YMCA News Archive

YMCA Supports Youth to Get Outdoors and Appreciate Nature Through Camp Experiences

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 17:07:35 +0000

YMCA Supports Youth to Get Outdoors and Appreciate Nature Through Camp Experiences jeffrey.needham Wed, 07/31/2019 - 12:07

Research shows without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during the summer than the school year.
YMCA summer camp supports the social-emotional growth, cognitive development and physical well-being of kids, and provides an environment where kids can belong, build relationships and realize their potential.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states children ages 8-10 spend almost six hours a day in front of a screen using entertainment media.

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, encourages youth to get outdoors through camp experiences and nature-focused curriculum.

Research shows proximity, views and daily exposure to nature settings increases children’s ability to focus and enhances cognitive abilities. The YMCA supports a positive relationship with the outdoors by introducing the importance of nature, understanding the connection between personal behavior and environmental sustainability and taking action to preserve and protect the environment. However, many communities have limited access to the benefits of nature and the Y works towards narrowing the nature gap within Twin Cities communities by providing opportunities for all.

“The YMCA is committed to providing everyone meaningful outdoor experiences away from TV and computer screens and enjoy nature,” said Glen Gunderson, president and chief executive officer for the YMCA of the North. “The Y is asking the community to ‘Get Outdoors’ as part of the Y’s nature initiative to combat nature deficit. Camp experiences are a great way to spend time and have fun at local and statewide beautiful parks, lakes, rivers and much more.”

Gunderson added it’s imperative that kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer. Summer camp experiences ensure an environment where youth feel welcomed, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential.

YMCA camps provide opportunities to meet new friends, learn new skills and connect with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. Gunderson added five reasons youth should attend camp:

Adventure: Camp is all about a wide variety of new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen.
Healthy Fun: Day and overnight camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits.
Personal Growth: While in the welcoming environment of camp, youth are encouraged to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. Camps offer cognitive learning and social-emotional development opportunities for achievement.
Friendships: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. The bonds formed at camp are important and lasting for many youth.
Memories: Camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories and instill camp traditions that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share.

The Y is one of the largest providers of camps in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, offering programs that meet the diverse needs of children, teens and families.

Mobile Day Camp offers activities such as nature hikes, fishing, canoeing and environmental education by providing access to meaningful outdoor experiences to youth from urban communities near their neighborhood.
Day Camp provides campers days filled with meeting new friends, learning new skills and connecting with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences and realize the magic of camp before spending the night away from home.
Overnight Camp offers youth opportunities to form lifelong friendships, a sense of self and community, an appreciation of nature and new skills through challenging and fun activities.
Teen Wilderness Camp has teens start in base camp then head out on canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing adventures focused on respect and values that build life skills.
Family Camp offers sessions for the entire family that provide a special time away for strengthening family bonds and traditions. Family weeks or weekends become lifelong memories to share for generations.

Discover how the YMCA brings Mobile Camp to youth near their home – Bringing Camp to Your Neighborhood

Learn why youth should attend camp – Why Go to Camp?

Watch how Jalen gains a life-changing experience at camp – Jalen’s Story

Along with the Y’s camp experiences, there are a variety of other options for the community to get in touch with nature including: self-guided walking tours at camps, field trips, outdoor fitness classes, outdoor play areas at YMCA child care centers and more.

Because the YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all young people and their families thrive, financial assistance is available to those in need. To learn more about the Y’s programs, please visit ymcamn.org.

YMCA Hosts Three Week-Long Day Camps at Lake Phalen and Hidden Falls in July and August to Serve Youth from Underrepresented Communities as Part of Saint Paul Connecting Children to Nature Initiative

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 15:57:42 +0000

YMCA Hosts Three Week-Long Day Camps at Lake Phalen and Hidden Falls in July and August to Serve Youth from Underrepresented Communities as Part of Saint Paul Connecting Children to Nature Initiative jeffrey.needham Tue, 07/16/2019 - 10:57

More than 200 campers will experience nature thanks to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, the Play, Learn, Serve, Work Initiative, Wilderness Inquiry, Urban Roots, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Saint Paul, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will partner with the City of Saint Paul and the National Park Service to host, for the third year, three week-long day camps at Lake Phalen (one week) and Hidden Falls Regional Park (two weeks) as part of the Saint Paul Connecting Children to Nature Initiative.

More than 200 campers from nearby communities will experience nature thanks to support from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation; the Play, Learn, Serve, Work Initiative; Wilderness Inquiry; Urban Roots; Mississippi National River and Recreation Area; and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Youth will come from the Salvation Army, Hallie Q. Brown, Hancock Recreation Center and the Midway YMCA and Eastside St. Paul YMCA.

In partnership with the National Park Service, campers will work with park rangers to learn about the city’s water source and how to take care of it. Additional activities for the week will include biking with the Police Activities League, nature hikes, fort building, fishing, arts and crafts, environmental education, camp games, canoeing, climbing and service projects from the Saint Paul National Resource Department.

"We're excited to partner with the YMCA to provide Saint Paul kids with opportunities to experience our beautiful natural surroundings," said Mayor Melvin Carter. "Connecting our young people to the outdoors helps us create the next generation of environmental stewards.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Saint Paul, the National Park Service and the Saint Paul Resource Department to provide this opportunity to youth in our community,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Having access to nature and providing meaningful outdoor experiences away from TV and computer screens decreases stress, improves overall health and helps youth build confidence and make new friends.”

Gunderson added this is just one way the Y is asking the community to “Get Outdoors” as part of the Y’s nature initiative to combat nature deficit and reduce screen time. There are a variety of options for the community to get in touch with nature at the Y including self-guided walking tours at camps, field trips, outdoor play areas at Y child care centers and mobile day camps in urban parks to provide more access to more youth.

WHO:
YMCA, City of Saint Paul and the National Park Service with support from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, the Play, Learn, Serve, Work Initiative, Wilderness Inquiry, Urban Roots, Saint Paul Police Activities League, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

WHAT:
Lake Phalen Day Camp
Hidden Falls Day Camp

WHERE:
Lake Phalen Regional Park, 1600 Phalen Drive in Saint Paul, MN 55106
Hidden Falls Regional Park at 1313 Hidden Falls Drive in Saint Paul, MN 55116

WHEN:

Lake Phalen

July 23 – 26 (Monday-Thursday) from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hidden Falls

July 29 – August 1 (Monday-Thursday) from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
August 5 – 8 (Monday-Thursday) from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Activities every day: Nature play and hikes, fishing, arts and crafts, biking with the Saint Paul Police Activities League environmental and waste education, and service projects from the City of Saint Paul, the National Park Service and Saint Paul Natural Resource Department

Additional activities on specific days:
Water Quality Education – Monday to Thursday
Biking (Police Activities League) – July 22-25 (Phalen) and August 5 – August 8 (Hidden Falls)
Climbing Wall – Monday (Phalen); Tuesday (Hidden Falls)
Native Prairie Habitat Study and Service Project – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Canoeing (Wilderness Inquiry) - Thursday

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 163 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.

YMCA Offers Tips for Safe Swimming for Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 13:57:33 +0000

YMCA Offers Tips for Safe Swimming for Fourth of July Holiday Weekend jeffrey.needham Mon, 07/01/2019 - 08:57

According to the USA Swimming Foundation and University of Memphis, two children die every day because of drowning.
According to a national research study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation, the University of Memphis and University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 60 percent of African American and 45 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim compared to 40 percent of Caucasian children.
In 2018, 46 people drowned in Minnesota in boating and non-boating related accidents, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, provides water safety tips to help kids, teens, adults and families enjoy lakes, rivers and pools during the Fourth of July holiday weekend and throughout the summer months.

Safety tips to practice in and around the water include:

Never swim alone.
Adults should constantly and actively watch children in their care.
Always keep young children or non-swimmers within arm’s reach of parent or guardian.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Don’t engage in breath holding activities.
Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water rather use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.
Enroll children and non-swimmers in water safety or swim lessons.

“The YMCA is committed to saving lives through water safety programs and education,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO for the Y. “Each year our Y reaches over 5,000 people through the Safety Around Water program alone. Thanks to partnerships with Abbey’s Hope, Delta Air Lines, Hawkins Inc., Hennepin County and USA Swimming Make a Splash Foundation, we are able to offer this program free of charge so all can access life-saving lessons and skills.”

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 163 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.