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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

Woodbury YMCA Construction Update

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:11:36 +0000

Woodbury YMCA Construction Update jeffrey.needham Fri, 03/29/2024 - 14:11

Woodbury's Central Park will be closing for renovations on March 31st. Throughout the project, the YMCA and Washington County's RH Stafford Library will remain open, but the tunnel connecting the two will be closed. Access to the YMCA will be otherwise unchanged.

The renovations will also include a temporary closure of the east parking lot behind the library, on the opposite side of the building from the YMCA. During this time, you may notice increased traffic in our primary lot adjacent to Radio Drive, which extends around the south side of the Y. We appreciate any members who can visit during our busiest times, leaving parking spots nearest our entrance for families with small children and those with limited mobility.

We will continue to keep you informed of any developments with the project if we anticipate they will impact your visits to the Y. To learn more about the improvement project, please visit the Central Park project website.

Hastings YMCA Community Open House

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:02:04 +0000

Hastings YMCA Community Open House jeffrey.needham Thu, 03/28/2024 - 06:02

Join us at our Spring Community Open House!

Sunday, April 21
1 - 3 p.m.

Free to all!

Enjoy activities and fun outside at the Hastings branch! Enjoy the gaga pit, bounce house, face paint, obstacle course, games, and more. Hastings Family Services will be collecting personal care items for donation.

Special Guest Mudonna of the St Paul Saints!
2 pm - 3 pm

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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.

New! Yoga for Stronger Bones class with Elen

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:50:03 +0000

New! Yoga for Stronger Bones class with Elen jeffrey.needham Mon, 02/26/2024 - 08:50

Fridays 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. in the Fusion Studio

This new small-group training series is based on a long- term Columbia University study that confirmed a sequence of 12 specific yoga poses as effective for the maintenance or increase of bone density.

In these sessions, you'll learn the poses and supporting stretches to achieve the maximum benefits from this yoga practice.

This class takes place standing and laying on the floor. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

Member pricing starts at $63/month
Non-member rate $87/month

Scholarships available.

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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.

Safety Wrist Band Challenge at Woodbury Y

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:31:53 +0000

Safety Wrist Band Challenge at Woodbury Y jeffrey.needham Thu, 01/25/2024 - 14:31

Come join us February 19 for our Safety Wrist Band Challenge!

Having a wrist band allows you to swim more independently in our pool and stay safe! Do you have what it takes to pass the test? All youth who pass either the blue or pink wrist band swim assessment will receive a "prize."

Monday February 19
1 - 3 p.m.
Woodbury YMCA

(Shallow) BlueWrist band test includes:

Float on back for 5 seconds
Stand up
Float on belly for 5 seconds

(Deep) Pink Wrist Band test includes:

Jump in and t read for 30 seconds
Float on belly 10 seconds
Tread another 10 seconds
Swim up to 10 yards

For more information email Vanessa Rucker.

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