Summer Youth Program

Bemidji, Minn.
A Place in the Woods

Lesnoe Ozero's new facility on Turtle River Lake near Bemidji features authentic pine log cabins housing between eight and 14 villagers per cabin, typically in bedrooms sleeping four people each. Each cabin features one or two private bathrooms with showers shared by the villagers and staff living in that cabin. When at full capacity up to 65 villagers will attend Lesnoe Ozero at a time.

The two-story, sun-filled cabins are fully furnished, so villagers have plenty of table space for Russian lessons and games like shakhmati (chess) and kitchen areas for cooking activities. The charming living areas provide a place where villagers can sit and chat or read traditional Russian skazki (fairy tales) in front of a cozy, woodstove - just like in a real Russian cottage!

Activity spaces, the Village store, and the health center will find their home in several additional centrally located cabins on the site. Construction is now in progress to complete a new dinning hall building before the summer program season begins in 2006; the dining hall is a short easy walk from the housing area of the Village. Other highlights of the site include a beautiful beach and several nature trails.

Village Contact Information