Summer Camp Food
Committed to supporting sustainable agriculture and the slow food movement.
welcome to
Summer Camp 2025
Registration Opens in February 1st
Session 1 – June 29-July 12, 2025
Session 2 – July 13-26, 2025 (this is a 2-week session with a 1 week option)
Session 3 – July 27-August 9, 2025
Typically our program combines elements of a traditional summer camp with cooperative work projects (construction, organic gardening, trail maintenance and cleaning). Educational activities take on topics like climate change, food politics, social justice, ecosystems and the importance of critical thinking. Parents frequently report that their kids come home more independent, thoughtful and interested in the world around them.
About Summer Camp
The mission of Circle Pines is to promote peace, social justice, environmental stewardship, and cooperation. The center aims to demonstrate cooperative alternatives for economic and social issues to each cooperation as a way of life.
Inclusive Space
Many of our campers tell us that they feel more at “home” at Circle Pines than they do anywhere else. Our camp counselors and staff are ready to learn from and teach our campers by actively listening and caring to the specific needs of each youth, and to provide opportunities to gain knowledge of themselves and others. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive, engaging space where diversity and growth are fostered.
Fun Activities
Along with all the normal camp recreational activities – like swimming, games, arts and crafts, drama and dance, Circle Pines offers unique options. Each day after lunch, campers and staff sing from our extensive collection of folk songs stemming from the peace, social justice and environmental movements. An all-camp dance party, creative theme days, and a “folk opera” during the third session, offer fun and participation that includes the whole camp.
Circle Discussions
Circle discussions foster critical thinking and creative problem solving: campers are empowered to come up with issues for discussion with their counselors and peers. Together, staff and campers discuss issues ranging from global and local politics, social movements, economic inequality, philosophy, environmentalism, youth empowerment and more. Discussions are not rigidly dictated or forced to fit to any specific mold, and continue a long legacy of critical thinking at Circle Pines.
Peace
The greatest work can be accomplished when people are at peace with one another working toward a common goal. Understanding individual differences with a focus on grassroots activism and community brings a sense of unity and collaboration to CPC.
Social Justice
Cooperation cannot exist until all people have the same basic rights. Whether it’s summer camp or purchasing food, Circle Pines Center strives to implement and educate for social justice to create a more cooperative and equitable world.
Environmentalism
Recognizing that humans have the power to change the planet for the better or for the worst, we believe that it is our role to be stewards of the environment. Protecting the environment through conservation and sustainable practices is a large part of the work done at CPC and Summer Camp.
Cooperation
From special events to camp to community meetings, a shared sense of purpose and cooperative thinking enhance the quality of life at Circle Pines Center. Through daily work projects, conversations, and relationships, CPC instills the practice of cooperation as a way of life.
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