YMCA News Archive

19 Area YMCAs Open Distance Learning Space for Children as Schools Transition to Remote Learning

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 14:16:39 +0000

19 Area YMCAs Open Distance Learning Space for Children as Schools Transition to Remote Learning jeffrey.needham Fri, 08/21/2020 - 09:16

Y has over 30 years of experience working with local schools to provide school age care

Minneapolis, MN – As schools districts offer various in person and distance learning models, the YMCA, which typically offers before- and after-school care to children, will now also offer programming during school hours to provide children a space where they can attend virtual classes while supervised by Y staff.

The YMCA is offering flexible and enriching programs for youth, while also providing essential child care to those parents who need to return to work. The Y works with each family based on their school district’s distance or in person/distance learning model to ensure their child(ren) have consistent and convenient care to help kids stay connected, engaged and on track throughout the day.

“The Y of the North has provided school age care to our community for more than 30 years during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful as COVID-19,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the Y. “As an organization dedicated to youth development, we know how important it is that our children have a safe and enriching environment to learn, grow and thrive.”

Children attending the program will use computers/tablets provided by their school. Outside of distance learning, the Y will also provide arts and STEM activities, physical activity and outdoor education.

Financial assistance is available to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

In order to help keep children and staff healthy and safe throughout the school year, the YMCA follows state and local requirements and guidance of medical experts in its day-to-day operations including:

Daily health screenings for children and staff
Reduced capacity in group activities
Staggered mealtimes to reduce crowds
Snack time served in “pods”
Cleaning, handwashing and social distancing protocols that meet Department of Health standards

For more information and to sign up for the Y’s virtual learning program, visit www.ymcanorth.org/schoolagecare or contact customer service online at www.ymcamnorth.org/contact_us.

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 164 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, seven 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.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA CycleHealth Hosts Annual BreakAway Kids Tri With Modifications on August 14-15

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:36:53 +0000

YMCA CycleHealth Hosts Annual BreakAway Kids Tri With Modifications on August 14-15 jeffrey.needham Tue, 08/11/2020 - 10:36

Maple Grove, MN – CycleHealth, an initiative of the YMCA of the North which is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its annual BreakAway Kids Tri on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The event is modified to be safe per guidance from health experts with families picking a start time, with each start time limited in participants to create physical distancing and self-guiding on the course.

The course includes three unique activities: an 8-mile family bike ride with 8 fun stops along the course; a 1-mile off-road run course; and a 100-yard swim in Elm Creek’s swim pond. Participants get their adventure passports stamped after each activity, and show their stamped passports to a volunteer at the end to unlock their finisher’s medal.

For the first time, kids have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and declining participation in organized sports. Local pediatricians in more than 50 clinics are collaborating with CycleHealth to change this trend by prescribing fun, unique activities, including the BreakAway Kids Tri.

"It's great to prescribe something fun and healthy rather than medication when working with youth on their wellbeing,” said Dr. Tracy Hall of South Lake Pediatrics. “Kids love CycleHealth events and families are energized to be healthier together.”

“The YMCA and CycleHealth are proud to work with community partners to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North CycleHealth and the Three River Parks District

HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS:
500 – 600 participants, from age 6 +

WHAT:
BreakAway Kids Tri

WHERE:
Elm Creek Park Reserve at 12400 James Deane Parkway in Maple Grove, MN 55369

WHEN:
Friday, August 14 from 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 15 from 8 – 11 a.m.

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Announces Name Change to YMCA of the North

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:33:30 +0000

YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Announces Name Change to YMCA of the North jeffrey.needham Wed, 08/05/2020 - 09:33

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, has announced a new name for the regional association – YMCA of the North.

Over the past few years, the Y aspired to find a name that is more inviting to all the communities it serves and that better depicts the work the organization is doing, today and going forward. Throughout the past year, the marketing committee of the Y’s executive board has been working with staff to identify a name for the association that is relevant to its geographies, programs and services, while also being differentiating within the YMCA movement and relatively timeless. The goal was to determine a name that demonstrates the Y’s progression to serve the community and further develop programs that reach outside the four walls of the Y. Watch this video to learn more: YMCA Name Change.

“The name YMCA of the North stretches beyond the limits of geography and captures an ideal state – a true north,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “Our mission continues to grow through people, programs and places served – and now more than ever, our community response efforts are working to serve our neighbors when they need us most.”

Gunderson added that the Y’s new name represents the organization’s bold vision; embodies the Y’s values, heritage and history; matches the Y’s brand and region’s brand while accommodating for growth in its mission; and represents the Y’s unwavering commitment.

Over the past few weeks, the Y has been working through the process of making the name change in the organization’s branding, communications and marketing. The website URL has changed from ymcamn.org to ymcanorth.org.

A special thank you to Greg Coleman, Minnesota Vikings legend, for his voiceover in this video. Greg is a great supporter of the YMCA and has dedicated his life to ensure all youth in our community get opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.

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 164 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 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.ymcanortth.org.