YMCA News

YMCA of the North sets kids up for a healthy start to the summer at Healthy Kids Day April 20

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:26 +0000

YMCA of the North sets kids up for a healthy start to the summer at Healthy Kids Day April 20 jeffrey.needham Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:15

YMCA of the North sets kids up for a healthy start to the summer at Healthy Kids Day April 20

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day on April 20. Events will be hosted from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the YMCA in Hudson and from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Blaisdell YMCA.

This free annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to turn fun and play into lifelong memories.

The event will feature engaging activities for the whole family. All are welcome and membership is not required to participate.

Activities at the YMCA in Hudson include:

Bike safety rodeo, including a bike safety course, bike safety tune-ups and bikes of all sizes and adaptive bikes available to ride
- Participate to win a free bike of your size!
Community vendor tables with family-based activities
Ambulance, fire truck and police vehicle tours and police K-9 demonstrations
Watch Life Link III helicopter land and take off
Food vendors

Thank you to participating community partners for supporting this event.

Activities at the Blaisdell YMCA include:

Pictures with Snoopy
Bounce house
Firefighter meet and greet with the Minneapolis Fire Department
Frog and Toad Story Theatre with Children’s Theatre Company
Family fitness class
Plant a seed activity

Thank you to community partners Children’s Theatre Company, Hy-Vee and the Minneapolis Fire Department for supporting this event.

“It is so important for kids to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally – and the Y is here to support families as they create healthy habits,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great summer activities the Y has to offer.”

WHAT: Healthy Kids Day

WHEN: Saturday, April 20

WHERE:
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at YMCA in Hudson, 2211 Vine St., Hudson, WI 54016
1 – 4 p.m. at Blaisdell YMCA, 3335 Blaisdell Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408

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 168 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.

About Peanuts

The characters of Peanuts and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide, which is 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd. (TSX:WILD), 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by the family of Charles M. Schulz, who first introduced the world to Peanuts in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. In addition to enjoying beloved Peanuts shows and specials on Apple TV+, fans of all ages celebrate the Peanuts brand worldwide through thousands of consumer products, as well as amusement park attractions, cultural events, social media, and comic strips available in all formats, from traditional to digital. Learn more at peanuts.com.

Kaleidoscope adds YMCA of the North President & CEO Glen Gunderson to Board of Directors

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:00:26 +0000

Kaleidoscope adds YMCA of the North President & CEO Glen Gunderson to Board of Directors jeffrey.needham Tue, 04/16/2024 - 15:00

Minneapolis, MN – Kaleidoscope, a leading Full-Cycle Scholarship Platform (FSP) based in Minneapolis, MN, has announced the appointment of Glen Gunderson to its Board of Directors.

Glen Gunderson, President and CEO of the YMCA of the North, brings a wealth of industry experience to Kaleidoscope’s Board. With nearly 12 years in leadership at the YMCA, a current board seat with Daxko, and prior roles at RedBrick Health and Life Time Fitness, Glen has a proven track record of breaking down barriers for youth, providing strategic guidance in high-growth stages, and driving positive change.

Reflecting on his appointment, Glen commented, “As a former scholarship recipient myself, I understand firsthand the importance of the work Kaleidoscope is doing in the market. Their mission not only streamlines scholarship processes for organizations but also expands access to educational opportunities for all students.”

Founded in 2017, Kaleidoscope serves as the preferred FSP for over 500 organizations, facilitating the design, implementation, administration, and distribution of scholarships to thousands of students nationwide.

Glen’s appointment completes the Kaleidoscope Board of Directors, which includes Chairman, Justin Kaufenberg, Managing Partner at Rally Ventures; Joe Biller, Managing Partner at 503 Partners; Jeff Hinck, Managing Partner at Rally Ventures; and Jason Von Bank, CEO at Kaleidoscope.

“We are thrilled to welcome Glen to our Board,” said Jason Von Bank, CEO of Kaleidoscope. “His personal connection to our mission, combined with his strategic expertise, will further strengthen our world-class board as we continue on our mission to remove financial barriers to advancement.”

Learn more on the Kaleidoscope website.

About Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is a Full-Cycle Scholarship Platform (FSP) that gives organizations the tools and support they need to build and manage scholarship programs from start to finish, every year. Organizations partner with Kaleidoscope to build and manage scholarship applications, communicate with applicants and reviewers, complete a selection process, and manage disbursements. Learn more at https://www.mykaleidoscope.com/.  To learn more about how Kaleidoscope can improve your scholarship or grant program, visit www.mykaleidoscope.com.

About the YMCA of the North

More than 600 youth to learn about global issues April 4-6 at Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 16:28:27 +0000

More than 600 youth to learn about global issues April 4-6 at Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations jeffrey.needham Tue, 04/02/2024 - 11:28

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, April 4-6 will bring together more than 600 students in grades 7-12 at the Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations (UN). This is the 37th Model UN presented by the YMCA Center for Youth Voice.

Model UN participants take on the role of diplomats from nations around the world and practice compromise and diplomacy to solve global problems. Topics students will discuss include election security and reform, plastic waste in oceans, global hunger and food insecurity, biological black market, control of space, public displays of religious practices, global exchange rates, building a lasting peace and more. The goal of Model UN is to teach students to be responsible, inclusive world citizens in our global community.

“In the classroom, students primarily learn from their teachers,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “At Center for Youth Voice conferences, students learn by doing – debating issues, forming alliances, seeking compromises. Specifically at YMCA Model UN, participants will improve their understanding of the world and how they fit into that world. These are life skills they will take with them well after they graduate.”

WHO: YMCA Center for Youth Voice

WHAT: Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations

WHERE: Minneapolis Marriott, 30 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

WHEN: April 4-6

*Media opportunities:

Thursday, April 4, 11 a.m. – noon for the opening ceremony or 2-5 p.m. for program sessions
Friday, April 5, 9-11:30 a.m. or 1:30-4:30 p.m. for program sessions

Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth March 2 and 3

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:38:40 +0000

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth March 2 and 3 jeffrey.needham Thu, 02/29/2024 - 11:38

Woodbury, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on March 2 and 3 will host a metro-wide all-city basketball tournament for youth ages 6 to 14. All teams will play during the weekend, with the championship games held on Sunday.

Around 800 participants will compete in the end-of-session championship tournament in Woodbury. The event is the culmination of the eight-week season where participants engaged in sports programs at their local Ys.

“YMCA sports are built on the idea that everyone has an opportunity to play,” said Glen Gunderson, president 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 Basketball Tournament

WHERE:
Legacy Hoops Woodbury, 2122 Wooddale Dr. #150, Woodbury, MN 55125

WHEN:
Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 3, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Contact: Tyler Morgan, 715-321-2421

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 168 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.

More than 500 youth to practice advocacy Feb. 27 at Youth Day at the Capitol

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:27:34 +0000

More than 500 youth to practice advocacy Feb. 27 at Youth Day at the Capitol jeffrey.needham Mon, 02/26/2024 - 12:27

St. Paul, MN – The YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Feb. 27 will partner with several other youth-serving organizations to bring more than 500 students in grades 6-12 from 53 Minnesota communities to the Minnesota State Capitol to meet with legislators and practice advocacy.

Youth Day at the Capitol (YDAC) is an annual event where hundreds of students from across the state come together to learn how to effectively advocate for an issue of their choosing and practice those advocacy skills during a meeting with their local elected officials. Different than many other “days on the hill,” Youth Day at the Capitol is unique in that participants identify their own local issues of concern.

“Our goal is to help young people understand the advocacy process and learn the skills needed to be effective advocates for issues that matter to them,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. "Young people from different communities will likely end up focusing on different policy issues. The common thread is that every young person will have the opportunity to meet with local community elected officials and discuss hometown issues. That is a very powerful experience."

"I didn't realize that legislators are willing to meet with people, even young people,” said 2023 YDAC participant Thay See from Como High School. "Now I know that anytime my family or I am concerned about something in our community, we know how to reach out and meet with them about it."

In the morning, members of the Minnesota Youth Council will lead hour-long workshops for all participants on advocacy strategies and best practices. At 11:35 a.m., all participants will march to the State Capitol and gather for a photo on the Capitol steps. They will spend the afternoon meeting with legislators and Minnesota's constitutional officers, voting in a mock presidential primary election, attending actual committee hearings and learning about additional civic engagement opportunities for youth.

The YMCA Center for Youth Voice leads YDAC in partnership with the Minnesota Alliance with Youth, the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office, Minnesota Community Education Association, Minnesota Prevention Alliance, YWCA Minneapolis, Health Partners Teen Leadership Council and the Minnesota History Center.

WHO:
YMCA Center for Youth Voice

WHAT:
Youth Day at the Capitol 2024

WHEN & WHERE:
Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

9 a.m. – noon: Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
Noon – 3 p.m.: Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155

Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679

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 168 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 of the North to host 10th annual Kidarod adventure race Feb. 17-18

nathan.hippenmeyer@ymcamn.org — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 03:22:29 +0000

YMCA of the North to host 10th annual Kidarod adventure race Feb. 17-18 nathan.hippenm… Thu, 02/01/2024 - 21:22

Maple Grove, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Feb. 17-18 will host the 10th annual Kidarod adventure race for kids and families at Fish Lake Regional Park.

Kidarod, the nation’s largest winter adventure race for kids ages 5 to 17, includes trail running, hill climbing, hiking, obstacles, sliding and more. This year’s event is presented by Cargill and includes Nighttime Glow Racing on Feb. 17 from 4-7 p.m. and a full day of racing on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults may also participate in the race if registered with a kid.

While many winter events in the Twin Cities have been disrupted due to warm temperatures, Kidarod will take place regardless of the weather. “Weather-wise, we’ve seen it all – cold temperatures in the teens, record warm temperatures in the 60s and even a blizzard – and in every case we were able to provide a great experience for participants,” said Betsy Grams, vice president of adventure for YMCA of the North. “We have plans in place with safety as our first priority and are ready to adapt to any weather conditions. We are excited to offer families an activity they and their kids can enjoy – with snow or without!”

Kidarod is part of an adventure race series partnership between YMCA’s Adventure Lab, Three River Parks District and Y Adventure. The event will also feature winter activities, including a chance to meet a team of husky sled dogs. To learn more and register, visit www.ymcanorth.org/adventure/experiences/kidarod.

“We are thrilled to provide safe, unique adventure opportunities for kids and families,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North Adventure Lab and Three Rivers Parks District

WHAT:
10th annual Kidarod

WHERE:
Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311

WHEN:

Feb. 17 from 4-7 p.m.
Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. – 3 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 168 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 of the North President and CEO Glen Gunderson named to Daxko Board of Directors

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:01:29 +0000

YMCA of the North President and CEO Glen Gunderson named to Daxko Board of Directors jeffrey.needham Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:01

Minneapolis, MN – YMCA of the North President and CEO Glen Gunderson has been named to Daxko's Board of Directors, the company announced in a press release Wednesday.

"Choosing Glen was a clear-cut decision," Travis Pearson and Eli Weiss, co-chairs of Daxko’s Board of Directors jointly said in the press release. "His impressive tenure at YMCA of the North and in the broader fitness industry will play a pivotal role in strengthening Daxko's industry relationships and deepening the connection with our customers. Glen brings valuable insights into understanding their members and perfectly aligns with Daxko's vision."

Daxko is the leading technology partner for health and fitness centers worldwide, spanning 55 countries and delivering comprehensive technology solutions, integrated payment process. The company noted that adding Gunderson to its board was, in part, a move to honor its longstanding commitment to YMCAs.

"I'm looking forward to being a voice of the customer and the market as Daxko begins its transformational next chapter," Gunderson said. "My mission is to passionately advocate for and advance whole-person wellbeing for all people and communities. Daxko is uniquely positioned to serve the diverse needs of health and wellness organizations and is wholeheartedly dedicated to assisting them in building deep, meaningful connections with their members."

Before joining the YMCA of the North as President and CEO in June 2012, Gunderson served as the Chief Business Officer at RedBrick Health and a Vice President and Senior Vice President at LifeTime Fitness, all experiences that Daxko highlighted in its press release.

"With the addition of Gunderson to its Board of Directors," the release said, "Daxko is making a significant move to propel its growth and innovation as a global leader in health, fitness, and wellness technology."

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 168 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 of the North to host 70th annual Youth in Government conference Jan. 4-7

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:10:45 +0000

YMCA of the North to host 70th annual Youth in Government conference Jan. 4-7 jeffrey.needham Tue, 01/02/2024 - 11:10

Minnesota secondary students to learn, practice democracy at Minnesota State Capitol

St. Paul, MN – The YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Jan. 4-7 will host 1,300 students in grades eight through 12 for the Youth in Government conference at the Minnesota State Capitol.

At the 70th annual Youth in Government conference, participants will take on roles as legislators, lobbyists, lawyers, judges, justices and journalists and spend four days running a state model government at the Capitol Complex. The YMCA’s Youth in Government program allows students to elect their own leaders, debate their own ideas and build a vision for a strong state.

“Young people in Youth in Government are leaders, organizers, speakers and decision-makers,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Participating in Youth in Government gives them the opportunity to spend four days with other young people interested in government and our society, building the skills to take action in their local communities. When we help youth understand the topics they are passionate about in the context of the policymaking process, we give them the tools to transform the world into a better, more just place.”

Youth leadership is a hallmark of YMCA Youth in Government. Eighteen youth officers, elected by their peers, will lead all sessions. Approximately 125 appointed officials assist the officers in providing forums for exchange of ideas and respectfully discussing potential solutions.

WHO: YMCA Center for Youth Voice

WHAT: 70th annual Youth in Government conference

WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155

WHEN: Jan. 4-7
  *Sessions offering photo opportunities will be held at the Capitol Complex as follows:
  Friday, Jan. 5, and Saturday, Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679

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 168 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 of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth Dec. 16 and 17

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:21:37 +0000

YMCA of the North to host all-city basketball tournament for youth Dec. 16 and 17 jeffrey.needham Wed, 12/13/2023 - 16:21

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, on Dec. 16 and 17 will host a metro-wide all-city basketball tournament for youth ages 6 to 14. All teams will play on Saturday, with the semi-final and championship games held on Sunday.

Around 800 participants will compete in the end-of-session championship tournament. The event is the culmination of the eight-week season where participants engaged in sports programs at their local Ys.

WHAT: YMCA All-City Basketball Tournament

WHERE: Kennedy High School, 9701 Nicollet Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55420
Kennedy Activity Center, 150 E. 98th St., Bloomington, MN 55420

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 17, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*Medals will be awarded on Dec. 17 to the first and second place teams for each division (boys grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-8, 7-8; girls grades 1-2, 3-4).

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 167 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 of the North winter clothing fund drive supports local Neighborhood Centers

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:49:43 +0000

YMCA of the North winter clothing fund drive supports local Neighborhood Centers jeffrey.needham Fri, 12/01/2023 - 09:49

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is inviting the community to donate to the winter clothing fund drive to purchase coats, gloves, hats, boots and snow pants for youth served by YMCA Neighborhood Centers.

Neighborhood Centers support families by providing access to healthy foods; sharing educational resources and enrichment activities; and assisting with basic necessities, technology access and job support. Many youth are not prepared for cold temperatures and snow. The winter clothing fund drive will support the purchase of winter clothing to help kids stay warm this winter.

“The YMCA is committed to removing barriers that may prevent kids and teens from getting the basic necessities to stay warm this winter,” said Mary Britts, vice president of community impact for the YMCA of the North’s Center for Social Impact. “We are grateful for any amount donated to help us make a difference for our youth.”

To learn more on how to give the gift of warmth, visit www.ymcanorth.org/give/winter.

Any donation will help:

$25 – provides a hat and gloves
$50 – provides a winter coat
$100 – provides a coat, snow pants and boots
$125 – provides full winter gear
$500 – provides a three-generation family of four with winter gear for the season
$1,000 – enables the YMCA to offer free indoor programming days on snowy, cold days when schools are closed

A donation in any amount (even $5) makes an impact.

WHO: YMCA of the North Neighborhood Centers

Locations include:

Birchwood in Stillwater
Briarhill in Eden Prairie
Huntington Place in Brooklyn Park
Maple Pond in Maplewood
Minnetonka Heights in Minnetonka
Montreal Courts in Little Canada

WHAT: Winter Clothing Fund Drive

WHERE: To donate, go to www.ymcanorth.org/give/winter.

WHEN: Dec. 1, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2024

About the YMCA of the North