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Camp Gathering Pines Community Council

Camp Gathering Pines is excited to launch a Community Council, bringing together purpose-driven community leaders to support camp! This year, our number one goal is to identify an ambassador for each bus stop to serve as support and camper recruitment.

Our Ask

We are requesting that community members with a passion for the Y and/or day camp submit the questionnaire to be considered for the 25-26 Gathering Pines Community Council.

Begin Questionnaire launch

If you have further questions about the role or responsibilities included in this opportunity, please reach out directly to the Senior Camp Program Director, Nick Dyson (Nicholas.Dyson@ymcamn.org).

When

We hope to gather interested responses throughout the summer and connect individually with these leaders ongoing to determine if this would be a mutually beneficial fit.  Those who are chosen to move forward with the council would officially begin a group onboard, development of meeting cadence and objective level setting in the Fall of 2025.

General Responsibilities
  • Participate in Community Council meetings and project groups.
  • Lead or participate in at least one project team during their term. 
  • Participate in annual campaign efforts.
  • Volunteer at Gathering Pines community events (example- harvest party, candlelight hike, open houses)
Proposed objectives of the 2025-26 Community Council

1. Day Camp: Camper Recruitment

Ongoing recruitment is essential to maintain program vitality, expand access, and meet operational goals. By reaching new families and strengthening relationships with returning campers, we can ensure camp remains accessible and fully enrolled.

a) Retain/recruit 4,000 campers for the summer camp season. 

b) Identify a “Day Camp Ambassador” for each bus stop location to coordinate accessible bus stop locations for campers and their families.

c) Promote day camp programs and actively recruit participants from the community.

d) Build connections with local schools, faith organizations, and community groups to promote camper enrollment.

2. Community Focus: Local Engagement

Camp Gathering Pines is a valuable resource not only for summer campers but also for the broader community. Increasing local engagement and facility usage strengthens community ties, raises awareness of camp programs, and generates additional revenue to support mission-driven work. By promoting rentals and inviting the community into our space, we can expand our year-round impact.

a) Increase space rentals for the 2025-26 during the non-summer months.

b) Host three community events open to the public.

3. Philanthropic Development and Sustainability

In 2024, Camp Gathering Pines provided $21,000 in financial assistance to help families send their children to day camp. To continue to meet this need, Camp Gathering Pines will require a strong and retained donor base. By shrinking the gap between the community need and funds raised in our annual campaign we can continue to provide financial assistance and further invest in our programs and property.

a) The Camp Gathering Pines Community Council aims to grow its annual fund by securing 50 new or lapsed donors in 2026.

b) Strategically develop sustainable community partnerships and collaboration to drive $15,000-20,000 in new Annual Fund support in the 24’-25’ council cycle.