Building confidence, lifelong friendships, and appreciation for the natural world.

Since 1970

Our kids today face unprecedented challenges that are amplified by too much social media, a shortage of meaningful relationships, and a lack of time outdoors.

Help them learn to build a fire, a friendship, and confidence all in one afternoon in the woods!

Sign Up Today!

Winter 2025-26 registration is open Nov. 1-15, 2025

Get your tickets and join the fun!

55th Anniversary

Celebration!
October 3 & 4, 2025

What does the

             Red Wing ELC do?

We Build Relationships

Research shows young people need at least five caring adults—beyond their immediate family—to thrive in school and in life. At the ELC, those connections happen naturally.

Whether it’s a quiet moment on a trail, laughter around a campfire, or shared challenges on a trip, the friendships and mentorships built here last a lifetime. These relationships help shape who students become—and they're just as meaningful for the staff who guide them.

We Teach Skills

From paddling and climbing to navigating by map and compass, ELC students build real skills that carry into everyday life. Every season offers something new to learn—and each skill builds confidence, independence, and leadership.

Along the way, students develop perseverance, communication, and the ability to work through challenges—together. They take what they learn here and use it not only in the wilderness, but with friends, family, and their communities.

We Get Outside

Time outdoors changes people. It strengthens bodies, calms minds, and opens hearts. Every ELC program is designed to deepen a student’s connection to nature—and through that, a stronger connection to themselves and others.

In a world that’s always “on,” we offer the chance to disconnect from screens and distractions, and reconnect with what really matters. We believe time in nature is not just important—it’s essential.

We design progressive-step programs.

Red Wing ELC programs begin with 2nd and 3rd graders in our TINY TREES PROGRAMS.

Students progress to YOUNG EXPLORER PROGRAMS in 4th and 5th grade, then to EXPLORE PROGRAMS beginning in 6th grade.

Our CORE PROGRAMS and ELECTIVES are developed for 6th to 12th graders.

As older students complete the basics, they build on a wide range of experiences and skills. Participants have an opportunity to be involved in our JR. INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM in 11th grade and can culminate their Red Wing ELC experience by planning and participating in a major Final Expedition to a far-away destination their senior year.

TINY TREE PROGRAMS • YOUNG EXPLORERS • EXPLORERS • CORE PROGRAMS • JR. INSTRUCTOR •

TINY TREE PROGRAMS • YOUNG EXPLORERS • EXPLORERS • CORE PROGRAMS • JR. INSTRUCTOR •

Developing Canoeing & Kayaking skills

Developing Hiking & Backpacking skills

beautiful

destinations.

We adventure in the most

tents on the water edge

Camp

Paddle

backpackers with full gear

Hike

students on a biking excursion

Bike

downhill skiers ready to hit the slope down

Ski

boys fishing at sunset

Fish

We get kids outside exploring near and far to inspire them to the see the natural world. ELC programs range from trailside observation during a walk to the Hay Creek cabin, to rock climbing on the North Shore and sea kayaking in Alaska and beyond.

Our instructors
are experienced and professional.

Chad Nelson on a cliff near lake
Jason Jeck with hardhat on with big smile
adam brusven by the woods

ELC instructors have the experience, training, and passion to plant wonder and appreciation beginning with 2nd & 3rd graders and they teach the advanced skills high school students need to arrive home safely from a multi-day excursion.

Don’t miss out,

sign up TODAY!

Winter 2025-26 registration is open Nov. 1-15, 2025

Are you interested in financial assistance? If so, call or email our office to discuss.

Words from past participants

  • Before Red Wing ELC...

    “Before Red Wing ELC, I was the kid who would have much rather gone to my room to read a book. My parents signed me up for ELC in 7th grade [and] I wasn’t exactly thrilled. My first experience? A paddling trip on the Mississippi River. I was nervous, unsure, and kind of hoping it would be over quickly. But something changed out there. That trip opened my eyes not just to the outdoors, but to who I could be.”

    — Ben S.

  • To be fully present in nature

    “These trips forced you to rely on your team. To trust your leader and yourself, and to be fully present in nature. You learn how to be brave when you have fear engulfing you. How to be humble when you are trying something new. How to be curious about the unknown. And how to make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”

    — Emma Z.

  • I'm grateful

    “ELC instructors believed in us, challenged us, and made the experience something I’ll never forget. I’m really grateful for the time they gave and the way they led by example.”

    — Past participant

  • I would not be the person I am today

    "I may never climb the tallest mountain, but what I've gotten out of the Red Wing ELC I know I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. I've learned not only respect for others, but for nature as well. I know that I would not be the person I am today if it had not been for the ELC. I have been very blessed with these opportunities and I thank you all for this."

    — Maria F.

READ MORE TESTIMONIALS