An aerial view of several wooden boats arranged in a formation on the water, surrounded by a greenish shoreline. The boats vary in size and orientation, and the sunlight reflects off the water's surface, creating a shimmering effect.

Northern Wildfires YMCA Camp Relief Efforts

Support the Camps That Have Shaped Generations of Adventurers

This summer's wildfires have profoundly impacted YMCA camps and the life-changing wilderness, family, and overnight experiences they provide.

Our teams were ready. As conditions changed, they put years of emergency preparedness, risk management, communication, and strong partnerships into practice — evacuating and rerouting wilderness groups, adapting and canceling programs, supporting families, and keeping campers and team members safe.

The financial and operational impact continues to unfold. Canceled and interrupted programming, refunds, emergency transportation, staffing costs, equipment losses, and other extraordinary response and recovery expenses have created significant needs while reinforcing the importance of preparing our camps for what comes next.

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SUPPORT OUR CAMPS

The Northern Wildfires YMCA Camp Relief Efforts bring our community together to support the camps that have shaped generations of adventurers.

More than 1,100 participants were affected by the wildfire response, including approximately 30 groups in the field that required evacuation or significant emergency response. As of August 11, YMCA of the North has provided nearly $290,000 in refunds to families whose programs were affected.

While Camp Widjiwagan, Camp Menogyn, Camp Warren, Camp Northern Lights, Camp Icaghowan, and Camp du Nord experienced some of the most significant disruptions, every YMCA of the North camp has been affected.

Whether you choose to support the camp that has been meaningful to you and your family or give where the need is greatest, gifts to each camp's Annual Fund provide camp leaders with the flexible resources they need to respond to the impact of this summer, address emerging needs, and strengthen the resilience of these extraordinary places.

A smokey lake scene featuring a small island with trees in the center. A canoe with two people is visible on the water, surrounded by a misty atmosphere and a serene reflection on the calm surface of the lake.

A red fire truck labeled 'Tender No. 6' is parked on a gravel road. To the left is another fire truck from the 'Lakewood Fire Dept.' with a firefighter in a yellow uniform standing beside it, surrounded by green trees in the background.

A man wearing a green polo shirt and a face mask stands on a wooden balcony, leaning on the railing. In the background, there are trees and parked cars visible in a natural outdoor setting.

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YOUR SUPPORT HELPS

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Your Support Helps

Your generosity helps ensure our camps can continue to provide safe, meaningful experiences for kids, teens, and families as they recover from an extraordinary summer and prepare for future challenges.

Your gift helps:

Support campers and team members affected by disrupted programming and emergency experiences.
Replace wilderness equipment and essential program supplies and help restore program capacity following canceled and interrupted sessions.
Offset unexpected operational costs, including emergency transportation, refunds, staffing costs, temporary programming changes, and other extraordinary expenses.
Strengthen emergency preparedness and safety, including communication systems, air-quality resources, wilderness safety equipment, and other tools that help our teams respond when conditions change.
Provide flexible resources that allow camp leadership to address the greatest needs as they emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Annual Fund Support Matter? add remove

In moments like these, the most meaningful way to help is also the most flexible.

A gift to a camp's Annual Fund isn't designated for one specific need. It gives camp leaders the flexibility to respond to what their camp needs most, whenever that need emerges, whether that's supporting campers and team members, replacing equipment, addressing unexpected operational costs, preserving camp traditions, or strengthening preparedness for the future.

As we continue to understand the full impact of this wildfire season, Annual Fund support gives our camp leaders the resources to address the needs we know today while remaining ready for those that continue to emerge.

Where does my gift go? add remove

Gifts to each camp's Annual Fund provide camp leaders with flexible resources to address the greatest needs created by the wildfire response and its ongoing impact. This may include program recovery, equipment replacement, staff and camper support, unexpected operational costs, and emergency preparedness.

Can I direct my gift to one camp? add remove

You can choose to support the camp that has been meaningful to you and your family or give where the need is greatest.

Is my donation tax-deductible? add remove

Your donation to YMCA of the North is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Are camps still operating this summer? add remove

Camp operations were adjusted throughout the summer based on wildfire conditions, air quality, and safety guidance. Our teams continue to evaluate programming carefully and adapt as needed to keep campers and team members safe.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YMCA CAMPS

This summer reminded us how deeply our community cares about these extraordinary places. Thank you for helping our camps respond, recover, and continue doing what they do best: creating meaningful experiences for children, families, and adventurers.