YMCA News Archive

YMCA of the North Announces New Members to Board of Directors

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:26:37 +0000

YMCA of the North Announces New Members to Board of Directors jeffrey.needham Thu, 06/30/2022 - 09:26

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently elected at its annual meeting nine new members to its board of directors.

The newly elected members serving a three-year term as board directors for the class of 2025 include:

Doris Baylor, Business Owner, Community Volunteer
James Burroughs, SVP, Government & Community Relations at Children’s Minnesota
Bob Ehren, SVP, Individual Solutions at Securian Financial
Damien Fair, Neuroscientist and Professor in Department of Pediatrics at University of Minnesota
Jasmine Jirele, President and Chief Executive Officer at Allianz Life Insurance Company
Geoff Martha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Medtronic
Mike McKee, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly US, LLP
Patty Murphy, Community Volunteer
Rachel Paulouse, Attorney and Professor at University of St. Thomas

“The appointment of these board members represents the best and brightest leaders in our community to help guide the YMCA to better serve the youth, adults, families and seniors in the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin so all can thrive,” said Glen Gunderson, CEO and president of the YMCA. “Their knowledge, skills and expertise along with their commitment to our community will be invaluable to the Y as we continue to be, focused on making system changes essential to address [challenges] affecting our Y and our community.”

To learn more about the Y’s community response this year already, see this video: YMCA - Belonging Begins With 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 166 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, 8 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 Offers Tips for Safe Swimming for Fourth of July Holiday Weekend and Summer

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:55:47 +0000

YMCA Offers Tips for Safe Swimming for Fourth of July Holiday Weekend and Summer jeffrey.needham Mon, 06/27/2022 - 09:55

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.

As we continue to manage the pandemic and staffing shortages, water safety is important with up to two years of missed swim lessons, fewer pools with lifeguards, limited access to swimming lessons, more families spending time outside around the water and pools in backyards.

Safety tips to practice in and around the water include below:

Never swim alone.
Lifeguarded beaches and pools provide another layer of safety besides parental supervision. They also ensure water chemistry/beach water has been tested and is safe.
Constantly and actively watch children by a responsible an adult.
Always keep young children or non-swimmers within arm’s reach of parent or guardian.
Remember inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Be wary of inflatables because a poke or blown valve can turn into a dangerous situation quickly for a child relying on it to float.
Don’t engage in breath holding activities.
Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in any 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.
Be mindful of the hazards of backyard pools with standing water around because kids can fall down or can’t get out and infants or preschoolers can climb or crawl in. To be safe:
- Install barriers around the pool like a fence.
- Know CPR.
- Guarantee that every child in the backyard pool who cannot swim wears a U.S. Coastguard approved lifejackets.
- Provide constant supervision.
- Make sure there is a way to climb out of the pool if it’s too tall to step out of.
Keep kids safe when adults are also engaged in fun is incredibly important. A simple tip for parents near any kind of water this summer is to take the Water Watcher pledge. As a Water Watcher, an adult agrees to:
- Maintain constant visual contact with the children in the group.
- Not drink alcohol, talk on the phone, socialize or read while watching children.
- Keep a phone near the water for emergency purposes only.
- Remain by the water until relieved by a new water watcher.

“The YMCA is committed to saving lives through water safety programs and education,” said Glen Gunderson, president for the Y. “Each year our Y reaches over 2,000 people through the Safety Around Water program alone. Thanks to partnerships with USA Swimming Foundation, YMCA of USA, Delta Air Lines and Hawkins Inc., we are able to offer this program free of charge so all can access life-saving lessons and skills.”

The YMCA Safety Around Water program and traditional swim lessons teaches youth what they need to do to stay safe in pools, lakes and rivers. In addition to learning what to do if a friend is in trouble, youth develop skills to help if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly:

Jump, Push, Turn and Grab – teaches a child to push off the bottom of the pool as they are submerging to get back up to the surface and turn to grab the side of the pool.
Swim, Float, Swim – teaches children to swim a short distance on their front, roll over on their back to rest, and then roll on their front to continue swimming to safety.

Gunderson added that parents are encouraged to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming. The Y offers several programs promoting the benefits of swimming.

Water Skills and Safety at the Y

Y Swim Lessons June Through August: The Y’s swim lessons for infants, kids and teens are the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. The Y serves all ages in the pool from six months to adults. The YMCA offers a limited amount of free swim lessons each year and people can apply online at www.ymcanorth.org/freelessons.
Competitive Swim: YMCA competitive swimming and diving teams are the natural progression from Safety Around Water and Y Swim Lessons by encouraging children and teens to continue their love of swimming while providing an ideal environment for cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors: The YMCA offers training and job opportunities to help teach the community how to be safe in and around the water.

Because the Y 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 www.ymcanorth.org.

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 166 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. o learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA and University of Minnesota-Rochester Offers Summer School-Age Childcare

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:58:06 +0000

YMCA and University of Minnesota-Rochester Offers Summer School-Age Childcare jeffrey.needham Tue, 06/21/2022 - 08:58

Rochester, MN – The Rochester YMCA, dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, and the University of Minnesota Rochester is offering summer school-age childcare.

The summer program led and delivered by well-trained YMCA school-age childcare staff will focus on quality, small group, age-appropriate activities including:

Large muscle activities
Creative time—arts, crafts and fun
Learning and reading time, including trips to the Rochester Public Library
Outdoor exploration
STEM activities
Field trips to local areas of interest

The registration cost is $50 per participant and advance registration is required. There is a 3 days/week minimum required to participate in the program. Families can choose from 3-, 4-, and 5-day care options:

3 days/week = $147
4 days/week = 180
5 days/week = 204

Families will need to provide breakfast, lunch, and beverages daily. Additionally, participants should bring a water bottle, a daily change of clothes—including a sweatshirt, and sunscreen and should plan to dress comfortably and for the forecasted weather.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Minnesota Rochester to serve families in the area who need school-age care during the summer,” said Kristina Lemmer, Executive Director, Community Engagement at the YMCA. “Our program offers educational and enrichment activities that will continue to help children learn, grow and thrive when not in school this summer.”

To register, visit www.ymcanorth.org/rochestersummercare. If you have questions, call 651-259-2105.

WHO:
YMCA and University of Minnesota Rochester offer school age children age 5 (entering kindergarten) through grade 5

WHAT:
Summer School-Age Childcare Program for Local Community

WHERE:
University of Minnesota Rochester, 318 1st Ave SW, Room 10, Rochester, MN 55901

WHEN:
Monday-Friday, June 13 - August 26, 2022 at 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed week of July 4)

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 166 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.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA Hosts ForEverest Climbing Event on June 19, 20, and 21 at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:58:54 +0000

YMCA Hosts ForEverest Climbing Event on June 19, 20, and 21 at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington jeffrey.needham Tue, 06/14/2022 - 09:58

Kids, Adults and Seniors Choose Climb Time for an Adventurous Journey to the Summit

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host ForEverest on Sunday, June 19, Monday, June 20, and Tuesday, June 21 at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington. Presented by Delta Air Lines, ForEverest is the largest climbing event in the Midwest.

Fewer than 4,000 people have ever climbed Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth at 29,029 feet and the most epic climb in the world. To simulate a mini-version of the Everest climb, the YMCA has partnered with Three Rivers Parks District to create a journey that starts at basecamp (bottom of ski hills) leading to the summit by climbing several of the ski runs at Hyland Hills. ForEverest is for kids, adults and seniors aged 5-99 of all abilities. To accommodate busy schedules, participants choose from numerous available ‘Climb Times,’ similar to golfers choosing a tee-time. The Y has created a climbing circuit of four uphills and four downhills. Participants can complete one circuit, or keep going for as many circuits as they choose.

NEW for 2022: Some participants will reach the ‘Summit Club’ by climbing the 12,000 feet equivalent of Everest basecamp to Summit. Those participants will be rewarded with custom awards, and the satisfaction of having completed a very challenging goal. This feat takes 93 climbs at Hyland Hills!

“ForEverest offers us a taste of what it’s like to climb Mount Everest right here in the Twin Cities,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the Y. “People of all ages love this event because it’s a fun and challenging way to achieve a Summit experience that builds confidence and community.”

ForEverest offers a path to the summit for everyone, from hikers to runners, with fun and interesting learning opportunities along the way.

The registration cost is $33 per person with discounts for registering two or more climbers. For more information and to register, visit www.cyclehealth.org. Each climber earns a custom finishers’ award at the summit.

WHO:
YMCA’s Adventure Lab, Three Rivers Park District, and Delta Air Lines.

WHAT:
ForEverest

WHERE:
Hyland Hills Ski Area at 8800 Chalet Road in Bloomington, MN 55438

WHEN:
Sunday, June 19, Monday, June 20, and Tuesday, June 21, with morning climb times available.

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 166 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.ymcanorth.org.

New YMCA Gathering Pines Hosts Open House to Enjoy Outdoor Adventures on June 11

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:44:14 +0000

New YMCA Gathering Pines Hosts Open House to Enjoy Outdoor Adventures on June 11 jeffrey.needham Mon, 06/06/2022 - 10:44

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host an open house for Y campers and the community to visit the new YMCA Gathering Pines in Lakeville, MN on Saturday, June 11.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful site and engage in fun outdoor experiences. Camp activities will include: climbing wall, archery, gaga game, arts and crafts, nature scavenger hunt and more. There will also be food available to purchase.

“Our new YMCA Gathering Pines offers year-round opportunities for outdoor play and we are excited for our community to explore everything available,” said Niall Murton, executive director of YMCA Gathering Pines. “Our YMCA Gathering Pines provides nature experiences for all ages that benefit wellbeing, bring joy and build community.”

WHO:
YMCA Gathering Pines

WHAT:
Open House for Campers and Community

WHERE:
YMCA Gathering Pines at 23701 Zane Ave in Lakeville, MN 55044

WHEN:
Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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 166 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.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA Youth in Government Celebrates 75th Anniversary June 4

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 13:56:55 +0000

YMCA Youth in Government Celebrates 75th Anniversary June 4 jeffrey.needham Thu, 06/02/2022 - 08:56

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will bring together Minnesota Youth in Government participants, alumni and partners to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the program on Saturday, June 4 in St. Paul, MN.

Over the past 75 years, tens of thousands of students have learned about government and leadership – as well as about themselves – through participation in Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government.

“To recognize this milestone, we are bringing together the people who have helped make our programs a success – to celebrate, share stories, and raise funds to keep Youth in Government strong for the next 75 years,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “We hope this celebration reignites the passions and connections alumni enjoyed as a Youth in Government participant. While they reminisce about the past and hear about our vision and goals for ensuring that Youth in Government and all Center for Youth Voice programs are here to serve young people for the next 75 years.”

WHO:
Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Alumni and Friends from the Past 75 years

WHAT:
Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government 75th Celebration

WHERE:
InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront and the Minnesota State Capitol

WHEN:
Saturday, June 4, 2022

Media Invited to Celebration Activities:
Media can visit the event any time after 5 p.m. Program will be from 8-9 p.m. at the InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront on 11 East Kellogg Blvd.

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 166 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.ymcanorth.org.