Jim’s History Corner – Day Camp
The Northwest Branch of the Minneapolis YMCA, located in New Hope, has operated the Day Camp since 1952. It just finished its’ 60th year this past summer.
The Day Camp served children from the communities of Plymouth, Osseo, Robbinsdale, New Hope, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center as well as Monticello, St. Michael and Albertville.
Originally the camp was located on Rice Creek in Fridley, Minn. where it operated for many years.
It moved to the “Y” property at Monticello in 1973 after the YMCA finished purchasing the final block of land that comprises the current 1200 acres.
During the 80’s and 90’ as many as 375 children ages 5 – 12, attended the summer camps. Many were disadvantaged children from the cities area.
Camp activities included swimming, hiking, games, arts & crafts, horseback riding, cookouts, bonfires, story-telling, & singing all in an outdoor atmosphere of caring and sharing.
The “core” of the camp was moved to the north side of Lake Bertram in 2004 to be closer to the beach and to use the chalet as an office and safety area. Also, in 2004 a 400 seat capacity amphitheater was built by the Chalet by AmeriCorps, the Tree Trust, and YMCA volunteers including staff and the “Y’s” Men.
Many children from Monticello area attend the camp and many teenagers ended up being camp “counselors”. A story from one of these “counselors” will come later.
