CIC Connects – Camps
Our Family Program
CIC connects youth impacted by parental incarceration to free summer camps and enrichment opportunities across Minnesota. These programs are run by the YMCA of the North and our other community partners. CIC identifies opportunities for youth, raises money to cover the costs, and spreads the word to the families in our network.
Does my kid qualify?
Camp and other free activities are for youth 17 and under who have been impacted by the incarceration of a parent or primary caregiver. We define incarceration as being sentenced to prison, jail, or probation within the last five years.
If you think this describes your family, please email outreach@cicmn.org and a member of our team will follow up with you directly.
What if I don’t live in Minnesota?
To be part of the CIC Connects network, you must reside in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Unfortunately, we cannot offer services or support to families living outside Minnesota.
2023 DAY CAMPS
YMCA Adventure in the Neighborhood
About: Experience the wonders of camp without leaving the Twin Cities! Campers participate in classic camp activities like fishing, canoeing, and nature hikes — all at a local park. Each session includes a family night, where caregivers can meet counselors, try activities, and explore the environment with their child.
Ages: For kids entering grades 1 – 6 in Fall 2023.
Dates & Spots: The YMCA is offering 8 spots to CIC campers at each of these AiN sessions:
- Phalen: July 17 – 20, 2023
- Phalen Regional Park – Picnic Shelters
- 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Hidden Falls: August 7 – 10, 2023
- Hidden Falls Regional Park – North Gate
- 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Transportation: Caregivers are responsible for getting their campers to and from camp each day. There will be one free bus stop location for each session.
2023 OVERNIGHT CAMPS
YMCA Camp Olson
About: At Camp Olson, campers live, learn, and discover the “Spirit of the Northwoods” through new friendships, independence, and exploration of the outdoors. Campers live in cabins with two counselors and fellow campers similar in age. Mornings are spent with their cabin group doing structured activities. During the afternoon, campers are given the freedom to choose their own activity. Discovery Campers will also camp out one night with their cabin around the beautiful Shurds Lakes.
Ages: For youth ages 9 to 15.
Dates & Spots: Camp Olson is offering 8 spots to CIC campers for the week of July 30 – August 5, 2023.
Transportation: Round-trip bus transportation is provided free of charge. Campers must be dropped off and picked up at one of the following stops on the first and last days of camp: Rochester, Owatonna, Edina, St. Cloud, and Brainerd.
Orientation: A pre-camp orientation will be held over Zoom.
YMCA Camp Icaghowan
About: Camp Icaghowan is located on 44 acres of land on Lake Wapogasset. Each day is packed with activities, adventure, and opportunities to learn new skills. Campers enjoy a variety of activities including swimming, nature hikes, boating, and more. Campers sleep in cabins, experience a variety of outdoor activities, and participate in traditions such as camp songs and bonfires.
Ages: For youth ages 7 to 12.
Dates & Spots: Camp Icaghowan is offering 25 spots to CIC campers across the following sessions: July 23-28, 2023 and July 30-August 4, 2023.
Transportation: Round-trip bus transportation is provided free of charge. Campers must be dropped off and picked up at the Blaisdell YMCA on the first and last days of camp.
Preparation: A mandatory pre-camp orientation will be held at the Blaisdell YMCA on Wednesday, July 12 or Wednesday, July 19. Each camper will receive a gear kit and a sleeping bag at orientation.
Interested in joining the CIC Connects network?
If you are raising a child impacted by parental incarceration and are interested in these camp opportunities, please email outreach@cicmn.org. A member of our team will follow up with you directly.