BISMARCK — The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department will open registration on May 1 at 9 a.m. for its Summer Day Camp series, offering numerous opportunities for youth across the state to explore, learn, and connect with the outdoors.

This year marks a significant expansion of the program, growing from two locations to five participating parks. In addition to Lake Metigoshe State Park and Turtle River State Park, which have hosted camps for several years, new locations include Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Icelandic State Park and Pembina Gorge State Park.

The day camps offer a variety of sessions with age-appropriate programming. They are designed to engage participants in hands-on learning experiences that highlight environmental education, historical and cultural understanding, and outdoor recreational skills. Campers will participate in activities such as hiking, nature exploration and interactive history-based programming tailored to each park’s unique landscape and story.

Specific schedules, themes, age ranges and links to register can be found on the N.D. Parks and Recreation website. Interested families are encouraged to register early, as space is limited.

“Day camps are one of the most powerful ways we connect kids to the outdoors,” said North Dakota Parks & Recreation Education and Programs Chief Josh Steffan. “These experiences go beyond the classroom by giving participants the chance to learn by doing, whether that’s exploring a trail, building outdoor skills or discovering the history of the land firsthand. Hands-on learning in the outdoors gives kids the opportunity to build confidence, curiosity and a real connection to the world around them.”