YMCA News

YMCA of the North to host all-city Vikings flag football tournament for youth May 31 – June 1

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 29 May 2025 18:18:12 +0000

YMCA of the North to host all-city Vikings flag football tournament for youth May 31 – June 1 jeffrey.needham Thu, 05/29/2025 - 13:18

Eagan, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on May 31 and June 1 will host a metro-wide all-city Vikings flag football tournament for youth ages 6 to 14 at TCO Stadium.

Approximately 700 players from the top teams in the YMCA of the North’s Vikings flag football program will compete in the championship tournament. The event caps off a successful season of flag football programming offered in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings that saw approximately 4,000 participants engage in sports programs across the metro area.

“YMCA sports are built on the idea that everyone has an opportunity to play,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “YMCA athletes come from all backgrounds to unite as a team. Participants develop lifelong friendships and engage in healthy, positive competition.”

WHAT: YMCA All-City Vikings flag football tournament

WHERE: TCO Stadium, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN 55121

WHEN:

Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Contact: Andrew Myers, 651-792-5207

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA Camp St. Croix to unveil community piano for “Pianos on Parade” at Flint Hills Family Festival May 30-31

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:29:16 +0000

YMCA Camp St. Croix to unveil community piano for “Pianos on Parade” at Flint Hills Family Festival May 30-31 jeffrey.needham Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:29

Hudson, WI – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will participate in “Pianos on Parade” at the Flint Hills Family Festival, taking place May 30-31 in downtown St. Paul, with a community piano created by YMCA Camp St. Croix in partnership with local artists.

The Camp St. Croix community piano, themed “Fruits of our Labor,” is a vibrant and collaborative public art piece that captures the heart of camp life, where nature, creativity and connection come together to grow servant leaders and a garden that feeds the community.

The Farm at Camp St. Croix is the first nearly year-round educational farm in the St. Croix River Valley, allowing kids to learn and farm outside while donating the harvest to those experiencing food insecurity. The farm supplies more than 7,000 pounds of fresh produce per year to local food support organizations.

The piano was brought to life by artists Teri Schottler, Claire Jacobi, Brenda Olson and Liz Malanaphy in partnership with the Little Seeds Preschoolers at Camp St. Croix. The design features joyful scenes from around camp including Pizza Nights on the Farm. A floating raccoon, blooming zinnias, pollinators and fresh produce bring whimsy and color to the piece, while Mod Podge collages created by the preschoolers add a heartfelt and youthful touch.

“We are honored to be part of Pianos on Parade and grateful to Keys 4/4 Kids and the Ordway for inviting us to share our story through art,” said Theresa Douglas, business development manager at Camp St. Croix. “This piano celebrates not only the natural beauty of our camp but the spirit of collaboration and imagination that defines our community.”

The public is invited to view and enjoy the Camp St. Croix piano — and many others — during the festival. Visit the festival website to learn more.

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day May 28

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:28:53 +0000

YMCA of the North to celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day May 28 jeffrey.needham Thu, 05/22/2025 - 12:28

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on May 28 will celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day with ForeverWell open houses and special activities at numerous Y locations.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day promotes the importance of regular physical activity and highlights how organizations like the Y are supporting the health and wellbeing of older adults in their communities.

ForeverWell open houses will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with specific activities and schedules varying by location. A full list of activities by location is available on the YMCA of the North website. The events are free and open to all. Please bring a photo ID.

Sample activities include:

Demonstration classes and fitness challenges
Nutrition and health information sessions
Wellbeing activities such as games, crafts and gardening
Healthy snacks, recipes and food
Testing and screening (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol)

“The Y ForeverWell program gives older adults the chance to connect with one another and the Y community while practicing healthy lifestyle skills and prioritizing wellbeing,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Our National Senior Health and Fitness Day celebrations are fun, free events showcasing the great opportunities available at the Y.”

WHAT: YMCA of the North National Senior Health and Fitness Day celebrations

WHERE: Multiple locations; see a full list of locations and activities online

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

More than 750 youth to learn about global issues April 3-5 at Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:28:51 +0000

More than 750 youth to learn about global issues April 3-5 at Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations jeffrey.needham Fri, 03/28/2025 - 09:28

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, April 3-5 will bring together more than 750 students in grades 7-12 at the Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations (UN). This is the 38th Model UN presented by the YMCA Center for Youth Voice.

Model UN participants take on the role of diplomats from nations around the world and practice compromise and diplomacy to solve global problems. Topics students will discuss include the Arctic Silk Road, state collapsing gang violence, slums and urban crowding, money laundering, safeguarding human rights in peaceful protests, black market organ trade, preventing the use of chemical weapons by non-state actors and more. The goal of Model UN is to teach students to be responsible, inclusive world citizens in our global community.

“In the classroom, students primarily learn from their teachers,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “At Center for Youth Voice conferences, students learn by doing – debating issues, forming alliances, seeking compromises. Specifically at YMCA Model UN, participants will improve their understanding of the world and how they fit into that world. These are life skills they will take with them well after they graduate.”

WHO: YMCA Center for Youth Voice

WHAT: Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations

WHERE: Minneapolis Marriott, 30 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

WHEN: April 3-5

*Media opportunities:

Thursday, April 3, 11 a.m. – noon for the opening ceremony or 2-5 p.m. for program sessions
Friday, April 4, 9-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m. for program sessions

Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to host 11th annual Kidarod adventure race Feb. 15

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:19:28 +0000

YMCA of the North to host 11th annual Kidarod adventure race Feb. 15 jeffrey.needham Fri, 02/07/2025 - 07:19

Maple Grove, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host the 11th annual Kidarod adventure race for kids and families at Fish Lake Regional Park on Feb. 15 from 1-6 p.m.

Kidarod is the nation’s largest winter adventure race for kids ages 5 to 17. Inspired by Alaska’s famous Race of Mercy, the two-mile course combines hiking, climbing, pulling and sliding around winter obstacles. Adults may also participate in the race if registered with a kid. Participants choose their start time at registration.

Kidarod is part of an adventure race series partnership between the Y Adventure Lab and Three River Parks District. The event will also feature winter activities, including a chance to meet a team of husky sled dogs. To learn more and register, visit the YMCA of the North website.

“We are thrilled to provide safe, unique adventure opportunities for kids and families,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

WHO: YMCA of the North Adventure Lab and Three Rivers Parks District

WHAT: 11th annual Kidarod Winter Adventure Race

WHERE: Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Rd., Maple Grove, MN 55311

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1-6 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to host Candlelight Hike/Ski and Game Day Jan. 25

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:01:01 +0000

YMCA of the North to host Candlelight Hike/Ski and Game Day Jan. 25 jeffrey.needham Tue, 01/21/2025 - 10:01

Hudson, WI – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host Candlelight Hike/Ski and Game Day at Camp St. Croix on Jan. 25 from 4-8 p.m. This evening of winter activities will include outdoor exploration and cozy indoor fun for the whole family.

At Candlelight Hike/Ski and Game Day, participants can enjoy the magic of winter by the glow of candlelight while exploring scenic trails on foot, skis or snowshoes. Bring your own skis or snowshoes or borrow a pair from camp based on availability. Please note that trails will not be groomed and skiing will be contingent on snow conditions.

Limitless Cycling, a Hudson nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all abilities to experience the outdoors by providing piloted adaptive bicycles and action trackchairs, will bring five trackchairs for demonstration and use by participants with mobility limitations to make the trails accessible for all.

Additional outdoor offerings will include a hot air balloon demonstration provided by Hot Air Affair.

Attendees can also warm up in the dining hall with indoor fun including board games and hot drinks hosted by Hudson Public Library, as well as a performance by Afrocontigbo sponsored by the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Admission is free and advance registration is encouraged. To learn more and register, visit the YMCA of the North website.

WHAT: Candlelight Hike/Ski and Game Day

WHERE: YMCA Camp St. Croix, 532 County Rd. F, Hudson, WI 54016

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25, from 4-8 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to host 71st annual Youth in Government conference Jan. 9-12

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:25:11 +0000

YMCA of the North to host 71st annual Youth in Government conference Jan. 9-12 jeffrey.needham Wed, 01/08/2025 - 10:25

Minnesota secondary students to learn, practice democracy at Minnesota State Capitol

St. Paul, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Jan. 9-12 will host 1,450 students in grades eight through 12 for the Youth in Government conference at the Minnesota State Capitol and the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

At the 71st annual Youth in Government conference, participants will take on roles as legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, judges, justices and journalists and spend four days running a state model government at the Capitol Complex. The YMCA’s Youth in Government program allows students to elect their own leaders, debate their own ideas and build a vision for a strong state.

“Young people in Youth in Government are leaders, organizers, speakers and decision-makers,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Participating in Youth in Government gives them the opportunity to spend four days with other young people interested in government and our society, building the skills to take action in their local communities. When we help youth understand the topics they are passionate about in the context of the policymaking process, we give them the tools to transform the world into a better, more just place.”

Youth leadership is a hallmark of YMCA Youth in Government. Eighteen youth officers, elected by their peers, will lead all sessions. Approximately 150 appointed officials assist the officers in providing forums for exchange of ideas and respectfully discussing potential solutions.

WHO: YMCA Center for Youth Voice

WHAT: 71st annual Youth in Government conference

WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155

WHEN: Jan. 9-12

*Sessions offering student interviews and photo opportunities are as follows:

Thursday, Jan. 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Opening Joint Convention, Minnesota House Chamber
Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m., Capitol Complex

Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North brings together partners, schools to grant holiday wishes for youth through 20th annual Mitten Wishes program

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:05:26 +0000

YMCA of the North brings together partners, schools to grant holiday wishes for youth through 20th annual Mitten Wishes program jeffrey.needham Thu, 12/12/2024 - 10:05

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, in partnership with Twin Cities schools and Cargill, will present the 20th annual Mitten Wishes program for the 2024 holiday season.

Mitten Wishes is coordinated by YMCA of the North Beacons, a collaborative community initiative designed to help young people establish connections with caring adults and peers in a safe space; improve whole-person wellbeing; stay on track academically through high school graduation; develop skills to prepare for college, work and life; and foster connections with school and the community.

At the start of the holiday season, participating students submit holiday gift wishes. Cargill employees have the opportunity to sign up to purchase gifts from the students’ wish lists. Gifts are opened at school during a celebration with families. All participating students receive at least one item from their wish list. Since the launch of the program in 2004, over 6,000 students have been served.

“Programs like Mitten Wishes help build a sense of belonging and connection for young people, their families and their school communities, which is one of the reasons we see Beacons participants attending school a week more than their peers,” said Jenny Collins, vice president of educational impact for the YMCA of the North. “Students and families are active participants in this annual tradition. Mitten Wishes is a tangible way that local partners can help lean in and wrap around schools to meet community needs – while simultaneously supporting student attendance and achievement.”

“Having the Mitten Wishes program at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School has been tremendous help for families during the holiday season,” said Pedro Bustamante, senior program director of Beacons at Nellie Stone Johnson. “It gives hope and joy to so many students who get to open the gift that they wished for!”

“This event has impacted our North Minneapolis families for years at Nellie Stone Johnson and the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA, and it is wonderful to see the reach extend into St. Paul this year with the addition of Maxfield Elementary,” said Shakira Onwuachi, associate executive director of the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA. “Partners like Cargill truly make a difference.”

"At Cargill, supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do, and the Mitten Wishes program is a shining example of that commitment,” said Todd Curtis, Mitten Wishes program coordinator at Cargill. “For over 20 years, this initiative has brought joy to students and families while fostering a sense of connection and tradition among our employees and their families. We are proud to partner with the YMCA of the North and local schools to help make the holiday season brighter for so many. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on our community."

Opportunities are available for additional corporate partners to participate in Mitten Wishes. To learn more, contact Mark Richter, Beacons program executive, at mark.richter@ymcamn.org.

WHAT: Mitten Wishes gift opening

WHERE: Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School, 807 27th Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 19, from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 168 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA to host games, activities, family fun during Holidazzle

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:45:43 +0000

Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA to host games, activities, family fun during Holidazzle jeffrey.needham Wed, 12/11/2024 - 10:45

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Dec. 18-22 will host festive events at the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA and on Nicollet Mall as part of the Minneapolis Holidazzle festival.

Holidazzle 2024 will bring free community winter celebrations to the heart of downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall between 6th Street and 11th Street. The Dayton YMCA is hosting games and activities, family fun, YMCA tours and more to help festivalgoers get into the spirit of the season.

All activities are free and open to the public.

WHAT: Holidazzle activities hosted by the Dayton YMCA

WHERE & WHEN:

The following activities are available during all Holidazzle hours:

Dec. 18-20, 4-9 p.m.
Dec. 21-22, 12-9 p.m.

Outdoor activities on Nicollet Mall at 6th Street:

Y Adventure photo station: Canoe in the snow with Y of the North mascot Sneakers!
Try your hand at corn hole, cowboy golf and other games
Periodic pop-up carol singing with team members from the Dayton YCMA

Indoor activities at the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA, 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402:

Tour the YMCA branch
Open gym (basketball and pickleball): 4th floor
Holiday movies on the big screen: 5th floor
Holidazzle sensory-friendly space with quiet crafts: 5th floor
Chameleon Shops Holiday Market: 1st floor

The following scheduled activities will take place on the U.S. Bank Stage on Nicollet Mall at 9th Street:

Dec. 21-22, 12-1 p.m.: Snowga (snow yoga)
Dec. 21-22, 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Family dance

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth Dec. 14-15

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:00:26 +0000

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth Dec. 14-15 jeffrey.needham Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:00

Fridley, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on Dec. 14 and 15 will host a metro-wide all-city basketball tournament for youth ages 6 to 14. All teams will play during the weekend, with the championship games held on Sunday.

Around 800 participants will compete in the end-of-session championship tournament. The event is the culmination of the eight-week season where participants engaged in sports programs at their local Ys.

WHAT: YMCA All-City Basketball Tournament

WHERE:

Fridley High School, 6000 W. Moore Lake Dr. NE, Fridley, MN 55432
Fridley Middle School, 6100 W. Moore Lake Dr. NE, Fridley, MN 55432

WHEN:

Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Contact: Ben Holmes, 763-447-0935

About the YMCA of the North