Letters from Camp Magazine - Winter 2022 - Issue No. 1

FAMILY CAMP

In the hustle and bustle of busy lives, it can be a challenge to find quality time with loved ones. With a Family Camp adventure, plan on getting away to a pristine wilderness setting in the comfort of a cozy cabin.

Camp du Nord, Ely, Minn.

Camp Northern Lights, Babbitt, Minn.

ymcanorth.org/adventure

GREETINGS FROM CAMP

We’re excited to send you our inaugural edition of Letters from Camp . This new magazine is designed for campers and camp alum, to tell great camp stories and keep you connected with all the happenings in our great outdoor spaces . This is our first, and so expect that future editions will change . Send us your feedback at letterstocamp@ymcanorth .org .

Our camps are such special places and such an important part of fulfilling the mission of the YMCA . As alumni know better than anyone, camp changes lives .

When I reflect on reasons why camp makes such an impact, a few things stand out:

• Camp is for everyone–Family Camps welcome babies to seniors, Day Camps welcome wee backpackers as young as

DEAR CAMPERS,

In my tours across our Y camps this summer, I woke up many times on the edges of lakes, surrounded by trees, in awe of the beauty and serenity they provide . In the distance was always the sound of young people waking, talking and laughing, planning their day, packing for a longdistance trip or simply getting ready for whatever journeys their schedule had in store .

These may seem like simple things, but in a time when face-to-face conversations are often swapped for phone apps and reels, and holding space to care for each other and build relationships is fit in between class crossings and extracurricular activities, these simple things hold enormous value .

There’s no question summer camp is a fun and adventurous experience for all . The benefits of spending a week or more away from home, meeting others from all walks of life, extends beyond the fun and friendships . Studies by the American Camp Association show that camp experiences help prepare young people for adulthood .

four years old . Teen wilderness trips, adults-only retreats–there is truly an experience for everyone .

• Camp is an experience that gives campers the chance to grow in confidence, learn new skills, work as a team, build friendships, and so much more .

• Camp has a dedicated community of passionate supporters that includes current participants, as well as those alumni who have remained involved for many years .

I am proud of the work our camps are doing and look forward to continued growth in the future .

Glen Gunderson President YMCA of the North

Our programs help develop self-confidence, independence and resilience . They create opportunities to learn new skills and grow as a person . They leave campers of all ages with relationships that stand the test of time, a belief in their own abilities that shows up to guide them in times of doubt and fear, and the tools to be a thoughtful, confident member of the greater world we all call home .

I know across all our Y camps, we are creating community by giving voice to the many young people who will lead us forward to care for the future world . This is often at the heart of what makes our former (and always!) campers hold their camp story close throughout their lives, to be shared with their children and grandchildren .

I hope your camp story has been defining in your life . We invite you to come visit us, to reconnect with the people and places that detail your memories and plant the seeds of dreams for the next generation .

Michel Tigan Vice President of Camp Operations YMCA of the North

YMCA OF THE NORTH 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500 Minneapolis, MN 55402 ymcanorth.org

YMCA CAMP DU NORD Ely, Minn campdunord .org

YMCA CAMP ICAGHOWAN Amery, Wis campicaghowan .org

YMCA CAMP IHDUHAPI Loretto, Minn campihduhapi org

YMCA CAMP MENOGYN Grand Marais, Minn . campmenogyn .org

YMCA CAMP NORTHERN LIGHTS Babbitt, Minn . campnorthernlights org

YMCA CAMP ST. CROIX Hudson, Wis . campstcroix .org

YMCA CAMP WARREN Eveleth, Minn campwarren .org

YMCA CAMP WIDJIWAGAN Ely, Minn . widji org

Ensure camp is here for generations to come

GIVE THE GIFT OF CAMP ymcanorth .org/k2c

EDITOR, LETTERS TO CAMP

Natalie King Director

of

Alumni Philanthropy natalie .king@ymcamn .org

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CAMP

Returning to camp for a variety of events in the spring, fall, and winter is a great way to stay connected. ymcanorth.org/adventure/events

FEBRUARY

2-5: Adult Fat Tire Biking at Northern Lights

17-19: Ihduhapi Family Weekend

MARCH

2: Widjiwagan Winter Warmup at Lake Monster Brewing Company

18, 19, 25, 26: Maple syrup Immersion at Ihduhapi

APRIL

16: Maple Syrup Festival at Ihduhapi

21-23: Spring Family Camp at Ihduhapi

21-23: Wild Wolf Weekend at Northern Lights

28-30: Work Weekend at Icaghowan

29: Work Day at Ihduhapi

MAY

4-7: Women’s and Mother/ Daughter Spring Retreat at du Nord

11-14: Blooma Family Yoga Weekend at du Nord

11-14: Adult Birding Weekend at Northern Lights

19-21:

AUGUST

3: Barn Dance on the Farm at St . Croix

10: Farmer’s Market and Pizza Night on the Farm at St . Croix

17: Barn Dance on the Farm at St . Croix

SEPTEMBER

9: Fall Workshop at St . Croix

OCTOBER:

7: Fall Harvest Fest at St . Croix

13-15: Ihduhapi Alumni Weekend

SEASONAL ADVENTURES

Family Camp

13: Farmer’s Market and Pizza Night on the Farm at St . Croix

20: Barn Dance on the Farm at St . Croix

27: Farmer’s Market and Pizza Night on the Farm at St . Croix

Throughout the year, all eight YMCA Overnight Camp locations, plus YMCA Gathering Pines offer the backdrop for all kinds of outdoor experiences. Think of a Y camp for your next corporate retreat, team-building event, wedding, or other event.

ymcanorth.org/adventure/ seasonal_adventures

CAMP DU NORD

“Camp du Nord has been our heart place and where we go as a family to restore our souls and deepen our roots since we first discovered family camp in 1981 … Our lives, and that of our family and friends, are forever enriched by family camp and the YMCA values that are so beautifully lived and modeled there for us . ”

—Sandi Rosso

Founded in 1961, Camp du Nord is a family destination located deep in Minnesota’s Northwoods. Situated on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, du Nord provides access to miles of hiking and skiing trails, as well as family and group programming throughout the year.

CHOOSING CAMP AS A CELEBRATION SITE

You might say YMCA camps have gotten into the DNA of the Rosso family .

Paul and Sandi Rosso have been YMCA campers for years . So have their kids, and now their grandchildren . The family is, as they say, “in deep .” With stints on staff, serving on a camp community board, and as participants in multiple Y camps, it’s not a stretch to say they’ve done it all .

And yet, as fellow family campers can

affirm, YMCA Camp du Nord has a way of occupying a special place in the hearts of its alumni, even for those long loyal to other Y camps .

Perhaps that’s because du Nord is one of only two YMCA camps fully dedicated to strengthening the entire family — two, three or even four generations at a time .

This love affair with du Nord is as true for the Rossos as for many others . So much so that when Paul and Sandi

looked ahead to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022, du Nord became the epicenter of their planning .

After arranging logistics with camp leadership, all the pieces came together this past summer . With a dinner catered by a local Ely business, Paul and Sandi’s family and friends gathered on a magical, sunny evening to celebrate their marriage and a way of life that has turned camp and the love of time in nature into a multigeneration tradition .

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 8 tons of downed trees cleared

f 350 family saunas enjoyed

f 850 Polar Bears plunged

f Thousands of blueberries picked

f 10,500 hours of skills learned by Leadership Development Program participants

The Rossos in Dane Lodge at Camp du Nord in the 1980s

Family and friends of Paul and Sandi Rosso gathered for their 50th Anniversary Celebration at Camp du Nord .

CAMP ICAGHOWAN

Founded in 1909, Camp Icaghowan’s 164 acres, including a 44 acre island on Lake Wapogasset, is the perfect place for campers to experience the magic of camp. From treehouses and target sports to river trips and leadership, Camp Icaghowan’s tradition of adventure can be experienced by all.

A NEW KIND OF TRIP SO ALL FEEL

WELCOME

During a river canoe trip, campers experience the challenge of navigating river waters and living in the outdoors . The 10-day trip covers 100-175 miles in Northern Wisconsin . For decades, this trip was organized into male-identifying (Pioneers) and female-identifying (Challengers) programs . In summer 2022, Camp Icaghowan implemented and immediately filled the Chioneers program — a diverse and inclusive river-trip experience for all genders . As the newest addition to the Pioneers and Challengers family, the Chioneers program proved to be quite popular and impactful . We’re looking forward to expanding this opportunity in 2023 .

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 22 horse manes were regularly brushed

f 500 canoes were carried

f 1,200 s’mores were enjoyed

f 1,600 miles were paddled

f 4,400 miles is how far the longest-distance camper traveled to get to camp

SPRUCED UP SPACES

Getting settled into a nice and cozy space has a huge impact on comfort while you’re at camp . In 2022, Camp Icaghowan board members and volunteers focused on a few projects to improve accommodations . These projects included remodeling and winterizing Cabins 1 and 2, providing beautiful spaces that can be used all year . In addition, our board members and volunteers worked together to build a new platform tent location as home base for the Challengers program .

Volunteers worked in spring 2022 on the new platform tent .

Camp Ihduhapi has provided enriching camp experiences since 1930. Situated on 165 acres of vibrant maple forest along the shores of Lake Independence, Ihduhapi is the perfect place for youth and adults to learn new skills, build confidence, and create lifelong memories.

CAMP IHDUHAPI

FOUR GENERATIONS OF A FAMILY TRADITION

When Bob Wilcox joined the YMCA Camp Ihduhapi staff in the 1930s, he started a family tradition that would continue with his son Jay returning as a camper, becoming a camp donor and planned giver . Bob also passed the love of camp on to his granddaughter, Cassie Frick, who grew from camper into an alum who is spearheading a camp clean-up project . The latest family member to enjoy and give back to camp is Owen Frick, who, after being a camper for years, is now a current staff and board member at Camp Ihduhapi .

LAKE INDEPENDENCE ISLAND CLEANUP

Camp Ihduhapi includes an island on Lake Independence, which is a place for campers to do overnights and cookouts . Cassie and Owen Frick are teaming up with a friend and fellow camp alum, Tara Troy to fund and manage a project to clean up the island, improve access points and remove invasive species . Cassie says, “It’s such an adventure when you’re out at the island — we want more kids to be able to easily and safely access this magical spot . ”

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 31 years of a Jambalaya cookout hosted by camp alum Jack Mertes, followed by a canoe race to the island

f 7 countries represented by camp staff

f 41 school groups served in the Outdoor Learning Program

f 628 zip line rides enjoyed by summer campers

f 2,500 polar bear plunges (morning jumps in the lake) were bravely made

CAMP MENOGYN

Watch the 100th Anniversary Video

Since 1922, Camp Menogyn has provided transformative small-group wilderness experiences including canoeing, backpacking, and rock-climbing trips. Only accessible by water, Camp Menogyn is uniquely situated on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on West Bearskin Lake.

100 YEARS OF WONDER IN THE WILDERNESS

Generations of past campers, guides, and staff members gathered at Camp Menogyn in July 2022 to celebrate Menogyn’s 100th anniversary with food, live music, and day trips to neighboring Superior National Forest destinations . With camp updates, youth activities, a contra dance, and more on the anniversary weekend’s itinerary it was a time to reconnect and celebrate the camp’s proud history .

Reflecting on the last 100 years, it’s clear that Menogyn remains a special place and a homeaway-from-home for many — 350 traveled to camp to celebrate the anniversary . Yet over the past century, camp has evolved to meet the needs of campers throughout the years and continues to do so . Just one example is coming this summer — the first Nor’wester trips for all-gender campers.

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 21 sled dogs lived at camp for winter dog-sledding adventures

f 699 campers attended summer camp sessions

f 750 pounds of food were consumed by the Hommes du Nord over 41 days

f 1,062 feet of “special cord” bracelets were constructed

f $85,000 was given in scholarships to campers

CAMP NORTHERN LIGHTS

Located

Island Lake

the edge of the Superior National Forest, Camp Northern Lights offers an incredible variety of seasonal activities for families to enjoy throughout the year with 130 acres of trails and woods for families to explore.

Founded in 2019, Northern Lights is the perfect destination for families looking for a firsttime camping experience or groups interested in trying a new experience like mountain biking or cross-country skiing.

on Bear

near

TAKING S.T.E.P.S. TOWARD EQUITY AND INCLUSION

In the wake of the pandemic, YMCA of the North made the difficult decision to close all of its overnight camps except two in the summer of 2020 .

One of these was YMCA Camp Northern Lights .

Operating in only its second summer, leaders at camp were still working to develop its culture and identify, distinct from its more venerable sibling – Camp du Nord .

The source of ideation and innovation, as it turns out, came from a source both surprising and predictable: the 20-something counselors most responsible for creating that iconic “camp magic . ”

Inspired by the Y’s mission, to be “for all,” and motivated to create change in the wake of the murder of George Floyd that same summer, this collection of summer staff, with help from the community, pitched a program designed to create access that would be grounded in principles of equity .

Then they fundraised for it . From themselves . They called it Taking S .T .E .P .S .

With more support piled on by campers and community members, the idea of Supporting the Transformation of Equity and Power in outdoor Spaces (S .T .E .P .S .) . was born . The goal of Taking S .T .E .P .S . is to thoughtfully create more opportunities for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ families to experience representation and community in a family camp setting .

After developing the program and fundraising that summer of 2020, Taking S .T .E .P .S . launched in summer 2021 . This last summer, it grew . Taking S .T .E .P .S . was able to:

• Accommodate more families with double the sessions— which were filled and included a waitlist;

• Pilot tiered pricing to allow for a more equitable registration process;

• Include five Leadership Development Program participants, thereby creating future camp leaders from a variety of backgrounds; and

• Prepare to serve 50-plus families in 2023 .

Born out of one of the most difficult summers in the history of Y camping, Taking S .T .E .P .S . brought the identify of Camp Northern Lights into clear focus .

Truly, it would be a camp “for all . ”

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 3 miles of family-friendly, mountain-biking trails were enjoyed, along with more than 130 bike rentals

f 5 cords of wood were burned in the sauna

f 12 different kinds of fish were caught, with walleye and bass the most commonly reeled in

f 97 families received scholarships so they could enjoy time together in nature

f 150 evening lake cruises were taken with families sipping root beer and enjoying the sunset

CAMP ST. CROIX

Founded in 1909, Camp St. Croix is situated on 400 acres of woods, prairies, gardens, and pine-covered bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway. Camp St. Croix is a perfect place for kids, teens, families, adults, and organizations to connect with nature and each other.

GROWING AND GATHERING FOR CAMPERS AND THE COMMUNITY

With Overnight and Day Camp attendance at an alltime-high, Camp St . Croix has found a new way to steward with The Croix Farm, which includes high tunnels (similar to greenhouses), grazing sheep and poultry, egglaying hens, a discovery garden and the RCU Prairie Harvest Barn. As the first nearly year-round educational farm in the area, it teaches young people about agriculture, where food comes from, and the connection of farm to table . The Farm also provides a pipeline of fresh produce to the local community, through a variety of local and regional partnerships .

Produce from the Farm:

• Goes directly into the hungry stomachs of campers — during farm programming and in dining hall meals

• Is donated to local families in need through the Hudson Area Backpack Food Program

• Is used for interactive, community build-your-ownpizza nights

• Is sold at community Farmer’s Market Nights

• Stars in the community Fall Harvest Fest celebration

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 1 black bear ambled through camp

f 265 campfires were lit

f 8,000 pounds of fresh produce was harvested from the garden . 6,000 of that was donated to families in need and 2,000 used in our dining hall!

f 1,200 life jackets were worn

f 25,200 meals were served

CAMP WARREN

Camp Warren is nestled amongst white pines on 600 acres near Eveleth, Minn. Warren provides the ultimate setting for participants to develop self-reliance, build lifelong relationships, and receive mentorship from caring adults with a curriculum focused on skill progression.

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 50 cabin overnights were spent across the lake

f 55 canoes were carried through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

f 114 communal meals were enjoyed together

f 660 acres were explored by campers

f $70,000 was given in scholarships to campers

DECADES OF CAMP MEMORIES HELP CELEBRATE 95TH ANNIVERSARY

In 1927, the YMCA identified the Warren family’s summer home as an ideal location for a new overnight camp . In August 2022, more than 80 people from generations of campers converged on Camp Warren to celebrate 95 years with a silly campfire, a sailing regatta, Sunday Reflection, and BORP!

Adding to the 95th anniversary celebration, Camp Warren published decades of memories from John Rowe . John

was the camp’s director for 33 years, and he was central to building the Camp Warren location and programs of today . He originally created a series of cassette recordings, which were transcribed by Sandy Kailanen; edited by Susan Long, Doug Mayo, and Ken Lippin; and proofread by a great team of volunteers . Visit the “About” page on the Camp Warren website to take a tour through these memories .

CAMP WIDJIWAGAN

Camp Widjiwagan has been providing transformative wilderness experiences for youth from the edge of the Boundary Waters

Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota since 1929. Through wilderness travel and environmental learning experiences, youth participants explore extraordinary places.

A CANOE’S LONG ABSENCE FROM CAMP

Acanoe is many things to a Widjiwaganite: floating home, shelter, transport, memory-maker .

This is the story of one of those canoes .

It begins with Bruce Casselton, who joined the staff team at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in 1970 .

Proud, a little nervous, and eager for adventure as a newly minted counselor, Bruce was assigned a wood Thompson canoe, marked “W3.” He still remembers his first impressions of the canoe that would take him on a trip leading a group of campers: not exactly the champion of Widji’s floating fleet.

“It was old, scarred and heavy,” he recalled, “but it was mine for the trip . ”

Bruce headed out with W3, counting on that canoe to get him through . And it did, a successful journey and new memories in the books .

Unbeknownst to Bruce, however, shortly after he and his five campers returned from their eight-day trip, W3 was sold to a former camp counselor who was moving to Ithaca, New York, to teach at Cornell University . It wasn’t until a 2016 visit to camp the Bruce noticed the canoe wasn’t in the W3 spot . Curious about its absence, and with the support of his wife, Bruce started a search that lasted nearly four years .

Remembering that canoe repair and sale records used to be kept in a recipe-card box on the Trail Director’s desk, Bruce searched the camp and found the box on a shelf stacked with dust-covered canoe parts . The records led Bruce to Jack, the former counselor who bought W3 back in 1970 . Jack had sold the canoe to an acquaintance in 1978 but believed it was still in the Ithaca area .

Bruce had a letter to the editor published in the 2017 issue of “Wooden Canoe” and reached out to the 185 New York members of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association

for help . The efforts weren’t fruitful, but the spirit of the responses he received encouraged him to keep going .

“I felt as if I had gained 185 new friends in New York,” Bruce said .

In 2020, after periodic checks on Craigslist, Bruce spotted an old canoe that looked from the low-quality photos like it might be a Thompson . Could this be his W3? After reaching back out to Jack and corresponding with the seller, Dave, it was confirmed — the search was over!

Bruce bought the 90-year-old canoe and, together with Dave, arranged the 854-mile transport from Ithaca back home to Minnesota . After some help from restoration volunteers at Urban Boatbuilders, W3 was ready to go back to camp . On a September Saturday in 2022, Bruce, along with his long-time canoeing pals John and Dan, brought W3 back home to Widji, ready to continue sharing the magic of the wilderness .

Bruce reflected on W3 and the special role canoes play for Widji’s campers:

“The camp’s earliest canoes carried the weight of paddlers, trail equipment, and the fragile dream of what Widjiwagan could become . They made the pursuit and achievement of the wilderness camp dream possible . ”

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

f 7 minutes were spent telling jokes by backpackers doing their swim test in boots

f 17 schools returned to the Outdoor Learning Program, some hadn’t attended since 2019

f 300+ canoes were paddled and carried on trips

f 700 campers returned to closing sauna experiences

f $100,000 given in scholarships to campers and school groups

Bruce, center, with two friends and W3 .

CAMP EXPERIENCES WHERE KIDS RETURN HOME EACH EVENING

All YMCA camps share one thing — they’re about discovery . Day Camp is a great introduction to the magic of summer camp before spending the night away from home . Like Overnight Camp, Day Camp helps kids ages 4-14 to meet new friends, learn new skills, and connect with nature . www.ymcanorth.org/camps/ymca_day_camp

DAY CAMP CHRISTMAS TREE

45 acres at Dutch Lake near Mound, Minn .

DAYCROIX

400-acre site overlooking Lake St . Croix near Hudson, Wis .

DAY CAMP HERITAGE

Across from Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes, Minn .

DAY CAMP IHDUHAPI

On Lake Independence outside of Loretto, Minn .

DAY CAMP MANITOU

1,200-acre site on Lake Bertram and Long Lake in Monticello, Minn .

DAY CAMP SPRING LAKE

At Dakota County Spring Lake Park Reserve in Rosemount, Minn .

DAY CAMP STREEFLAND

On Lake Kingsley in Lakeville, Minn .

THE Y’S NEWEST DAY CAMP IS GATHERING PINES

Formerly known as Day Camp Kici Yapi, this 225-acre site in New Market Township, Minn ., features rolling hills, five ponds, breathtaking pastureland, and biologically diverse wetlands . Just 30 minutes away from the Southdale YMCA in Edina, this location isn’t just a homerun with campers — it’s a fabulous setting for conferences, retreats, and weddings .

YEAR-ROUND FUN FOR ALL AGES

I

n addition to summer camps, kids can explore new and original adventure experiences and sign up to participate in fun events all year long . Plus, volunteers, individuals,

KIDAROD

This late-winter foot race for kids (and adults who want to race along) is inspired by Alaska’s famous dog-sled race and includes fun obstacles .

FOREVEREST

This early-summer hiking event for kids and adults provides a glimpse into what it’s like to climb the world’s highest mountain .

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU?

and groups–are always welcome to help create a great experience at each of these events from Adventure Lab! www.ymcanorth.org/adventure_lab

BREAKAWAY KIDS TRI

A late-summer, two-day triathlon experience that has kids (and families) swimming, biking, and running toward the finish line.

RESILINATOR

A fall buddy race — you’re tethered together — gets adults and kids moving on a 2 .5mile course filled with obstacles and challenges .

SHARE YOUR STORY!

UNLOCK IT!

This year-round, selfguided scavenger hunt experience is free and fun for all ages .

The YMCA camp community and connections within it are special . We do our best to keep alumni data current and correct so that when milestone anniversaries approach, or exciting camp updates arise — you’ll be the first to know.

If you’re willing to share a memory or tale of your time at camp — we’d love to hear it and share it with generations of campers to come . If you’d like to share what you are up to now or what’s happened since your time at camp — we’d like to know that, too! www.ymcanorth.org/camps/share_your_story or, contact Director of Alumni Philanthropy, Natalie King at natalie .king@ymcamn .org .

GIVE NOW

HELP A FRIEND APPLY FOR A CAMPERSHIP

We believe everyone should experience outdoor adventure . To make it more accessible, we consider an applicant’s annual income and the number of people in their household to find a scholarship that fits. Applying is easy and confidential.

ymcanorth.org/adventure/scholarships

MAKE A GIFT TO GET KIDS TO CAMP

When you choose to donate to the Kids to Camp (K2C) Fund, you’re directly helping to send more kids to camp to enjoy the life-changing experiences that await! In 2022, more than 74,000 kids, teens, and families created memories at a YMCA of the North Overnight Camp . The K2C Fund made it possible for all interested campers to experience the gift of camp by providing over $456,000 in financial assistance.

ymcanorth.org/k2c

VOLUNTEER

Whether it’s for a Work Weekend, adventure race, or as a member of a camp’s board of directors, giving your time is a fulfilling way to stay connected with camp — and make a real impact in your community . Plus, you can multiply this impact by inviting your organization to volunteer as a group, which is an excellent way to build team bonds .

ymcanorth.org/volunteer

ENSURING CAMP IS HERE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

The Y teams act as caretakers of camp spaces — but camp truly belongs to campers — past, present, and future . You are always welcome to visit camp during the fall, winter, and spring seasons . Walk around with your family . Take a tour . Or just stop in to say hello to old friends . Just contact your camp and we’ll help coordinate your return .