Duluth area family YMCA
Branch Updates - February 2025
February 2025
We’re excited to share that 48 of our awesome Northern swimmers competed in the State Meet on February 23rd at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities! This was a huge milestone in a great season for our Northern Swim Team, which had 104 swimmers from both our Downtown Duluth YMCA and YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center branches. Everyone worked hard, improved so much, and made us proud! Looking forward to March, we are excited to cheer on six of our swimmers who are moving on to the Regional meet in Iowa! Way to go, Northerns and congratulations on the amazing season!
YMCA AT THE ESSENTIA WELLNESS CENTER - PAGE 3
COMMUNITY SERVICES YMCA - PAGE 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOWNTOWN DULUTH YMCA - PAGE 5
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Our Hawks Connect group continues to meet weekly throughout the school year for engaging and enjoyable activities! As part of this initiative, ForeverWell participants spend Thursday mornings with Hermantown Middle School students, enjoying fun activities like cards, bingo, arts & crafts, or simply chatting together. This program is a wonderful way to bring together people in our community who might not otherwise connect. By fostering these connections, we help ensure a strong and vibrant future for our community!
ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATION - PAGE 13
The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center
YMCA CAMP MILLER - PAGE 11
DULUTH AREA FAMILY YMCA
COOK COUNTY COMMUNITY YMCA - PAGE 7
ForeverWell had a great month of February with a variety of activities! The group celebrated member Jack's 97th birthday in February—he is truly an inspiration to us all, and we are so glad we got to celebrate the day. Other activities during the month included a social night out with dancing and singing with the Mackie Brothers Band at the Powerhouse in Proctor, a fun afternoon of Duckpin bowling at Skyline Social, and a hilarious night out at the Duluth Playhouse to see the show, One Act Play Gone Wrong. The month was full of laughs, fun, and social hours with friends.
Winter II swim lessons began on February 25th, welcoming numerous enthusiastic swimmers to our branch. We’re excited to see how much progress our swimmers achieve in these six weeks! Spring lessons are set to start on April 8th, and we can’t wait to dive into another great session.
Downtown Duluth YMCA
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
February was a busy month at the Woodland Community Center. Our Winter II gymnastics session welcomed over 300 gymnasts participating in our recreational program, while our Aerials gymnasts competed at two different competitions during the month. These gymnasts achieved outstanding results, including a first-place Gold Team victory at the Tropical Twist competition in St. Cloud! Looking ahead to March, we’re excited to see our Gold and Platinum Aerials compete in the state gymnastics competition.
April 26th | Healthy Kids Day YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day includes fun, active play and educational activities that keep kids moving and learning, helping them maintain healthy habits, develop academic skills, and achieve their full potential.
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Our first Teen Night in February was a huge success, with 52 teens joining us at the EWC for an evening full of fun and excitement. The night featured a variety of activities, including Music Bingo, team-building games, dodgeball, and swimming, keeping everyone energized. The energy in the room was fantastic, with teens laughing, competing, and bonding over shared experiences. The feedback we received from participants and parents alike has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, highlighting how much the teens enjoyed the mix of games, music, and social time. Many expressed their appreciation for the chance to connect with friends and meet new people in such a lively setting. Given the great turnout and enthusiastic response, we’re thrilled to announce that Teen Night will become a monthly event! We look forward to creating more opportunities for teens to come together, stay active, and have a great time. Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see even more teens at the next Teen Night!
February hosted the Dip, Ride, Dash, a month-long triathlon where participants tackled 4,000 yards of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running. This competition was designed to motivate members to stay active during the cold and dark winter days. Participants eagerly embraced the challenge, pushing themselves to win rewards like free private lessons and commemorative t-shirts. The event fostered a strong sense of community, with members supporting one another throughout the journey. Congratulations to everyone who completed the Dip, Ride, Dash this February!
In February, we introduced a new yoga class on Saturday mornings. This class uses breath control and poses to improve strength, balance, and flexibility for both body and mind. Offering more Saturday classes has encouraged more people to visit our facility and work toward their goals!
The Duluth YMCA Northerns competed in their State swim meet on February 23rd, showcasing lots of amazing races, new personal records, and incredible team spirit. Six of our Northerns have also qualified for the YMCA Midwest Regionals swim meet, which will take place March 15th and 16th in Iowa! Go Northerns!
The “Green Card Voices” exhibit continues through Saturday, March 22nd in our lobby area. In 2013, Green Card Voices produced its first touring photo exhibit, “Immigrants Telling Their Life Stories,” as part of its mission to share immigrant stories with as many people as possible. The exhibit, which features 20 Twin Cities immigrants, has traveled to over 35 locations throughout Minnesota and evolved to meet growing demand. It includes portraits of immigrants, their 200-word bios, a quote, and a QR code that viewers can scan to watch their first-person video stories. These videos offer a unique way to engage the audience and have received positive reviews.
May 7th | Pints for a Purpose at Voyageur Brewing Company Raise money to help send Cook County kids to Camp Miller summer camp!
In February, the Cook County Community YMCA wrapped up their swim lessons at Oshki Ogimaag Community School in Grand Portage. In partnership with the Minnesota Children's Press, the Y was able to provide swim lessons to all the kids at the school thanks to a generous outside grant. This initiative was part of the Y's ongoing commitment to strengthening water safety throughout the Northland.
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Cook County Community YMCA
March 22nd | Green Card Voices Panel Join us for an inspiring afternoon of storytelling as we welcome three Afghan students who will share their personal journeys of moving to the U.S. and adapting to a new culture. Hosted by the Duluth YMCA in partnership with Green Card Voices, this event underscores the significance of inclusive communities by sharing powerful personal narratives. April 26th | Healthy Kids Day YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day includes fun active play and educational activities to keep kids moving and learning, in order to maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve goals and reach their full potential.
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Thank you to the UMD's Outdoor Education program students and professors for taking the time to teach our Harbor Highlands Community Center youth how to cross-country ski and providing the equipment. The youth had a great time!
Thank you to the Family Services Collaborative of St. Louis County for supporting the Duluth Area Family YMCA's Health Realization program and generously providing funds for participant supplies. These contributions allowed us to distribute hygiene kits, winter gear, clothing, toiletries, and more—providing warmth and relief to countless individuals and families. Your generosity made a significant difference and brightened the holiday season for our community.
While schools were on break from February 18th to the 24th, we offered All-Day Care at three Out of School Time (OST) Program sites. Youth enjoyed fun-filled themed activities, reconnected with friends from other sites, and experienced an exciting visit from The Snake Pit, where they had the opportunity to get up close with fascinating reptiles!
We joined hundreds of afterschool programs nationwide on Valentine’s Day to celebrate the national We Love Afterschool event, hosted by the Afterschool Alliance. This special event underscored the importance of afterschool opportunities for youth. Our participants shared why they love Out of School Time Care, highlighting the positive impact of our programs on their lives.
February marked the halfway point of our Model United Nations season. Open to youth in 7th through 12th grade, our Duluth Delegation includes students from eight local schools. This year, our delegates will represent Vietnam, Estonia, Chile, Yemen, Bangladesh, Uganda, Iraq, and Sierra Leone when we convene with students from across Minnesota at the Model UN conference in Minneapolis, April 3rd–5th. During the conference, delegates will discuss and advocate for their assigned countries in the General Assembly or various committees. They are currently busy crafting position papers to outline how scenarios impact the people, economy, and environment of their chosen nations.
Health Realization is a cognitive skills-based program that supports individuals managing stress. While effective for people managing addictions, it can also assist with a wide range of stress-related issues. The class runs every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Harbor Highlands Community Center. The Y provides a meal and childcare to participants. If you have questions about the program, please contact Paige Patterson, Harbor Highlands and Food Access Director, at 218-722-4745 x120 or ppatterson@duluthymca.org.
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A huge thank you to Ryan Granlund, Ryan Ihrke, and their teams from Western Lake Superior Sanitary District and the City of Duluth Utilities for visiting Stowe in February to teach our students about wastewater. Students had the exciting opportunity to create their own 'bacteria,' observe real bacteria under a microscope, visit our adopted Bulldog Drain, and test the salt levels in runoff water from the road to understand the salinity of our local water in Gary. Our runoff measured 270, just above the target of 230—a much better result compared to other areas in Duluth, where readings exceeded 4,000 Thank you for helping us learn how to take care of our water and community!
Community Services
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Camp Miller’s annual giving campaign is off to a strong start, currently standing at $16,323—26% of our goal for the year! There are many ways to get involved, including Cabin Sponsorship, The 1898 Club, and more. Every contribution helps ensure that kids who might not otherwise afford it get the chance to experience the magic of summer camp. In February alone, 51 campers were awarded financial assistance for summer 2025. Each dollar raised directly supports a child or family in need, creating life-changing opportunities. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to some of our incredible donors who make these moments possible: Rotary Club of Harbortown Robert and Beth Carpenter Giving Fund Emily Marshall Andy Wheeler Thomas Ryan Your generosity fuels the spirit of Camp Miller and ensures every child gets to share in the joy and adventure of camp. Thank you for believing in our mission!
On February 8th, Camp Miller had the privilege of participating in the Duluth Family Fest at the Train Depot. The event showcased a variety of programs and services available to families in the Duluth area, focusing on those with children from birth to 5 years old. With over 300 families in attendance, Camp Miller took the opportunity to share information about its offerings while also promoting the diverse range of programs the YMCA provides for children and families. It was a wonderful occasion to connect with the community and highlight the enriching experiences available through the Y
February is I Love to Read Month, and we’re thrilled to celebrate with our second annual Guest Readers event! Throughout the month, we’ve had the honor of welcoming community members to read to our youth, including YMCA and District leadership, parents, city officials, school board members, and more. This event is a fantastic opportunity to give our guests a glimpse into the heart of our programs while inspiring a love of reading among our youth. Our kids especially cherish being read to and enjoy meeting new visitors who bring stories to life!
YMCA Day Camp now has a 3-day option. Summer KEY Zone registration is open. KEY Zone School year registration opens April 7-9, 2025, depending on the site.
Camp Miller staff recently met with the current operations director of a nearby camp that has been sold and will soon be under new leadership. With their operations set to discontinue in May 2025, this meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss the programs they offered and explore how Camp Miller can help fill the void left by their closure. This marks an exciting chance for Camp Miller to expand its reach, welcoming new families and offering opportunities to those who will no longer have access to the nearby camp. We look forward to embracing this growth and continuing to make a lasting impact in our community!
On February 7th, Camp Miller joined Family Night at the Downtown Branch, creating a fantastic opportunity to connect with families and answer questions about summer camp. The main guests were students from our KEY Zone sites, Stowe and Lakewood, with additional families joining throughout the evening. The evening was packed with camp-themed activities, including exciting new camp games, climbing, swimming, and more. One of the most cherished moments was sharing the heart of Camp Miller through camp songs and dances, giving kids a firsthand experience of the spirit and joy that camp brings. It was a night filled with fun, laughter, and a preview of the adventures that await this summer! Later in the month, on February 28th, Camp Miller also participated in the first-ever Teen Night at the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center. This was a wonderful chance to connect with a large group of teens, sharing information about camp and employment opportunities at Camp Miller.
Looking ahead to March, we’re thrilled to welcome volunteers from NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) during the first week of the month as part of Women in Construction (WIC) Week. Following that, from March 17th to the 21st, each site will host a Career Week, featuring guests who will share inspiring insights about their careers and professional journeys. We welcome volunteers year-round! If you’re passionate about reading to our youth or sharing a favorite hobby or activity, please reach out to Gina Miller, our Volunteer Coordinator. We’d love to hear from you!
YMCA Camp Miller
The recruitment team has been actively preparing for the recruitment of summer team members, attending key career events throughout the month. Earlier in the month, one representative participated in the Outdoor Jobs Career Fair at UMD, while two representatives attended the All Majors Career Fair at UMD on the 20th. Additionally, the team had a strong presence at the Career and Internship Fair at UWS on the 27th, with two representatives engaging with potential candidates. Their dedication and outreach are laying the groundwork for assembling an outstanding summer team!
HUMAN RESOURCES
Association Administration
In February, five staff members participated in the virtual Dimensions of Diversity training, led by our President & CEO, Sara Cole, and Regional Training Director, Elli Grapp. This enriching session provided valuable insights into fostering inclusivity and diversity within our organization. Additionally, four other team members traveled to Minneapolis to attend the Y-USA Course Annual Giving. This class offered a fresh perspective on donor engagement, equipping staff with strategies to connect with potential donors, inspire support for meaningful causes, and more. These professional development opportunities are an important step in strengthening our team’s skills and advancing our mission!
Volunteer at Camp Miller! Camp Miller is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support us in a variety of ways, including light cleaning, program delivery, and facility/grounds maintenance. Volunteer opportunities are available year-round, and your help goes a long way in supporting our camp community! If you’re interested in getting involved or have questions, please contact Gina Miller at gmiller@duluthymca.org. We’d love to hear from you! Upcoming Events May 9th, 2025 Cook County Pints for a Purpose Join Camp Miller and Voyageur Brewing Company on May 9th in Grand Marais for a special event to raise funds that help send kids from Cook County to overnight camp. This effort supports our “Fill the Bus” campaign, providing opportunities for campers from Cook County to experience the magic of summer camp. May 16th, 2025 Camp Miller Volunteer Work Day Be a part of the team as we prepare camp for the busy summer season! Join us on May 16th for a day of friendship and fun as we take on projects like painting, cleaning, grounds maintenance, and more. To participate, register with Gina Miller at gmiller@duluthymca.org. August 14th-17th, 2025 Family Camp Weekend Bring the whole family to experience the adventure and joy of Camp Miller during our extended Family Camp Weekend! From August 14th to 17th, every generation can enjoy camp activities together for one unforgettable long weekend. Rent a cabin and wind down the summer with plenty of fun and laughter!
Camp Miller Executive Director, Ricky Wright, joined the February Reading Month at the Community Services branch by reading to afterschool participants. Ricky shared Shel Silverstein’s beloved classic, The Giving Tree, which sparked a heartfelt discussion about friendship, giving, and the importance of showing love and respect to one another. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the youth, share the joy of reading, and engage in meaningful conversations that reflect the values we hold dear.
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Full-time staff recently wrapped up another successful annual enrollment period for our benefit plans. After a careful evaluation of current offerings and a review of alternative options by the Benefits Committee, no changes were made to the plans this year. The Committee remains confident that the plans in place continue to offer the best coverage at the most competitive rates, ensuring our team has access to high-quality benefits.
WORK ANNIVERSARIES! Heather Drangin – 5 years of service Marketing Director
As summer camp registration for 2025 continues to soar, there’s still space available in all our programs! We’re aiming to welcome over 600 campers this year, and the response so far has been incredible. Our overnight programs are packed with adventure, offering activities like camp games, swimming, climbing, and so much more. Campers will have the chance to create lasting friendships, embrace new challenges, and, most importantly, have a blast! There’s plenty of room for more campers to join and experience all the amazing opportunities Camp Miller has to offer. To learn more and register, visit our website ymcacampmiller.org. We can’t wait for another unforgettable summer filled with fun, growth, and cherished memories!
During February, members came together for a Sock Drive benefiting CHUM, a nonprofit organization in Duluth dedicated to supporting individuals with little to no income and fostering a stronger sense of community. Socks are one of the most requested items in shelters, and in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., we organized this service project to reflect one of his core ideals—addressing poverty. Thanks to the generosity of our members, the drive collected over four bags of socks for donation! Additionally, an Amazon Wishlist was created, allowing members to purchase other essential items to support those in need. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated across our branches—your kindness and contributions are making a meaningful difference
DEVELOPMENT
VOLUNTEERING
February brought valuable opportunities for reflection and growth as we refined our 2025 development plan. We identified key areas for improvement and implemented operational adjustments to boost our efficiency and overall impact moving forward. On the donor front, we’ve been focusing on strengthening relationships with our major supporters through personalized, one-on-one engagements. These meaningful conversations are helping to deepen their commitment to the Y and are leading to the renewal of pledges. In exciting news, we’ve established an Annual Campaign Committee to further rally support for the Y. If you’re interested in joining or learning more about this initiative, please reach out to us at giving@duluthymca.org. As we look ahead, we’re finalizing plans for spring and early summer while preparing for additional donor events and fundraisers. These efforts will build on the incredible momentum we’ve achieved so far. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission!
TRUE NORTH AMERICORPS
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The True North AmeriCorps program is actively recruiting sites to host summer members and candidates to fill these impactful roles. We’re thrilled to have already secured several fantastic sites and are working to finalize a few more! This summer, our AmeriCorps members will play a vital role in enhancing youth programming, with a special focus on building participants' social and emotional learning skills. If you are interested in applying, please visit https://www.duluthymca.org/tnac for more information. Ely Community Resource Carlton County Chester Bowl Cook County YMCA Day Camp Hartley Nature Center Duluth Children's Museum Harbor Highlands Lake Superior Zoo YMCA Day Camp at North Star YMCA Day Camp at the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center YMCA KEY Zone – Homecroft Elementary - POSITION FILLED! YMCA KEY Zone – Laura MacArthur Elementary - POSITION FILLED! YMCA KEY Zone – Lester Park Elementary