YMCA News Archive

YMCA of the North to host all-city Vikings flag football tournament for youth May 31 – June 1

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 29 May 2025 18:18:12 +0000

YMCA of the North to host all-city Vikings flag football tournament for youth May 31 – June 1 jeffrey.needham Thu, 05/29/2025 - 13:18

Eagan, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on May 31 and June 1 will host a metro-wide all-city Vikings flag football tournament for youth ages 6 to 14 at TCO Stadium.

Approximately 700 players from the top teams in the YMCA of the North’s Vikings flag football program will compete in the championship tournament. The event caps off a successful season of flag football programming offered in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings that saw approximately 4,000 participants engage in sports programs across the metro area.

“YMCA sports are built on the idea that everyone has an opportunity to play,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “YMCA athletes come from all backgrounds to unite as a team. Participants develop lifelong friendships and engage in healthy, positive competition.”

WHAT: YMCA All-City Vikings flag football tournament

WHERE: TCO Stadium, 2685 Vikings Circle, Eagan, MN 55121

WHEN:

Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Contact: Andrew Myers, 651-252-1960

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 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA Camp St. Croix to unveil community piano for “Pianos on Parade” at Flint Hills Family Festival May 30-31

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:29:16 +0000

YMCA Camp St. Croix to unveil community piano for “Pianos on Parade” at Flint Hills Family Festival May 30-31 jeffrey.needham Wed, 05/28/2025 - 13:29

Hudson, WI – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will participate in “Pianos on Parade” at the Flint Hills Family Festival, taking place May 30-31 in downtown St. Paul, with a community piano created by YMCA Camp St. Croix in partnership with local artists.

The Camp St. Croix community piano, themed “Fruits of our Labor,” is a vibrant and collaborative public art piece that captures the heart of camp life, where nature, creativity and connection come together to grow servant leaders and a garden that feeds the community.

The Farm at Camp St. Croix is the first nearly year-round educational farm in the St. Croix River Valley, allowing kids to learn and farm outside while donating the harvest to those experiencing food insecurity. The farm supplies more than 7,000 pounds of fresh produce per year to local food support organizations.

The piano was brought to life by artists Teri Schottler, Claire Jacobi, Brenda Olson and Liz Malanaphy in partnership with the Little Seeds Preschoolers at Camp St. Croix. The design features joyful scenes from around camp including Pizza Nights on the Farm. A floating raccoon, blooming zinnias, pollinators and fresh produce bring whimsy and color to the piece, while Mod Podge collages created by the preschoolers add a heartfelt and youthful touch.

“We are honored to be part of Pianos on Parade and grateful to Keys 4/4 Kids and the Ordway for inviting us to share our story through art,” said Theresa Douglas, business development manager at Camp St. Croix. “This piano celebrates not only the natural beauty of our camp but the spirit of collaboration and imagination that defines our community.”

The public is invited to view and enjoy the Camp St. Croix piano — and many others — during the festival. Visit the festival website to learn more.

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day May 28

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 22 May 2025 17:28:53 +0000

YMCA of the North to celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day May 28 jeffrey.needham Thu, 05/22/2025 - 12:28

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on May 28 will celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day with ForeverWell open houses and special activities at numerous Y locations.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day promotes the importance of regular physical activity and highlights how organizations like the Y are supporting the health and wellbeing of older adults in their communities.

ForeverWell open houses will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with specific activities and schedules varying by location. A full list of activities by location is available on the YMCA of the North website. The events are free and open to all. Please bring a photo ID.

Sample activities include:

Demonstration classes and fitness challenges
Nutrition and health information sessions
Wellbeing activities such as games, crafts and gardening
Healthy snacks, recipes and food
Testing and screening (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol)

“The Y ForeverWell program gives older adults the chance to connect with one another and the Y community while practicing healthy lifestyle skills and prioritizing wellbeing,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Our National Senior Health and Fitness Day celebrations are fun, free events showcasing the great opportunities available at the Y.”

WHAT: YMCA of the North National Senior Health and Fitness Day celebrations

WHERE: Multiple locations; see a full list of locations and activities online

WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North