Resource Families - Camp Northern Lights
Seasoned family campers can apply to be a Resource Family. Resource Families support campers throughout the week by leading activities such as Big & Little Dippers and leading an Adult Group activity each day.
Cost & Accommodations
- Being a Resource Family costs $350.
- Resource Families stay in Alder, a full-facility cabin in North Point Village.
Applications
- Applications open Friday, October 9, 2026, and are due Friday, November 20, 2026.
- Applicants will be informed by Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
2027 Resource Family Session Dates
- Session 1: June 13 – 19
- Session 2: June 20 – 26
- Session 3: June 27 – July 3 *BIPOC STEPS Session
- Session 4: July 4 – 10
- Session 5 & 6: July 11 – 17 (Split Session) *BIPOC STEPS Session 6
- Session 7: July 18 - 24
- Session 8: July 25 – 31 *LGBTQ+ STEPS Session
- Session 9: Aug 1 –7
- Session 10: Aug 8 – 14 *BIPOC STEPS Session
- Session 11: Aug 15 - 21
- Session 12: Aug 22 – 28
- Session 13: Aug 29 – Sept 1 (3-Night Session)
- Labor Day Weekend: Sept 3 – 6 (3-Night Session)
Questions about Resource Families? Please email Isaac Patterson, Executive Director, at isaac.patterson@ymcamn.org.
Leadership Development Program - Camp Northern Lights
Teens who are starting 9th grade, through teens that have finished 12th grade will learn about leadership through training and helping camp counselors facilitate programs.
Cost & Accommodations
LDP Participants stay in one of our beautiful ‘glamping’ platform tents, aptly named Loon, Deer, and Pike.
We are excited to bring back a tiered pricing system for 2027 Leadership Development Program registration.
The registration tier you select will directly support the continued operation of this program. There are a range of pricing levels intended to support each family’s financial situation. This means you can choose from a range of tiers and opt-in to pay the amount that suits your family best.
- Tier 1 - $1,400 (reflects actual cost of LDP Program which includes lodging, meals, staffing and transportation)
- Subsidized Rates
- Tier 2 - $1,000
- Tier 3 – $800
- We encourage families unable to afford Tier 3 to apply for Financial Assistance and reach out to Jenessa Carlisle, Summer Program Director, at jenessa.carlisle@ymcanorth.org.
- We recognize that the LDP Program can stretch the financial resources of many families. The Family Camp administrative teams and community boards raise funds annually to ensure this powerful experience is accessible to all interested campers. The majority of families who submit an application will receive the financial assistance needed.
- There is a $60 transportation fee to ride the bus to/from camp.
- Payment Schedule – An initial 10% deposit will be due followed by four equal payments on the first of the month in February, March, April, and May.
Applications
- Applications open on Friday, October 9, 2026, and are due Friday, November 20, 2026.
- Applicants will be informed by Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
2027 Session Dates
- Session 1: June 13 – 27
- Session 2: June 27 – July 11
- Session 3: July 11 – 25
- Session 4: July 25 – Aug 8
- Session 5: Aug 8 – 22
Tentative Transportation Schedule
Sunday going to camp:
- Participants should arrive at the White Bear Lake YMCA (2100 Orchard Ln, White Bear Lake, MN 55110) no later than 7:30AM
- The bus will depart White Bear Lake at 7:45AM and they will arrive at camp between 12:00PM - 12:30PM
*There is a $60 transportation fee to ride the bus to/from camp.
Sunday leaving camp:
The participants will depart after lunch; this is generally around 1:00 - 1:30PM. The bus will arrive back at the White Bear Lake YMCA at approximately 5:30 - 6:00PM.
Questions? Please email Jenessa Carlisle, Summer Program Director, at jenessa.carlisle@ymcanorth.org.