The Road to Adventure is Always Open

THE ROAD TO ADVENTURE

IS ALWAYS OPEN Experiences for every season. Every age. Every background.

Y of the North Adventure Magazine

Get your adventure on

Y Adventure is the go-to place for summer camps. But did you know we’re also the destination for year-round adventures for people of all ages?

There’s no need to be a Y member—everyone is welcome. Our seasonal outings range from 2-hour urban excursions to extended overnight adventures, and everything in between. Because as Northerners we know outdoor fun doesn’t end when the leaves start to change. In fact, for many of us, it’s just beginning.

In this magazine, we’ve highlighted a small sampling of our surprisingly diverse mix of outings. Each is led by our experienced staff, and each is built around our belief that every person, no matter their story, should have untethered access to the outdoors—any time of year.

See page 22 for all the activities we offer at each of our camp locations.

Creating outdoor experiences that build confidence and community

Dear community member,

You likely know the Y as a gym & swim, and maybe for its high-quality childcare. Some of you may know of our transformational summer camp experiences. But did you know the YMCA of the North has 16 camp spaces and hundreds of year-round offerings? The pages of this magazine feature just a sampling of our retreats, events, and other opportunities. There’s something for everyone – whatever your age, interest, and background. We hope you’ll sit back and look through the pages, and then get excited about trying something new with us.

Why Y Adventure?

More than ever, we need outdoor experiences that improve our mood, get our bodies moving, and introduce us to new people and places. Research tells us being in nature is good for our well-being. At the Y, we have stunning nature spaces, a team of category experts, and world-class adventure programming with over a hundred years of experience.

Let us be your home for fun and growth in the outdoors. The road to adventure is always open at the Y.

Michel Tigan and Betsy Grams Vice Presidents of Adventure

Our adventures take you to city neighborhoods, suburban and rural camps, and deep into the wilderness. To find adventures that fit you best, we categorize our outings into five program styles. Each is identified by one of the icons below and is defined by various characteristics such as exposure to nature, previous outdoor experience (of any kind), time and financial commitment, and gear requirements. The icons will be your guide as you browse through this catalog. We encourage you to map out your own personalized journey by choosing from a variety of program styles. Our Journey Map is meant to be a resource, but not an absolute—ultimately you know your adventure style best. Happy Trails!

Ages 4+ | Urban, Suburban, and Rural | $0-$100* | 4 hours or less

For all participants. Minimal investment of time and money. Adventures take place in multiple urban, suburban, and rural locations across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Ages 4+ | Urban and Suburban | $30-$400* | 1-5 days, 5-8 hours/day

For all participants. Minimal to medium level of investment of time and money. Adventures take place in multiple urban and suburban locations across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Ages 7+ | Suburban and Rural | $300-$2,000* | 3-14 days, up to 8 hours/day or overnight | Outdoor experience helpful

For those with some outdoor experience in any context. Medium investment of time and money. Adventures take place in suburban or rural communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Ages 12+ | Rural $600-$5,000* | 3-14 days, up to 8 hours/day or overnight |

Outdoor experience helpful

For those with some outdoor experience who enjoy being outside and are willing to travel. Medium to high investment of time and money. Adventures take place in rural communities and outdoor spaces across Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and occasionally out of state.

Ages 14+ | Rural | $1,000+* | 7-50 days, overnight | Overnight outdoor experience needed

For those with outdoor experience who enjoy being outside for longer periods. High investment of time and money. Adventures take place in rural communities and outdoor spaces across Minnesota, western Wisconsin, other northern states, and Canada.

*We want to ensure that cost is not a deterrent to participation in any of our programs; scholarships are available.

See page 23 or visit ymcanorth.org/scholarships to learn more.

So much more than changing leaves

Even though vibrant colors are often seen as fall’s showstopper, there’s so much more that makes this season special in the North. Fall brings a sense of calm after a busy summer. It offers a reprieve from the summer humidity (and mosquitos). And it boasts what some would argue is the best weather for sleeping in a tent or exploring a city park.

Gathering Pines

The Y’s newest camp is situated on 225 acres of beautiful rolling hills, five ponds, breathtaking pastureland, and biologically diverse wetlands. Campers come here to experience outdoor learning programs, day camp, horseback riding lessons, the high ropes course, and an outdoor swimming pool. Others enjoy Gathering Pines for retreats and weddings.

Fall Youth Camp

Adventure Category: Branch

This unique multi-day getaway draws young adventure seekers to Camp Warren in Northern Minnesota each fall over MEA weekend. Campers enjoy the cooler temps of the season, work on their pumpkin carving skills, practice portaging, and explore the beauty of camp by hayride.

Camp Warren

Nestled among towering white pines on 600 acres near Eveleth, MN, Camp Warren provides the ultimate setting for participants to develop self-reliance, build life-long relationships, and receive mentorship from caring adults with a curriculum focused on skill progression. In the fall, winter, and spring, Camp Warren hosts youth camps, grownup camps, and customized retreats.

Gathering Pines, Lakeville, MN

3726 Miller Trunk Rd, Eveleth, MN 55734

23701 Zane Ave Suite A, Lakeville, MN 55044

Camp Widjiwagan

3788 N Arm Rd, Ely, MN 55731

Camp Widjiwagan offers transformative wilderness experiences from the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota. Through fun and challenging environmental learning experiences, youth participants build leadership skills, gain confidence, and explore extraordinary places.

Outdoor Learning

Adventure Category: Leaf

Books and websites are great reference tools, but in-field, hands-on education is the most effective— and fun—way to learn about nature. The Y’s Outdoor Learning programs are designed to let kids see and experience Mother Nature’s miracles first-hand. Programs can be tailored by length, group size, and curriculum to meet any educational goal.

Horse Experiences

Adventure Category: Varies

Camp Ihduhapi

3425 Ihduhapi Trail, Loretto, MN 55357

Located on the shore of Lake Independence, just 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Camp Ihduhapi is the place for enriching overnight, day camp, and outdoor experiences. The 175 acres of woods and wetlands provide participants of all ages with a beautiful backdrop to connect and grow year round.

Horse Lessons

Adventure Category: Branch

From seasoned riders to those just starting out, horse lessons cater to all levels of riders. During each lesson, riders will learn and practice horse care, ground skills, and riding skills. Lessons are a great way to stay connected and engaged in a fun and supportive setting. Join us for an overnight ranch weekend, group trail ride, or curate a private horse experience. Horse programs can be customized for birthday parties, one-time lessons, educational opportunities for homeschool or scout groups, or a fun family outing. Activities vary from group to group, and may include both assisted and independent riding, games on horseback, horse care instruction, and more.

“

Watching the kids teach their parents new things was especially fun for us!” -Ihduhapi Wrangler

Little Seeds Nature Preschool Camp Icaghowan

Camp St. Croix

532 County Rd F, Hudson, WI 54016

Camp St. Croix sits on 400 acres of land overlooking the St. Croix River. The Prairie—home to a variety of bird species, pollinators, mammals, and reptiles— along with the gardens, walking trails, and beautiful facilities make it the perfect place for people to connect with nature and each other. St. Croix hosts dozens of kid’s camps, plus camps for adults, retreats, weddings and many community events.

“My kids are trying so many new things and it is amazing to be right there alongside them!”

-Y Adventurer

Family Camp

Adventure Category: Leaf

899

Camp Icaghowan’s long history dates back to 1909. Situated on 164 acres, including a 44-acre island, campers from all backgrounds come here year-round for experiences focused on leadership and exploration. The only camp with tree houses, Icaghowan has adventure for all.

Each year over Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, and MEA, families with kids of all ages descend on Camp Icaghowan for a weekend of fun. Families take part in activities like boating, archery, arts and crafts, campfires, and climbing, and kids of similar ages from all families come together through staff-led adventures.

Adventure Category: Leaf

In the Little Seeds preschool programs at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, WI, and Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN, students ages 3-5 begin their lifelong connection with nature and friends. Our teachers lead them through thoughtful, age-appropriate curriculum that keeps them curious and engaged. They learn about our vast forests and diverse landscapes, and develop relationships through music, art, and play with their classmates.

From Y Families

I do see a lot of difference in him post joining Little Seeds. I would like to thank the entire team for working hard on our kids and bringing them where they are now.

-Little Seeds Parent Monika

Hibernation is for bears WINTER

When the winds start to blow and the days grow shorter, our instincts might tell us to hunker down for the long haul. And while it’s true that winter is a time for reflection, spending time with others is equally important. Whether you’re walking in the woods or trekking through a city park, nobody can deny the joy that comes from sharing stories around the fire and sipping hot cocoa.

Adult Retreats

Adventure Category: Branch

When it’s time for a break from the daily grind, grownups turn to nature to unwind. From seasonal camps and wellness retreats to school breaks and themed weekends, our retreats are designed with adults in mind. Our team of planners sweat the details, so grownups can just show up and enjoy quality time with friends, family, and themselves.

Camp Northern Lights

9089 Highway 21 N, Babbitt, MN 55706

The Superior National Forest is home to Camp Northern Lights. Located on Bear Island Lake, this camp offers a setting of tight knit community and comfort while encouraging connection with nature through winter activities such as fat tire biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Fat Tire Biking Saunas

Every winter we fire up the woodburning saunas at many of our camps for families looking to thaw out from the cold. And, if they dare, take a quick refreshing plunge into the lake.

Adventure Category: Branch

Why should skiers have all the fun? With bike rentals for all ages and sizes, our two-wheel loving friends come to Northern Lights to enjoy trails groomed just for them.

Winter Youth Camp

Adventure Category: Branch

Just before the new year, adventure-seeking kids visit Camps Icaghowan, Ihduhapi, and Warren for multi-day getaways. Campers enjoy a multitude of winter activities that vary by camp, including snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, boot hockey, and fort building.

Dog Sledding

Adventure Category: Branch

There are plenty of winter activities to explore in the north, but dog sledding is a whole new dimension of fun. Camp Menogyn on Bearskin Lake is home to 20+ snow-loving dogs, each eagerly awaiting their chance to lead a pack over the ice and snow. Campers learn about dog sledding and make many new friends—both human and canine—along the way.

“I loved going dog sledding and jumping in the lake after the sauna on the last night.”

-Y Adventurer

Camp Menogyn

55 Menogyn Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55406

Only accessible by water, Camp Menogyn is uniquely situated on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on West Bearskin Lake. Specializing in canoeing, backpacking, dog sledding, and rock-climbing trips for small groups, participants transform their leadership skills through the triumphs and challenges of wilderness travel.

Available all year long

Corporate Meetings/Getaways/Retreats

Escape the hustle and bustle of the office or gather your team in person, all while immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature at one of our YMCA camps. Whether a single-day event or multi-day getaway, our retreats offer a unique opportunity for people to connect with each other and the natural world. Our leaders are passionate about nature, skilled in team building, and are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

From the Y Adventure Lab Weddings

Say “I do” in a stunning outdoor setting. YMCA of the North camps provide a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for nature-based wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Unlock It! Scavenger Hunts

Adventure Category: Seed

Unlock It! is a self-guided scavenger hunt for the whole family. Participants download a free map, follow the clues, and unlock letters that (when unscrambled) form a keyword that relates to that course. It’s a great way for families to explore parks and camps, discover interesting natural elements, and learn about the outdoor spaces around the course.

Adventures close to home

Y Adventure in the Neighborhood

With many American families living in urban areas, the need for connecting young people to the outdoors is greater than ever. This summer, YMCA of the North is partnering with local organizations to make those connections happen. Adventure in the Neighborhood is a day camp program where kids grade 1-7 come together daily over the course of a week to experience green spaces, build friendships, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like archery, fishing, canoeing, and more.

Messy miracles

Witnessing tiny signs of life appearing from the newly thawed ground is just one of spring’s many miracles. Rivers become rowable, rocks become climbable, trails become hikeable and trees fill with leaves in what seems like a matter of days. Spring can be messy, but it was made for adventure. So lace up your boots and come exploring with us.

Canoe Shop Programs

Adventure Category: Branch

From Y Families

Board Member Matt Nohr attended Camp du Nord with his family over the New Year’s holiday. As he tromped through the North Arm Trails, his daughter shared that she wanted to head back to the cabin. At 13, this was a great opportunity to take on some personal growth and freedom. She led herself and a group of her friends back to their cabin and experienced a sense of pride of going at it alone!

The Canoe Shop at Camp Widjiwagan is central to its mission of developing respect in young people for wilderness experiences. It’s where campers learn to build, care for and repair canoes, and understand the history behind them. The shop is home to the largest fleet of wood canvas canoes in the US—some dating back to the early 1900s, making it likely that four generations have paddled the same canoe.

Fun Fact: Much of the Widji canoe fleet and culture was influenced by Joe and Nora Seliga, who built over 600 canoes. In a testament to their partnership and craft, the shop proudly displays the last one they created together, aptly named “Nora”.

Camp du Nord

3606 N Arm Rd, Ely, MN 55731

Located deep in Minnesota’s north woods, Camp du Nord has something for everyone in the family. With access to miles of hiking and skiing trails, year-round family and group programming, and lodging ranging from rustic tent sites to gorgeous cabins, du Nord welcomes first-timer campers and seasoned adventurers alike.

“

To share the magic of Camp du Nord, it is such a special place full of meaning. It’s a great place for a family to unplug and connect.”

SPRING

Women and Mother/Daughter Retreats

Adventure Category: Branch

Located in the beautiful north woods of MN with miles of skiing and hiking trails, and various lodging options, Camp du Nord and Camp Northern Lights host purposeful retreats for women. Mothers and daughters, as well as women ages 15+ come together to enjoy these retreat weekends full of listening, laughter, and connection away from the everyday distractions of home.

“... a reprieve from the inevitable challenges of parenting, marriage, work, and this chaotic, modern life we live.”

-Y Adventurer

World Famous du Nord Meatloaf

Loaf

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if desired)

1/2 cup wild rice, precooked

1/3 cup dried cranberries

2 Tbs oil (olive or canola)

1 ½ tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Loaf Sauce

1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup brown sugar

1 ½ tsp salt

1/2 tsp chili powder

2 Tbs maple syrup

1 tsp Soy Sauce or Tamari

1/2 tsp liquid smoke

1. Mix Loaf ingredients well by hand or with mixer, but do not overmix. Form mixture into loaf shape using a loaf pan. Carefully remove loaf from pan. Put a wire rack on sheet pan and place loaf on top of wire rack to bake.

2. Combine Loaf Sauce ingredients in bowl and mix well. Pour 1/3 of sauce into small bowl and baste loaf before baking. Halfway through baking, pour 1/3 of remaining sauce into small bowl and baste loaf again. Use remaining sauce for final basting during last 5 minutes of baking for best coverage. Toss any remaining sauce used for basting because it could be contaminated with raw beef.

3. Bake meatloaf at 325⁰ for 45-55 minutes until internal temperature of loaf = 165⁰. Let loaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

4. Slice and enjoy!

The Farm at St. Croix

The High Tunnels, Discovery Garden, and RCU Prairie Harvest Barn, along with grazing sheep, poultry, and egg-laying hens make the Farm at Camp St. Croix the first nearly year-round educational farm in the valley for kids and grownups. Come grow with us.

Homeschool on the Farm

Adventure Category: Leaf

Students at the Farm tend gardens and animals, and learn to understand and appreciate the value of local food. By cultivating healthy and nutritious food, they experience positive impacts on their physical and mental health, while also gaining respect for agricultural land.

ForEverest

Adventure Category: Leaf

Maple Syrup Festival

Adventure Category: Seed

As spring arrives, the sap of the sugar maples begins to flow. The sugar bush at Camp Ihduhapi provides a perfect backdrop for the annual Maple Syrup Festival. The event offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the sap-to-syrup process and the cultural history of sugaring, listen to live music, and explore trails around camp.

From Y Families

This is a great opportunity for all ages! Learning about the process of making maple syrup provides lessons in science (sap flow and evaporation), “real-life” math application (sap-to-syrup ratios and sugar concentration), cultural history, tree identification, and gaining an appreciation of where our food comes from/earth’s natural resources. It’s hands-on, fun, and super-sweet!

Family Adventure Days

Adventure Category: Leaf

A day at Camp Manitou is a great escape from everyday life—for the whole family. Located within the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park, Camp Manitou has access to Bertram Lake and Long Lake. Here families and friends are invited to try all the camp’s activities, both on and off the water—like swimming, paddling, fishing, archery, arts and crafts, and outdoor education. Every spring, Y Adventure brings Mt. Everest to the North. All people aged 5-99 are invited to join a series of fun challenges with hill climbs, rock walls, and scavenger hunts. Snack stations keep participants fueled and custom swag keeps them coming back each year to learn about earth’s highest mountain and explore Y camp spaces.

Memories for life

Ah, summer. The season we can’t get enough of…because here in the North, we don’t. And that’s what makes it extra special. Our summer camps have a solid reputation for being the best of the best. We’re extremely proud of that. And we’ll keep working hard to ensure our campers have fun and amazing experiences with memories to last a lifetime.

Summers were made for camp

We believe every kid should have the opportunity to experience summer camp. That’s why we host dozens of epic summer camps each year for kids pre-K to 18—and some for entire families. They fill up quickly, so be sure to register early.

Visit ymcanorth.org/adventure/summer_camp to explore all our summer camps and grab your spot.

School Release

Adventure Days

Adventure Category: Leaf

School release days turn into epic experiences for kids with Camp Adventure Days. Camp locations have both outdoor and indoor spaces for campers to experience a wide variety of seasonal activities. Camper favorites include climbing, archery, crafts, cross country skiing, sledding, nature studies, and camp games. Kids aged 4-13 are welcome as first time or returning campers.

ADVENTURES

Adventure Events

AdventureLab(VariousLocations)

ChristmasTree (Minnetrista)

Where our adventures can be found

LOCATIONS

Book Your Own Getaway Cabin Reservations

Camp - Adults

Camp - Day

Camp - Family

Camp - Overnight (Family, Kids)

Camp - Wilderness Trips

Camp - Winter

Camp - Youth

Canoe Shop

Corporate Meetings, Getaways & Retreats

Cross Country Ski and/or Snowshoe Trails

Customized group nature experiences and outdoor learning programs

Dog sledding

Fat Tire Biking Trails

Homeschool Programs

Horseback Programs

Little Seeds

Nature Preschool

Maple Syrup Programs

Retreats (Birding, Couples, Family, Men’s, Mother/Daughter, Tree Identification, Wild Wolf, Women’s, Yoga, etc.)

Sauna

School Release

Adventure Days

Team Building

Experiences and Retreats

Unlock It! Scavenger Hunts

Weddings

duNord(Ely,MN)

GatheringPines (Lakeville,MN)

Heritage(LinoLakes,MN)

Icaghowan(Amery,WI)

Ihduhapi(Loretto,MN)

Manitou(Monticello,MN)

Menogyn(GrandMarais,MN)

NorthernLights (Babbitt,MN)

SpringLake(Rosemount,MN)

St.Croix(Hudson,WI)

Streefland(Lakeville,MN)

Warren(Eveleth,MN)

Widjiwagan (Ely,MN)

Learn more and register at ymcanorth.org/adventure

If you need help, we’re here for you

Y Adventure offers need-based assistance to help individuals and families access programs that are important to them. These scholarships are made possible by generous donors and partners who are committed to providing resources that increase access so more people can come together and adventure!

Please go to ymcanorth.org/scholarships for more information on how to apply.

If you can give, here’s how

Community support for the Y’s programs and services comes in many forms. We couldn’t do what we do without it. Support us at ymcanorth.org/give.

If you want adventure to be your job, come work with us

Calling all outdoorsy, adventurous people who love working with kids! YMCA of the North is always looking to fill seasonal or year-round camp and programming positions. Many of our seasonal staff come back year after year, and many of our camp leaders were once camp kids or summer staff.

Come start your Y journey by joining our awesome team in one of these roles:

• Camp Counselor

• Camp Lead

• Kitchen Staff

• Lifeguard

• Maintenance Staff

• Trail Counselor/Guide

Learn more at ymcanorth.org/jobs Come

FIND ADVENTURE ANYWHERE

With the Y you didn’t know existed