annual budget.
Last updated February 23, 2026.
• Ages: 6–15 years old
• Schedule: Half-day camps run in June, July, and August 2026 in 4- or 5-day sessions, and full-day and 2-day camps are also offered during July and August 2026.
The Raptor Center Summer Youth Programs include specific sessions such as Enraptured with Raptors, Soaring with Raptors, Raptor Biomimicry and Engineering, Raptor Myth and Legends, Working with Wildlife, Creatures from the Cretaceous to the Present (Paleoart), Get Wild (Nature Inspired Art), and Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp for different age groups. Hands-on activities include observing, studying, and drawing birds of prey up close with guidance from interpretive naturalists, exploring habitats to search for wild birds, and learning how a veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds. Some sessions include journeys to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to observe artworks featuring animals and natural imagery, tours of nature-themed collections, and translation of colors, textures, and forms from the natural environment into art projects. Raptors: Birds of Prey Camp includes bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center and a behind-the-scenes tour of the education department to see many different species of raptors up close.
The Raptor Center Summer Youth Programs are offered in partnership with University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness, with additional collaboration from Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and Richardson Nature Center for specific camps. Each partnership camp features Raptor Center birds and educators. The Raptor Center is part of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and is described as a world renowned hospital that is nearly 100% donor supported, treating over 1000 birds every year and working at the forefront of developing emerging avian care techniques and collecting ecosystem health data. The Raptor Center depends on public support for 60% of its annual budget.
Last updated February 23, 2026.
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