Where can you find top-notch equestrian summer camps in Minnesota. What makes Camp Pillsbury’s program stand out from the rest. How do horse camps benefit young riders and foster lifelong skills.
Camp Pillsbury: A Premier Equestrian Summer Camp Experience
For young equestrians seeking an unforgettable summer adventure, Camp Pillsbury’s equestrian program offers a unique and enriching experience. Operated in collaboration with Morning Glory Hill Stable & Riding School in Blooming Prairie, MN, this camp provides a comprehensive horseback riding experience for campers of all skill levels.
Key Features of Camp Pillsbury’s Equestrian Program:
- Located just 20 minutes from the main camp
- Suitable for beginners to advanced riders
- Experienced staff focused on safety and skill development
- Hands-on horse care and stable management education
- Indoor and outdoor riding rings for all-weather instruction
- English and Western riding styles taught
Camp Pillsbury’s program goes beyond simply teaching riding skills. It instills a sense of responsibility and discipline in campers through comprehensive horse care and stable maintenance lessons. This holistic approach ensures that participants develop a well-rounded understanding of equestrian life.
The Benefits of Equestrian Summer Camps for Young Riders
Attending a horse camp can have numerous positive impacts on a child’s development. These specialized programs offer unique opportunities for personal growth, skill-building, and social interaction.
Why choose an equestrian summer camp?
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Development of leadership skills
- Enhanced physical fitness and coordination
- Cultivation of empathy and emotional intelligence
- Opportunity to form lasting friendships with like-minded peers
At Camp Pillsbury, campers have the chance to meet and bond with fellow horse enthusiasts from across the country and around the world. This diverse environment fosters cultural exchange and broadens participants’ horizons.
Exploring Minnesota’s Horse Camp Options: Beyond Camp Pillsbury
While Camp Pillsbury offers an exceptional equestrian experience, Minnesota boasts several other noteworthy horse camps and facilities. Each location provides unique features and opportunities for horse lovers to explore.
Notable Horse Camps in Minnesota:
- Bemis Hill Campground and DUA
- Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp
- Eagle Forest Acres
- Lake Carlos State Park
- Maplewood State Park
- McCarthy Beach State Park (Togo Horse Camp and Stony Brook Horse Camp)
These diverse options cater to various preferences, from rustic trail riding experiences to more developed facilities with amenities for both horses and riders.
Eagle Forest Acres: A Unique Equestrian Getaway
Among Minnesota’s horse camp options, Eagle Forest Acres stands out for its expansive private acreage and diverse amenities. This facility offers a blend of equestrian activities and comfortable accommodations, making it an attractive option for families and groups.
Highlights of Eagle Forest Acres:
- 6,000 private acres with over 30 miles of multi-use trails
- Camping cabins equipped with modern conveniences
- Outdoor corrals for horses
- Clubhouse with restaurant, sauna, and shower facilities
- Convenient location northwest of Blackduck, MN
The combination of extensive riding opportunities and comfortable lodging makes Eagle Forest Acres an excellent choice for those seeking a more luxurious horse camp experience.
State Parks: Combining Natural Beauty with Equestrian Adventure
Minnesota’s state parks offer some of the most scenic and well-maintained horse camping facilities in the region. These locations provide a perfect backdrop for riders to connect with nature while enjoying their equestrian pursuits.
State Parks with Horse Camping Facilities:
- Lake Carlos State Park: 7 designated horse camping sites
- Maplewood State Park: Dedicated horse campground and extensive trail system
- McCarthy Beach State Park: Togo Horse Camp and Stony Brook Horse Camp
These state park facilities typically offer a more rustic camping experience, ideal for those who enjoy a closer connection to nature during their equestrian adventures.
Choosing the Right Horse Camp: Factors to Consider
With so many options available, selecting the perfect horse camp can be challenging. Consider the following factors to ensure you find the best fit for your needs and preferences:
Key Considerations for Horse Camp Selection:
- Riding skill level and program offerings
- Duration of stay and schedule flexibility
- Facilities and amenities (e.g., indoor arenas, trail access)
- Staff qualifications and safety protocols
- Additional activities and programming beyond riding
- Budget and cost considerations
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can narrow down your options and choose a horse camp that aligns with your goals and expectations.
Preparing for Your Horse Camp Adventure: Essential Tips
Once you’ve selected your ideal horse camp, proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience. Consider the following tips as you get ready for your equestrian adventure:
Horse Camp Preparation Checklist:
- Review and complete all required paperwork and health forms
- Pack appropriate riding attire and safety gear
- Bring any personal items or comfort objects (especially for younger campers)
- Discuss expectations and goals with your child before the camp begins
- Arrange transportation to and from the camp location
- Consider any special dietary needs or medical requirements
Proper preparation will help ensure that both campers and parents feel confident and excited about the upcoming horse camp experience.
The Lasting Impact of Horse Camp Experiences
Attending a horse camp can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life. Beyond the immediate enjoyment and skill development, these experiences often shape future interests and career paths.
Long-term Benefits of Horse Camp Participation:
- Increased interest in equestrian sports and activities
- Development of a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility
- Improved communication and teamwork skills
- Greater appreciation for nature and animal welfare
- Potential inspiration for future careers in veterinary medicine, animal science, or related fields
Many horse camp alumni look back on their experiences as transformative moments in their personal and professional development.
Minnesota’s diverse array of horse camps and equestrian programs offer something for every aspiring rider. From the comprehensive summer camp experience at Camp Pillsbury to the scenic state park facilities and unique private ranches, the state provides ample opportunities for young equestrians to pursue their passion. By carefully considering the available options and preparing thoroughly, families can ensure a memorable and enriching horse camp adventure that will leave a lasting positive impact on their child’s life.
As the popularity of equestrian activities continues to grow, Minnesota’s horse camps play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of riders, fostering a love for horses, and instilling valuable life skills. Whether your child is a beginner looking to develop basic riding skills or an experienced equestrian seeking to refine their abilities, the horse camps of Minnesota offer a pathway to growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences in the saddle.
Camp Pillsbury Equestrian Summer Camp For Kids
For horse lovers, Camp Pillsbury equestrian summer camp program is the place to be. Our Equestrian Program is operated at Morning Glory Hill Stable & Riding School located in Blooming Prairie MN, just 20 minutes from camp. The Equestrian program offers several riding programs depending on the camper’s experience and skill level. This unique equestrian summer camp program is for beginning to advanced riders. The experienced staff will help campers advance their riding skills in a safe environment while having a great time.
Campers not only improve their riding skills during their stay but are also involved in the hands-on care for the horses. Campers get to refine their personal skills while they have a great time getting to know the horses and how to care for them. Our equestrian summer camp program, administered by Morning Glory Hill Stable and Riding School teaches responsibility and the discipline needed for riding, horse care and stable maintenance.
Camp Pillsbury Equestrian Summer Camp Pictures Courtesy of Morning Glory Stables
Campers Get Hands-On Experience
Campers not only improve their riding skills during their stay but are also involved in the hands-on care for the horses. Campers get to refine their personal skills while they have a great time getting to know the horses and how to care for them. Our equestrian summer camp program teaches responsibility and the discipline needed for riding, horse care and stable maintenance.
Camp Pillsbury Equestrian Summer Camp Pictures Courtesy of Morning Glory Stables
Equestrian Summer Camp Program with Choices
Camp Pillsbury Equestrian Summer Camp Pictures Courtesy of Morning Glory Stables
Depending on the camper’s skill level, campers have a wide range of choices for them during their time at Camp Pillsbury. Indoor and outdoor riding rings are available so weather is not a factor. Instruction in English and Western styles of riding starting with lead line work and progressing to trail riding, jumping and dressage is available depending on skill level and interest. Campers will have a great time achieving their goals and making friendships that will last a lifetime.
Unique Friendships are Formed at Our Equestrian Summer Camp Program
Camp Pillsbury Equestrian Summer Camp Pictures Courtesy of Morning Glory Stables
As campers learn and improve their riding skills, they form special friendships with other campers that share their love of horses. Campers get to meet others with a love of horses from all over the country and world. In an environment where diversity and encouragement are cultivated, campers live, dine and learn together while making once in a lifetime friendships which are long-lasting and give campers valuable insights.
Always Plenty to do at Camp Pillsbury
When campers are not at the stables participating in the equestrian summer camp program there are plenty of other fun activities for them to enjoy. There is always something going on at Camp Pillsbury. Whether we are having an Adventure day trip to the Twin Cities, visits to local events and attractions, or roasting marshmallows around the camp fire, campers are always engaged and having fun. Contact us today to get started on your SUMMER OF A LIFETIME.
Camping – Minnesota – Campsites
Bemis Hill Campground and DUA
Horse campsites and riding trails.
48990 Hayes Lake State Park
Wannaska, MN 56761
Phone: (218) 425-7504
Cut Foot Sioux Horse Camp
Horse camp surrounded by over 120 miles of Forest Roads and recreation trails.
1037 Division Street
PO Box 308
Deer River, MN 56636
Phone: (218) 246-2123
Fax: (218) 246-9743
Eagle Forest Acres
6000 private acres. In excess of 30 miles of multi-use trails. Equestrian trails are shared with mountain bike users and hikers. Camping cabins available for overnight stays. The cabins sleep 4 to 6 adults very comfortably. Each heated cabin is equipped with a microwave, coffee maker,mini refridgerator, picnic bench, and outdoor grill. Horses stay in outdoor corrals. Clubhouse facilities include restaurant, 4 seasons porch, sauna, men’s and women’s showers and restroom facilities. Located 20 miles northwest of Blackduck, MN, on Minnesota Route 1, just 25 miles south of Upper Red Lake. From Blackduck, MN take Route 72 north 9 miles to Route 1. Go west 11 miles on Route 1 to Cozzi Farm Rd NE.
33727 Cozzi Farm Road NE
Blackduck, MN 56630
Phone: (218) 647-8978
Email: [email protected]
Lake Carlos State Park
Seven sites for camping with horses.
2601 County Road 38 NE
Carlos, Minnesota 56319
Phone: (320) 852-7200
Maplewood State Park
Campsites at a horse campground. Also an extensive trail system for horseback riding.
39721 Park Entrance Road
Pelican Rapids, Minnesota 56572
Phone: (218) 863-8383
McCarthy Beach State Park
Togo Horse Camp and Stony Brook Horse Camp.
7622 McCarthy Beach Rd.
Side Lake, Minnesota 55781
Phone: (218) 254-7979
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
The horse camp has 10 sites and a maximum capacity of 40 horses.
15066 Kathio State Park Road
Onamia, Minnesota 56359
Phone: (320) 532-3523
Reno Horse Campground
Horse campground.
Brownsville, MN 55919
Phone: (507) 724-2107
Shell City Horse Campground
Horse camping and trails. The campground is considered “primitive,” designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. In addition, vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. Located on a 24 miles of designated horse trail that includes two loops and a river crossing.
Hubbard, MN
Phone: (218) 699-7201
Fax: (218) 266-3942
Tamarack River Horse Camp
Horse camp and trails.
Hinckley, MN 55037
Phone: (320) 384-6591
Togo Horse Campground
13 horse campsites.
Side Lake, MN 55781
Phone: (218) 254-7979
Walter E. Stark Horse Campground
Horse camp and trail.
Pillager, MN 56473
Phone: (218) 825-3075
Wet Bark Horse Campsites
Campground with horse corral, picket line and riding trails.
Houston, MN 55943
Phone: (507) 724-2107
Wild River State Park
Horse Campsites. Rustic camping with no showers. Picket lines available.
39797 Park Trail
Center City, MN 55012
Toll free: (866) 85PARKS (reservations)
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Summer Camps | J.J’s Eq Academy
LEARN * LAUGH * LOVE
COVID FRIENDLY (if you would like our Private one on one Summer “Camp” options please email us!)
Our groups will be 10 or less!!
You will LEARN so much at camp. There will be a lot of hands-on activities plus a formal riding lesson given by a J.J’s Instructor. We keep our camps small so your rider can have a more personal experience. Our student/teacher ratio will be 2 to 1. Our camp director will be around to answer your questions and keep the program running smoothly. We will ride rain or shine, as we have a very large indoor arena!
There will be no shortage of LAUGHTER at camp. We have so many games, crafts, and fun planned. Each day will have a theme that the days activities will be based around. Some of the themes you can even come dressed up for! We will give you more information about participation in the themes as we get closer to summer.
You will fall in LOVE with our horses, instructors, and team. We have the best group of horses and team of people that will help your rider along the way. We focus on safety and giving our riders a great foundation of horse knowledge all while having a blast! Team values are very important to us.
Come play with all of the animals we have at the barn- our kitties, dogs, goats, sheep and chickens will greet you with open paws, hoofs, and wings.
Our TRADITIONAL CAMP will be 3 hours long and will run Monday-Friday, with an 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. or 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. option.
TRADITIONAL WEEKENDER CAMP is two days and an overnight at our farm. Bring your tent and sense of adventure! Campers will arrive at 1pm on Saturday and be picked up at 1 pm on Sunday. Lots of horses, fun on the farm and an awesome tented sleepover. We will even have a movie and bonfire. We will provide dinner and breakfast. We will provide a packing list a couple weeks before the weekend.
UNICORN CAMP is for younger riders! We welcome riders 5 years old to 8 years old to participate in a 3 day week of Unicorn fun!! It will be a similar format as our Traditional Day Camps. “Boy” activities will be featured as well 🙂
OVERNIGHT BOOT CAMP is for more advanced riders. They will have intensive lessons, learn barn management skills and SO MUCH MORE. There will be more info released prior, such as packing list and what else to expect.
TEEN DAY CAMPS are 4 hours long and will be more in depth than our regular programs.
LADIES DAY CAMP will be 3 hours long and run “after work”. We will have a formal lesson, social hour, and a themed Q and A.
If you are looking at something for your, teen check out our Horse Clubs. We will be offering some single day options for our teens!
We would love for you to continue riding with us after camp. We give lessons all year round and offer our campers a discount when you sign up for lessons after camp!
Safety is very important to us at J.J’s Equestrian Academy, participants will be expected to wear long pants and hard soled boots with a slight heel. We will provide the helmets. Please bring a water bottle and snack.
COST
Traditional Day Camp (5 days for 3 hours)= $350 Discount if you sign up for more than one!!
Traditional Weekender Camp (2 Partial Days and an overnight)= $200
Unicorn Camp (3 days for 2.5 hours)=$300
Overnight Boot Camp (3 days, 2 overnights)= $300
Teen Day Camp (1 day for 4 hours)= $60
Adult Day Camp (1 day for 3 hours)= $60
HOW TO PAY
1) Follow this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080949afa623a3fe3-summer1 to secure your spot immediately with a non refundable $50 deposit
2) Pay the remainder of your camp balance within a week of signing up (via Venmo @jjsequestrianacademy, Zelle- [email protected], or Check payable to Jill Scottston-either dropped off or postmarked by). If your balance is not paid, you run the risk of losing your spot if it fills
3)IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO USE SIGNUP GENIUS-You may email or call us directly for us to sign you up and give you instructions on how you can alternatively pay.
For more information about our facility and program visit www.jjsequestrianacademy.com
Day Camps | Bunker Park Stable
We require riders wear long pants, a sturdy boot or shoe (tennis shoes are fine, no shoes than have an open toe or may fall off the foot), and otherwise dress for the weather (includes sunscreen/bug spray)
Helmets are required and must be equestrian certified! We provide helmets.
Please bring a bag lunch and drink daily, we have a pop machine and a refrigerator, as well as a drinking fountain.
SUMMER
*ALL CAMPS ARE FULL FOR SUMMER 2021*
CHECK BACK FOR 2022 DATES IN DECEMBER
Complete and mail in Summer ALL Dates Registration 2021
One per student
Mail to 1693 148th LN NW, Andover, MN 55304
Upon receiving your registration form we will call to get your credit card number and charge out the non-refundable deposit
The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to the start of your camp and will be charged to the card on file.
A confirmation letter will be sent to you prior to your camp date along with any liability and medical forms for completion.
WINTER ONE-DAY CAMP
Check back for 2022 dates!
All camps run from 9:30-3:00pm
$125.00 each day
Winter Day Camp Registration
Complete the registration form and send it in with your non-refundable deposit to:
1693 148th LN NW, Andover, MN 55304.
SPRING BREAK ONE-DAY CAMPS
2021 Dates: ****ALL SPRING BREAK DAY CAMPS ARE FULL***
Wednesday, March 10th
Tuesday, March 16th
Thursday, March 18th
Wednesday, March 31st
All camps are run from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
$125.00 each day
Spring Break Day Camp Registration
Students are able to register for more than one session.
This camp requires a non-refundable payment of $125. 00.
Mail your registration to 1693 148th Ln NW, Andover, MN 55304.
We will contact you once we have received registration and take your non-refundable deposit by credit card.
MEA DAY CAMPS
Check back for 2021 dates
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
$115.00
MEA Day Camp Registration
This camp requires a $75 non-refundable deposit; send it in with a completed MEA break registration October 16th 2020.
Horse Camp
***FULL FOR 2021 SEASON***
2022 REGISTRATION OPENS BLACK FRIDAY
2021 SPRING & SUMMER HORSE CAMP
(copy link for dates and registration)
https://campscui. active.com/orgs/SunnysideStables?orglink=camps-registration
Sunnyside Stables horse camp is an awesome place to discover horses and new friends. We have exceptional lesson horses and instructors. Each day includes riding — rain or shine. We have an awesome indoor arena and a beautiful outdoor arena. You will discover the basics of grooming, saddling, body language, posture, contact and balance to develop independent riding skills.
Our staff members are well qualified with the requirements to see that each young wrangler gets the most out of his or her time at Sunnyside Stables.
Besides the many horses, there are many other animals for the children’s enjoyment. Dogs, kittens, chickens, miniature mule and a miniature horse are few of the animals around the stable
We ride 1/3 of the day, Activities (learn how to tie, lead, care, feed, bridle, saddle, etc.) 1/3 of the day and Craft project and lunch the other 1/3 of the day.
It’s a whole ‘farm’ experience.
— NO REFUNDS —
WILL SWITCH WEEKS AROUND IF CHILD IS SICK OR IS UNABLE TO ATTEND A PARTICULAR WEEK or ROLL INTO THE 2022 SEASON
Clothing. Wear long pants and low-heeled boots or laced shoes.
Equestrian Helmets. Required. Bring your own, or use one of ours.
Horseback Riding in Minnesota- Great Places for Trail Riding
Great places to saddle up in Minnesota, where horse trails in state parks abound!
by Judith Ramsey
Some of the best places for horseback riding in Minnesota are the many miles of trails in our Minnesota State Parks. You can ride for over 1,000 miles on horse trails in our state parks and explore our diverse terrain from prairie to forest to lakeside and hill country. On each of our state park pages we offer information about horse trails and horse camps available. We have a list below of specific state parks that have horse trails and camps.
Not every state park has horse riding availability however you will find that many do. You will need a horse pass to ride the state park trails. You can get a pass from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Park trail following the route of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road in Wild River State Park. “Deer Creek Loop” by McGhiever.
Minnesota State Parks for Horseback Riding
If horseback riding is part of your vacation plan in Minnesota, consider reserving a spot in a horse camp in one of these state parks:
Camden State Park- 10 miles of equine trails with picnic areas and campgrounds. Fauna includes woodlands, maple trees, basswoods, oaks, and cottonwoods throughout prairies, grasslands, and marshes.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park- 17 Miles of horse trails surfaced with crushed rock with some fording required. Trails change in elevation from stream valley floors to hilltops and are normally open early May to late October. Look out for wildflowers in the spring!
Fort Ridgely State Park- 10 Miles of horse trails with varying conditions, depending on the weather. This park is the site of the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862 and has a museum and cemetery you can visit.
Fort Ridgely State Park photo “58FortRidgely” by McGhiever.
Glacial Lakes State Park- 11 miles of horse trails lead riders through pretty wildflowers and prairie grasses in the spring through fall.
Lake Carlos State Park- 9 miles of equestrian trails through diverse marshes, boglands, woodland ponds, and lakes. Take note that it can sometimes be wet and muddy here, so call ahead before making a visit.
Lake Louise State Park- 9.7 miles of horse trails through open landscapes and lush hardwoods with a beach by the Little Iowa and Upper Iowa Rivers make this park popular with trail riders.
Maplewood State Park- This park boasts eight major lakes and many ponds, 20 miles of horse trails and a myriad of animals and birds amid a stunning colorful maple forest, especially bright in the autumn.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park- 27 miles of wooded equine trails run through this National Historic Landmark with an interpretive center and 10 sites in horseback camp areas. September and October are the most popular times to visit this park to see the changing leaves and to avoid too many bugs.
Minnesota Valley State Park- 30 miles of horse trails tackle varied terrain including wetlands, blufftop oak savanna and floodplain forest. This park is close to the Twin Cities.
Sibley State Park- This park has only 7 miles of equine trails, but 9 horse campsites. Forest, farmland, lakes and prairie knolls comprise the landscapes in this west-central Minnesota park.
Saint Croix State Park- The largest Minnesota State Park, this park has 75 miles of horse trails through pine and maple forests along the Saint Croix and Kettle Rivers on the eastern edge of the Mille Lacs Uplands.
Upper Sioux Agency State Park- 16 miles of multi-use horse trails and the historic site of the Upper Sioux or Yellow Medicine Agency make this park a popular place to trek. The scenery includes open prairies, bluffs, and wooded slopes.
Wild River State Park- This park contains 18 miles of diverse equine trails along the St. Croix River, the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road: Deer Creek Section, a surviving section of the Point Douglas to Superior Military Road from 1853, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a variety of naturalist programs and activities
Wild River State Park shoreline along the St. Croix, a National Wild and Scenic River. “WildRiverStatePark” by McGhiever.
Minnesota State Parks Reservations
Minnesota Riding Stables
Below are some Minnesota riding stables and their locations and phone numbers. These can change or close so please call ahead to make sure they are still in operation, what they offer, and their prices.
Some riding stables in Minnesota are within popular resort complexes. You will find one of these at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria.
Arrowwood Resort Golf, Marina, Riding Stables, 2100 Arrowwood Lane NW, Alexandria, (866) 386-5263
Outback Trail Rides, Inc., 12210 Pillsbury Forest Rd SW, Pillager, 218-746-3990
Bunker Park Stable, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, 763-757-9445
Rose Lawn Stables, 24069 Rum River Blvd, St Francis, 763-753-5517
El Rancho Manana Riding Stable, 27302 Ranch Road, Richmond, 320-597-2740
River Valley Horse Ranch, 16480 Jonathan Carver Parkway, Carver, 952-361-3361
Lazy ‘D’ Campground & Trail Rides, 18748 County Rd 39, Altura, 507-932-3098
HHH Ranch, 16032 180th Street East, Hastings, (651) 338-2792
Horseback Riding Lessons in Minnesota
If you are looking for a place to board your horse, take riding lessons and learn more about horses, these are just a few of the places in Minnesota where you can do that. As always, call ahead to see what is offered,
Seventh Farm Riding School, St Paul, MN, (651) 458-1007
Windy Ridge Ranch, 2700 Manning Ave S, St Paul, MN, (651) 436-6557
Horseplay Ranch, 21201 Larkin Rd, Hamel, MN, (763) 478-9106
About the author: Judith Ramsey is a lifelong resident of Minnesota. She spends much of her time exploring and photographing the attractions of her state and sharing Minnesota travel ideas with her subscribers for her website minnesota-visitor.com.
Camp Elk River | Girl Scouts River Valleys Camps
Camp Elk River is a year-round destination best known for its equestrian center and a wide array of horse programs. From woods to wetlands and prairies to rolling hills, campers will enjoy Camp Elk River’s beautiful 1,130 acres through a variety of safe and fun activities.
Some of Camp Elk River summer attractions include:
- Archery
- Biking
- Canoeing
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking
- Key log rolling
- Low ropes course
- Outdoor skills
- Science activities
- Swimming
- Tent camping
Housing
No matter where you stay on camp, you’ll find a cozy place to rest your head and call home for your visit. Camp Elk River has a variety of housing, and the type of housing for girls or groups will vary and depend on the session they attend.
- Gray Koch dorms have two rooms that sleep four people and two rooms that sleep ten people.
- Pines dorms have six rooms that sleep eight and two rooms that sleep six.
- Duplex Cabins have seven bunk beds on each side.
- All housing includes flush toilets and showers onsite.
Photos
Click any photo below to open a slideshow:
Address & Directions
Camp Elk River is located 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Camp Elk River10775 237th Ave. Northwest
Zimmerman, MN 55398
Not all GPS systems correctly navigate to Camp Elk River and can get you lost! Please double check your GPS directions against our special directions below.
From Minneapolis and Saint Paul
- Travel west on Interstate 94 to Rogers, Highway 101.
- Highway 101 will become 169 as you approach Elk River. Follow the sign to Princeton and Cambridge.
- Continue north on Highway 169 to Sherburn County Road 74, turn right.
- Drive about 1 mile down County Road 74 to the Girl Scout Camp entrance.
- Follow the road past the site manager’s home to the check-in area or the program area you have reserved.
Maps
View on Google Maps. Use caution navigating to Camp Elk River via Google Maps! Please follow the directions provided above.
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History of Camp Elk River
Early
1960’s
The property was acquired in the 1960’s by purchasing several farms. Girls experienced the fun of camp at large encampments–held on the Whispering Prairie area–well through the 1980’s.
Did you know? Encampments back then had names far different from today’s, such as Senior Primitive Encampment, Cadette Primitive Encampment, Prairie Dog Hilton, People Impact, and Prairie Flower.
1968
Discovery ’68, a regional round-up for Girl Scout Seniors, was held on the prairie for two weeks in June.
1969
Since 1969, day camp has been held in the Timber Meade Area. A Quonset hut administration building served the nine shelters, which could accommodate 204 girls per session. The Red Barn, an original dairy barn, was used by day campers as a site for their overnight adventure.
1979
1,000 girls and adults attended the Prairie Dog event.
1985
Equestrian camp and horseback riding, very popular with young girls, inspired some renovations for the property. An Equestrian Center, a modern bathhouse, and Tree House cabins were built near the Red Barn to accommodate a resident camp horse program. The Red Barn was also renovated to provide dining and program areas.
Early
1990’s
A fundraising campaign for Camp Elk River improvements was launched. The campaign for girls provided three new areas:
- The Timber Meade Area, consisting of three, year-round buildings. One of the buildings is now a multipurpose building for day camp administration, events, and serves as a storm shelter. Two troop house/cabins were also built—the Popp and Pickering cabins.
- The Gray Koch Program Building, which is now a large multipurpose facility that includes a dining hall and kitchen, office space, four program rooms with food preparation areas, modern restrooms and showers, and a dormitory area with bunk beds, restrooms, showers, and kitchen facilities. The Pines dormitory is another building located close to Gray Koch with modern facilities to house additional people attending events/programs in the Gray Koch building.
- Lake Barbara, a sand bottom swimming pond which opened in June 1993. Adjacent to the pond is a large bathhouse, which includes a changing area, modern showers and restrooms, and a health/first aid area. Around the pond is “The Promise Path,” a brick path honoring and memorializing people and events in Girl Scouting.
Today
The story of Camp Elk River continues—be a part of its living history!
90,000 Summer Equestrian Camp in Spain. Spain in Russian
Source
If your child is fond of horse riding, you have a great opportunity to organize him an unforgettable vacation by sending him this summer to an equestrian camp in Spain. In addition to horse riding lessons, the program includes the study of one of three foreign languages, English, French or Spanish.
Summer equestrian camp is located near the town of Jaca, in the heart of the Aragonese part of the Spanish Pyrenees.
Despite the fact that Jaca is located far from the coast, this city is one of the five sunniest cities in Spain. Mountains, lakes and rivers create a unique microclimate here. The program is designed for both beginners and experienced riders.
In addition to the traditional riding lessons proper, which include theory, practice and animal care, the language lessons are also partly “horseback riding” (45 minutes out of a daily two-hour lesson in English, French or Spanish).Horseback riding is available in the surroundings.
Children age:
From 8 to 18 years old. Children are divided into age groups, as well as depending on the chosen language and level of mastery of horse art.
Arrivals and Prices:
From 8 to 15 July – 680 Euro
From 8 to 22 July – 1.300 Euro
From 15 to 22 July – 680 Euro
From 22 to 29 July – 680 Euro
From 22 July to 05 August – 1.300 euros.
From 29 July to 05 August – 680 Euro
From 29 July to 12 August – 1.300 Euro
From 05 to 12 August – 680 Euro
From 05 to 19 August – 1.300 Euro
From 12 to 19 August – 680 Euro
From 12 to 26 August – 1.300 euros
From 19 to 26 August – 680 euros.
From 19 August to 2 September – 1.300 euros
From 26 August to 2 September – 680 euros.
For registration in the summer equestrian camp in Spain, you can consult with the staff of the Center for Services for Business and Life in Spain “Spain in Russian”, who will assist in all matters of organizing the trip.
The Spain in Russian Service Center is your guide to studying in Spain. Selection of educational institutions, transfer to a Spanish university, visas, residence permits for the whole family, children’s camps, sports and English schools.
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90,000 Komandor camp – sports camp in Ryazan
DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION
For those who cannot imagine their life without speed Komandor Camp organized an autumn camp in the city of Ryazan.Depending on the program, a young athlete can feel like a real biker or a professional racer, tame a horse or conquer a mountain slope. The variety of destinations motivates you to come back to camp again and again. It remains only to choose what corresponds to the child’s hobbies or what he would like to learn.
Equestrian camp
For 7 days of shift, thanks to daily training, each camp participant will be able to become a first-class rider and achieve his own personal new result in training.Classes are held in mini-groups and include, in addition to practical training: cleaning and harnessing a horse, caring for a horse, as well as exercise on a horse.
Moto Camp
This shift will focus on PITBIKE driving training. This is a kind of mini-motorcycle, perfect for teaching motocross for kids from 8 to 17 years old. The child will learn not only safe driving, but also delve into the study of the structure of motocross motorcycles of their varieties and purpose.
Karting
At the autumn shift of the Komandor karting camp, each participant can become a real racer. Through daily training, this sport will become understandable, affordable and safe.
This is an amazing sport that develops coordination, thinking, the ability to quickly make decisions in a given situation.
Winter Extreme
During this shift, the participant will learn how to ski or snowboard. Learns the FIS rules and how to behave on the slope in order not to get injured.Classes in the winter camp are conducted by certified instructors from the Russian National League, certified by ISIA RUSSIA.
Accommodation : Camp participants live at the Atron Hotel. Room for 2 – 4 people, facilities in the room. Hotel “Atron” is located outside the city, on the territory of the Motorsport Complex “Atron”, a 15-minute drive from the center of Ryazan
Food: Delicious and healthy food. Four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner. Vegetarian food and food for allergy sufferers possible
Medical service:
- healthcare professional
- honey.insurance
- inspection before shift
- hospital in 15 minutes (car on duty)
Security:
- protected area
- for every 4 children – 1 counselor
90,086 supervised children 24 × 7
Infrastructure and services
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Sports equipment rental
- Animation program
- Tracks for karting, drift and rally
- Conference Hall
- Gym
- Museum Historical and Memorial Hall of Military Equipment and Weapons of the Airborne Forces
“Bragin didn’t hit any goals last season.This year the tension will be even greater, ”Plyushchev reports about SKA and the Russian national team – Hockey
Honored Coach of Russia Vladimir Plyushchev commented on the fact that Valery Bragin is the head of SKA and the national team.
– I don’t know what Bragin was guided by when he agreed to lead both SKA and the national team this season. The most difficult year is ahead for him. After all, the Olympics are the Olympics. And the slogan “the main thing is not to win, but to participate” is not for us. But I think that such a slogan is not suitable for SKA either – just educating young players, without fighting for the Gagarin Cup.
Army men have been setting the highest, most ambitious goals lately. Therefore, I think it will be very difficult for Bragin to break into two camps. And nevertheless, if he thought that he could cope with it, – the flag in his hands!
– Is it realistic to achieve two goals with this combination? Indeed, until February, all Bragin’s thoughts will be filled only with the Olympics.
– But about this, that in February 2022 the Olympics will be held, they did not find out today (laughs). Was it impossible to foresee this situation when Bragin headed both the national team and SKA? Last season, Valery Nikolaevich did not achieve a single goal.And this year the tension will be even greater.
– Moreover, his assistants in SKA will also work in the Russian national team.
– Probably, such a line and policy is needed so that not everyone breathes the same way. Someone must also express another point of view. By the same selection of players for the national team. I’m not saying that someone is obliged to fight against someone. But there should be a different, alternative opinion. However, FHR knows better who to invite to the national team.
– The best coaches from various NHL clubs have entered the headquarters of the national teams of Canada and the United States.And we have almost the entire headquarters from SKA, especially Bragin’s assistants are not distinguished by any regalia and titles.
– I would add: also the results. But this question is not for me. I think that the strongest players should play for the national team. And coaches who can give results, – said Plushev.
Menshikov Alexander Danilovich – One hundred great generals of Russia. Project “One Hundred Great Generals. Hero of the Day”
Menshikov
Alexander Danilovich
6 November 1673 – 12 November 1729
Battles and Victories
Russian statesman and military leader, His Serene Highness Prince, associate and favorite of Peter I, in 1725-1727 – head of the Supreme Privy Council and de facto ruler of Russia, President of the Military Collegium, Governor-General of St. Petersburg, Field Marshal General (1709), under Peter II – Generalissimo of the sea and land forces (1727), holder of many other titles and positions.
Among his many battles and victories, here we will pay special attention to the Battle of Kalish – it is forgotten, but in vain!
“The Most Serene Saint of the Roman and Russian State, the Prince and Duke of Izhora; in Dubrovna, Gory-Gorki and in Pochep count, hereditary lord of Ariniburgsky and Baturinsky, his Imperial Majesty of All-Russian over the troops, Commander Generalissimo, Supreme Privy Councilor, President of the State Military Collegium, Governor-General of the Province of St. Petersburg, Lieutenant Colonel of the Preobrazhenskaya Life Guards Colonel over three regiments, captain of the bombarding company, from the All-Russian Navy Vice-Admiral of the White Flag, Knight of the Orders of St. Andrew the Apostle, Danish Elephant, Polish White and Prussian Black Eagles and St.Alexander Nevsky’s cavalier “, – this was the full title of A.D. Menshikov in 1727
Truly “semi-sovereign”, as A.S. wrote about him. Pushkin.
His Serene Highness Prince A.D. Menshikov
Unknown artist.
First quarter of the 18th century
The origin of Alexander Danilovich is still controversial among historians. Someone considers him to be from the lower classes, while others have roots in an impoverished family of Lithuanian nobles.An associate of Peter the Great was born in 1673 in Moscow. Data about his childhood and youth are vague, but be that as it may, in 1686 he entered the inner circle of the young Tsar Peter and soon became his orderly. Thanks to his enormous capacity for work, bright talents and tireless service for the good of the Fatherland, he enjoyed the special favor of Peter I, reaching a high position in society. Menshikov owes his rapid rise to, first of all, selfless courage, courage, outstanding talents of a military leader, unparalleled energy and loyalty to the cause of the reformer Tsar Peter I.
According to the well-known historian Buganov’s apt remark:
Until the death of Peter the Great, Menshikov remained his shadow.
Peter enrolled his favorite in the Preobrazhensky regiment with the rank of bombardier. For almost forty years, Alexander Danilovich will follow the tsar-reformer, acquiring practical skills in military and state activities.
Lunch and brotherhood of Peter the Great in the house of Prince Menshikov |
Artist V.Surikov. 1872 |
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The future Highness Prince received the baptism of fire during the Azov campaigns in 1695 and 1696. against Turkey. On the walls of the strongest enemy fortress of Azov, he showed exceptional courage and courage. In the years 1696-1697. HELL. Menshikov accompanied the tsar at the Grand Embassy in Western Europe, studied shipbuilding with him at the shipyards of Saardam (Zaandam), Amsterdam and London, mastered the “profession” of a diplomat.
By the beginning of the Northern War (1700-1721) “Danilych” or “min hertz”, as the sovereign affectionately called him, was already a lieutenant of the Preobrazhensky regiment. Together with the tsar, he will leave the camp of the Russian troops near Narva in November 1700 on the eve of the battle and together with him will drink the whole cup of shame.
He will follow the king from Narva to Novgorod, from Novgorod to Moscow, Voronezh and Arkhangelsk, carrying out all the instructions of the monarch. A man of extraordinary mind, although absolutely illiterate, he will unswervingly support Peter the Great in all his endeavors, making enemies for himself among the old aristocratic aristocracy.
During the siege of Noteburg in October 1702, Menshikov commanded a reserve column, which finally turned his success over to the side of Russian arms. For his courage in battle, he was awarded the rank of Shlisselburg commandant and in the same year received the title of count. In April-May 1703, together with Field Marshal B.P. Sheremetev, led the siege of the Nyenshants fortress on the river. Neve. On May 1, the fortress surrendered and was renamed by Peter I to Schlotburg; the tsar appointed A.D. Menshikov.
On May 2, the scouts reported to the tsar about the appearance of the Swedish squadron Nummers in the Gulf of Finland. On May 5, the Swedish admiral sent out for reconnaissance two ships – the 8-cannon shnyava “Astrel” and the 12-cannon boat “Gedan”, which in the evening entered the mouth of the Neva and anchored there. Nummers, apparently, did not have information that the entire Neva River was already under Russian rule, and brought his ships to the seaside.
The capture of the bot “Gedan” and the shnava “Astrild” at the mouth of the Neva on May 7, 1703 |
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Peter I and A.D. Menshikov quickly assembled 30 small bots and on the night of May 7 at nightfall, placing a guard on them, decisively attacked the Swedes. In a stubborn battle, Astrid and Gedan were cut off from the squadron, taken on board, and their crews were almost completely killed. Of the 79 crew members, only 12.
survived.
In honor of this victory, the tsar ordered to knock out a commemorative medal with a short inscription:
The unseen happens.
Medal “The Unseen Happens”. 1703
For the heroism shown, the tsar and A.D. Menshikov was awarded the 6th and 7th Cavaliers of the first (and subsequently the highest) Russian Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.
May 16, 1703 A.D. Menshikov took part in the laying of the fortress of St. Petersburg (“St. Peter Burkh”), which became the capital of Russia a few years later. A.D. Menshikov.
A.D. Menshikov courageously led the defense of St. Petersburg from the Swedish fleet in May-June 1704, for which he was awarded a lieutenant general. In 1704 he took part in the second siege and assault on Narva. Under the walls of the fortress, a staged battle was fought between the Russian and Swedish troops in order to lure out a part of the Narva garrison to help “their own”. The “Swedes” were commanded by the tsar, the Russians – by A.D. Menshikov. After the capture of this fortress, he was appointed governor-general of “Narva and all conquered lands.”
Peter entrusted the faithful “Danilych” with the heavy duty of forming the Russian regular cavalry. Menshikov was one of its founding fathers. If in 1700 there were only two dragoon regiments, then in 1709 the cavalry already consisted of 3 horse-grenadier and 30 dragoon regiments, as well as 3 separate squadrons: Menshikov General Squadron, Kozlovsky and Brownie Field Marshal B.P. Sheremetev.
In 1705, Peter sent his closest associate at the head of the cavalry corps to help his ally – the Polish king and Saxon Elector Augustus II the Strong.For successful military operations against the Swedish protege Stanislav Leshchinsky A.D. Menshikov was awarded the highest Polish Order of the White Eagle by August II. In the same year, at the request of Peter I, the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I granted A.D. Menshikov’s princely title.
In the early spring of 1706, the prince organized the rescue of the 40,000-strong Russian army from Grodno, which was blockaded by the Swedes, supervised the construction of the Pechersk fortress in Kiev to defend the city from Swedish troops; commanded the Russian cavalry in Poland.
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The battle of Kalisz on October 18 (29), 1706 is a striking crown of the prince’s military leadership talents. Forest (1708) and Poltava (1709). It gave the Russians the first major field victory over the Swedish forces – a victory prepared by the systemic military reform led by Peter I.Near Kalisz, the “observation corps” of the Swedish king was completely destroyed and the banners of the “anti-king” Stanislav I (Leshchinsky) were scattered.
The campaign of the Russian cavalry deep into Poland in the summer and autumn of 1706, it seemed, had only an indirect relation to the conquest of the Baltic States, being conceived by the Russian command as a means of keeping August II the Strong in the anti-Swedish alliance. But the success at Kalisz strengthened the confidence of the Russian command in the combat effectiveness of its army, and Peter I – in the military leadership art of the Russian military.The Battle of Kalisz proved that the Russian army was surprisingly quickly on a par with the best European armies. There was no longer any Russian “fear” of the “enchanted” Swedes. And this had a positive effect on all areas of activity of Tsar Peter and the Russian army, including the Baltic.
If Peter I rightly called the battle at Lesnaya the “mother” of the Poltava victory, then according to V. Artamonov, the Kalish battle has a “grandfather’s” degree of kinship with the Poltava one.
When, after the Grodno episode, the threat of a Swedish invasion of Russia subsided, Peter I withdrew about 20 thousand troops from the Western Dvina to siege Vyborg, and his favorite Prince A.D. Menshikov fighting in Poland, to “keep the pants” at the inglorious ally of Augustus.
The training of horsemen in the city of Fastov went on with great difficulty. Remembering the defeat of B. Sheremetev at Gemauerthof, where the cavalry, in disorder, rushed into the attack, shouting and whooping, the tsarist favorite managed to hammer into his subordinates the most important thing – to attack in formation without leaving the infantry.The dragoons learned to keep the line on horseback and on foot, practiced firing muskets, wielding broadswords and striking the enemy’s flank, but with difficulty rebuilt from marching to battle formation and could hardly keep the formation, closing knee by knee, like the Swedes. Discipline was lame. The guards were displayed “carelessly”. The cavalrymen were adequately supplied with flour, breadcrumbs, buckwheat and oatmeal, but they did not have enough meat, and they hunted chickens, geese, ham and gorilka in huts. Those unfit for cavalry service had to be sent off as soldiers.
But already on July 20, the Russian cavalry was able to go west. The cavalry corps, which was supposed to inspire optimism to the Saxons and Sandomirians, consisted of 17 regiments and numbered 8,756 dragoons. An unprecedented number of irregular horsemen were attached to the corps – 6,000 Don Cossacks and 4,000 Kalmyks, whom the Poles were supposed to see for the first time. The ally of Peter and Augustus, the Lithuanian hetman G.A. Oginsky asked for the help of the Kalmyks, who instill greater fear in the enemy.
“Name of Victory”:
Menshikov Alexander Danilovich
The Swedish command, it seems to us, showed shortsightedness and did not give this Russian offensive the proper attention.For a holiday in Saxony, Charles XII, risking the loss of control over Poland, took his entire army with him. At the extreme borderlands of Poland along the river. Warthe, the Swedish king left behind the 5,000-strong observation corps of General Arvid Axel Mardefelt (1660-1708), put together according to the “leftover principle”. Near the Swedish regiments near the Vistula there were 112 light banners of the cavalry of the “Kiev governor” and the crown hetman Józef Potocki (1673-1751). In total, then on the side of Leshchinsky there were about 15 thousand Poles, ready at any moment either to desert or go to the Sandomirians.
King-Elector August, who ran like a hare from the Swedes, was at this time near Krakow. With him were about 6 thousand Saxons and 10 thousand Poles, but he did not even think to put up at least some kind of shield in front of Saxony, and took refuge in the northeast of Poland, near Novogrudok, rounding a weak Swedish detachment near Brest. Therefore, when on September 11, Karl XII, together with several Leszczynski’s banners, crossed the border of Saxony, this elector, unlike Russia, Poland and Lithuania, surrendered to the Swedes without a single shot.Then on September 13, at the Altranstadt castle near Leipzig, Karl Pieper and Karl Renschild, together with Saxon diplomats, signed “eternal, firm and true peace and friendship.” Since that time, August’s diplomacy has been reduced to a particularly virtuoso deception of the Swedes, Russians and Poles.
On September 16 (27), the Russians, Poles and Saxons united near Lublin. Three days later, a general review of the troops took place with a cannon and rifle salute and subsequent libations. After the “fun” that both August and Menshikov loved so much, they got down to business.
Menshikov, in a letter to the tsar, gave vent to his irony over the king of Poland:
The royal majesty is terribly bored of money and with tears at one point asked me, before he became impoverished so that there was nothing to eat … Evo poverty, seeing, I gave him 10 thousand efimks of my own money.
In fact, August II received from him 6 thousand Efimks, but from the royal treasury the prince, who was not inferior in cheating to his partner, counted on compensating 10 thousand.
Menshikov knew that Mardefelt had fewer troops than he had, but he had to reckon with the possibility of Charles XII of Saxony helping.Distracting march of General A.L. Levengaupt from September 20 from Courland to Kovno and Vilno (and further, according to rumors, to Polotsk) Menshikov did not take into account – Levengaupt did not have time to save Mardefelt. The fighting spirit of the remaining Swedish units in Poland was not high.
Meanwhile, Menshikov, in spite of Augustus, continued to pull all his forces towards Kalisz, in the area of which, according to his intelligence, there were up to 8 thousand Swedes and 15 thousand Poles-Stanislawites. On October 17, the Russian-Polish-Saxon allies crossed the shallow Prosna, agreed on the placement of regiments and formed a battle formation 5 km south of Kalisz.From the north, the city was blocked by irregular units. Some of the Poles crossed the Prosna only the next morning, on the day of the battle. Mardefelt lined up his troops behind a stream flowing through the village of Dobzhets, with the front to the south and with the support of the left flank on Prosna. All night long, both sides stood on alert. The opponents did not think about an unexpected night or morning attack: Mardefelt, completely devoid of the tactical audacity of Karl XII, gave all the initiative to the enemy, August II restrained Menshikov to the last.
Cavalry attack under the command of Alexander Menshikov |
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On the morning of October 18, the Allies held a military council, after which, despite August’s delays, the regiments began to move in two columns to a more advantageous western position, in front of which there were no water barriers.10 thousand Cossacks and Kalmyks, blocked the rear of the Swedes behind the right marshy bank of the Prosna and from the east of Kalisz. Cornered Mardefelt deployed a 3-kilometer front between the villages of Koscielna Ves and Dobrzec facing west, with the rear towards Prosna, surrendering all the initiative to the enemy.
The allies did not have a single command. Augustus never commanded troops in battle and, having been removed from the crown by the Swedes, formally did not have the right to command over them. He handed the order of the Saxons to Lieutenant General M.Brandt, who was hired in the Crown Army in 1692 and managed to fight slightly with the Turks, Tatars and Swedes. In order not to create the impression of complete removal from the battle, August, contrary to custom, went to the field as an ordinary rider.
The Sandomirians were commanded by the great crown hetman Adam Nikolay Senyavsky, one of the leaders of the Sandomierz Confederation, an ambitious but mediocre military leader. The de facto commander-in-chief was the initiator of the Kalisz battle – A.D. Menshikov, who went to the field with complete faith in victory.Being 13 years younger than Mardefelt, the Russian general was not very much inferior to that in military experience.
On a dry autumn afternoon on October 18, the Allies began to prepare for battle. With a total number of 34,000 people, about 24,000 horsemen were fielded in the lines (the Cossacks and Kalmyks did not participate in the battle).
Believing the offensive to be the best form of defense, the Swedish general did not think about defense and did nothing for the engineering preparation of the battlefield. He did not shelter the infantry outside the walls of Kalisz – the fall-winter weather, most likely, would have forced the allies to abandon the siege.In the heads of the Swedish military leaders there was a pattern – to destroy the enemy line with a swift attack. So it was in all the field battles up to the Poltava shock. Only in Finland, starting in 1713, the Swedes began to hold out against the Russian defensive tactics. Therefore, Mardefelt did not displace the Poles back, like Menshikov, but placed them next to the Swedish regiments.
Due to August’s sabotage, the battle began late, when it was already getting dark. By doing this, Augustus gave the enemy an additional chance to reduce losses and, perhaps, escape, taking advantage of the darkness.The three-hour “full battle” began between three and four o’clock with cannon volleys. The Russo-Saxon allies were the first to move, but Mardefelt immediately sent his motley army forward. The field echoed with a loud cry “With God’s help!”
On a dry, flat field, the long lines converged evenly, although the squadrons could barely see each other because of the black smoke from the guns and the dust rising. As soon as the lines approached for a rifle shot, both Polish wings collapsed almost simultaneously. The battalion of the second line, with shots threw back several Saxon squadrons, but this could no longer help the Swedes.The inglorious behavior of the Poles of the “brave” Potocki largely predetermined the defeat of Mardefelt.
The Russians were not impressed by Swedish pressure. Their line sprung – Menshikov and Brandt took part of the center of the first line to the range of a rifle shot. The officers kept a firm order, and the dragoons regularly fired from their horses and slowly drove off.
Meanwhile, two regiments of dismounted Russian dragoons stopped the enemy’s infantry, and the cavalry began to enter the flank of the Swedish battalions:
… General Menshikov soon ordered several squadrons of dragoons to dismount against the Swedish infantry, and from the right wing of the cavalry to step on it …
Brandt, following the example of Menshikov, also hurried some of the cavalrymen, but repeating the coverage of the Swedes on the left, did not show much zeal.After the flanking of the Swedes by the Russians and Saxons, the Sandomirian cavalry set off in pursuit of the escaped Stanislavians and surrounded Wagenburg. The losses of the Sandomir people amounted to no more than a hundred people.
All European historians noted the betrayal of Augustus before the battle, but no one, starting from the beginning of the 18th century, indicated that his treachery continued in the battle itself. “The behavior of the Russian regiments exceeded all expectations, the Saxons, however, were very indifferent to the matter,” he noted in his report dated November 13, 1706.British envoy Charles Whitworth. In all likelihood, Augustus gave his commanding staff the instruction “not to be zealous” so as not to infuriate the “northern Alexander the Great” (Charles XII), who ruled in Saxony. Negligible losses of 120 people. and the capture on the battlefield of only 4 Swedish captains and 3 captains, confirms the “restraint” of the Saxons in the battle.
In the painting of the Battle of Kalisz from the Czartoryski Museum, there was no room for Russians at all. |
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For almost an hour the Swedish horsemen rushed about, cut off from the infantry and surrounded by superior forces. The commanders were losing their units. Russian dragoons, having complete freedom of maneuver on the field, dissected, surrounded, knocked out cavalrymen and captured them.
Many who have been in other battles said that they had never seen such a fire.
– recognized by N. Yullensherna.
The defeat of the Swedes became obvious, and it was possible to surrender. The agony of the remnants of the Swedish regiments passed almost in the dark: the mixed parts of infantry and cavalry shot back and rushed at the enemy, coming from the flanks and rear. The Swedes responded with a volley to the first Russian demand for surrender. Then Menshikov, just as the Swedes did near Narva in relation to the resisting Transfiguration and Semenovites, ordered to drag the guns, shoot on the left flank of the square and throw grenades.Hertz’s Bavarians immediately disintegrated, and the battalion “surrendered, being attacked and overturned by the enemy. Then the colonel and all the others who were not killed were taken prisoner by the Russians, with which the shooting stopped. ” Bearing in mind the peace with Saxony and the advances of August II, the Swedish commander hoped to escape in Saxon “good hands”. The threat of the final shooting by Russian cannons of the helplessly heaped remnants of the human mass made the drum signal of surrender beat in the pitch darkness. The Swedes lost all guns, banners, timpani, drums.In Russian hands were 1769 Swedes, Germans, Swiss and French, among them 94 officers. Russian troops took on the battlefield 3 regimental copper cannons, 26 banners, 3 pairs of timpani, 22 drums, 400 soldier’s guns and 13 military bands.
Mardefelt was finally sent to Augustus, who kindly greeted him with the words: “Welcome, he will only stay with me.” Together with other officers, the general under a Saxon escort was placed in a shed with an order not to admit either Russians or Poles to him – “be it even a general.”
On the morning of October 19, Menshikov generously allowed Brandt to accept the surrender of the remnants of the Stanislavites, as well as the Swedes who had taken refuge in Kalisz. So the Saxons got 829 Swedish prisoners who surrendered to the “chord”, 54 Polish, 5 dragoon banners and 5 thousand carts. The Poles were not considered honorary prisoners and were not mentioned in the reports. The Saxons tore off their caftans and forced them to undress to their underwear. The highest degree of courtesy was shown to the captured Swedish officers, doctors were assigned and a promise was given not to give them over to the Russians.Immediately after the victory, Augustus sent his “sincere” condolences to Charles XII, blaming the Russians and Poles for dragging him into battle against his will.
A total of 2598 prisoners were taken from the Swedish regiments – the largest number in the Northern War after the full year of 1709 in Perevolochna near the Dnieper (about 16000) and near Poltava (2977). Such a number of surrendered testifies to the insufficient resilience of the Swedish regiments. In the battle itself, about 1260 people were killed.
The victory was won with little bloodshed.According to the “Table of losses”, on December 20, 1706, the Russians had 7 killed and 20 wounded officers, and only 450 people. The losses of the Saxons were 3%, and the Sandomirians were even less – 1%. Most likely, most of the Russian and Saxon losses occurred in the first minutes of the battle, when the first line was fed back in front of the Swedes.
On the whole, we have to conclude that only the Russians fought for real, while the Saxons and Poles initially acted carelessly.
After the Kalisz victory in Europe, the stereotype of the invincibility of the Swedes in field battles collapsed and the authority of the Russian army was straightened out. Swedish influence in the Polish-Lithuanian state declined sharply. Apart from a small garrison in Poznan, the Swedes had no forces left in Poland. Menshikov and Peter I became the masters there until the secondary invasion of the Swedish army in the summer and autumn of 1707.
For his courage and courage, Menshikov was awarded a precious cane made according to Peter I’s own drawing.August II gave his Highness Prince the town of Orsha, where, according to legend, the Menshikov family came from. In honor of the victory, a special award medal was minted.
In the campaign 1707-1708. the prince was outright defeated by King Charles XII, which led to a number of defeats for the Russian army. He managed to rehabilitate only in the battle of Lesnaya on September 28, 1708, where he commanded the vanguard of the corvolant (a flying detachment formed from dragoons and infantrymen mounted on horses).
November 2, 1708troops under the command of A.D. Menshikov was stormed by Baturin – the residence of the hetman of the Left-Bank Ukraine I. Mazepa, who went over to the side of Charles XII. The Swedes were deprived of huge reserves of food, fodder and ammunition on the eve of a harsh winter.
In the Battle of Poltava, which decided the fate of the Northern War and Russia, the Most Serene Prince, as always – at the head of the cavalry, was in the thick of the battle, three horses were killed under him.
The army of Charles XII fled to the town of Perevolochna on the Dnieper.Menshikov and General Prince M.M. Golitsyn, at the head of the cavalry units, caught up with the Swedes and forced the strongest army in Europe to surrender without a single shot. 16 thousand Swedes were taken prisoner, including the entire generals. For Poltava and Perevolochna A.D. Menshikov was awarded the rank of second field marshal general.
In April-June 1710 Menshikov led the siege of Riga, then ruled over St. Petersburg and the province, supervised the construction of the navy and the highest government body – the Senate.
In 1712-1713 was the commander of the Russian troops in Pomerania (Northern Germany). HELL. Menshikov, together with the allied Danish-Saxon troops, took the Swedish fortresses of Stralsund and Stettin, for which he was awarded the highest Danish Order of the White Elephant and the highest Prussian Order of the Black Eagle.
This was the last military campaign of the prince. For the next six years he was engaged in the construction of St. Petersburg. Demonstrating loyalty to the tsar, he was the first to put his signature on the death sentence of the Senate to Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich.In 1719 he was appointed president of the Military Collegium. In 1721 he was awarded the rank of vice admiral.
After the death of Peter I A.D. Menshikov, relying on the guard, on January 28, 1725 elevated Catherine I to the throne and became the de facto ruler of Russia. Thanks to Menshikov’s extensive diplomatic experience, Russian-Austrian relations, interrupted in connection with the case of Tsarevich Alexei (1718), were normalized, and an alliance agreement was concluded (1726). This union, with various changes and additions, retained its strength until the middle of the 19th century.
Shortly before the death of Catherine I, A.D. Menshikov received from her consent to the marriage of his daughter Maria with the declared heir to the throne – Grand Duke Peter Alekseevich. May 13, 1727 A.D. Menshikov received the rank of generalissimo from the young emperor Peter II, and on May 25 his daughter was betrothed to the emperor. This led to a conspiracy against the prince of the highest aristocracy.
Portrait of Prince A.D. Menshikov. Unknown Russian master, 18th century State Museum “Kuskovo Estate” |
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In the morning of September 8, General S.A. Saltykov, on behalf of Peter II, announced to His Serene Highness Prince about house arrest, and the next day the Emperor signed the prepared by A.I. Osterman, a decree on exile without trial and investigation by A.D. Menshikov and his family in Ranenburg (now Chaplygin, Lipetsk region). The Most Serene Prince was deprived of all ranks and orders (“cavalry”), all his documents were sealed.
If during the life of Peter the Great, the prince, who was repeatedly brought to trial for embezzlement of state money and embezzlement, came out dry, now political opponents were able to recall to him everything that was in reality, and attribute something that was not even in sight …
Deprived of all ranks, awards and property, the disgraced nobleman was exiled to Berezov. HELL. Menshikov lived in Berezovo for less than a year and a half, but left a good memory of himself with the local residents. He died at the age of 56, on November 12, 1729., and was buried at the altar of the wooden church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, built by his own hands.
BESPALOV A.V., Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor
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