YMCA Camp Gathering Pines

05/31/2026

Our Day Camp Gathering Pines staff have been training, preparing, and getting excited for an amazing summer of adventure, friendship, and fun. We can't wait to welcome campers and make this our best summer yet!

05/15/2026

We have two more summer roles open at YMCA Camp Gathering Pines! If you know someone interested in spending their summer at camp, please have them check out our open Office Lead and Camp Lifeguard positions! Thank you!

Day Camp Office Lead:
https://secure4.saashr.com/ta/6014683.careers?ShowJob=990126733

Day Camp Lifeguard:
https://secure4.saashr.com/ta/6014683.careers?ShowJob=956617089

04/25/2026

Bigfoot Hide & Sneak is ONE week away! We hope to see you there!

It’s almost time to earn the SECOND medal in this year’s series at the Bigfoot Hide & Sneak 👣🔥

The Kidarod kicked things off for 2026… but the adventure is just getting started. Event #2 is right around the corner, bringing a brand new challenge, fresh energy, and another awesome medal to add to your collection.

Each event in the series tells part of the story, and this next one is a can’t-miss moment. Whether you've joined us before or you’re thinking about jumping in now, this is your chance to be part of something fun, active, and just a little bit wild 🏃‍♀️🌲

Get ready to hit the trails, test your skills, and earn this one for yourself. Register now! https://www.ymcanorth.org/adventure/events/bigfoot-hide-sneak

04/08/2026

The Bluegill is one of Minnesota's most common and recognizable freshwater fish. Named for the bright blue patch on their gill cover, these sunfish thrive in warm, shallow lakes and ponds across the state. They play a critical role in aquatic ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger fish and wading birds. Bluegills are also one of the first fish many young anglers learn to catch, making them a great connection between kids and the outdoors!

04/05/2026

Happy Easter :)

04/01/2026

This week we're featuring the Platypus, Eight-year-old camper Liam shared what happened when he spotted a platypus at camp:

“Okay so I was just walking by the pond and this duck-beaver thing literally spawned in like it pays rent here, and I’m not even joking, no cap. It had a duck bill but it did NOT quack, which is kinda sus, and it had flippers but also fur, and it waddled like it owns the place, so don’t say it was a beaver because it was for real for real not a beaver, bruh. It’s lowkey built different. I know wildlife. I watch videos. And it looked at me like, ‘don’t tell anyone,’ but I’m telling everyone because that was a platypus and it was just vibing by our pond like it lives at Gathering Pines now.”

03/25/2026

The Wood Frog is one of the toughest little animals at Gathering Pines. Found throughout our forests, these small brown frogs with a distinctive dark eye mask are famous for their ability to survive being frozen solid all winter long. Their spring chorus is one of the first signs that warmer days are on the way. Listen for their duck-like quacking near woodland pools when you visit camp this spring!

03/18/2026

The Red Fox is one of the most adaptable animals in Minnesota and can be found right here at Gathering Pines. Known for their intelligence and incredible senses, red foxes can hear a mouse moving under two feet of snow. Their beautiful rusty-orange coat and bushy tail make them a favorite sighting on our 225 acres. Keep your eyes open on the trails this winter, and you might spot one!

03/11/2026

The Black-Capped Chickadee is one of the most common and beloved birds at Gathering Pines, and you can spot them year-round on our trails. These tiny birds weigh less than half an ounce but are perfectly built to handle Minnesota winters. Their cheerful "chick-a-dee" call is one of the first sounds campers hear in the woods. Next time you're at camp, listen closely and see if you can count the number of "dees"!

10/24/2025

The Resilinator is TOMORROW and its not too late to sign up!

Resilinator setup is in full swing! We can't wait to see all our racers tomorrow!

There is still time to register to race (or volunteer!): https://www.ymcanorth.org/adventure/events/resilinator