Health and Safety

  • Can campers call home? Can parents call campers?

    Our camp Игра.Unplugged requires campers to leave all electronics at home to encourage real-time communication, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy the full benefits of a traditional summer camp. If there is ever a concern that requires parent contact, we will call you right away. If a camper wishes to call their parents, they may do so using a staff member’s phone, which is available in the cafeteria during their scheduled free time, as outlined in the daily team schedule.

    Camper’s parents also have an access to an online video and photo gallery. We work hard to get as many pictures of as many kids as possible to give family an opportunity to share the camp experience with their camper from the comfort of parents’ home by viewing daily photos and videos on Facebook.

  • Do you accommodate campers with special needs?

    If your camper has any special needs, please contact us prior to enrollment to see if Russian Camp MN would be a good fit for your child.

  • How do you monitor camper’s hygiene?

    Campers are supervised daily for cleanliness by their cabin counselors. Campers are asked to take a daily shower and brush their teeth twice a day. Campers are also checked for the application of sunscreen and bug spray, when needed.

  • How does the camp ensure the safety of campers?

    Safety always comes first at the Russian Camp MN. Activities are staffed by instructors who have their skills verified and have received the training required to safely operate the activity. Safety procedures for each activity are carefully reviewed with campers prior to participation and all safety procedures are strictly enforced.

  • What do you do when my child is homesick?

    Our staff has been trained to deal with homesickness and all the emotions that come along with it. We instill a compassionate spirit into each of our staff members to assist them in dealing gently with homesick children.

  • What if my child has special dietary needs or food allergies?

    We do our best to accommodate campers with special dietary needs or food allergies. Please contact us at least 3 weeks before the camp starts if your child has serious food restrictions or allergies to discuss the matter.

  • What is your behavioral problems policy?

    Please review our behavior expectations and contract.

  • What is your electronics and cell phone policy?

    All electronic devices and cell phones are prohibited for campers and will be confiscated when found subject to a fine of $50 in cash to be paid upon checking out at the end of the camp week in exchange for the phone.

  • What will my child eat at camp?

    We provide homemade style food that is well-rounded, tasty and nutritious. The menu includes traditional Russian dishes: soups, pelmeni, blinchiki, etc. along with loved by kids meals such as chicken nuggets, burgers, pizza, tacos, spaghetti with meat sauce, meatballs. We eat three full course hot meals, additional poldnik (midday snack) as well as campfire treats. Our cooks makes sure that each kid finds something to their liking. When possible and in season vegetables and fruit come from home gardens and farms.

  • Where do the campers live?

    Campers live in small groups (отряд) along with counselors in cabins. All of the cabins are well maintained, comfortable, rustic structures, with bunk beds. Cabins are equipped with lights, electrical outlets and windows with screens.

  • Will I be contacted in case of emergency?

    Yes, absolutely. We will call you immediately in case of emergency.

  • Will my child need money during their stay at camp?

    Your camper does not need money during their stay. Please do not leave any money with your camper.  

  • Will there be other kids who are new to camp?

    We expect new campers to join us every year. Making new friends is a focus at our camp, so being new is just another excuse to make a new friend.

Program

  • Can I view photos of my child at camp?

    We post photos of campers every day of camp! While we can’t guarantee that you’ll see your child every day, we do our best to make sure everyone’s photo is taken and posted consistently throughout the week.

  • Can parents visit camp?

    Because visitors to campers almost always create feelings of homesickness, and have a negative and disruptive impact on other campers around them, Russian Camp MN does not permit visitors except in emergencies.

  • How do we teach Russian?

    Campers learn Russian by living it from dawn to night, in real conversations, bonding activities together, by participating in small Russian language classes, singing, playing sports, doing crafts and variety of other traditional camp activities, which leads to the ability to improve speaking and comprehension in a short time.

  • Is the program structured or non-structured?

    Russian Camp MN operates a structured program. Our camp program and daily schedule is prepared in advance and posted so that campers know what’s happening and when.

  • What activities are available?

    Russian camp offers a lot of activities:

    • Swimming every day in an outdoor heated pool
    • Canoes and pontoon boats
    • Ponies: riding, feeding, taking care of horses at our own stable in Camp Kiwanis
    • Archery, BB guns and slingshots
    • Climbing wall, large bouncy pillow and go karts
    • Tough Mudder style obstacle courses
    • Arts and crafts, daily concerts and all camp competitions, cooking and sewing workshops, Zumba and campfire songs… All in RUSSIAN!
  • What is the best age for children to start attending Russian Camp?

    Russian Camp accepts campers from 6 to 18 years old. We have campers that start camp at every age. Per our experience, the best age for the child to start camp is when child tried a few sleepovers with friends and expresses the desire to attend sleep-away camp and is excited about all of the activities we have to offer. With respect to our youngest campers, before attending camp, these children must have mastered basic personal skills like being able to take a shower and wash their hair, getting dressed, etc. Counselors assist young campers with everything they need, but campers must be able to handle the basics.

  • What is typical daily schedule?
    • 7:45 – Wake up, morning exercises
    • 8:30 – Breakfast is served
    • 9:00 – Cabin meeting and clean-up
    • 9:30 – 12:30 – Morning activities/workshops
    • 12:30 – Lunch is served
    • 1:00 – Free time
    • 2:00 – Swim time
    • 3:30 – Poldnik (Afternoon snack)
    • 4:00 – Afternoon activity/workshop
    • 5:30 – Dinner is served
    • 6:30 – Evening activities and shows begin
    • 8:30 – Camp Fire and Snack
    • 9:00 – Get ready for bed
    • 10:00 – Bedtime
  • What level of Russian language proficiency is required?

    There is no prerequisite. We have the skills and the resources to accommodate absolute beginners as well as heritage speakers fluent in Russian.

  • What should campers bring to camp?

    Campers should pack everything they need for camp session, including a sleeping bag, pillow, clothing, and personal items. The list of recommended clothing with all the other items to bring will be emailed along with Registration Confirmation Package.

  • What time do campers wake up and go to bed?

    Campers wake up at 7:45am and go to bed at 10:00pm.

  • Who are your staff?

    Native Russian speakers, Russian language educators, teachers, who are passionate about teaching kids Russian and preserving the Russian heritage. We also hire certified lifeguards, nurses and kitchen staff.

  • Who comes to our camp?

    Heritage speakers with native Russian speaking parents, speakers of various levels of Russian from bilingual families as well as students learning Russian language or fascinated with Russian culture.

  • Why should I choose your camp for my child?

    n addition to the adventures and benefits of a regular overnight summer camp, each session offers an intensive Russian immersion program, developed on a unique theme (i.e. Harry Potter, Adventures of Buratino, Superheroes, etc.).

Registration

  • Are there reduced rates for siblings?

    Yes. Please visit our Registration page for more information.

  • Can I volunteer as a parent?

    We love having volunteers share their unique talents with children at camp! Volunteers are chosen according to the same high standards as sessions’ staff and should love working with kids. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out this form.

  • Can my camper bring a friend? Can she/he stay with her/his friend?

    Yes. Please indicate on the registration form, which friends you would like to be roommates with. We will try our best to honor your request.

  • How do I register and pay for camp?
    1. To register fill out the Registration Form.
    2. Make your payment via Zelle to Russian Camp MN / Email: RussianCampMN@gmail.com
      or mail your check to:
      Russian Camp MN
      13701 Ashcroft Rd
      Savage, MN 55378
  • How often do campers return the following year?

    With our camper return rate well above 90 percent, the campers count the days until the start of the next summer! Throughout the fall and winter our campers and staff love gathering together for parties and reunions. Our sense of community and closeness are the essential parts of the Russian Camp experience that lasts for years.

  • What does tuition cover?
    • overnight lodging, full-course homemade style hot meals 3 times a day, poldnik (mid afternoon snack) and a campfire snack;
    • unique themed session where all activities, games, evening shows, arts and crafts, music lessons, acting and theater classes, etc. tie into the chosen theme (i.e. Harry Potter, Buratino Adventures, Superheroes);
    • daily Russian language classes by trained teachers;
    • camp activities like swimming daily in a heated pool, canoe and pontoon rides on St.Croix river, archery, BB guns and sling shots at a camp shooting range, go carts, wall climbing, ponies and goats at camp stable, all lead by certified instructors as well as Gaga ball, Tough Mudder style obstacle course, volleyball, basketball, etc.
  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept payments by cash, check, or via Zelle.

     
  • What is your refund policy?

    One month or more before the first day of camp: 85% of paid amount will be returned; one week to one month before the first day of camp: 50% of paid amount will be returned; less than one week before the first day of camp: 10% of paid amount will be returned. No refund will be issued for early departure due to camper’s violation of policy (inappropriate behavior, etc.) or for reasons of personal choice (i.e. homesickness).

  • What will I receive from Russian Camp MN after I register?

    Russian Camp MN will email you (please include a valid email address into your registration form) a confirmation of your child’s registration. If you didn’t receive an email from us, please contact us at RussianCampMN@gmail.com