Discoverers

Website: https://www.vlmcamps.org/summer-camps/discoverers

Site: Camp Hiawatha / Camp Vermillion
Ages: Completed grades K-4
Cost: $60 - 75*

A first taste of camp that includes worship, swimming, games, S'mores, learning, and new friends. Come once or sign up for each program; we guarantee it will be one day filled with the best of camp!

The program begins with registration from 9:00 - 9:15 AM and ends with a short recap of the day/closing program starting about 4:00 PM in order to join the group for this closing.

*See full fee schedule here.

Program Details

The best part of camp is getting to play outside, so weather permitting, Discoverers spend the bulk of the day outside - games happen on the ball-field, swimming on the waterfront, lunch around a campfire ring, and Bible study in various spaces around camp. This one-day program is a great way for younger campers to see and experience all that happens at camp, including interacting with other camp programs. The Discoverer schedule is intentionally designed for these first-time campers to experience camp at their own pace. It's also a great way for our staff to really get to know the participants and tailor the day to the needs of the group.

The games, studies, and crafts for Discoverers are designed for the K - 4th grade age group. However, older campers who are new to Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermillion are welcome to participate in the Discoverers program.

As you see from the schedule below, a large part of our morning is spent on the waterfront. Our sites are located on beautiful lakes, and summer camp in Minnesota isn't complete without fun in the water. In addition to swimming and splashing, our staff may also engage the campers in some water games as well as trying out a canoe for campers who are interested. Playing in the sand or sitting on the beach with a new friend also happen during this time. Along with the counselors in the water, our waterfront director or designated lifeguard is on duty while Discoverers are at the waterfront. We do ask that all Discoverers bring and use a life jacket while in the water as we do not asses the swimming ability of each camper for this program. (If you have an older child participating in this program who is a good swimmer, we would consider allowing them to do the swim check. Talk with our staff prior to your child's time at camp.)

Typical Daily Schedule

9:00 - Registration and Games
9:25 - Opening Worship
10:00 - Swimming and other waterfront activities (time for campers to change is included in this time)
11:30 - Lunch - a hot dog roast with chips, fruit, and s'mores
12:30 - Bible study/learning time
1:15 - Large group game
2:00 - Snack
2:30 - Creative Arts
3:15 - Various activities, including song fest and games
4:00 - Closing Program/Worship

When we have cabins available, we do designate a few for the Discover program. Not only does this give campers a space for their personal belongings and changing into and out of swimming suits, but it also gives them a chance to see where they might stay were they to participate in an overnight program. When a cabin is not available, we designate space in another building for Discoverer belongings and use the Retreat Center bathrooms at Camp Hiawatha and the main shower-house at Camp Vermillion for changing.

Contact:
CAMP OFFICE

1325 N 45th Avenue E
Duluth, MN 55804
(800) 331-5148

CAMP HIAWATHA

36944 Camp Hiawatha Rd
Deer River, MN 56636
218-246-8604

CAMP VERMILION

2555 Vermilion Camp Rd
Cook, MN 55723
218-666-5834