The YMCA

For Youth Development ™
For Healthy Living
For Social Responsibility

Retreats and Group Opportunities

Bringing your group to Menogyn is a magical experience, and one that will not be soon forgotten. Through high-quality wilderness tripping programs, countless people of diverse backgrounds have come together and discovered strengths as individuals and as part of a collective.  

Menogyn is your resource for ANYTHING wilderness. School, camp, church and private groups are welcome. We can be your Innkeeper, Mentor or Guide for wilderness outdoor adventure programs. 

Contact Maureen (Mo) Martin at 763-230-9310 or by email for more details.

Group Wilderness Experience Overview

We'll provide the equipment, permits, trail guide and food and help you plan the route. We'll work with your group leader to choose dates and customize a program.

Our guiding principles include:

  • Campers and group participants come first. They are the focus of everything we do.
  • Quality and high standards are paramount. This is apparent in our conduct and risk management with every aspect of camp. We expect a lot from our campers, group participants and trail guides. We practice minimum-impact camping.
  • Teamwork, respect and participation are important values in every Menogyn group.
  • Interactive Fun. We have lots of fun at Menogyn without things that many people use to provide entertainment nowadays. We do not use drugs, tobacco, alcohol, iPods or Gameboys in our programs. We make our own fun by being creative, spontaneous and interactive.
  • Wilderness is a vehicle for spiritual, mental and physical growth, learning respect for self, others and the natural environment, all the while having a genuinely good time.

Important factors for Group wilderness trip success include:

  • Your group should come to Menogyn with a leader they know and RESPECT!
  • Upon arrival at camp your group will attend an orientation session to familiarize you with safety and also the uniqueness of Menogyn and our place in the wilderness.
  • Group member’s expectations are true to Menogyn realities. They should know we do not have a basketball court, that there are bugs, and that when it rains we get wet! That’s all part of the adventure.
  • The group leader is prepared to help set up camp, do dishes and collect wood, and work with the Menogyn staff members to promote the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility.
  • The group leader is the primary supervisor of minors. Menogyn staff will work with you to find the best solution if issues arise and are Wilderness First Responder/Lifeguard/CPR trained.
  • If evacuation is necessary, we are able to evacuate your group from the wilderness. The group leader is then responsible for any group members' medical care and transportation.

Retreats and Group Experiences

Campers on the dock