Today’s youth spend less and less time outdoors, taking a toll on their health and well-being. Research shows that children do better both physically and emotionally when they are in green spaces, benefiting from positive feelings, stress reduction, and experiencing the attention restoration that nature promotes. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) offers Club youth year-round opportunities to experience BGCTC’s Voyageur Environmental Center, located on 110 acres of forested, rolling hills overlooking Little Long Lake, just 25 miles west of the Twin Cities in Mound, Minnesota.
The concept “NURTURE THROUGH NATURE” is fundamental to BGCTC’s holistic programming at Voyageur that includes team-building games, waterfront experiences, outdoor survival challenges, gardening activities, and overnight residential camping. These skill-building activities help youth develop a desire to learn through exploration, deepen their interest in STEM careers, enhance their creativity, and become better stewards of the environment.
We ask you to support youth access to environmental education and outdoor experiences through
Spirit of Voyageur, EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 7. A recurring monthly donation, no matter the amount, is a powerful investment in the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders.
Your donation to Spirit of Voyageur TODAY will support these critical needs:
$25: 1 STEM water quality test kit
$50: 1 pair of snowshoes
$100: 1 full campsite cook kit
$500: 1 Buddy Board water safety system OR offset Club transportation costs
$1,000+: 1 Splash mat water float OR support for facility improvements
Support Nature’s Classroom!
RESIDENTIAL CAMPING IS BACK at BGCTC's Voyageur Environmental Center for summer 2023! Now, in full swing, we are happy to share that our first week of camp was a wild success and full of lots of learning. From team building exercises to guided nature...
Sparking Joy and SEL Growth through Outdoor Play
Social-emotional learning (SEL) through outdoor play offers a dynamic and engaging approach for youth to develop crucial life skills. Through collaborative play and teamwork, youth enhance their communication and problem-solving skills and learn valuable lessons...
Casting a Bright Future
BGCTC's Voyageur Environmental Learning Center offers an exciting range of waterfront program activities including canoeing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The Voyageur fishing program introduces youth to the art of angling, fish species recognition, habitat...