FAQS
How do I register?
Registration is available online at summeratblake.campbrainregistration.com.
What programs do you offer?
Summer at Blake offers PK–12 students from across the Twin Cities a variety of arts, academic, sports, day camps, classes and more. Our full-day classic Summer at Blake Day Camps are an all-in-one adventure packed with athletics, arts, field trips and hands-on themed projects. Each week brings a new theme, so campers can join for one week or many while making friends, exploring new skills and creating lasting memories.
In addition, our weekly full- and half-day enrichment camps give campers the chance to learn from Blake coaches, teachers and guest instructors who are passionate about their craft. Families can build a fully customized schedule, choosing a single half-day program or combining morning and afternoon programs for a full day of fun and discovery.
Our staff ensures smooth transitions between programs: after morning camps, campers enjoy a supervised lunch and recess before moving on to dismissal or their afternoon session.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
Please register for courses and camps carefully. Any request for a change or refund must be emailed to the Director of Summer Programs. A $75 non-refundable deposit applies to each Summer at Blake camp or course registration.
Refund requests must be made before the deadlines listed below. After these deadlines, no refunds will be issued in order to ensure staffing and program commitments to all families. This includes cancellations due to vacations, schedule conflicts, or changes in plans.
- Spring Break: Cancellations made before Sunday, Feb. 15 will be refunded minus the $75 deposit per camp or course.
- Summer: Cancellations made before Friday, May 1 will be refunded minus the $75 deposit per camp or course.
Summer at Blake reserves the right to change or cancel any program in the event that enrollment does not meet minimum participation numbers. In the event of a program change or cancellation, Blake will make every effort to notify families immediately via email and will offer the option of transferring enrollment credits toward another selection or receiving a full refund. No refund is granted for a cancellation of a single class or session due to circumstances beyond our control such as weather. No refunds or credits will be issued in the case of dismissal from a course or camp due to student conduct.
My child does not attend The Blake School. Can they still attend Summer at Blake programs?
Yes! Spring and Summer at Blake camps and courses are open to all students. Every summer we welcome children from Minnesota and beyond to our programs.
How old does my child need to be to attend Summer at Blake?
Summer at Blake holds programs for children entering PK-12th grade. For spring break camps, register using your child’s current grade level. For summer camps, register based on the grade your child will be entering in the fall of the upcoming school year. PK students must be age 4 before the start date of the program and bathroom independent.
Will my child go on field trips or participate in special events?
Yes! Each week, our Cubs, Bears, Adventurers and Leaders in Training will either take exciting off-campus field trips that align with our weekly themes or enjoy special on-campus celebrations featuring guest visitors and fun activities. Some examples include our all camp Olympic Day, visits from the Raptor Center, field trips to the Minnesota Science Museum and more. On Fridays our Bears, Adventurers and Leaders in Training all celebrate the summer with a trip to the beach for canoeing, slacklining, fishing and swimming, while our Cubs have a water play campus backyard extravaganza! If your child is enrolled in an enrichment camp or program, they may take a field trip or have a final showcase. Field trip schedules, showcase information and chaperone opportunities will be sent home prior to the first day of each program.
Will my camper have the opportunity to swim?
Cubs will enjoy outdoor water play on the playground. Bears, Adventurers and Leaders in Training will have the opportunity to swim on a daily basis in the summer in our heated pool and at the beach on Fridays. On each camper’s first day, our aquatics staff conducts a swim readiness evaluation to determine if a child is prepared for deep water or should remain in the shallow end. This process involves a series of skill-based tasks designed to assess each camper’s comfort and safety in the water. We’re careful not to frame this as a test so that campers feel comfortable and confident while participating. For safety, all swimmers wear color-coded bracelets, both at the pool and beach that indicate whether they are deep or shallow water swimmers. These identifiers help lifeguards and counselors monitor swim groups more effectively. During pool time, we always have at least two certified lifeguards on duty, in addition to a counselor. For our Bears groups, we ensure one additional staff member (either a lifeguard or counselor) is in the water with the campers. At the beach, campers rotate through various activities like fishing, playground time and slack-lining. The number of swimmers can vary, but in addition to city lifeguards on duty, we also assign our own trained lifeguards to supervise campers in the water, which is sectioned off into both shallow and deep areas. Campers who participate in fishing or canoeing are required to wear life jackets we provide. You are welcome to send a personal life jacket for your camper to wear during their time at the pool and/or beach.
Families seeking small group instruction, may enroll their campers in our morning swim lessons.
What time and where is drop-off?
Spring and Summer at Blake camps take place at the Blake campus in Hopkins. Drop-off for our camps will take place at the Main Entrance. If you choose to enter the carpool loop, please help us ensure your child’s safety. Pull all the way forward, remain in your vehicle and have your camper exit on the sidewalk side. Our staff will greet and escort them to their camp. Alternatively, you are welcome to park in the main parking lot and walk your child to the main entrance using the sidewalk. Day camp arrival takes place between 8:15-8:30am. Camps do not begin before 8:30am. Morning extended care is available beginning at 7:30am. A number of additional programs that serve the interests of our older students are held at different times and locations indicated in their program description
What time and where is pick-up?
Dismissal for all programs held on the Blake campus will take place at the Main Entrance. Campers attending a morning session only will be dismissed at 12:30pm. Campers staying for a full day will be dismissed at 3:30pm, unless they are enrolled in afternoon extended care. Offsite programs that serve the interests of our older students are held at different times and locations indicated in their program description.
When using the carpool loop for pick-up, please pull all the way forward, remain in your vehicle and we will escort your child to your car. Alternatively, you may park in the main parking lot and use the sidewalk to pick up your camper from a staff member.
Do you offer before and after care?
Yes! The Extended Day program led by Summer at Blake staff provides a fun and safe place for campers before and after camp. You may register by day or week for both or either program. The AM Extended Day program opens at 7:30am and staff will escort campers to their morning camps at 8:30am. The PM Extended Day runs between 3:30-5:30pm and campers are provided a snack.
What if I'm running late for pick-up?
Campers remaining after the end of dismissal will be brought to the PM Extended Day program for pick up in the Dining Commons. Drop in rates will be applied to your account.
The Blake campus is located at 110 Blake Road South, Hopkins, MN 55343 and the Northrop campus is located at 511 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Who do I contact about attendance or pick-up changes?
Please email us at summer@blakeschool.org or call 952-988-3463. For more information view our policy.
Questions? Visit our website: www.blakeschool.org/summer or call us at 952-988-3463 for more information.