No Experience Required
Participants in the BOLD & GOLD program do not need to have any prior experience in camping or canoeing. All that is needed is a desire to participate and an interest in trying something new.
Summer 2019 Schedule
All trips are run by either Camp Ihduhapi, Camp Menogyn, Camp Widjiwagan or Camp St. Croix.
Canoeing trips operated by Camp St. Croix and Camp Ihduhapi canoe on the St. Croix River. Trips operated by Camp Widjiwagan and Camp Menogyn canoe in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Tier 1 - ages 12-14
6-day Canoe Session - $635
June 16 – 21 | Ihduhapi
June 23 – 28 | Camp St. Croix
June 23 – 28 | Menogyn - $650
June 30 – July 5 | Menogyn - $650
July 7 – 12 | Camp St. Croix
July 14 – 19 | Ihduhapi
July 28 – August 2 | Ihduhapi
July 28 – August 2 | Menogyn - $650
August 4 – 9 | Menogyn - $650
August 11 – 16 | Ihduhapi
6-day Climb Session - $635
June 23 – 28 | Camp St. Croix (boys only)
July 7 – 12 | Camp St. Croix (girls only)
July 14 – 19 | Camp St. Croix (boys only)
August 4 – 9 | Camp St. Croix (girls only)
Tier 2 - ages 12-15
9-day Canoe Session - $972
August 12 – 20 | Widjiwagan
12-day Canoe Session - $1,300
June 24 – July 5 | Widjiwagan
July 8 – 19 | Widjiwagan
July 15 – 26 | Widjiwagan
July 29 – August 9 | Widjiwagan
August 12 – 23 | Widjiwagan
13-day Canoe Session - $1,405
July 14 – 26 | Menogyn
August 11-23 | Menogyn
13-day Canoe & Climb Session - $1,375
July 14 – 26 | Camp St. Croix
Tier 3 - ages 14-17
16-day Canoe Session - $1,728
August 5 – 20 | Widjiwagan
20-day Canoe Session - $2,160
July 7 – 26 | Menogyn
Scholarships
We believe every child should experience our programs, regardless of family income. Thanks to the generous support of donors in our annual Y Partners campaign, we are able to offer scholarships to campers who need a little extra help.
Scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply online or download and complete the form. If you have any questions, please contact Kurt Simer.
Applying is easy and confidential
If you prefer to submit a paper application, you can download the form and submit it.
Registration
For Camp St. Croix Sessions Only
Transportation
Transportation to and from Camp is included in the cost of your registration. BOLD and GOLD trips are run by:
Camp Widjiwagan (based in Ely, MN)
Camp Menogyn (based on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais, MN)
Camp St. Croix (based in Hudson, WI)
- Buses operate from the St. Paul Midway YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center (547 Wheeler St. N. St. Paul, MN 55104)
- Buses depart for Camp St. Croix at 2:00pm on Sunday (the first day of the session)
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for drop-off.
- Buses return from Camp St. Croix at 2:00pm on Friday (the last day of the session)
- Parents/guardians must bring ID to pick-up their camper.
Camp Ihduhapi (based in Loretto, MN)
- Buses operate from the Blaisdell YMCA (3335 Blaisdell Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55408)
- Buses depart for Camp Ihduhapi at 1:00pm on Sunday (the first day of the session)
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for drop-off.
- Buses return from Camp Ihduhapi at 2:00pm on Friday (the last day of the session)
- Parents/guardians must bring ID to pick-up their camper.
Please look at the dates for which you have registered. They will say which Camp is running your BOLD or GOLD trip.
Contact Kurt Simer with questions.
Paperwork
Additional paperwork will be available in January.
Financial Assistance
Our Groups
Our average group size is six to seven total people – 4 or 5 campers and 2 counselors. All groups are single-gender and are based upon camper age.
Participants are encouraged to try the experience by themselves, but sometimes coming with a friend makes trying something new a little easier. If they would like to come with a friend, be sure that both participants request each other during the registration process.
King Scholars
Successful completion of three years of summer BOLD or GOLD sessions, plus involvement in at least four weekend activities during the non-summer months will earn a participant the title of "King Scholar". The title "King Scholar" honors the commitment of the Peter J. King Foundation, whose commitment makes BOLD & GOLD possible.
For more information about the King Scholars program, please contact Kurt Simer.
Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development (BOLD and GOLD) Internship
The YMCA’s BOLD & GOLD program, operating at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan and YMCA Camp Menogyn, is in search of Interns for the summer of 2019. The Internship Program is designed to provide leadership development opportunities for its participants. Interns will receive specific group management and wilderness education training and be responsible for working as part of a 2-person leadership team to lead an 8 or 5 day long canoeing trip for campers ages 12-15. Interns must be at least 16 years of age. Preference is given to BOLD and GOLD graduates but all are welcome to apply.
Dates:
- July 7 to August 2 – Camp Menogyn
- July 15 to August 10 – Camp Widjiwagan
- July 29 to August 20 – Camp Widjiwagan
For more information, please see this in-depth description.