Red Wing Environmental Learning Center, Inc.

08/19/2026

Congrats to Kathy Ause on her recently published children’s book!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/18pYMKQxZj/?mibextid=wwXIfr

At 82 years old, local author Kathy Ause published her first children’s picture book about a Frontenac State Park legend last June.

08/15/2026

Happy National Relaxation Day!

There are few things more relaxing than knowing your fall adventures are already on the calendar.

If you've already registered for ELC's Fall Programs—congratulations! You've earned the right to kick back, listen to the wind in the trees, and enjoy the peace of knowing you're all set for a season of outdoor adventure.

If you haven't signed up yet... don't worry! Spend just a few minutes registering today, then you can relax too, knowing you won't miss out on climbing, paddling, campfires, wildlife, new friends, and unforgettable memories.

Nature has a way of helping us slow down, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with what matters. We can't wait to share another amazing season with you.

So today, relax. And if signing up for ELC Fall Programs is still on your to-do list... take care of it first. Future you will thank you.

See you this fall!

08/14/2026

DON'T LET THIS ADVENTURE PASS YOU BY.

Tomorrow is the final day to register for ELC's fall programs.

Every year students finish our programs wishing they had signed up for more.

Don't let this fall become the one that got away.

From backpacking and pioneering to climbing, hunting, ice rod construction, and much more, there's an adventure waiting for every student.

Registration closes August 15.

New students: Complete the New Student Form at www.redwingelc.com

Returning students: Register through your Salesforce Portal.

Questions? Give us a call—we're always happy to help.

08/12/2026

WHAT WILL YOUR STUDENT DISCOVER?

Maybe they'll discover they love climbing.

Maybe they'll discover they enjoy backpacking.

Maybe they'll discover a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, or outdoor leadership.

Or maybe they'll simply discover they can do far more than they ever imagined.

That's what ELC programs are all about.

Registration closes soon.

Don't miss this fall's adventures.

08/10/2026

EVERY STUDENT DESERVES ADVENTURE.

We never want cost to keep a young person from experiencing the outdoors.

If finances are a concern, please contact us.

Financial assistance is available because we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, explore, and belong.

If you've been thinking about signing up, don't let finances stop the conversation.

We're here to help.

Registration continues through August 15.

08/08/2026

BUILD SOMETHING AMAZING.

Pioneering is where creativity meets teamwork.

Students enjoy and continue to improve the two ELC Log cabins originally built by ELC students. while spending time at either the Hay Creek Cabin or the Two Harbors cabin students will solve problems together and developing leadership skills.

Every project teaches communication, planning, perseverance, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.

Level I and Level II programs are available this fall.

Registration ends August 15.

08/06/2026

BACKPACKING IS MORE THAN HIKING.

Imagine carrying everything you need on your back.

Cooking dinner at camp.

Watching the sunset from your campsite.

Learning to navigate with a map and compass.

Sleeping under the stars.

Backpacking teaches independence, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence—one step at a time.

Whether you're just starting or ready for Backpacking Level II, there's an adventure waiting.

Registration is open now through August 15.

08/05/2026

There are moments that remind you just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by incredible people.

Tonight, we had the privilege of hosting the Jones Family Foundation for an evening of wood-fired pizza, gratitude, and fellowship. It was our opportunity to simply say "thank you" for the tremendous impact their generosity has had on the Environmental Learning Center and the young people we serve.

Behind the scenes, another amazing family truly made the evening possible.

The Zylka family—Chris, Joey, Hayden, Tatum, and Lucas M—spent the evening preparing dough, building pizzas, tending the ovens, and serving our guests with smiles from start to finish. They didn't do it for recognition. They did it because that's the kind of family they are.

What I didn't learn until the evening was over was that today was actually Chris's birthday.

Out of all the ways he could have celebrated, he chose to spend his birthday volunteering at the ELC, serving others, and helping us create a memorable evening for our guests. That says a great deal about the kind of person Chris is and the values the Zylka family lives every day.

The Environmental Learning Center is blessed with so many wonderful families who give their time, talents, and hearts to this organization. Tonight, I simply wanted to shine a light on one of them.

To Chris and the entire Zylka family—thank you. Your generosity, humility, and willingness to serve inspire all of us. Happy Birthday, Chris, and thank you for choosing to spend part of your special day with the ELC family.

And to the Jones Family Foundation—thank you for believing in our mission and investing in generations of young people. Your support continues to create opportunities, strengthen our programs, and programs like the ELC possible.

It is because of people like you that the ELC continues to thrive.

From all of us...thank you. ❤️

08/04/2026

FRIENDSHIPS BEGIN WITH ADVENTURE.

Some of the best friendships begin around a campfire.

Or while climbing a rock wall.

Or hiking down a trail together.

ELC programs bring students together through shared adventures, teamwork, laughter, and challenges that create friendships lasting far beyond the program itself.

This fall could be the beginning of your student's next great adventure.

Registration closes August 15.

Questions? We'd love to help.

08/02/2026

THE BEST CLASSROOM HAS NO WALLS.

Some lessons can't be taught from a desk.

Students learn resilience by hiking one more mile.

Leadership by helping a teammate.

Confidence by accomplishing something they never thought possible.

Every ELC adventure helps young people grow—not just as outdoor enthusiasts, but as capable, confident leaders.

Give them an experience they'll remember long after fall is over.

Registration is open through August 15.

New students: Complete the New Student Form at www.redwingelc.com

Returning students: Register through your Salesforce Portal.

Financial assistance is available.