YMCA of the North Blog

Get the latest updates on how to best access the Y and ECLC.

Growing up in Michigan, Lawrence Cho and his siblings considered it a treat on the rare occasions they participated in a YMCA program.

As winter approaches in Minnesota, icy sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots become part of daily life. For older adults, navigating these slippery surfaces can pose serious risks—but with a few simple precautions, you can stay safe and confident all season long.

As December unfolds and the days grow shorter, the winter solstice arrives as a quiet yet powerful moment in the seasonal calendar.

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, many people—especially older adults—find themselves spending more time indoors. While cozy moments at home can be comforting, it’s important to stay socially connected during the colder months.

As autumn settles in and the season of thanksgiving approaches, it’s a meaningful time to pause and reflect.

The YMCA of the North will host 1,000 racers for the 10th annual Resilinator adventure race at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington on Oct. 25 from 12-4 p.m.

As a basketball-loving kid, Troy Cardinal participated in some basketball camps and games at a YMCA in Champaign, Illinois. But he shyly notes that he spent a lot more time around courts and and facilities at the University of Illinois.

The YMCA of the North recently elected new members to its Board of Directors.

Community members welcome to the Farm at Camp St. Croix for Fall Harvest Fest Oct. 4

Invincikids and Cyber Athletix today announced a formal partnership to launch the Anchor Points Initiative (API). This groundbreaking program will bring immersive mental wellness and resiliency experiences to young people in both clinical and community settings to reduce anxiety, emotional stress and provide resiliency skill building.

Join us on October 23, 2025 for a fun-filled, family-friendly Halloween event full of tricks, treats, and spooky surprises!

Aging is often portrayed as a slow decline—but that narrative misses the mark. In reality, aging is a dynamic, powerful phase of life filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and vitality.

Since 1975, we’ve grown with our community, serving, inspiring, and connecting generations. Now it is time for us to come together and celebrate the many unforgettable memories, accomplishments, and Y stories that have shaped these past 50 years.

Emergencies don’t wait for convenience. Whether it’s a house fire, severe weather, or a community-wide evacuation, being prepared can make all the difference—especially for older adults who may face unique challenges during a crisis.

The YMCA of the North on Sept. 8 will announce a new name for the historic St. Paul Midway YMCA in recognition of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation’s transformative support for many years, and celebrate the commencement of construction for the Peter J. King Family Foundation Center for Child and Family Wellbeing.

Summer often brings a welcome break from routine. But as September arrives, it's a great opportunity to gently return to the habits that support your health and wellbeing.

As summer fades and the golden hues of fall begin to emerge, September offers a gentle invitation to slow down and savor the present.

The YMCA of the North and Minnesota Vikings legend Greg Coleman on Aug. 19 will host the 26th annual Greg Coleman Celebrity Golf Tournament at Bunker Hills Golf Course. All net tournament proceeds benefit youth sports programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all throughout the YMCA of the North.

The YMCA of the North on Aug. 15 and 16 will host its 12th annual BreakAway events at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The BreakAway events provide a two-day triathlon experience for kids and families.

We know getting around the area is a bit challenging right now, but don’t let that deter you from your health and wellness routine.

The internet offers incredible benefits for seniors – connection, learning, and convenience. Yet, it also harbors risks, with older adults often targeted by sophisticated scams.

For seniors, staying adequately hydrated isn't just a good idea – it's absolutely vital for maintaining health, energy, and independence.

The YMCA of the North and Special Olympics Minnesota are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership to launch Unified Sports Camps in August at seven schools and YMCAs throughout the Twin Cities.

For seniors, the magic of community isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a vital ingredient for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Selected participants will receive full tuition and paid support to pursue national board certification

The YMCA of the North June 22-26 will host Camp Superkids, a one-week overnight camp experience at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi designed specifically for young people ages 7-16 with asthma and their siblings, friends and other supportive peers.

The YMCA of the North 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.

The YMCA of the North 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 YMCA of the North on May 28 will celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day with ForeverWell open houses and special activities at numerous Y locations.

As we embrace the wisdom and freedom that come with our senior years, there's a powerful opportunity to redefine what wellness means to us.

It seems like such a quick moment to respond to a text, answer a work email, or make a quick grocery list, but quick actions can quickly become major distractions. And distractions around the water can have major consequences. In fact, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present.

The YMCA of the North, April 3-5 will bring together more than 750 students in grades 7-12 at the Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations (UN). This is the 38th Model UN presented by the YMCA Center for Youth Voice.

As we age, it's easy to fall into routines that keep us indoors. But did you know that spending time in nature can be a powerful tonic for both body and mind, especially for seniors?

The YMCA of the North will host the 11th annual Kidarod adventure race for kids and families at Fish Lake Regional Park on Feb. 15 from 1-6 p.m.

The YMCA of the North will host Candlelight Hike/Ski and Game Day at Camp St. Croix on Jan. 25 from 4-8 p.m. This evening of winter activities will include outdoor exploration and cozy indoor fun for the whole family.

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

The YMCA of the North in partnership with Twin Cities schools and Cargill, will present the 20th annual Mitten Wishes program for the 2024 holiday season.

The YMCA of the North Dec. 18-22 will host festive events at the Dayton at Gaviidae YMCA and on Nicollet Mall as part of the Minneapolis Holidazzle festival.

The YMCA of the North on Dec. 14 and 15 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.

The YMCA of the North is selling Christmas trees at local tree lots starting on Friday, Nov. 29.

The YMCA of the North will support more than 500 schools across the state in hosting mock elections for 300,000 students on or around Election Day.

The YMCA of the North will host 1,000 racers for the Resilinator adventure race at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington on Oct. 26 from 1-4 p.m.

Three ways you can support what matters most to you at the YMCA and save on taxes

Community members welcome to the Farm at Camp St. Croix for Fall Harvest Fest Oct. 5

The YMCA of the North will host its first-ever pickleball camp for grown-ups at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin, Sept. 3-5.

The YMCA of the North and Minnesota Vikings legend Greg Coleman on Aug. 20 will host the 25th annual Greg Coleman Celebrity Golf Tournament at Bunker Hills Golf Course.

The YMCA of the North on August 16 and 17 will host its 11th annual BreakAway events at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. The BreakAway events provide a two-day triathlon experience for kids and families.

The YMCA isn't just a place to work out—it's a vibrant community where friendships are forged and lives are transformed.