I have been involved with Camp Pillsbury for the last year. I see kids of all ages doing kid activities and having a great time. Many of the camp counselors come from different parts of the world and have amazing experiences to share. They are great with the kids. They help the kids grow and become better people. What a difference this camp makes in their lives. read more

I'm very disappointed with Camp Pillsbury's handling of the Covid pandemic. My daughter was scheduled to go to camp the summer of 2020 and when every other camp shut down and refunded the fees, Camp Pillsbury refused to do so. They said I could have a credit for 2021. Now, they have changed their stay lengths for this summer and my "credit" doesn't cover the cost. I've asked nicely for a refund and they won't even respond to me. I'm sad that after sending both my children to Camp Pillsbury for many years, they refuse to work with me on this. read more

This camp takes place at Pillsbury Prep, a college preparatory school in Owatonna, MN. The kids stay in dorm rooms, with boys on one floor and girls on another. They choose majors and minors to learn about during the 2 or 3 week sessions, and then one day of the sessions is an activity day, where they take the kids either to a waterpark, the mall or a ballgame. At least, that's what's supposed to happen. The school itself is in desperate need of upgrades. The rooms the kids stay in are humid and moldy. While they said in the handbook there would be hand sanitizers everywhere, there were not, and the campus was pretty dirty and cluttered. Communication is absolutely terrible. Any changes/differences from the handbook aren't communicated, and no one answers the email. During the two weeks my son was there, they went on 7 adventure days (football game, waterpark twice, county fair, MOA, two movies), where they had to use their own spending money for food. They weren't allowed to call, except of course to ask for more money. I don't think I would have minded all the activity days if it hadn't already been stated that they only have one where they would need spending money. You also don't get any communication or notice about who the counselors are or how they or other adults will be interacting with your child. During drop-off (which seems very much like Camp Nowhere), you meet many college-age students from all over the world, but you don't really know their qualifications to instruct the kids in aerials, acting, or whatever focus the kids choose. For this camp, you have to fill out a lot of paperwork, but aside from the handbook (which apparently they don't follow), you don't any in return that tells you more about what they will doing or who they are with. The only reason I gave this two stars instead of one is that my son had a great time and is begging to go back. But I think I'll take a que from another reviewer and look elsewhere first. read more

My two kids (age 13 &14) enjoyed the experience, but this camp portrays itself different online than it actually is in person. It's a dorm, not a campground. Any equipment they have for circus is unsafe and outdated. No bonfires, songs, swimming on site, ect. They do take day trips for those that want "water sports" but even with those there are far less actually offered than advertised ( I think tubing was the only actual sport offered). They placed my son (age14) in a dorm room with a 16 year old that wasn't even going to camp there but stays there during the school year for their boarding school. This roommate was working most of the time but came in for the nights; we found that quite unsettling. The counselors were very nice. They are all foreign exchange students and seemed talented but definitely had lots on their plates in terms of operating the camp. For the money, you can do much better. Look elsewhere. If it was $500/week, it might be worth it, but we found SO many better options, with much more secure practices and better facilities for the same price or less. read more

Have sent my two children here for the last 3 summers (2020 included) a good range of activities for all ages and staff who take care of campers well. Camp, and the friends they've made, get talked about for months after and it's always great to see the growth in confidence when showing off their talents in the performance days. We're looking forward to sending them for another 3 weeks this summer. read more

Lies! my son went there up until October 2019 when i found out they were having the children move cement blocks and clear demolished construction sites on the compound.We are in the process of reporting to the Child labor Department in Minnesota. They promise Ice Hockey, Technical/Digital Arts, Visual Arts and Music Programs:Instrumental, Music, Musical Theatre, MXTV, Orchestra Instruments, Recycling Club, Visual and Fine Arts Recreational Athletic Programs: Archery Club, Baseball, Basketball Club, Cheerleaders, Golf Club, Gymnastics, Ice Skating, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball. Horses. NONE OF THE ABOVE IS OFFERED! We have video of the children doing the child labor duties. Their phones were taken away and only after you do your construction duties were you allowed to get it back. Do your child a favor dont send them here! Im open to speak with anyone who would like information. You get what you pay for nothing. read more

My daughter attended Camp Pillsbury the past two summers. They offer an amazing amount of options for activities. Kids have a chance to fly on the trapeze, participate in drama, learn a new instrument, sports, go horseback riding, learn to water ski -- and so much more. She was able to find things she was interested in, but, also challenge her. The staff is diverse and talented, with a passion to help each child explore and grow while they are at Camp Pillsbury. Camp Pillsbury is not only a fun place, but, safe environment. Overall - Camp Pillsbury is a great place for your child to create happy memories, expand their interest, and boost their self-confidence. They also have an opportunity to meet children and staff from all over the U.S., but, also other countries...creating long lasting friendships beyond their own neighborhood. read more

My daughter loved this camp- it is pricey but she wants to back- amazing variety of activities with mentors from around the world!

During the camp session, it was discovered that my daughter and her cousin had lice. The counselors failed to treat it appropriately. They did not read the instructions and did not have the children shampoo out the treatment. They instructed the children not to wash their hair. The children had a horrible week during which they were not allowed to participate in some of their activities and were not allowed to participate in the final program. Upon pickup, they were taken for hours of treatment to deal with the raging infestation. I would never leave a child with this organization overnight again - they are not equipped for helping children with the simplest of medical issues. read more

This is more than just a camp! The amount of self confidence my 14 year old son got will last a life time. My son has autism spectrum disorder and ptsd the staff worked with him exceeding my expectations greatly. I would recommend this camp for all kids it is an amazing experience that will last a life time and give them a chance to enter in to the world of performing arts. read more

My daughters are thoroughly enjoying their second week at Camp Pillsbury. They have been able to try many activities that are new to them -- from woodworking to trapeze. They have developed courage, confidence and new interests and skills. My children have also been given opportunities to improve their skills in activities they had already been involved in such as dance and photography. The counselors are fun and supportive of the campers. The camp is well staffed. In some activities, campers receive almost one-on-one attention. My children like the fact that the camp staff is comprised of interesting people from different countries around the world. I am quite certain my daughters will want to attend Camp Pillsbury again next year. read more

Unprofessional staff, poor management and offerings are not what they appear on the website. For the price, it's not worth it.