Licensure:

Full Transparency–I am not a licensed childcare provider, nor do I claim to be. Instead, I am a teacher offering environmental education day programming for youth right from my own property. It is not required to hold a license to run a Day Camp program in the State of Minnesota, only for Residential camp. With this in mind–I am willing to provide proof of my cleared background check & Education credentials to those who wish to view them. My goal is to be Accredited by the American Camp Association for the summer of 2026.

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Director Bio: 

I am Desi Hagenbeck, the director and teacher at The Whimsical Forest Day Camp. I have over 15 years of experience working with children. I am married to my husband, Cody, and we have three children. I grew up going to Camp and it was a big part of my life! We love to be outdoors as much as possible. Fishing, swimming, hiking/walks, finding pretty rocks, exploring new woods/spaces and appreciating the land where we live are some of our favorite things to do. 

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Director Credentials:

Education:

Associates in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education

Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College 2018

Bachelor in Applied Science in Environment and Outdoor Education

University of Minnesota-Duluth 2022

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Where you may have seen me before:

I have 15+ years of experience working with children ages 0-17 in the Carlton County & South St. Louis County area including:

• Being a Mother of three children (ages 9, 7, and 3) involved in extracurricular activities in the community

• Throw back all the way to YMCA Camp Miller (3+ years)

• L’il Lumberjacks Learning Center/Cloquet School District (4+ years)

• The Little Barnyard Preschool (3+ years)

• Member of the Duluth Nature Play Collaborative (3+ years)

• Member of a Community of Practice of Deepening Empathy with Indigenous  Perspectives that has produced the following:

  • Everyone has a Piece of the Story Article

  • Beyond Empathy Article

  • Presentations at The Duluth Nature Play Collaborative & MNECO workshops

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The Whimsical Forest Mission:

At The Whimsical Forest we are dedicated to fostering independence and safe risk-taking in a nurturing
environment. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore new experiences while developing a profound love for nature and a sense of responsibility for the world around them. Through engaging activities and hands-on learning, we instill the values of kindness and good stewardship, empowering campers to be compassionate individuals for both their peers and the environment. Together, we create lasting memories and friendships that inspire growth and a lifelong connection to nature.

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Learning in Nature-Safe Risk Taking

Encouraging children to take risks in a controlled environment fosters their independence and resilience. By setting clear guidelines, we can help them understand their limits while exploring the world around them. Clear guidelines ahead of exploration time is important so the children know what some indicators may be be when they are not in a safe zone anymore when taking risks in nature. For example, Instead of saying things like, “that’s too high!” “It’s too slippery!” or “you need to get down now!” At The Whimsical Forest we use phrases like, “does your body feel safe where you are?” “how does the ground feel under your feet?” or “does that branch feel like it can hold your body? If it bends it might be too weak and that’s a good spot to start working your way down.” Providing guidelines before and during play, will assist individuals in identifying when their bodies may no longer be safe.

 

Safe risk taking helps develop personal, social and emotional skills, decision making, independence, collaboration, self-discovery and resilience. It also gives the children confidence. Research shows that children who can assess risk are far less likely to suffer serious injuries. As adults, teachers, and caregivers we need to let go of the need to control what children do when it comes to risk, and allow them to trust their bodies and help guide them to learn their own personal boundaries when it comes to risk. ​​​
 

Hours of Operation

Because of the nature of our programming, our Hours of Operations vary on season. The Summer Day Camp Hours for 2025 are:

Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-3:00p.m.

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Drop-off/Pick-up

There is a 15 minute time frame for drop off and pick up time. Drop off is between 8:45-9:00 and pick up is between 3:00-3:15. 

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Daily Schedule

8:45-9:00 Arrive

9:00-9:15 Morning meeting/Circle.

9:15-10:00 Free Play with Session Themed loose parts

10:00-11:00 Session 1 Theme Lesson activity

11:30-12:00 Animal Responsibilities/Exploration

12:00-12:30 Bathroom, Wash, Lunch Prep & Lunch from Home

12:30 Nature Hike/Outdoor Exploration/Mindful Minutes on the property

1:00-2:15 Session 2 Themed Lesson activity

2:15-3:00 Free play

3:00 Pick up

*Schedule subject to change dependent on weather

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Meals/Snacks/Allergies

At The Whimsical Forest, we ask that campers bring a cold lunch from home each day. Lunches should include the following components: a protein, a grain, a dairy item, a fruit and a vegetable.

If you have any questions or need ideas, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Please note that candy, soda, and other sugary beverages are not allowed at camp, as we strive to promote healthy habits and energy for all our adventures.

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Personal Belongings

Please leave all personal and valuable belongings at home. The Whimsical Forest is filled with plenty of things to explore and enjoy!

We are a screen-free zone—phones, smartwatches, gaming devices, and similar electronics are not allowed during camp hours. This is a time to unplug and fully experience the magic of nature and play.

The Whimsical Forest is not responsible for any lost or broken items. If you need to reach your child during the day, please contact the camp director directly.

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Supplies & Gear

There is some gear that your child WILL need to bring every day, as we will spend the whole day outside. Please make sure ALL GEAR is LABELED with First/Last name or Initials.

• Backpack

• Lunch

• Extra clothes (we will get dirty!)

• Water bottle

• Jacket/sweatshirt

• Shoes/boots

• Sun hat

• Sun glasses

• Sunscreen/bug spray (first application before day camp start time)

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Drug & Alcohol Policy

The Whimsical Forest prohibits employees, subcontractors and volunteers, when directly responsible for persons served by the program from abusing prescription medication or being in any manner under the influence of a chemical that impairs the individual’s ability to provide services or care. 

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Day Camp Behavior Policy

At Whimsical Forest, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where all campers feel welcome and supported. To help ensure that every child has the best possible camp experience, we ask campers to follow these behavior expectations:

Camper Expectations:

• Be kind and respectful to fellow campers, staff, and the environment.

• Use appropriate language and keep hands and feet to yourself.

• Follow directions from camp staff the first time they are given.

• Stay with the group unless given permission to do otherwise.

• Take care of camp property, materials, and personal belongings.

• Try new things with a positive attitude and encourage others to do the same.

Unacceptable Behaviors:

• Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, pushing)

• Bullying, teasing, or harassment of any kind

• Inappropriate or abusive language

• Leaving the camp area without permission

• Intentional damage to property

• Repeated defiance or disruption of activities

Our Approach:

We use positive reinforcement, redirection, and clear communication to help campers meet behavior expectations. In the event of concerning behavior, staff will:

1. Give a verbal reminder of expectations.

2. Redirect behavior and allow time to cool down, if needed.

3. Communicate with parents if the behavior continues or is serious.

4. Create a behavior plan in collaboration with the family, if appropriate.

In rare cases where a camper’s behavior presents a risk to themselves or others, or consistently disrupts the program, we reserve the right to send the camper home. Refunds will not be issued for missed days due to behavioral dismissal.

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Cancellation Policy

A $50 cancellation fee will apply for any reason should you choose to cancel your child’s registration.

Additionally, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the camp session start date.

No shows will not be refunded.

Rescheduling to a different camp week is subject to availability and not guaranteed.

This policy helps support the planning, and materials required to run a high-quality program.