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Gopher Adventures, Minnesota Sports Schools, Kids’ University, and Discovering “U” programs provide unique introductions to the University of Minnesota while encouraging personal growth through sports instruction, academic enrichment, and recreation experiences. Each program utilizes the University’s outstanding recreation, sport, and academic facilities. Programs are based at the St. Paul Gymnasium and use both on and off-campus sites to meet specific program needs. The majority of Summer Youth Program activities take place outdoors. Because we cannot depend upon nature to be completely cooperative, alternative programming may be necessary when weather conditions become unsafe or uncomfortable.
Dear Parents and Gardians
Camp Structure All of our groups are small, so the attendees receive individual attention and exemplary care. A maximum of 13 campers are supervised each day by two caring group leaders (camp counselors), providing a 6:1 ratio. Additionally, all of our classes are taught by gifted instructors who are experts in their fields and in understanding the developmental needs of their students. Our instructional classes are designed to give our campers a “taste” of the subject matter, and are not intended to be a supplement for the school year. We call it “learning through the backdoor”. We incorporate engaging, hands on activities in a structured and fun environment. Instruction for all of our classes takes place for three hours out of each day; either 9AM to 12N or 1PM to 4PM. The remainder of the day is spent in general recreation.
Information About the Program Director Todd Tratz has been managing the summer youth programs for the past 6 years. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in Adlerian Psychotherapy and he received is K-12 school counseling license in 2007. Todd has spent the majority of his career working with minorities and youth with special needs as a counselor and therapeutic recreation specialist. He also has an extensive background in management and teaching.
LIABILITY AND MEDICAL WAIVER FORMS It is extremely important that you complete the registration agreement and medical information either on the registration form or the online version. These release forms must be completed and signed in all indicated places before youth will be allowed to participate! Additional waivers may be required for classes taught by contracted outside vendors. Without the completed and signed vendor waivers for these classes, participation will not be permitted. Waiver needs are indicated in the class descriptions.
If your child wishes to be placed with a friend, indicate that on the registration form or on the electronic online registration form. We will make every effort to accommodate requests. Please keep in mind that with small group sizes it is very difficult to accommodate requests for multiple friends together. All special requests should be made at least 7 days prior to the start of the selected session. Requests made 7 days or less prior may not be accommodated.
Enrollment space in all of our programs is limited. Group sizes range from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 13. This allows for a low child-to-instructor/group leader ratio typically 6 to 1.
All groups will climb on the climbing wall and swim several times each week. Gopher Adventure programs will typically be allotted more time swimming and climbing. Schedules will vary from day to day.
Regardless of the number of sessions he or she attends, each child will receive one Youth Program T-shirt.
A lost-and-found barrel is in the cubby room for items lost during the week. Parents are expected to check the lost-and-found box by Friday if your child has lost anything. Due to the huge volume of lost-and-found items, nothing is guaranteed to be kept for more than 2 weeks. Youth Programs and the University of Minnesota are not responsible for your children’s lost items.
Bring a nutritious lunch, snacks and beverages. Lunches are not provided. If your child does not bring a lunch, a parent will be contacted to bring a lunch. If we are unable to contact a parent, lunch will be purchased. You will be required to pay for the lunch at the pick-up time. Wear tennis shoes and socks and dress for activity. Bring outdoor gear — water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and hat. Plan for cool, damp mornings as well as hot afternoons. Bring a swimsuit and towel daily. Bring a bag to carry all belongings. Label all belongings. KEEPING OUR PROGRAMS SAFE Our program staff will make every effort to keep our programs safe for all participants. Inexcusable behaviors include swearing, physical aggression, derogatory comments of a sexual or discriminatory nature, refusal to participate, and/or destruction to University or others’ personal property. Any of these behaviors will result in a parent being contacted and possible removal from the program. There will be no refund when this occurs.
Drop-off and Pick-up Location and Times CONVENIENT, SUPERVISED SERVICE is available mornings and afternoons at the St. Paul Gymnasium, on Cleveland Avenue
two blocks south of Larpenteur Avenue. The gym is located on the east side of Cleveland Avenue. Look for our colorful flags and program banner. Parents please understand that this is a contract lot, with
all spaces paid for and used by University employees. Remember to drive courteously and carefully in the lot or we may lose the privilege DROP-OFF TIMES
Our drop-off location is the north end of the St. Paul Gym. We ask that parents accompany their children on their first day until check-in is complete. Bring any additional waivers needed for our programs offered by non-University vendors. Please note that we have over 280 people arriving between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. This typically means a wait, so plan for it and please show patience. Do not be rude to the staff — first-day check-in cannot be done any faster. Once your child checks in, you are free to leave. After check-in, your child will move to the next table to receive a name badge. A staff member directs the children to our multipurpose room on the lower level, where they receive a cubby space to use for the week. Your child will then either go upstairs to the upper multipurpose room, which is used as a quiet room, or go to the gymnasium, which is on the same level across the bridge. Your child’s group leader may not be in the gym when your child arrives. You may check the photo guide at the entrance to the building to see who your child’s staff is. Due to schedule rotations, many staff do not arrive before 8:45 a.m. At 8:45 in the gym, the program manager will greet the youth, make announcements and break the children into their respective groups. This occurs only on Monday. Parents are welcome to join their children for this introduction.
GOPHER ADVENTURES SAMPLE DAY Here is an example of a typical Gopher Adventures day.
MINNESOTA SPORTS SCHOOLS, Here is an example of a typical instructional class day.
All individuals picking up their child must be on the approved pick-up list.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS FOR Due to newly enacted University policies, please take a moment to closely review the registration and cancellation procedures. Several items to note:
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