In Partnership with Olmsted County Parks

In early 2023, the YMCA of the North, Rochester entered into partnership with the Olmsted County Parks to offer a new YMCA day camp opportunity in the Rochester, MN area. Located at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, Olmsted County Park Director, Karlin Ziegler, and her team have provided the perfect space for campers to learn in the natural classroom of the outdoors. Between building a brand new Gaga Ball pit, assisting in hanging archery nets, practicing emergency drills with YMCA staff, and removing snakes and bees from program areas, the Oxbow Park naturalists, maintenance team, and summer interns have shown their constant support for YMCA Camp Oxbow.
 

Twice weekly, campers attended one hour naturalist classes that took them behind the operations of Zollman Zoo. During these classes, our campers had the opportunity to hold snakes; touch owls; catch and observe bugs; and watch deer, elk, buffalo, and the late Zollman Zoo bear during feeding time. This unique experience energized campers to remain curious about their natural surroundings.

The YMCA Camp Oxbow team wants to thank Olmsted County Parks and the Oxbow Park staff for such a successful inaugural camp season, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into 2024. 

To learn more about Olmsted County Parks, visit their webpage here.