Community invited to enjoy fun camp activities and tours to commemorate opening

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will celebrate the grand opening of new YMCA Camp Northern Lights on Bear Island Lake in Babbitt on Saturday, May 25.

The new family camp located at 9089 County Highway 21 North in Babbitt will continue the YMCA’s 162-year tradition of creating access to nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. The YMCA operates eight overnight camps and 10 day camps in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

“We look forward to celebrating our new YMCA Camp Northern Lights that is serving our community with great outdoor experiences for all to enjoy,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North.  “The YMCA is committed to providing everyone opportunities to get away from daily distractions, unplug and enjoy nature year-round.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new Camp Northern Lights, hear from YMCA and community leaders on the importance of this new camp serving families and enjoy special camp activities such as pontoon rides, craft projects, s’mores, hikes and much more.

The new YMCA Camp Northern Lights features two nice swimming beach areas, an excellent fishing lake and 22 beautiful lakefront cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms, and decks and/or screened porches. The Y will be adding eight new tent sites, four new bungalow cabins, several new program spaces, a nursery, an arts and crafts building, and large and small group campfire spaces.

The YMCA Summer Family Camp program offers three, four and seven day options. Camp staff lead age-specific programming for a portion of the day and all-family programs in the afternoons and evenings. In addition to family camp, teens 15-18 years old can develop valuable leadership skills through a two-week program that provides hands-on training assisting camp counselors and facilitating programs.

During the school year, YMCA Camp Northern Lights has seven winterized, cozy cabins that are available for a Book Your Own Getaway experience. Families and groups can enjoy groomed ski trails, snowshoeing, hiking and other outdoor adventures.

For more information on YMCA Camp Northern Lights and how to register for camp programs, visit http://campnorthernlights.org.

WHO: 
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
YMCA Camp Northern Lights Grand Opening Celebration 

WHERE:
YMCA Camp Northern Lights 
9089 County Highway 21 North in Babbitt, MN  55706

WHEN:
Saturday, May 25, 2019
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – Tours and Camp Activities
Lunch (food truck available for lunch purchase)
1:00 p.m. - Program

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 162 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.ymcamn.org.