YMCA of the North Blog

Read about the latest updates to the YMCA in West St. Paul.

At YMCA Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC), 98 percent of students with at least one year at Y ECLCs surpass school district kindergarten readiness requirements.

Watch WCCO’s Reg Chapman explore Hidden Falls Regional Park with Mobile Day camp campers.

Watch KARE 11’s Kiya Edwards spend time with the campers at Camp Ihduhapi.

The YMCA of the North is considering moving its downtown St. Paul location to a new building on the western end of the podium of the Osborn370 tower at 370 Wabasha St. N. The Metropolitan Council has approved a $25,500 grant to study the site and prepare plans.

Read about how the YMCA connects urban youth to nearby nature with the Y Mobile Day Camp at Lake Phalen.

PHOTO GALLERY: CycleHealth hosted their annual BreakAway Kids Tri in Maple Grove for 750 participants.

The YMCA launched its first national campaign in January 2016, and one of the 60-second spots was titled “Idle Hands.” It’s a powerful video that shows seemingly bored kids with nothing to do.

Build strength, gain flexibility and practice mindful breathing.

How planned giving can have an impact for generations

It's great when kids can spend quality time with their grandparents, even BETTER when that time involves healthy activities.

Read about how the YMCA is looking to open a new, stand-alone Early Childhood Learning Center in Rochester.

Research shows without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during the summer than the school year.

How does one get good at extreme sports? Through lots of time spent practicing and sage guidance from wise elders. Begin your extreme journey—whether it involves motocross, skateboarding, or inline skating—at one of these facilities near you.

YMCA partner Abbey's Hope raises awareness in conjunction with National Drowning Prevention Month and 10th anniversary of VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act

Prior Lake Rotary's 2018 Lakefront Music Fest is a two-day festival featuring one night of rock music and one night of country will be July 13 & 14 at Lakefront Park.

Getting doctors and insurance companies involved turns out to be "the secret sauce."

Watch KARE 11 reporter Kiya Edwards share the Y’s top safe-swimming tips for the summer. 

If your child isn't a strong swimmer, you can apply for free lessons from the Y!

The YMCA of the North recently elected at its annual meeting seven new members to its board of directors.

YMCA names seven new board members

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 28 percent of U.S. students in grades 6 through 12 have experienced bullying and at most 30 percent notify an adult

School is out for summer, but bullying can happen even when kids are on break. Watch how the YMCA can help teaches youth and adults to tackle bullying. 

Explore your fitness challenges with a Personal Trainer

Easy to make and a great way to enjoy those luscious summer berries! The icy texture of this treat makes it truly refreshing on a hot summer day. 

Tip: Satisfy your summer sweet tooth with fresh-from-the-garden desserts and indulge without feeling guilty!

Grilling fruit gives it a caramelized crunchy flavor that’s a real summer treat.

Burn calories and have fun with this high-energy cardio workout.

WCCO’s Reg Chapman talks to YMCA Camp and Outreach Director Niall Murton to discuss how the Y prepares campers for mosquitos.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the YMCA of the North partner to provide 6,200 free Y memberships to teens for the summer.

The YMCA of the North will host an urban Mississippi canoe journey for 40 youth in partnership with Wilderness Inquiry, Mississippi Park Connection, National Parks Conservation Association, National Park Service and Heartland Realty Tuesday, June 12.

Watch how local hunger relief nonprofit MATTER partnered with the YMCA and Chef Marshall to educate kids about healthy eating.

Thousands of youth entering grades nine through 12 across the metro will have free access to the Y’s health and wellness and youth enrichment programs all summer long

Learn how the YMCA offers 6,200 teens across the Twin Cities free memberships for the summer.

Watch how the YMCA offers 6,200 teens free summer memberships at all Twin Cities locations.

Discover how two teens from the YMCA Youth Intervention Services worked with Minnesota legislators to keep siblings together when placed in foster homes.

This Group Exercise class blends cutting-edge martial arts movements with energizing music.

How a young person has built athletic skills, friendships and more

The YMCA of the North presented Youth Thrive awards to 39 youth leaders across the metro area who have made an impact on their communities while demonstrating a commitment to the  YMCA way.

With low unemployment and employers looking for workers, discover how the Y helps employ teens looking for summer jobs.

As people head to the beach, the YMCA of the North is reminding people about how to stay safe in the water.

Masseuse-free massage offers benefits after a workout or as active recovery.

According to the USA Swimming Foundation and University of Memphis, two children die every day because of drowning.

The "Century Club Tour" is a challenge for families to bike 100 miles over 10 days. Watch Kris Laudien decided to join in on the fun.

CycleHealth will host the Century Club Tour challenge for families to bike 100 miles in 10 days between May 10-20.

Have a (figurative-only) blast at summer gatherings

With the opening of its George Wellbeing Center, the Gaviidae YMCA becomes the latest Twin Cities gym to offer tools for improving mental health alongside the physical.

Watch how the YMCA celebrates the opening of the Healthy Eating Kitchen at the North Community YMCA.

New George Wellbeing Center Developed With Penny and Bill George and George Family Foundation Strengthens Spirit, Mind, Body and Community

The ingredients in this salad are sturdy enough to stand up to batch preparation techniques—you can serve it for dinner and then eat it for lunch over the next several days.