Youth Summer Programs

About Our Program

Orono Community Education is dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and connecting our community through lifelong learning. To provide programs that truly inspire, we use a unique combination of talented educators from Orono Schools, neighboring districts, and premier education partners.

Our goal is to provide a space where students and neighbors stay active in both mind and body. We invite you to spend your summer with us, building academic strengths, healthy lifestyles, and the social skills that empower you to succeed. Whether you participate in a favorite activity or step into something new, we are here to ensure you HAVE FUN!

Register for summer at oronocommunityed.com based on the grade to be completed in 2025-26 year.

Preparing for Camp

If your student’s program has additional information, we will send you an email specific to that program.

Download 2026 Camp Calendar

Camp Schedule

Younger students or those with multiple camps in one day should bring a list of their camp locations. Click here for a printable form.

If your student is registered for Lunch Bunch, our staff will ensure they get to their afternoon program.

If your student is enrolled in Spartan Kids or is riding the bus, our staff will ensure they get to and from the camp.

What to Bring

We encourage students to bring a backpack with the following items every day.

Filled Water Bottle
Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen at home and our staff will remind students to re-apply throughout the day.
Students must apply the sunscreen themselves - staff will assist by coaching students as needed.
Snack: Please consider sending nut-free snacks to be considerate of other students that may have a food allergy.
If your student has any food allergies or other health concerns, please send an email to ceinfo@orono.k12.mn.us with additional information.
Lunch: If your student has a full day camp or both a morning and afternoon camp, they should pack a lunch (lunches will not be provided). Additionally, students with both a morning and afternoon camp on the Orono Schools campus should be signed up for Lunch Bunch.

Medications

Please contact us in advance if our staff will need to administer medications (EpiPen, inhaler, daily meds, etc.) Please deliver medication with medical documentation to the Community Education Office.

Personal Items from Home

To minimize distractions and the risk of loss or damage, we ask that students refrain from bringing personal items such as toys, trading cards, or Pokémon games/cards to summer camp.

If a student brings such items, staff will hold them during camp hours (including Lunch Bunch) and return them at the end of the day.

Exception: Students who require a specific item or fidget to help them maintain focus or calm are permitted to bring it.

Student Absences

Should your student need to miss their class, kindly email Orono Community Education at ceinfo@orono.k12.mn.us. We will ensure the instructor is notified of the absence.

Pick Up & Drop Off Directions

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Directions

Location

For programs that take place in the Orono Intermediate School and the Orono Education Link, please use curbside drop-off & pick-up is at the back loop of the Orono Intermediate School Click here for the map.

For programs held on fields, at the Orono Middle School, or Orono Activities Center further instructions will be sent.

Note: This curbside service is for camps and classes located at the Orono Education Link, Schumann Elementary School, or Orono Intermediate School.

Standard Times

Morning Drop-Off: 8:50 AM - 9:00 AM
Morning Pick-Up: 11:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Afternoon Drop-Off: 12:50 PM - 1:00 PM
Afternoon Pick-Up: 3:50 PM - 4:00 PM

Curbside Procedures

Please display a sign with your student(s) name in the car window.
Load and unload students on the curb side (passenger side) to keep them safe from walking around the car.
Pull forward to the furthest available open spot in the circle. Staff will guide your student(s) to your car. Please move up as cars in front of you leave.
Exercise caution when exiting the circle.

Alternative Parking

Additionally, you may park in Lot G (see map) and walk your student to Door E9 (indicated by the 'X').

Early or Late Arrival/Departure

No Early Drop-Off: Staff will only begin accepting students 10 minutes prior to the class start time. If you arrive earlier, please wait in your car.
Late Drop-offs (later than 10 minutes): Please escort your student to the Orono Community Education Office in the Orono Education Link (use Door E24). Staff will take the student to class.
Early Pick-ups: Please check in at the Orono Community Education office in the Orono Education Link (use Door E24). Staff will retrieve your student from the classroom and bring them to the office.

No Early Drop-Off: Staff will start accepting students no more than 10 minutes prior to the start time of your student’s class. If you arrive early, please wait in your car.

Campus Construction

Lunch Bunch

Grades K - 8 | Monday - Thursday | 12 - 1 PM

If your child is registered for both a morning and an afternoon camp, they must be supervised from 12 - 1 PM between camps. Sign up for Lunch Bunch and send a bag lunch. Our staff will supervise students and then help them get to their afternoon activity. Note: This option only works between morning camps that end at 12 PM and afternoon camps that begin at 1 PM on the school’s main campus, otherwise you must make an alternate plan for supervision of your child between camps.

#S4001 June 8 -11
#S4002 June 15 - 18
#S4003 June 22 - 25
#S4004 June 29 - July 2
#S4005 July 6 - 9
#S4006 July 13 - 16
#S4007 July 20 - 23
#S4008 July 27 - 30
#S4009 August 3 - 6

$27/week

Orono Intermediate School | Cafeteria

Register here

Bus Transportation

We have a limited-stop activity bus providing transportation to and from the Orono School’s main campus. For questions about bus transportation please contact Anita Goman at anita.goman@orono.k12.mn.us.

Bus transportation is available Monday - Thursday, June 15 - August 6. There is no bus June 19
Available from designated stops to the main campus for programs beginning at 9 AM.
Available from the main campus back to designated stops for programs ending at 12 PM and 4 PM.
Students who are registered for the Summer Playground Program (Rainbow or Holbrook Park) may ride the bus for free from the main campus.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR BUS TRANSPORTATION: MAY 18
Exact bus routes and times will be sent the week of June 8 to those who are registered.

Designated Bus Stops

Students should be picked up by guardians or be able to walk home from these designated stops. Designated locations subject to change.

Long Lake	Maple Plain
Morningside Rd.	Discovery Center
Central Ave. & Lakeview Ave.	Manchester Dr.
Holbrook Park	Rainbow Park
Hardin Park	Joyce St. & Clayton Dr.
Watertown Rd. & Brown Rd.	Bryantwood Drive
Cty Rd 6 & Long Lake Blvd	Cty Rd 19 & Ironwood Cir
Mill St. & Symes St.	Timber Trail
	Prairieland Dr
	Budd Ave
	Little Munchkins

Bus Schedule

#S5002 June 15 - 18

#S5003 June 22 - 25

#S5004 June 29 - July 2

#S5005 July 6 - 9

#S5006 July 13 - 16

#S5007 July 20 - 23

#S5008 July 27 - 30

#S5009 August 3 - 6

Bus Fees

Individual Rate

4 day: $29/week

Family Rate

4 day: $41/week

Fee assistance is available.

Weather

Weather-Related Program Changes

In the event of weather-related changes to our programs, you will receive an email from ceinfo@orono.k12.mn.us. Information regarding refunds and rescheduled classes will be communicated on a program-by-program basis.

Orono Community Education adheres to all Orono School District policies and procedures for severe weather.

To prioritize student health during summer programs, especially with high heat and air quality alerts, our staff implements specific precautions:

On Days with a Heat Advisory

If excessive heat is forecasted, we will attempt to relocate programs indoors if space is available. Programs may be canceled if no indoor alternative exists.

If programs remain outdoors, staff will:

Spend time in the shade whenever possible.
Conduct frequent water breaks and encourage all students to take breaks from the activity.
Keep activities low-key and maintain a slower pace.
Adapt activities to suit the outdoor conditions.
Take indoor, air-conditioned breaks when possible.

On Days with Air Quality Alerts

If the air quality index is deemed unhealthy, we will attempt to move programs indoors if space is available. Programs may be canceled if no indoor alternative exists.

If programs remain outdoors, staff will:

Keep activities low-key and maintain a slower pace.
Adapt activities to suit the outdoor conditions.
Take indoor breaks as needed.

Policies & Procedures

Ages & Grades

Register for camps and classes that correspond with the grade to be completed in the 2025-2026 school year.

Class Confirmation

Please ensure your email address is included during registration to receive a confirmation of your class enrollment.

If you don't hear from us after the initial email confirmation, it means your class is running as scheduled, as we will only contact you if:

There is a cancellation.
The class time, day, or location changes.
Additional information is required for the class.

Health Concerns or Special Needs

Please indicate any special learning, emotional or health needs at the time of registration so our staff can assist your child in having a successful experience in our program. Community Education does not have access to school district records for this information.

Payment Plans

A payment plan of three installments is available to all who register by credit card. First payment is due at the time of registration, second is due June 15, and the final payment is due July 15. Call the Community Education Office at 952-449-8350 if you would like to request other payment arrangements.

Refund Policy

If you need to drop a class, please notify us at 952-449-8350 as soon as you know. Up to 3 business days prior to the class, a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee will be issued. After that time, no refunds will be issued. Partial refunds will be considered if injury or serious illness occurs. Select programs have a more specific refund policy. If Community Education needs to cancel a class, we will contact you and process a full refund

Food Allergies

Some classes may include projects or activities using food. If your child has a food allergy, please indicate this at the time of registration. Our staff will contact you to confirm if your child needs any accommodations.

Snacks & Lunches

We recommend you send a snack and a water bottle with your student. If your child has a full day program or is scheduled to attend both a morning and afternoon program, you will need to send a lunch. (See Lunch Bunch).

For information regarding food resources and support, contact: genna.torney@orono.k12.mn.us

Accessibility & Accommodations

Orono Community Education is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. We implement reasonable accommodations to support the individual needs of our participants, provided the activity and program characteristics are a fit based on student needs. We encourage early communication to ensure your student’s needs are met effectively. If you have questions about participation or wish to request an accommodation, contact our office at 952-449-8350. While we aim for universal access, program-specific safety standards and environment are considered in placement. We remain committed to finding the best fit for every learner.

Relate Counseling Informed Consent

By participating in Orono Community Education programs this summer, I understand that a Relate Counseling Therapist will be present at times throughout the week to provide consultation to staff regarding students’ social, emotional, and mental health. The Relate therapist may also interact with my child if they are struggling with emotions or having some sort of behavioral crisis. I understand I will be notified if the Relate therapist has any interactions with my child, and I will be given the chance to communicate with them regarding any emotional or behavioral difficulties my child may be having.

Playground Program

Staff lead organized games and activities that focus on teamwork and skill-building in a safe, structured environment. Students can explore interests, try new things, and build friendships through active games, special event days, and art activities. There is something for everyone!

Daily attendance is optional, but registration is required. Please remember to bring water and sunscreen each day!

Location & Schedule

Orono Intermediate School | Field 9 - Register Here (685 Old Crystal Bay Rd N, Long Lake, MN 55356)
Days & Times: Monday - Thursday | June 15 - July 30 | 1 - 4 PM

Please note, the location has changed from what was published in the Community Education summer brochure.

Important Pick-Up Information

For the safety of all children, please inform the staff at the park your child attends what your typical daily pick-up routine is. If you plan to deviate from this routine on any given day, you must send a note with your child indicating who will pick them up or what their alternate mode of transportation home will be.

Weather Policy

If inclement weather begins during the program, students will move to the park shelter. Please pick up your child as soon as possible.
If inclement weather is expected to start in the morning and continue, the program will move indoors to the Orono Middle School for activities.
- Orono Middle School: 800 Old Crystal Bay Rd. N., Long Lake, MN 55356 (Please use the lower/north parking lot and enter through Door M4

Summer Aquatics

Swim Lessons

Register for swimming lessons and see other aquatics offerings here!

What to Bring

Swimsuit
Towel
Goggles
Rashguard (optional)

Parking and Entrance
Please use door E24 in the Education Link for drop-off and entrance. Limited parking is available outside door E24, facing the grass.

Open Swim

Monday - Thursday | June 15 - 30
No Open Swim June 19 & June 29 - July 3
1 - 3 PM

$6 per swimmer
$18 per family (up to 5 people)
Free for Activities Center member

Learn more about our Open Swim Rules and Expectations.

Summer Early Learning

Orono Community Education offers robust programing for our early learners. The majority of our Early Learning and Preschool opportunities will be housed at the Orono Discovery Center. Register for summer at oronocommunityed.com.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

Drop-off and pick-up will be right at the classrooms. Please park and walk your child into the main entrance. We will unlock the main doors 5 minutes before the start and end of camp. Teachers will open their classroom door when they are ready at the start and end of camp time.

Preparing for Camp

Club Camp
- Please send a nut-aware snack* and a water bottle with your child to have during class. Packing this in a labeled lunch bag or ziploc baggie is helpful!
- If your child is not potty trained yet, please send a backpack with needed supplies such as diapers, pullups, wipes, etc.
- Children will spend a lot of time outside, so we ask that you apply sunscreen to your child before dropping them off.
Club Camp Afternoon Extension
- Please send a nut-aware lunch* and a water bottle with your child to have during class. Packing this in a labeled lunch bag is helpful!
- We do ask that you apply sunscreen on your child before dropping them off in the morning, however since this is a longer camp with a lot of time spent outside, please send a labeled sunscreen in a backpack so that we can re-apply for the afternoon.
- We also spend time in the Backyard getting messy so mud boots are appreciated!
STEAM-Team Camporee
- Please send a nut-aware snack and lunch* and a water bottle with your child to have during class. Packing this in a labeled lunch bag is helpful!
- We do ask that you apply sunscreen on your child before dropping them off in the morning, however since this is a longer camp with a lot of time spent outside, please send a labeled sunscreen in a backpack so that we can re-apply for the afternoon.
- We also spend time in the Backyard getting messy so mud boots are appreciated!
Summer Preschool (ending at 11:45)
- Please send a nut-aware snack* and a water bottle with your child to have during class. Packing this in a labeled lunch bag or ziploc baggie is helpful!
- Children will spend a lot of time outside, so we ask that you apply sunscreen to your child before dropping them off.
Summer Preschool (ending at 1:45)
- Please send a nut-aware lunch* and a water bottle with your child to have during class. Packing this in a labeled lunch bag is helpful!
- Children will spend a lot of time outside, so we ask that you apply sunscreen to your child before dropping them off.
- We also spend time in the Backyard getting messy, so mud boots are appreciated!

*Nut-Aware Lunch & Snack Information

The Orono Discovery Center is a nut-aware building which means for the safety of all children we do not serve food that contains, may contain, or is manufactured in a building that processes peanuts and tree nuts. This includes coconut per the FDA. Please check labels before packing your child’s lunch. Thank you!

ECFE on Location

Join our ECFE educators Leslie Eull and Mary Beth Plucinski for ECFE fun held at parks throughout the school district. Enjoy some fun at the park, circle-time, and parent education.

Fridays | 9 - 10 AM
May 29 - Bederwood Park, Orono

June 12 - Rainbow Park, Maple Plain

FREE ACTIVITY - please register so we can have activities ready! In the case of inclement weather, ECFE on location will move into the Discovery Center gym. Please check the Orono Early Learning Facebook page for announcements or call the office 952-746-5895.

Summer Spartan Kids

Summer 2026

The Spartan Kids Summer Program offers nine weeks of child care designed to keep kids active, learning, and having fun all summer long! Each week is packed with exciting activities, including Friday field trips, swimming, outdoor play, creative projects, and 7 weeks of enrichment classes through Orono Community Education.

Learn more about Spartan Kids here.

Contact Us

Katie Zaccaro, Site Coordinator
952-449-8363 | kathleen.zaccaro@orono.k12.mn.us

Summer Events

Family Color Dash

Get ready for a vibrant, family-friendly event! The Family Color Dash is an exciting experience where participants of all ages can run, walk, or simply dash through bursts of bright color. All participants who pre-register will receive an official event t-shirt and a swag bag! The fun doesn't stop at the finish line! Stick around after the dash to enjoy music from DJ Edd, along with food and sweet treats.

August 6, 2026 | 6 - 7:30 PM | Orono Discovery Center

Scroll to the bottom of the page to view the Summer 2026 brochure and download the camp calendars!