YMCA Camp du Nord, previously a winner of FTF’s Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers award, gets a fresh look in 2015.
YMCA Camp du Nord is located 250 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Open to all, it welcomes families, individuals, and organized groups to an outdoor appreciation program based on the four core values of the YMCA: caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northeastern Minnesota (over a million acres of forest) surrounds Camp du Nord, and its beautiful setting and the varied programs offered promote physical, mental, and spiritual growth and the enhancement of family relationships and friendships. The camp stretches along one and a half miles of the north shore of Lake Burntside.
Accommodation Options
Photo: minnesotamonthly
Guests can choose from various lodging options, including:
- Cabins: 33 cabins with electricity (excluding platform tents), most equipped with kitchens and a water supply. Upscale cabins feature wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, a variety of bed sizes, and private bathrooms.
- Auto Tents: 7 auto tents for those seeking a more rustic experience.
- Tent Sites: Traditional tent sites for campers who prefer to bring their own gear.
- Platform Tents: 2 platform tents for a unique “off-the-grid” adventure.
The more upscale cabins have wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, a combination of queen-sized, full, twin, and bunk beds, and private bathrooms. A shower house is available to those without private bathrooms. There are no telephones or TVs in the cabins.
Dining Options
- Lodge du Nord: Offers hearty meals with discounts for children under 13 and free meals for children under 3.
- Self-Catering: Guests can cook in their cabins or utilize the grocery options available in the nearby town.
Activities and Programs
Photo: minnesotamonthly
Throughout the summer, Camp du Nord offers age-appropriate programs from 10 am to noon for newborns to 18-year-olds. During this time, children participate in outdoor activities, as well as arts ‘and crafts and games, all under the guidance of CPR and First-Aid certified counselors.
The under-4 set has two dedicated outdoor/indoor playspaces. Afternoons are for family time, either with planned activities or, alternatively spending time in the Family Art Center or taking advantage of the Outdoor Activities Center with an adventurous hike.
Many families spend the afternoons playing together on the beach, fishing, or taking out a canoe or kayak. Evening activities include family activities such as game night and talent shares.
Many families have become regular visitors to the camp; those who brought their children in the 1960’s now join their grandchildren. Our suggestion is to book early! Please note that financial assistance is available to allow families from all walks of life to participate in the programs at YMCA Camp du Nord.
For the most up-to-date information and to make reservations, please visit the official YMCA Camp du Nord website
Best Time of Year to Visit YMCA Camp du Nord
YMCA Camp du Nord offers unique experiences throughout the year, making it a great destination in any season:
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for families with children, as the camp offers structured programs, outdoor activities, and a lively atmosphere. Warm weather allows for swimming, canoeing, and other water activities.
- Fall (September-October): A beautiful time to witness the changing colors of the leaves and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed experience. Hiking, fishing, and paddling are popular activities during this time.
- Winter (November-March): Perfect for winter enthusiasts, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The cozy cabins and snow-covered landscape create a magical ambiance.
- Spring (April-May): As the snow melts and nature awakens, this season offers a chance to witness wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the camp before the summer crowds arrive. Hiking and birdwatching are popular activities.
Ultimately, the best time to visit YMCA Camp du Nord depends on your personal preferences and desired activities. Consider the weather conditions, available programs, and your ideal atmosphere when making your decision.
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Cute. Made me hungry. Have you gone back since?
WOW ITS REAL BEAUTIFUL..
Much better place in Palawan… like El Nido and Club Noah in taytay
Congratulations on your son's upcoming graduation!
For all the information you'll need to plan a houseswap, please search the familytravelforum.com site for "house swapping" or "home exchanges" and you'll find some recommended services that specialize in this.
Let us know how it goes! thanks
Angela, you can read more about the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at this link:
http://www.familytravelforum.com/how/vacation_deals/227-News-Families-Have-Cheaper-WHTI-Options-for-Kids-Land-and-Sea-Borders.html
According to the WHTI website, you are required to obtain parents' permission, and we quote from them:
Groups of Children:
Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.
The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:
* The name of the group and supervising adult,
* A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child,
* A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.
Thank you for your post. We are looking for a family vacation in France for my son's senior graduation and this sounds just perfect! I've never thought about house swapping or how that is done. Could you please give me more information on how one would go about doing that. I am very interested. I'm glad your family had so much fun.
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This sounds great! I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans.
Wow, I didn’t know that the disabled were shunned in Jamaica. This was informative and heartwarming!
“I was served a sublime slice of humble pie.” I liked that a lot. You have a bunch of great one-liners in here. Really well written!
Backpacking’ll do it. Great title!
I highly recommend another excelent option to do bike tours in buenos Aires, Buenos Aires City Tours on Bike | Urban Biking.
Thank you very much,
Regards,
Guille
Nepal is good destination for adventure lover. We can announce proudly we have more then 13 highest mountain among the world. Nepal is not famous just for mountain it is famous other adventure activities too. Like river, natural beauty and different culture, society, and many religion too. Nepal have very good destination for trekking, hiking, peak climbing, paragliding, bungee jumping, and other more we offer all above activities at suitable price for you .we would like to be your family member, and Thing positive be positive Nepal will be your's Home and I will be your family member if you choose me .hope see you at my place with your sweat smile.
Sandesh Sharma
http://www.nepalvillagetrek.com
nepalviewtrek@hotmail.com
+9779841397842
Really a fabulous article……………
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I like the bit about the B- movie vampire. Interesting!
Wow. I can’t imagine doing anything like this! Have you climbed more since?
Funny. Cool story!
good afternoon
wowww beautiful… nice place
thanks for sharing this camp, i think i should visit it with my family.
good read, thanks for this article
We have eaten at the restaurant and had drinks at the bar at this Ritz. Both times we left saying they need better customer service. Not up to Ritz standards in our opinion
Would visiting this resort cost me a lot?
Hi, we have been in Athens last summer with our 2 children. It was great!if you are traveling to Athens, there are many attractions for families e.g> Copa copana Park, Allou fun park,Hellenic Cosmos, the cultural center which is a child-oriented museum with exhibition halls, its really great! and many other things for family, try this> http://www.facebook.com/cityofathens?ref=ts,
our senior group from penn estates would like info on a day trip to your facility as we have in the past. please forward info price etc for us to plan and open dates
We love KBH. We have returned many times and are always treated great and have a wonderful time. Price is great too.
This is definitely the wave of the future and will be a demand for traveling business people. I think it has a great design and works well for its intended purpose.
This is devastating. Well-written and insightful, though. Nicely done.
Wow, amazing. It’s interesting that this stuck out in your mind so well even after travelling to so many different locations. Well done!
This IS really good. You have a very captivating writing style; it brought be in at the very beginning. The rose thing was amazing. Well done!
what a joyful clever piece
i can see myself there
i think i dream when i see this beach
but i live in egypt
i love it so much. it's my dream. but now i dont have any money:-(
Please confirm my reservation for Aug 23 in the name of Hansford and Bortels. My question is: is the dining casual as in shorts and sandals? Thank you, and again please confirm my reservation.
Thanks yahoo.
Sounds like fantastic, chaotic fun! Take us along next time!
Hilarious review. I'm not sure I would go but your honest review makes it almost tempting.
This place sounds just great. We had a similarly cultural and fun weekend at Kutscher's in the Catskills and perhaps some of their guests go to the Doral Arrowwood on alternate weekends!
Thanks for sharing what sounds like a great cheap family vacation.
i hope travel to uroup but i am poor i dont have more money ,
Nice article…I appreciate the effort for posting this…
In my experience, babies usually like the sound and smell of someone they miss, and may stop crying.
maybe your partner can make a tape/phone message of their voice, and leave behind some clothes, like pajamas, that they might feed the baby in. Having that to offer the baby might comfort her.
Another option is giving baby something warm and moving, like the feeling of being rocked in someone's arms. our son loved being wrapped in a blanket and held on top of the clothes dryer (turned on low), which moved a bit, made some sounds, and seemed to help him stop crying.
Otherwise, just wait. It is sure to pass.
wah it is v amazing and wonderful resort
Nepal is a very popular destination for trekking and expedition. The range of treks in Nepal varies from a short gentle hike through terraced foothills to lengthy expeditions to Mount Everest’s summit. Depending on your level of fitness, stamina or experience, you’ll find an adventure of your lifetime. The Himalayan regions of Nepal contain some of the best places in the world to go trekking. You can choose from treks like Everest base camp, Annapurna or Langtang to less popular trekking options including Mustang or Kanchenjunga Base Camp.Trekking is the gift of Nepal to the world in adventure tourism. To be one with Nature, to regenerate one's own confidence, to relive oneself, to appreciate Nepal's exquisiteness, to interact with its generous and responsive peoples are some of the places of interest of trekking in Nepal. Trekking is one long-lasting activities that draws reiterate visitors to the country. Consequently, Nepal is the definitive objective for the trekking supporter. for more information log on to nepal travel information website: http://www.nepalvisitors.com
no!!! the best beach in world is boracay!!!! ^_______________-
thanks n v informative
i'like porto saint georgo in italy why not in your list?
Funny. I enjoyed the bit about Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, etc.
This gave a wonderful picture of Dublin in my mind. I went to Ireland eight years ago; his brought me back.
I am also curious: what writing program were you on?