This camp lets kids show off their imagination and battle skills. Cardboard required.

There's a camp in Minnesota that's taking kids on quite an adventure.

GIF via Julian McFaul/YouTube.

An adventure in cardboard, that is.

Adventures in Cardboard is a summer camp based in Minneapolis that's opening up the hearts and minds of area youth through outdoor arts and play — and lots of it.

The camp, created by artist and teacher Julian McFaul, is based around workshops that encourage kids to use nature and their imaginations to create their own fun spaces, both mentally and physically.

All images come from Amy Wurdock, used with permission.

It's in its fourth year of official operation, and they've got six locations so far, all scattered around the Twin Cities. Each spot has fantastic wooded trails, high open country fields, and miles of lake or river shoreline. The camps kind of have it all.

It comes with the mindset that when you give a group the freedom to be outdoors and be creative, it can compete with any smartphone app, video game, or television show.

I think that's right. Bring it on.

When asked how he came up with the idea, Julian told me it came naturally from the culture of the neighborhood (Powderhorn Park) that his family, including his two kids, live in.

"People here just like to build stuff and play. ... We had a giant pirate ship on wheels one year that we ripped around the blocks of Powderhorn, and the kids would get off every once in awhile and storm someone's yard."

Umm ... that sounds amazing. And it does pose the question: Why play video games for hours on end when you can be the star in your own real-life version?

I think it's safe to say the kids are enjoying themselves — and it's good for them, too.

"From the work of Richard Louv and others describing 'nature deficit disorder,' we know children are smarter, healthier, and happier when they have time for semi-structured play in natural places," Julian said.

This year, the camp is trying to make sure ALL kids have the opportunity to participate. Because you shouldn't have to be rich to kick butt in cardboard.

"I know the first thing a girl or boy usually does when they stand at the entrance of the Great Forest, no matter what their gender, ethnicity, or culture, is to grab a stick, do some sword-fighting moves and taunt the monsters inside to come and get her!"

If you feel like helping make those moments a reality, feel free to check out the Indiegogo campaign they are running to raise scholarship funds for the kids who would otherwise not be able to join in on the fun.

Adventures in Cardboard is such a great outlet for kids that adults want in too.

"We've had so many requests for an adult retreat organized around the same games and creative activities we do with kids, that we're organizing one in the spring and one in the fall of 2016," Julian said.

I mean, I get it. Laughing and screaming with your friends while running around in handmade cardboard gear? It's like the ultimate dream.

I love that it's turned into a reality.