"This is by far my daughters’ favorite camp. The combination of creative play, building/construction, games, and fantastic staff make this an awesome experience. I love the inclusive nature of the camp. My kids are very different, but they both find things to love about AIC."

-Angela, parent

"I love that the counselors are so kind, attentive, in tune with the campers' needs, gentle, know so many of the kids, work so hard to be creative, share cardboard-making skills and creations and seem very invested in making it a memorable camp week.

My daughter talks about Adventures in Cardboard constantly throughout the year. She loves the freedom, ability to roam and create things."

-anonymous parent

"I tell everyone I know about AIC and how impressed we are with the work you do. The fact that you are able to create so many worlds for so many kids in such a consistent manner astonishes me. Usually when you have a charismatic teacher, it's hard to scale a program beyond that individual. But you have done that."

-Michelle, parent

"AIC has some magical way of taking all manner of teens, pre-teens, athletic kids who love competition, kids who love role play, and kids who just want to tell stories or make cool stuff, throwing them all together into a counselor-built fantasy world, arming them with cardboard swords then sending them off to run through the woods on a hot summer day to build stories and fight each other in fun, competitive games.

Where else would my child have a chance to be outside all day, make amazing cardboard armor, and learn to to live & play with honesty, honor and integrity? Sword wielding teens & pre-teens fighting with integrity? It's amazing!

And, kids can be anything they want. Nobody has to stick to just one note: athlete, actor, storyteller, maker, artist - campers are free to be or try out any role they want if it fits with camp values; the AIC staff will support them all the way.

Best of all, AIC has a way and seeing and valuing all kids - not just the athletic competitors, but also the creative, out of the box thinkers who don't always have a place to shine."

-Jennifer, parent

“The BEST camp ever!! My boys loved all aspects of the camp - building weapons and castles, writing spells and incantations, playing capture the flag, searching for treasure (relics), and playing in the woods. The staff is engaged and supremely creative.”

-Shannon, parent

“Our kids wait for Adventures in Cardboard more than they wait for Christmas!”

-Paula, parent

"This was our first year and Katy was very excited to go. It was the highlight of the summer! She felt heard and included and was able to participate fully. I was very nervous dropping her off with so many kids but she thrived that week. I am so grateful to the staff for their patience and the gift of a whole week where 'I didn't even have to swear once!' Katy's words and kind of a big deal for her."

-anonymous parent

“My son loves every minute of this camp and he's a hard kid to please (unless a screen is involved.) It's an amazing week that is unplugged and full of boyhood wonder!”

-Larissa, parent

“Do you guys know how amazing you are?  I appreciate this camp experience so much for my children. The environment of creativity and acceptance is so special. My son had a rough year at school and this week has been magical (after only 2 days!!) He's happy and calmer than I've seen in over 9 months. So thank you!  Kindest Regards and Huzzah! (My kids tell me we must say this at least 4 times a day now).”

-anonymous parent

“My son continues to talk about AIC, and it's clear that his week in Theo Wirth Park was the highlight not only of his summer but of his year and even perhaps of his 10 years on this earth. He will definitely be back next year!” 

-Miranda, parent

“Hands down one of the best camps in the Twin Cities! Julian and his staff create a magical adventure full of fun and creativity! My daughter is already looking forward to camp next year and hopes to become a camp leader someday! I highly recommend this camp to children that love the outdoors, building castles, designing weapons and armor out of cardboard, theater and being creative. Great Job to all of the staff at Adventures in Cardboard!"

-Jennifer, parent

“My kids come home totally wiped out from all the awesomeness!”

-Kim, parent

“My son had the best time attending this camp last week. In fact, he made it clear this was his favorite camp ever. He was so totally engaged - bringing his creations home at night and working feverishly to improve them. He practiced his 'epic deaths' and sword fighting techniques often. He was so happy and so energized by this camp - we'll certainly go again. Thanks for creating such a magical experience for kids!”

-Nancy, parent

“This camp is a perennial favorite in our family for so many reasons. We love the fact that it takes place outdoors, it highlights medieval history, promotes creativity, theater and teamwork, and is just really fun.”

-Jennifer, parent

“My two boys just finished their first week and said this was the best camp they had ever attended. We loved that they allow the kids to roam around and be kids! The instructors are great and we are definitely coming back. Now they are home still working on their weapons and armor just because it’s fun! It's a great idea and I hope it continues to be successful forever!”

-Kristin, parent

“Thank you, my son fully enjoyed the camp, saying it is the best camp he has ever attended!!!”

-Angela, parent

“You guys are doing an amazing job. I’m so impressed with your program and want to thank you for creating the most memorable week of Chase’s summer (this year and last). Chase can’t wait for next year (and we’ll try to sign up for two weeks this time!)”

-Scott, parent

"INCREDIBLE. We refer everyone to AiC. Since our older son's 1st year it has been a place of wonder, creativity, dirt, and radical inclusion. It is the #1 most anticipated activity every summer. You have been a godsend for our family."

-Claire, parent

"Just thank you. Thank you hugely. My garage has been converted into a year-round cardboard smithy. The neighborhood kids run through my masking tape like crazy. My son made me an awesome cardboard anvil I use to rest my laptop on for meetings; it's the perfect height. I love it. It's exciting to see. It's connected my kids and strengthened them. It's a unique program that fits my unique kids. It's a joy to see how much my kids love cardboard camp."

-Elizabeth, parent

"This camp is magic! I can’t say enough about it. You allow kids to be kids - to fight (safely), build stuff, be creative. You hire and retain the most amazing staff of professional teachers and artists that want you be there."

-anonymous parent

"Honestly, AiC is the highlight of my kids year, every year. If you kept the camp going, I could just leave them there permanently, and they'd consider their childhood well spent."

-George, parent

"Best week of the summer for my 8 year old. He was both revitalized by the activities after a long summer, but also the amazing counselors and the older kids that were so kind to him. It was our first experience and we will be back, both kids when the younger is old enough."

-Corey, parent

"AiC is the thing my kid loves most in the world. I think it is because he really connects with the people and the stories and the craft. For some kids it is hockey or soccer or whatever. For mine it is AiC. And I’m glad for options like Theatrical Week that still allow a 16 year old to enjoy camp!"

-anonymous parent

"We love your camps! The focus on kindness and inclusion are huge for me as a parent. My son loves the world building and creativity. Our younger son has been anxiously awaiting his 8th birthday when he will be old enough to attend too."

-Jena, parent

"I love it because they play outside all week and learn how to battle fairly. They play battle constantly anyway, but they've learned the rules of honor better. They've learned a more physical way to play and having those touch rules means there is less conflict and they end up sword fighting all through the year in the yard. In an age where video games rule and it's so hard to get kids outdoors, this camp has been so good for my boys."

-Joanna, parent

“My son LOVES this camp! According to him, it's the most fun he's ever had. We will definitely sign up again and for many years to come! So well organized and the camp leaders are amazing.”

-Melanie, parent

"The kids are outside all day. And that they have choice as to how much battle they participate in (our three kids have a range of personalities). I love how inclusive the camp is - it seems like kids really feel they can be themselves."

-Anne, parent

"This camp is like no other. My kids are engaged and respected the entire week. The staff responds to all the kids with kindness. This summer, I witnessed a staff member tracking a child down because the staff member wanted to make something right to a cardboard weapon. I never have seen a camp staffer so engaged and caring. Later in the week, he spent more time with my child to make sure a different cardboard weapon flew through the air properly."

-Lisa, parent

"My son is resistant to anything new, and was upset I signed him up 'without his consent'. After the first day, I overheard him saying to a friend "Wasn't that the best day EVER? This was EPIC!" - and it continued throughout the week. He was up and excited to get there each day, and happy at the end of the day. Unheard of in any other activity. He was inspired, engaged, dirty, and bubbling over at the end of each day. Also, the last hour when family involved on the last day gave a little insight into how engaged staff are...my son even said he'd probably be a counselor someday. We couldn't be more impressed or grateful!"

-Julie, parent

"Yes this is our daughter’s third year doing camp and it is above and beyond her favorite thing all summer. She has gained so much confidence at these camps and it brings out her creativity in the best ways. It’s the perfect blend of creative time and physical activity."

-Anna, parent

"We moved here in September 2020, and when I started looking at camps for 2021, someone who knew my neurodivergent child suggested AiC. We did one week and he was hooked. It's the only ONLY camp that he wants to do, and he looks forward to it each year. As he's gotten older, the advanced and tactical camp options have been attractive to him. He comes back because he LOVES the camp -- the games, the fun, the lore. And we love it because he is outside, running and having fun. He's happy; we're happy!"

-anonymous parent

"What I love most is that the experience sticks with my kids long after the camp ends for the day. They immediately raid our supply closet to gather whatever materials they can find, eager to continue their creative projects before the next camp day. It’s been wonderful to see how their imaginations thrive in this hands-on environment.

For our family, this camp is absolutely perfect. It encourages outdoor play, creativity, and problem-solving—all while keeping the kids away from screens and technology. We’re looking forward to many more years of adventures with Adventures in Cardboard!"

-Lisa, parent

"We love the multi-age imaginative play. We love the creativity it brings out in our child. We love the mentorship provided by the counselors who truly care about the kids and model what it means to be a creative, playful adult (something we hope our child grows into). It brings her JOY. She comes home tired, scratched, wet and exultant."

-Michelle, parent

"This camp is EXTREMELY valuable. This was my son's third summer and he looks forward to it all year long. He is not a huge fan of camps but he absolutely loves Cardboard Camp. He makes his armor/weapons throughout the year and he has recruited other friends to join him."

-Dayna, parent

"This is one of the rare camps that has free play as well as social skills reinforcement, strategy skills in a play-based context."

-anonymous parent

"We discovered you many years ago during a time in son's life when he was experiencing social/emotional challenges and was a victim of bullying. In his 1st week of AiC we felt like we got our son back. Everyone is accepted at AiC, something that continues to amaze us to this day. The training you give staff and the standards you uphold are incredible in this regard. Extroverted, shy, neuro-atypical, "cool" or not, AiC seems beloved by everyone, and that is a magical mix. Your combination of creativity, freedom, a natural environment, music, theater, art, engineering, literacy, kindness, fair play, responsibility, and more is something not found elsewhere."

-Clair, parent

"Imaginative play outside with no screens led by awesome counselors makes for a great experience. Our daughter talks about camp all year and loves to talk about the leaders - they have been a very positive influence on her during these tricky preteen years."

-Christina, parent