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A new northwoods tradition on the edge of the Boundary Waters.
By Kate Seitz, Contributor
Have you ever wondered how traditions get their start? Or tried to start one of your own? If you’re preparing your first Thanksgiving meal, the results are usually better if someone teaches you how to make the gravy and roast the turkey. Likewise, if you’re camping for the first time, it’s ideal to have someone else show you how to use the essential gear and have fun at the same time. Families that may want to go on a north woods wilderness adventure, yet didn’t grow up with that tradition, now have a new option to gain the necessary skills and build confidence: family camp.
YMCA Camp Northern Lights—the YMCA’s newest camp and its second family camp—is the kind of “training” camp that gives families time to bond, deepen their appreciation for wild places, and, if they want, gain skills for a wilderness adventure.
Located on Bear Island Lake just outside of Ely, Minnesota, Camp Northern Lights officially opened its doors one year ago. The 115-acre property on the edge of the Superior National Forest and the BWCAW is comprised of the former Timberwolf Lodge and Northern Lights Lodge and Resort, which the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities purchased.
In its first year, Camp Northern Lights hosted campers for volunteer work weekends, summer camp, and MEA Weekend (in mid-October, when schools are typically closed for teacher education). Most of the summer slots were full; MEA Weekend was completely full. With registration for 2020 summer camp just a few weeks away, Camp Northern Lights Director Niki Geisler believes that all of the available 3-, 4-, and 7-day camps will be filled.
Geisler previously was the director of Camp du Nord, the YMCA’s first family camp, which opened in 1960. During her ten years at du Nord, Geisler says, “I was able to witness thousands of families benefit from unplugged, meaningful time together in the pristine north woods of Minnesota.”
Those who have never attended family camp might be surprised to learn that it’s so popular, yet Camp du Nord typically has a 200-family waiting list each summer. Geisler—who moves with her family to Ely each summer—explains why she thinks family camp is appealing to more people every year.
“Family life today is busy and complex,” she says. “For many people, navigating schedules of work, school, activities, and appointments can strain even the best relationships. I think it’s no surprise that families are searching for opportunities to take a break, to slow the pace, to really sink into some quality time together. This is what family camp is all about. … We provide opportunities for both peace and for play. Meaningful family time together and some serious outdoor adventure makes for a wonderful family vacation.”
Opening Season
Last summer, Camp Northern Lights hosted more than 400 families, about half of whom were brand-new to family camp.
One of those brand-new families were the Millers of Forest Lake, MN. Dan and Johanna, plus their two kids, Liam (8) and Beck (5), were invited to camp by another family that had attended Camp du Nord and were eager to try out Camp Northern Lights. The Millers attended a summer camp session and loved it so much that they returned in October for the camp’s MEA Weekend.
“We went back for the uninterrupted connections that the camp facilitates,” Johanna says. “There’s time and resources for kids to connect with other kids; parents to connect with each other; kids to connect with parents; families to connect with other families; all while being in a breathtaking outdoor setting.”
“We try to set intentions for what we want to do during breaks from school but when we’re home, the to-do list is always accessible,” she continued. “We knew going back to Camp Northern Lights would keep us away from the to-do list and keep us focused on what we really wanted to accomplish: staying connected as a family and enjoying time together outdoors.”
For the Miller kids, there were seemingly endless choices for how to spend their time. In the mornings, Liam and Beck chose an activity, then joined a counselor and group of similarly-aged kids until lunch time. Johanna and Dan were free to do what they wanted while their children were cared for by the fun and competent staff.
“One morning, Dan and I grabbed a canoe, paddled up the lake, and read books while we drifted back to camp in the summer sun,” Johanna says. “It’s a brilliant setup. The kids were off having fun and we got a week of day dates. Win-win!
The camp has a half-mile of shoreline and two beaches, so it’s only natural that there are a lot of water activites: swimming and a water trampoline; canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. There are also nature hikes, a fully stocked art barn, story time, and other activities designed to satisfy all interests and inspire connections with nature.
After reuniting for lunch, families spend their afternoons doing whatever they want. At summer camp, the Millers rented a pontoon one afternoon and fished; another afternoon, they paddled and explored the solitary campsites on the lake.
At the end of the day, there are songs and skits around the campfire, or board games, and then families return to their chosen lodging: cabins with kitchens and indoor plumbing, bungalows with simple kitchen appliances and bath houses, or tent sites with a food storage area, electricity station, and bath houses.
“We stayed in one of the bungalows during summer camp and it was really comfortable,” Johanna says. “There’s water right outside the door, and they have a fridge and simple appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, and slow cooker. There’s also a grill at each one so they really have everything you need.”
Why Camp?
Director Geisler loves to see campers exploring and enjoying nature. “I truly believe we are successful at supporting families as they grow more comfortable in their wilderness skills,” she says. “We help them with paddling, outdoor cooking, orienteering, foraging, and basic camping skills, and we help the grown-ups gain confidence to do this with their children outside of camp.”
As the camp gains in popularity, the staff are working hard to restore cabins, build a new bath house, add trails, and develop programs. The amenities can’t come soon enough, based on the waitlists for Camp Northern Lights’ 2020 MLK and Presidents’ Day Weekend camps.
The Millers are eagerly awaiting Lottery Day on December 7, hoping that they’ll be able to return to Camp Northern Lights next summer for another week of togetherness in the wilderness. “The experience at family camp is so unique,” Johanna says. “You can plan a trip that might have one or two of the pieces of camp but I don’t think anywhere else would have everything it offers in one place. Camp Northern Lights is our newest family tradition.”
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