Wildfires in Canada are causing smoky skies that are putting summer camp programs in Minnesota at risk. The smoke is carried down from northerly winds and is making it difficult for camps to balance the outdoor experience with safety concerns.
According to Julian McFaul, artistic director and camp coordinator of Minneapolis day camp Adventures in Cardboard, trying to keep kids safe while still providing an outdoor experience is challenging. Despite having facilities that can be used as a backup, they are not owned by the camp and rely on arrangements made ahead of time.
McFaul said that they often have to make difficult decisions about whether to cancel camp due to smoke or storms, but want to avoid disrupting parents who depend on their services. With wildfires raging in Canada, summer camps in Minnesota are facing a unique challenge this season.
Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/01/increased-wildfire-smoke-and-severe-weather-are-impeding-some-summer-camp-programs