Register for Day Camp Gathering Pines

Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. Campers will explore by hiking, studying the wonder of nature, building connections through teamwork, and conquering many challenges under the leadership of well-trained staff. It exposes participants to various activities – including archery, swimming, nature studies, paddling, fort building, gaga ball, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more – so that each camper leaves camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!
 

Grades 1–9 | $284 ($309)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• June 26–30

• July 5–7 | $170 ($185)

• July 10–14

• July 17–21

• July 24–28

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 14–18

• Aug 21–25

• Aug 28–Sep 1

Start your child's appreciation of the great outdoors by enrolling them in Wee Backpackers! They have opportunities to sing songs, tell stories, explore nature, and meet new friends. Wee Backpackers happen in small groups under the watchful eye of counselors trained to meet the needs of young campers. The Wee Backpacker program maintains a low staff-to-child ratio.
 

Pre K–K | $304 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• June 26–30

• July 5–7 | $182 ($197)

• July 10–14

• July 17–21

• July 24–28

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 14–18

• Aug 21–25

• Aug 28–Sep 1

Summer Extravaganza is the last chance to enjoy the great outdoors at camp before summer ends! All available activities are jam-packed into a single session.
 

Grades 1–9 | $304 ($329)

• Aug 28–Sep 1

BAM! POW! KAZAM! Kids think, dress, and act like superheroes! Activities include super games, super crafts, and super fun. Where else can kids spend the day exploring their superpowers as their alter-ego superheroes, meet other superheroes and save the world?
 

Pre K–K | $324 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 14–18

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)

• June 26–30

• July 10–14

• July 24–28

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 21–25

ROAR! Campers will travel back to explore the Jurassic period with their favorite dinosaurs. We Dig Dinos camp aims to ignite the passion and fuel the enthusiasm of budding paleontologists. Campers dig for fossils, create their dinosaur, and more! Will your kids have a great time at this camp? You bet, Jurassic!
 

Pre K–K | $324 ($329)

• June 26–30

• July 10–14

• July 24–28

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 21–25

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

Colts is an approximately two-hour-per-day introductory program for campers with little or no experience around horses. First-time riders will build confidence and skills while learning the basics of western horseback riding. Instruction includes safety, leading, mounting, dismounting, reining, and basic riding. Kids spend the remainder of the day in traditional camp activities.
 

Grades 3–6 | $434 ($459)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• June 26–30

• July 5–7 | $260 ($275)

• July 10–14

• July 17–21

• July 24–28

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 14–18

• Aug 21–25

• Aug 28–Sep 1

Buckaroos is an intermediate program for campers with at least one year of riding experience. Approximately two hours of daily instruction includes a basic skill review, intermediate ring riding, trotting, grooming, and saddling. The remainder of the day is spent in traditional camp activities.
 

Grades 4–6 | $434 ($459)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• June 26–30

• July 5–7 | $260 ($275)

• July 10–14

• July 17–21

• July 24–28

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 14–18

• Aug 21–25

• Aug 28–Sep 1

Build confidence as you develop horsemanship skills. Trained instructors will teach the basics of western horseback riding. You will work on leading, mounting, ring work, grooming, trotting, and saddling. By week’s end, groups may have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic trail ride.
 

Grades 7–9 | $434 ($459)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• June 26–30

• July 5–7 | $260 ($275)

• July 10–14

• July 17–21

• July 24–28

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 14–18

• Aug 21–25

Participants learn the fundamentals of archery, examine equipment close-up, and learn the science behind target shooting. Instructors teach proper grip, stance, and aim alignment. YMCA of the North provides equipment.
 

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)

• June 26–30

• July 10–14

• July 24–28

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 21–25

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 14–18

Learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety. Challenge participants to test their strengths, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.
 

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 14–18

Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.
 

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)

• June 26–30

• July 10–14

• July 24–28

• Aug 7–11

• Aug 21–25

Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. Local lakes and rivers provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.
 

Grades 4–6 | $324 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.
 

Grades 1–3 | $324 ($329)

• June 12–16

• June 19–23

• July 5–7 | $194 ($209)

• July 17–21

• July 31–Aug 4

• Aug 14–18

Do you love working with kids in an outdoor camp setting? Here's your chance to take a leadership role! Junior Counselors are assigned to a group and assist Counselors in leading and carrying out various Day Camp programs.

Ages 14–15

Previous experience in a LIT program or leadership experience working with children is preferred. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process while gaining career readiness experience.

Contact Nicholas Dyson for more information: nicholas.dyson@ymcamn.org or 952-835-3331.

A day camp lead staff member will reach out for an interview around mid-March to talk over details and information about the program. We ask for a minimum of a 3-week commitment. Hope to see you this summer!