Toddlers and Infants — Wee Carls

A list of recommended babysitters will be available upon request from the Office of Alumni Relations, alumni-office@carleton.edu or 800-729-2586 or 507-222-4205. This list of babysitters is compiled by Barb Howe, long-time director of the children’s program, of babysitters who have been used by members in the Northfield community and have had good experiences. It is your responsibility and at your discretion to interview or complete a background check on the list of potential babysitters. Carleton has not done any background checks or interviews with these individuals. We encourage you to make reservations well in advance, as the sitters are usually booked prior to Reunion. It is your responsibility to make arrangements for payment (approximately $10/hour) and to transport the sitter to and from campus.

We recommend talking to your classmates about arranging for group babysitting and encourage you to contact babysitters ASAP.

There are also facilities on campus for new parents, including changing stations and a lactation room.

Family-Friendly Events in Northfield

A list of family-friendly events can be found on the Reunion Schedule. In addition, here are some other fun events around Northfield to do with children and families.

• Central Park, 421 4th St E. This park is adjacent to the Weitz Center of Creativity and across the street from Parish House. A large playground, swings, and lots of green space make this park a family favorite.
• Northfield Library, 801 Washington St. The public library located next to Carleton has reopened after an expansive remodel, including a redesigned children's area. The library offers many children's programs and events. Visit their schedule for times and program information.
• Northfield Pool, 801 7th St E.The community pool features a separate toddler pool, zero-depth entry, a 50-meter section, a diving board, a 1/2 court basketball court, a climbing wall, a concession stand, and plenty of deck and grass space for everyone to enjoy.  Open swim is 11:30 A.M - 8:00 P.M.

Camp Carleton - Children's Program

Camp Carleton provides interesting and fun activities for children who have completed kindergarten to age 11. Children must be entering 1st grade or older. The program is very popular and may fill before Reunion weekend. Walk-in registration will be available only if space permits. See a schedule and more information.

Barb Howe has been the director of Camp Carleton since 1982. She has taught kindergarten, first grade, and Title One (supplemental reading and math). She served as the children’s arts coordinator at the Northfield Arts Guild and presently is the director and lead teacher at Open Door Nursery School in Northfield.

Teen Program

Teens ages 12–17 who are registered for Reunion are welcome to participate in any of the scheduled Reunion activities. Additionally, there are teen program activities on Friday and Saturday. Activities include a mix of art, music, games, movies, field trips, and visits to some favorite Carleton places. The activity schedule is still being finalized but may include a cooking program, climbing activity, or robotics lab. Check back for updates. Please use the special section on the registration form to register your teen. Learn more about the teen program.

Sam Stienberg is excited to join the Teen Program this year as the director and spend a few days exploring this great area with some energetic young people.  He grew up in Oregon and attended college at Luther in Decorah, Iowa. He now lives in Northfield and has taught biology and environmental science at the high school level for 13 years.

Bringing High Schoolers?

If you are bringing a high school student with you, you may wish to schedule an interview and tour via the Admissions website or call 800-995-CARL in advance to schedule an interview and tour. Due to limited time availability, interviews will only be available for students graduating from high school in 2021.  Interviews during Reunion may be scheduled after April 30, 2020. 

The Carleton Admissions Office will be open on Friday of Reunion weekend from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office will be closed on Saturday, but there will be a general information session that afternoon. Call the office to add your child to the mailing list to receive Admissions publications.