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Summer 2025

Summer 2025 Registration Coming Soon

Our 2024 camp offerings are listed below, 2025 camps subject to change.

Traditional Options

Traditional Day Camp

Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. Campers will explore by hiking, studying the wonder of nature, building connections through teamwork, and conquering many challenges under the leadership of well-trained staff. It exposes participants to various activities, including archery, fort building, tie-dye, gaga ball, swimming, nature studies, paddling, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more. Campers will participate in some, but not all, of these activities, depending on their age and camp locations. Each camper will leave camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!

Wee Backpackers

The Wee Backpacker program aims to continue fostering a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Campers sing songs, tell stories, and play games while beginning to experience the variety of activities camp has to offer. Wee Backpackers maintains a low staff-to-child ratio.

Little Seeds Day Camp (Full Day)

‘Planting Seeds’ of interest and appreciation for the great outdoors in our youngest campers at Little Seeds Summer Camp! Little Seeds maintains a low staff-to-child ratio under the watchful eye of leadership staff and counselors trained to meet the needs of young campers. Little Seeds offers children the opportunity to engage in nature-based programming while experiencing new things and making new friends!

Summer Extravaganza

Summer Extravaganza is the last chance to enjoy the great outdoors at camp before summer ends! All available activities are jam-packed into a single session.

Arts and Imagination

Arts and Crafts

Participants discover their artistic side and let their imaginations soar. Projects may include sketching, painting, collage, beadwork, and more. Participants create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!

Dragons, Fairies and Friends

Participants let their imaginations soar in this magical fairytale-themed activity. Adventures will include themed arts and crafts, a mystical quest, and a royal celebration!

Mystery Quest

Looking for a mystery to solve? Participants will learn more about the many stories surrounding Streefland’s mythical beings. They will set out on a daily adventure to hunt for clues, set traps, and have fun solving mysteries.

Pirates

Arrrrrgh! Young buccaneers learn the swashbuckling lingo of pirates, play games like Capture the Pirate Flag, try their balancing skills as they walk the plank, go on treasure hunts, and much more.

Superheros

BAM! POW! KAZAM! Kids think, dress, and act like superheroes! Activities include super games, super crafts, and super fun. Where else can kids spend the day exploring their superpowers as their alter-ego superheroes, meet other superheroes and save the world?

We Dig Dinos

ROAR! Campers will travel back to explore the Jurassic period with their favorite dinosaurs. We Dig Dinos camp aims to ignite the passion and fuel the enthusiasm of budding paleontologists. Campers dig for fossils, create their dinosaur, and more! Will your kids have a great time at this camp? You bet, Jurassic!

Horse Camp

Lil' Pardners

This program is designed for the first time horse enthusiast and is a great introduction for our younger campers to learn the basics of horsemanship, become more comfortable and confident around horses, and give them a leg up for future horse camps!

During their session campers will learn the layout of our equine facility, go over the basic barn and horse safety rules, participate in daily horse chores, go on a pony ride (weather permitting), and will be introduced to basic horse knowledge (which may include and not limited to: horse anatomy, different senses and instincts, communication and body language, horse colors and markings, horse feed, horse stabling, horse first aid, how to tell if a horse is not feeling well, how to tell a horse's age, how to measure height and weight, different gaits of the horse, different parts of horse tack (bridle, saddle, bits),  types of grooming tools, how to lead, different types of training).

Colts

This program is designed for the beginner rider with little to no experience or kids who haven’t ridden in a long time and would like to refresh the basics. Each day will include both mounted and ground-based lessons.

This program includes groundwork lessons (may include: learning the parts of a Western or English saddle, learning the parts of the horse, how to groom, lead and saddle, how to measure the height and weight of a horse, different breeds, colors and markings, different types of feed, horse body language, and horse health) and a mounted group riding lessons 4 days a week (weather permitting) (may include: learning the four natural aids, correct riding position, balance, starting, stopping, steering, mounting, dismounting, and playing games on horseback). Beginner horse camp is all walking.

Buckaroos

This camp is great for kids who already know the basics of horseback riding, kids who can properly saddle/tack their horses with minor assistance and have had previous riding experience at our camp or riding lessons outside of camp. Buckaroos campers continue to gain skills and build confidence in and out of the saddle.

This program includes groundwork lessons (may include: daily chores, how to groom, lead and saddle, how to bridle a horse, how to lunge a horse, round pen work, in-hand obstacle course, giving a horse a bath, horse body language, and horse health) and a mounted group riding lesson (weather permitting) (may include: focus on safety skills like emergency dismounts, proper trail and arena horse spacing, learning the four natural aids, correct riding position, balance, horse yoga/stretching, steering, mounting, dismounting, and playing games on horseback). The majority of our horse camp will take place in a riding arena, and campers who can demonstrate required riding competencies may have the opportunity to go on a trail ride at the end of the week. Depending on the whole group’s ability, they may be taught how to trot at the end of the week in the arena.

Parents, it is okay (and recommended) for a horseback camper to do more than one summer of Buckaroos horseback camp (or multiple sessions in a summer).

Broncos

Broncos is for kids who already know the basics of horseback riding, have taken several summers of our other horseback camps, or who ride in weekly lessons outside of camp. Broncos is a faster-paced, higher skill and more demanding camp. Riders will be given a refresher in the basics on day one, but they will be required to saddle/tack their horses, must know how to lead their horse, and mount and dismount with very little assistance.

This program includes a groundwork lesson (may include: daily chores, how to catch and halter a horse, how to bridle a horse, feeding a horse, how to lunge a horse, round pen work, in-hand obstacle course, giving a horse a bath, horse body language, horse training techniques, and horse healthcare) and mounted group riding lessons (weather permitting) (may include: focus on safety skills like emergency dismounts, proper trail and arena horse spacing, learning the four natural aids, correct riding position, balance, horse yoga/stretching, trotting, trail pattern obstacle courses, dressage patterns, and playing games on horseback). The majority of our horse camp will take place in our indoor or outdoor arena while working on their skills to achieve the trail ride eligible status for later in the week.

Nature and Science

Critters and Crawlers

Participants become “Eco-Explorers” as they investigate the natural surroundings at camp. We will take nature treks to explore our camp environment and search for signs of local wildlife. Activities include bug safaris, nature hunts, and more!

Farm and Garden

Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily. These young farmers will experience the daily routines of caring for a garden. They will have the chance to gain an appreciation for farm plants and animals through crafts, hands-on activities.

Fish, Frogs, and Forts

Filled with exploration and environmental education, we’ll focus on fort-building and discovering insects, fish, and frogs. Campers will take one field trip (weather permitting) to a local lake to learn basic fishing skills while practicing the catch-and-release method for shore fishing.

Outdoor Living Skills

Participants discover the finer points of preparing for a big outdoor adventure while learning various practical camping skills, including building a fire, making camp shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, and more!

Wild About Nature / Nature Explorer

Enjoy the great outdoors as we explore the wonders of nature! Participants will hike along our many paths to discover the camp's natural landscapes and ecosystems. Kids learn to identify various trees, plants, and animals.

Outdoor Action

Archery / Slingshot

Participants learn the fundamentals of archery, examine equipment close-up, and learn the science behind target shooting. Instructors teach proper grip, stance, and aim alignment. YMCA of the North provides equipment.

Climbing / Challenge

Learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety. Challenge participants to test their strengths, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.

Water Action

Canoe / Kayak

Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.

Fishing

Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. Local lakes and rivers provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.

Water Adventure

Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.

BOLD GOLD

BOLD GOLD Camping

TIER I

In addition to their time at day camp, campers will spend two days, one night, camping at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Leading up to their trail experience, campers will participate in activities designed to develop leadership and outdoor skills. (Overnight is tentatively Wednesday night.)

Email us with any questions regarding the BOLD GOLD programs including any questions you may have about scholarships.

BOLD GOLD Canoeing

TIER I

In addition to their time at day camp, canoers will spend two days, one night, camping at Sakatah Lake State Park and canoeing on the Canon River. Leading up to their trail experience, campers will participate in activities designed to develop leadership and outdoor skills. (Overnight is tentatively Wednesday night.)

Email us with any questions regarding the BOLD GOLD programs including any questions you may have about scholarships.

Teen and Leadership

Teen Archery

Fine-tune your archery skills and learn new ones as camp leaders highlight games and friendly competitions throughout the week. This camp features a field trip, and YMCA of the North provides equipment.

Teen Artist

Self-expression comes to life in this creative art camp! Your imagination becomes the window of discovery as you create original art. You will create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!

Teen Canoe / Kayak

Embark on a canoeing/kayaking experience full of adventure. Develop your paddling skills and learn boating safety as you experience the challenge of navigating the water!

Teen Climbing

Test your strength, strategy, and skill as you focus on a challenging daily climb. Learn and develop climbing skills, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety.

Teen Farm

Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily. These young farmers will experience the daily routines of caring for a garden. They will have the chance to gain an appreciation for farm plants and animals through crafts, hands-on activities.

Teen Fishing

Lakes provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.

Leaders-In-Training

Discover your leadership qualities by learning to lead campers in activities and assist in planning the week for your group! The second week allows you to put those new skills to the test while you shadow a counselor and assist staff in camp activities.

Junior Counselor

Do you love working with kids in an outdoor camp setting? Here's your chance to take a leadership role! Junior Counselors are assigned to a group and assist Counselors in leading and carrying out various Day Camp programs.

Ages 14–15

Previous experience in a LIT program or leadership experience working with children is preferred. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process while gaining career readiness experience.

If you have questions, you can reach out to us via Gathering.Pines@ymcamn.org or 651-309-4414.

A day camp team member will reach out for an interview around mid-March to talk over details and information about the program. We ask for a minimum of a 3-week commitment. Hope to see you this summer!

Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.

Contact Us

Whether you have a question or are ready to plan, we have the answers and are prepared to assist.

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Financial Assistance

The YMCA offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.

Scholarships
Special Accommodations

We are committed to equity and improving access to our programs and spaces for all.

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