Summer Stretch

June 26 - 29 (Mon-Thur) 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Open to Incoming 6-12th graders

Registration is open for Summer Stretch 2023! Check out the fun-filled, service-focused program that's been popular for so many years. It's a long-standing event for good reason - meaningful service with friends each morning, then a different fun site every afternoon like Bunker Beach, Whirly Ball, Grand Slam or Valley Fair!

Register Online 

The cost is also greatly reduced this year, as the parish assists us in relaunching the program post-Covid!

Summer Stretch is open to current 5th-11th graders (incoming 6-12). Those entering 10th grade or above would serve as Teen Mentors - they get to participate and enjoy all the same activities and fun sites, but also help us set the tone and be good examples for the younger students.

If you're not already familiar, this is a great camp that's been popular at St. Joseph and around the Twin Cities for a few reasons:

1. The Fun Sites - We spend each afternoon at an incredibly fun location like Bunker Beach and Grand Slam (for laser tag, bumper cars & more). Plus our final day is at ValleyFair (all day) and we have fun games in the morning & afternoon too. Simply put, it's always a blast!

2. The Meaningful Service - Each morning (until ValleyFair) we head offsite to a great local service partner, to help at food banks, thrift stores and more & benefit people in dire need. These projects are fast-moving and engaging for our students - plus we add fun games, competitions & more into the service to keep kids motivated & smiling all through the day.

3. Convenience & Cost - Summer Stretch packs a LOT of great stuff into a 4-day span, and is a great price on all those fun events (especially this year, with the cost reduction). Drop off before work & pick up after work, knowing your kids had fun & did impactful good deeds for others. 

4. The Friendships- this isn't a bunch of disconnected events, but a chance to really connect & get to know each over the week. Whether it's new friends, or existing ones from St. Joseph or other churches, there's time to laugh, play & serve together. Plus, the connections between our high school Teen Mentors and the middle school participants will help both groups to grow in positive ways!

I've been leading Summer Stretch groups since 2010 and cannot recommend this program enough, regardless of students' age or prior engagement in youth activities - it's a perfect way to start getting more involved!