Outdoor Learning Center

Just 30 minutes from Base Camp, Northern Star Scouting’s Outdoor Learning Center offers grades 3+ a two-day, one-night outdoor experience where expert-led activities build confidence, resilience, and teamwork through adventure.

Outdoor Learning Center logo
Outdoor Learning Center

ADVENTURE AWAITS AT THE OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER!

For over 15 years, Northern Star Scouting has hosted exceptional field trips at BaseCamp. Now, we are thrilled to expand our programming to the Outdoor Learning Center(OLC). Located just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, the OLC offers students in grades 3 and up an immersive, two-day, one-night weekday camping experience. Our professional staff helps students build confidence and "learn and live differently" through hands-on activities like archery, climbing, orienteering, and collaborative team challenges. Give your students a transformative space to discover the world beyond the classroom.

Why Choose the OLC?
Guided by expert staff, our curriculum focuses on building confidence, resilience, and real-world skills:
• Action: Rock climbing, bouldering, archery, orienteering, and much more.
• Skills: Fire building (chemistry and safety), wilderness survival, and navigation.
• Growth: Team challenges that foster leadership, bravery, and empathy.
• Stewardship: Immersive nature exploration that encourages environmental responsibility.

Program Highlights
• Navigation: Mastering spatial awareness using maps and compasses.
• Fire Building: Hands-on lessons in building and maintaining contained fires.
• Climbing: A climbing tower and bouldering wall with intensity tailored to student comfort levels.
• Nature Exploration: Cooperative challenges designed to build character in a safe environment.

Facility & Logistics
• Season: Available September through May.
• Accommodations: Climate-controlled, dorm-style housing with modern restrooms (rooms sleep 4).
• Food Service: Full buffet-style meals provided; all dietary restrictions accommodated.
• Capacity: Minimum Grade 3; maximum 80+ youth and 24 adults.

Pricing
• Youth: $25 per student for a limited time.
• Adults: First 2 adults FREE ($25 per additional adult).
• Financial Aid: Options are available to ensure all students can participate.
WE STILL HAVE A FEW SPOTS LEFT FOR FALL – BOOK NOW TO RESERVETODAY!
Reservations:
https://northernstar.quickbase.com/nav/app/br9azpw8p/action/appoverview – dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

What We Offer:

  • Attractions
  • Camps - Overnight
  • Destinations
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Programs
  • Teambuilders

Good For

  • Pre K - 3rd
  • 4th - 8th

Quotes:

"Loved all the staff; very professional, enthusiastic, and PATIENT! They remembered every name and got the students excited to learn." — Central Park Elementary
Booking Contacts:

Deb Lerdon
Community Sales Executive
dlerdon@northernstar.org
612-261-2332

Terry Krueger
OLC Director
tkrueger@northernstar.org
612-261-2331

Outdoor Learning Center

15987 St. Croix Trail
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047