Via the MN Department of Natural Resources:

A new “I Can!”program offers participants the chance to learn the outdoor skills necessary to take an overnight canoe camping trip. The overnight adventure trip is one of many summer programs Minnesota state parks and trails has available for beginners of all ages who want to learn to camp, paddle, mountain bike and fish.

Participants on the overnight trip will paddle down the St. Croix River to a riverside campsite, learning canoeing skills along the way. After a night of camping on the river, participants will paddle a few miles downriver to St. Croix State Park where the outdoor adventure will come to an end.

“Our goal is to make it easy for busy families to discover the fun of spending time outdoors together,” said Erika Rivers, director of the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. “We provide all the gear, along with friendly instructors who can show you how to use it.”

Minnesota State Parks and Trails I Can! programs take you and the kids from “I’ve never done that” to “Wow, that was a blast!”

• Designed for families to try any or all for the first time.
• Hands-on instruction from experienced and friendly crews.
• Gear provided.
• Free to unbelievably affordable.

Here are all the offerings this summer on and along the St. Croix River. Visit the I Can! website for details and registration, as well as programs offered elsewhere in Minnesota.

I Can Camp

How does someone who’s more comfortable with computers than campfires get introduced to the fun of camping? With a one-night or two-night I Can Camp! overnight program—no experience necessary. Our I Can Camp! crew will be on hand day and night to answer all of your “how do I do it?” questions.

• Sat., June 8 St Croix State Park
• Sat., June 8 Wild River State Park
• Sat., June 15 Afton State Park
• Sat., June 22 Interstate State Park
• Sat., July 20 William O’Brien State Park
• Sat., Aug. 10 William O’Brien State Park
• Sat., Aug. 17 Afton State Park

I Can Paddle – River Canoeing

Perfect for people that want to paddle together in the same boat and take their canoeing to the next level. Paddle along miles of calm (no rapids) and scenic rivers while learning essential canoeing skills. You’ll learn how to read the river and river safety. Once on the water, we’ll practice a variety of paddling techniques and maneuvers. You’ll also learn how to plan a river trip of your own.

• Sat., July 13 9:30 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail Taylors Falls
• Sun., Aug. 25 9:30 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail Taylors Falls

I Can Paddle – Canoe Camping

St. Croix State Park

Our overnight canoe camping programs will help prepare you for future paddling trips to lakes and riverside campsites. We’ll help you plan for your trip and make sure that you learn all of the necessary canoeing and camping skills as we paddle and camp along the St. Croix River.

• Sat., June 29 9:00 a.m. FULL
• Sat., July 20 9:00 a.m.
• Sat, Aug. 10 9:00 a.m.

I Can Paddle – River Kayaking

Take your kayaking to the next level. Paddle along miles of the most scenic rivers in Minnesota. You’ll learn how to read the river and river safety. Once on the water, we’ll practice a variety of paddling techniques and maneuvers. You’ll also learn how to plan a river trip for your entire family.

• Sat., June 29 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail North Branch
• Sun., June 30 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail North Branch
• Sat., July 13 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail Taylors Falls
• Sun., July 21 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail Taylors Falls
• Sat., Aug. 10 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail North Branch
• Sun., Aug. 11 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail North Branch
• Sun., Aug. 25 11:00 a.m. St. Croix River State Water Trail Taylors Falls

I Can Fish!

Experience the fun of casting into the water and the excitement of a tug on the line! These hands-on programs teach all of the basics, from fish identification to casting. You and your family will be ready to begin a lifetime of memories on Minnesota’s lakes and streams.

• Fri., June 14 1:00-3:00 p.m. Afton State Park
• Fri., June 28 2-4 p.m. William O’Brien State Park
• Thu., July 11 10:00 a.m.-Noon Afton State Park
• Fri., July 12 2-4 p.m. William O’Brien State Park
• Sun., Aug. 4 10:00 a.m. – Noon William O’Brien State Park
• Fri., Aug. 16 10:00 a.m.-Noon Afton State Park

The “I Can!” series is made possible with funding from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the three-eighths of one percent sales tax revenue from the Legacy Amendment. Revenue to the Parks and Trails Fund may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

The I Can! programs received a Government Innovation Award in 2015. Nearly 18,000 people have participated in these programs since they were first offered in 2010.

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