Camp Thunderbird
Long Lake Conservation Center
- Coed
- Ages 9-15
- Specialty
Overview
Long Lake Conservation Center is located on 760 acres with a private lake, miles of hiking trails, ski trails, a bog boardwalk and more! Our week-long outdoor-focused overnight camps inspire a deep appreciation of nature where kids aged 9-15 build skills, respect the natural world surrounding them, and encourage lifelong stewardship of the environment.
We offer three distinct camp experiences for kids. Forkhorn Camp blends firearms training with classic outdoor activities like canoeing, orienteering, and swimming. Outdoor Explorers Camp focuses on hands-on adventures in nature, teaching skills like building survival shelters, cooking wilderness meals, and exploring a bog ecosystem, as well as traditional camp fun. Finally, Astronomy Camp is for budding astronomers, with time dedicated to learning about the solar system, using powerful telescopes to view the night sky, and studying constellations. Seasonal, themed family camps are offered – perfect for homeschool families.
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Specialty camp focus: Firearms Safety, Nature, Astronomy
Unique Features
- Since 1963, our mission has been to encourage the exploration, conservation, education, and appreciation of nature.
- Located in the heart of Aitkin County, Long Lake is a county park and nature education facility designed for learning, discovery, and connecting to nature.
- Go on adventures into a remote, secluded forest lake teaming with wildlife, but without the rustic, roughing-it lodging. In fact, the rooms are pretty nice!
- Chef Joel Hoppe and the culinary team prepare fresh restaurant-caliber meals with made-from-scratch favorites campers love.
Activities
Dates & Rates
2026 Season:
- Camp Season June 15 - July 17
- Session Lengths 1 week or less
- Cost $400 - $525 /week
Financial Offers:
- Tiered/sliding scale tutition: No
- Financial assistance: Yes
- Special discounts: No
Accommodations
Bunks
- Type: Dorm Or Hotel
- Not open air
- Electricity/lights
- Air conditioning
- No separate bathhouse
- Showers attached
- Toilets attached
Health
- Staff not certified in First Aid /CPR
- No doctor onsite
- No nurse onsite
- No 24/7 medical staff
- No onsite health center
Dietary Needs
- Food Allergies
- No gluten free option
- No kosher
- Not peanut free
- Not tree nut-free
- No vegan option
- No vegetarian option
International Campers
- Does not enroll non-US campers
Welcome Message
Dave, Manager
Long Lake Conservation Center’s purpose is to inspire a deep appreciation of nature so that all those who experience Long Lake build skills and to respect the natural world surrounding them and accomplish lifelong stewardship of the environment.
