WACONIA XC SUMMER RUN CAMP
SUNday, July 26th to Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
Camp Basics
What?
Waconia Summer Run Camp is an “over-night” experience for our more advanced (Varsity/Top JV) runners to “kick off” the season in a camp atmosphere. We created Run Camp to help build community within our team and to push our athletes to achieve higher levels of performance. 2026 marks our 2nd year at a Team Camp and we (the coaches) feel it is the perfect atmosphere to help guide and focus our athletes for the XC season ahead.
Who?
Summer Run camp is open to ALL incoming 9th to 12th grade athletes who are striving to complete at the upper levels of our team. This camp is for student athletes who have “put in the miles” and are ready to WORK HARD…meaning all attending athletes must be able to complete a 10 mile run, shooting for 300+ summer miles and should have already logged AT LEAST 150ish miles of these training miles prior to our date of departure. (Total June & July Miles & this may include the end of Track Season)
*incoming 7th & 8th graders can attend camp by invite only and need to follow the same above training criteria
Where?
YEAR TWO…this season we are heading to Lake Carlos State Park in northern Minnesota. This park is located directly on the shores of Lake Carlos and is part of the general Detroit Lakes region. Lake Carlos and is officially part of “Lake Country” and our camp literally has a swimming area and dock for lake access within a 100 feet of our Camp Cabins. Did someone say “Cabin”?? WHHAATT? YES, this year the Run Campers will be “Ballin” in dormitory style accommodations and dine (yes dine #boogie) in the indoor dining hall for all meals. (I think we are getting weak). This location has come HIGHLY recommended by a variety of XC parents and the HS running community, as THE PERFECT location to hold a camp for students. CLICK HERE to learn more about Lake Carlos State Park and the Group Camp facilities available in this location. This will be a beautiful location to spend a few summer days running around the woods and hanging out with running friends. Note: dorms, dining hall, fire pits, lakeshore, modern showers/bathrooms…now all we need a couple of pontoon boats and a ski boat! HAHA
Registration for Camp?
We will send out registration materials for camp mid june and we will be opening it up to a much larger audience than last season…we will extend the invite to about 40 - 50 kids & priority priority will be given to the athletes who have done the work and have proven themselves through their miles of training throughout the summer. (FYI - last year we limited it to about 20) FYI - a simple registration form will be available to athlete families to fill out and will include a variety of questions regarding summer training/miles/general fitness/goals for summer/season...the focus of this experience will be for athletes who have “put in the work”!
Chaperones/Parent Volunteers!?!
YES, we will need a small crew of parents to help with basic food prep and general camp support. Parents/Chaperones will have a separate camp/sleeping area within the regular campground at the park. Most of the “chaperone” duties will be done by the head coaches…meaning parents/students will have time “to themselves”, so if a kid says “mom I don’t want you to chaperone”…there will be some opportunity for some “healthy” separation! HAHA (but seriously this will be a kid focus camp to promote team unity and bonding) Please reach out to Coach Bullis or Gilbert if interested in joining the Chap Team! (hope to not only start a summer training tradition, but also a tradition of ROCK STAR parents to be a part of this experience)
Run Camp Itinerary
Day One - Tuesday, July 29th
1pm Depart Waconia (Carpool & Meet at WHS)
4pm Arrive at Camp/Set Up Tents & Get Settled
5pm Practice Session #1 - Fartlek Run
6pm Dinner/Shower/Swim
7pm Family Game Night “Team Girls vs. Team Boys” w/ Host Coach Lenz
9 pm Campfire/Snack & Sing-Along led by Coach Bullis
11pm Lights Out in Tents for Night
Day Two - Wednesday, July 30th
8am Wake-Up/Breakfast
9am - Practice Session #2: Mile Repeats
11am - Noon Free Time/Shower/Swim
Noon - Lunch
1pm - Boys Group Activity/Challenge
3pm - Girls Group Activity/Challenge
1- 5pm - Free Time (Opposite of Group Activity - Explore/Beach/Shower/Chill)
5pm Dinner
6:15pm - Practice Session #3: 4 mile Shake-Down/Slow Recovery Run/Nature Walk
8:45pm Campfire & Scary Stories by Coach Hess
11pm Lights Out in Tents for Night
Day Three - Thursday, July 31st
8:30am Wake-Up/Breakfast
9:30am - Long Run Adventure Challenge (8-10 mile)
Noon - Lunch
12:30 - Free Time/Shower/Swim
2pm - Clean/Take Down Camp/Pack
2:30pm - Depart for Home
5pm - Arrive back at WHS
Packing List
- 2 pairs of Running Shoes
- 1 pair sandals/slides
- 5 pr Running Sox
- 3 non running t-shirts
- 1 pair non running camp shorts
- 5 running outfits (tops and bottoms required)
- Sleeping Bag, Sleep Pad & Pillow
- Teddybear or Security Blanket (mainly for Bullis)
- 2 large bathing/beach towels
- basic personal toiletries
- Raincoat (be prepared to be outside for duration of camp)
- 2 sweatshirts/light jackets (light insulating layer)
- 2 sweatpants/long pants (light insulating layer)
- Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses
- 2 Swimsuits (Hey Hess…No Speedos!!)
- tent (need a tent partner/s) *only one tent per athlete pair or small group
- at least 2 refillable water bottles
- flashlight/Headlamp
- Bug Repellent (FYI - Whitewater is known to be Mosquito Free…due to moving water)
- small camp chair/hammock
- Plate (preferably plastic), fork, and spoon.
Additional Details…
1) ALL Staff/Chaperones/Athletes will “car pool” to/from Camp (no busing)
2) Cost - $90 per athlete, camp ground rental fees and food.
3) We will be seeking out a team of Parent/Guardian Chaperones/Cook Staff to be with group for duration of camp
4) camp will be open to all Genders on our team (obviously sleeping arrangements will be separated)
5) Athletes are expected to complete ALL Practice sessions
6) Cost Includes ALL Food, Camping Fees and Activities
