Volume LIIV Fall 2016A Newsletter for the Camp Olson Family

CAMP OLSON YMCATHE BIRCH LOG

At our 60th anniversary celebration over the 2014 Labor Day weekend, Camp Olson leadership unveiled and announced plans regarding our very aggressive and exciting (3)60 Capital Cam-paign. Three projects to celebrate 60 years and invest in the long-term future of Camp Olson YMCA. The project is now a reality! As of October 1, 2016 over 460 donors have helped us reach our construction goal of rais-ing $1.65 million to build a new bath house, kitchen and make major renovations to our iconic dining hall. Construction is now in progress (see photos on page 3) and will be completed for the 2017 summer. Throughout the next few years we hope to fi nalize the $2.5 million (3)60 campaign by adding $1 million to our endowment fund. We hope many of you will consider a planned and pledge a gift to the Camp Olson YMCA Endowment Fund. The demolition of the current bath house has sparked many conversations by both past and current staff members and campers. The phrase “King-of-the-Palace” brings back many memo-ries and a place where we all had a favorite throne. During the fi nal youth camping session of the summer our campers participated in a fun fi lled “Good Bye” ceremony for the White Palace, we are so thankful for the services it provided us and are all anxiously awaiting a new “Palace”. We are so grateful for the support of our alumni.Russell Link,Executive Director

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President’s Message ~ Lucy Bahn Summer camp sessions have ended for the year but there is plenty going on at Camp Olson. Construction of the new kitchen and bath house is under-way! This summer was extraordinarily eventful. Camp was filled to near ca-pacity and all eight weeks were a fun-filled success. The campus is experienc-ing significant renewal. First, heavy storms came through and brought down numerous trees. Teams of volunteers and professionals flocked to camp for cleanup, salvage, and preparation for regeneration. Then, deliberate demoli-tion of the bathhouse and kitchen was followed by groundwork for new con-struction. Camp Olson is a vibrant, living, interconnected community under-going change for a healthy and long future.It takes imagination, hard work, and dedication to make all this happen.

Thank you to the supporters who continue to sustain a strong Camp Olson. The dining hall renova-tion and new kitchen and bath house will be ready for the 2017 camp season. New adventures await campers and, judging by the unprecedented number of early registrations, the word is out. Thank you to the many volunteers who flocked to camp for work weekends and efforts throughout the year. A special thank you to Betsy Furman, Andy Edin and Rick Smith, who are finishing their terms on the Camp Olson Board of Directors. Their work has been invaluable and they will be greatly missed on the board. Camp Olson is building to withstand the unpredictable forces of nature. Repair and construction create the infrastructure that allows Camp Olson to strive to be the best summer camp program available to regional and international campers. It creates space for new leaders to be trained and experiences for new campers to overcome challenges in an environment of empathy, kindness, re-sponsibility, and respect. Join us next year to enjoy the new facilities and become part of the Camp Olson community.

Warmly,

Lucy Bahn

The Camp Olson YMCA Board of Direc-tors, with gratitude, extend their heartfelt thanks for your past, present and future

support for youth, leadership and our camping programs.

Camp Olson YMCA 2016 Board of Directors

Lucy Bahn – President – Rochester, MN 4th yearThomas Shepard – Vice President – Mpls, MN 4th yearBetsy Furman – Secretary - St. Paul, MN 6th yearMichael Collins –Winnetka, IL 1st yearJulianne Davis – Duluth, MN 3rd yearAndy Edin – Winona, MN 6th yearMegan Frank – Rochester, MN 2nd yearMichael Holmes – Rochester, MN 3rd yearNancy Huizenga – St. Paul, MN 3rd yearLori Jonason – Minneapolis, MN 2nd yearErik Julsrud – Duluth, MN 3rd yearSean Kempke – Duluth, MN 2nd yearDave Rogers – Chillicothe, MO 2nd yearKent Sall – St. Paul, MN 4th yearRick Smith – Rochester, MN 6th yearMichael Titus – Elizabeth, CO 2nd yearAndy Wood – Rochester, MN 3rd year

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As of October 5, demolition and site preparation has been completed for the new bath house “Palace”, the new kitchen, and the renovations to the dining hall. Walls will begin going up the week of October 10. You can follow the progress on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Camp-Olson-YMCA

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The Camp Olson YMCA fiscal year is from Oc-tober 1- September 30. This list represents an-nual and scholarship gifts and pledges received from October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016. With gratitude, we extend our thanks to thosewho have contributed financially to benefit our camping programs.

We sincerely apologize if we omitted your name. Please call the camp office so we may make the necessary corrections.

Pioneer Level ~ $2,500 +Card, Randy & Kristi Elliott – Ironton, MNKempke, Sean & Ivy Wood – Duluth, MNLake Country Power – Grand Rapids, MNLongville Area Community Foundation – Longville, MNLongville Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce - Longville, MNMayo Foundation – Rochester, MNSanger, Karen & Steve – Wayzata, MNShepard, Peter & Megan Perkins – Santa Fe, NMSwanson, Margret & Mark Muellerleile - Mahtomedi, MNWallin Foundation (Brooks Wallin) – Mpls., MN --Paris, France

Trailblazer Level ~ $1,000- $2,499Backlund, Theresa & Jim – Rochester, MNBahn, Mark & Lucy – Rochester, MNBornstein, Peter & Susan – North Oaks, MNBrown, Mary – St. Paul, MNCampbell, Jim & Carmen – Edina, MNCrow Wing Power – Brainerd, MNEstry, Dick & Kathy – Rochester, MNEvans, Wayne & Ellen—Tucson, AZFellenz, Terry & LorRae – Fall Creek, WIGreat River Energy – Maple Grove, MNHansen, Sr., William – Walker, MNLink, Russell & Jolene – Longville, MNRecknor, Lee & Betty Jean – Rochester, MNRieth, Lee and Alissa –Overland Park, KSRussell, Steve & Janey – Rochester, MNSalem Lutheran Church – Longville, MNSorenson, Eric & Kristin – Rochester, MNSpanier, Maureen – St. Cloud, MNStreit, Peter & Karen – Rochester, MNTjaden, Jacob – St. Paul, MNWong, Jeff & Pam Olson – Middleton, WIWoodworth, Nathan & Becky – Winona, MN

Voyager Level ~ $500-$999Arenberg, John & Cathy – Cary, ILBiesanz, Scott & Jane – Winona, MNBrown, Frank and Alice – St. Cloud, MNC. O. Brown – Rochester, MNCarey, Jean – Nisswa, MNCuthbert, Neal & Louise Robinson – Mpls, MNCutlip, George – Madison, WIDollins, Tom & Kathy – Longville, MNEdin, Andy & Becky – Winona, MNFeeser, Hollis & Pat – Rochester, MNFineline Finish Trim, Inc (Todd Stettler) -- Eyota, MNFleming, Kevin & Mariclaire – Rochester, MNHartson, George – Minneapolis, MNHaus, Mike & Cindy – Prior Lake, MNHolmes, Mike & Leah – Rochester, MNHughes, Honore – Maplewood, MO Huizenga, Charlie – Berkeley, CAJonason, Lori – Minneapolis, MNLongville Area Women of Today – Longville, MNLongville Lions – Longville, MNMiller, Wil & Jes – Winona, MNNartovich, Natalia – Rochester, MNNaugle, Meg & Pete – Walker, MNOffutt, Brad & Tracy – Rochester, MNSchwartz, Hope & Charles – St. Paul, MNSchwartz, Todd & Nancy – Urbandale, IAShepard, Chuck & Judy – Winona, MNStafford, Scott – Rochester, MNThomson, Curt & Dana – Peyton, COUhlenhopp, Jack – Santa Fe, NMWindebank, Anthony – Zumbro Falls, MNWoodworth, Jake & Nora – Longville, MNWoodworth, Pete & Joyce – Winona, MN

Discoverer Level ~ $250-$499Alnesjo, Magnus -- SWEDENAnderson, Gail – Rochester, MNArvig Communications – Perham, MNAugustine, Janene – Edina, MNBill Hansen Realty – Longville, MNBiesanz, Nick – Winona, MNButler, Jordan – Plymouth, MNCharpentier, Carol & Don – Longville, MNElliott, Bill & Jan – Longville, MNEsser, Andrew & Kim – LaCrescent, MNFougerousse, Kathleen – West Dundee, ILFritz, Randall & Dorothea – Rochester, MN

Geerdes, Pam – Rochester, MNGreer, Joyce – Zumbro Falls, MN Gross, Chad – Freeport, MNHansen, Bill & Laura – Longville, MNHaugen, David – St. Paul, MNHoban, Tom & Susan – New Ulm, MNHogan, Peter & Jodi – Stewartville, MNKuzukas, Katerina – Chicago, ILMelton, Joe & Jane – Rochester, MNMiner, Jerome – Duluth, MNMunden, Don & Melody – Albert Lea, MNRieth, Doug and Julie – Spartanburg, SC Ryan, Catherine – LaCrosse, WISall, Kent & Jacki – St. Paul, MNSchwartz, Kern & Jean – Worthington, MNSholtz, Peter and Jane – Hopkins, MNStifel Nicolaus –Rochester, MNStreet, Julie – Rochester, MNSwanson, J William – Storm Lake, IATenEyck, Dave – Pillager, MNTucker, Tim – Rochester, MNVan Nelson, Robert & Carolyn – Mpls., MNVan Straaten, Mike & Meegan – Rochester, MNWard, Ellen – Rochester, MNWilke, Skip – St. Paul, MN

Explorer Level ~ $100-$249Abrahams, Lindsey & Mark – Longville, MNAltobell, Steven – Fountain City, WIAnderson, Diane – Byron, MNAnderson, Therese – Mendota Heights, MNArnold, Nancy – Seattle, WABarsness, Lawrence & Sharon – Rochester, MNBeard, Adam & Norma – Austin, MNBlegen, David & Peggy – Rochester, MNBreyen, Nancy & Daniel – Nowthen, MNBrown, Ken & Lucy – St. Anthony, MNBures, Ruth & Frank – Winona, MNCallender, Judy – Winona, MNCapezzuto, Marisa – Minneapolis, MNCarpenter, Jerry & Jan – Longville, MNCarpenter, Scott & Karen – Longville, MNClowers, David – Sturgeon Bay, WIChisholm, Jane – Atlanta, GACurry, Turi – Fort Collins, CODavis, Nick & Julianne – Duluth, MNDillard, Tyler – Killeen, TXDonaldson, James and Leigh – Morgan Hills, CADoppler, Julie & Joe – Rochester, MN Eilers, Curtis & Jodie – Marion, IAElliott, Sonnie – St. Paul, MNFerguson, Dana – St. Paul, MNFrank, Aaron & Megan – Rochester, MNFranklin, Daryl & Joan – Austin, MNFritz, Carolyn – Grand Marais, MNFurman, Betsy – St. Paul, MNGilkinson, Julianna – Rochester, MNGoellner, John & Annette – Rochester, MNGonzalez, Susan – Fergus Falls, MNGreer, Joyce – Zumbro Falls, MNHagen, Mikaela – Madison, WIHahn, Anne – Bedford, INHanna, Matthew & Melissa – Chanhassen, MNHansen, Jay & Nicole – Rochester, MNHarris, Wayne – Rochester, MNHarris, Tracy & Julie – Rochester, MNHealy, Andy & Shelley – Minneapolis, MNHodge, Dan – St. Anthony, MNHuizenga, Hugh – Norwich, VT

The Birch Log Page 5Huizenga, Nancy – St. Paul, MNJaeger, Tom & Terri – Rochester, MNJarvela, Jeff & Lisa – Duluth, MNJewer, Alison Lee – Fort Atkinson, WIJohnson, Pierce – Chicago, ILJohnston, Stu & Carol – Decorah, IAJulsrud, Erik & Jennifer – Duluth, MNKatter, Sally & John – Apple Valley, MNKennedy, Diane – Winona, MNKerr, Don & Phyllis – Woodland, MNKickertz, Fred & Betty – Plymouth, MNKierlin, Bob & Mary Burrichter -- Winona, MNKramer, Chris & Jennifer – Minneapolis, MNKramer, Daniel – Minneapolis, MNLantz, Charles & Vickie – Rochester, MNLarson, Timothy & Sarah – Rochester, MNLee, David & Elizabeth – St. Paul, MNLetsche, Tom & Amy – Cherokee, IALichty, Betsy – Denver, COLink, Tom & Georgia – Rosholt, WILutz, Janice – Fremont, NEMahrer, Michael – Rochester, MNMatenaer, David & Kristine – St. Paul, MNMDHA Lakes & Pines Chapter – Longville, MNMesarchik, Robert & Marie – Rochester, MNMiclau, Ted & Kirsten – San Francisco, CAMogren, Ken & Sally – Winona, MNMoore, Gary – Wayzata, MNMunden, Donald & Melody – Albert Lea, MNNartovich, Katia – Duluth, MNNordquist, Sandy & Al – Apple Valley, MNNorthern Star Cooperative – Deer River, MNPettigrew, Kara – Lake Elmo, MN Pudwell, Bill and Cindy – Rochester, MNQualey, Betty – Rochester, MNRaasch, Don & Elisabeth – Maple Grove, MNRichardson, Allen – St. Paul, MNRogers, Dave & Marty – Chillicothe, MORohrbaugh, Leon & Britt – Duluth, MNSchrom, Rob & Cheryl – Grand Rapids, MNScott, Bob & Kim – Minneapolis, MNScott, Cynthia & James – Rochester, MNSheridan, Paul & Linda – Deer Harbor, WASholtz, Jane & Peter – Hopkins, MNShriver, Brian & Christine – Maplewood, MNSklar, Michael & Lisa – Boulder, COSmith, Richard & Katherine – Rochester, MNSoderlund, Dawn & Jay Mahon – Duluth, MNSpanier, Matthew – Portland, MEStaats, Bruce & Brenda – Rochester, MNStettler, Steve & Ronda – Rochester, MNTarara, Dan & Kathy – Rochester, MNTauxe, Bob and Cynthia – Atlanta, GAThomson, Griffith – Littleton, COTufvesson, Mary & Peter – Winona, MNWalker, Tom & Denise – Rochester, MNWayne Healy, Shelley – Minneapolis, MNWindebank, Sharon – Rochester, MNWood, Andrew & Krista Coleman - Rochester, MNYoung Walser, Julie & Bob --Minneapolis, MNYtterberg, Ellen – Washington, D. C.Zabin, Serena – Northfield, MN

Pathfinder Level ~ $1-$99Adkins, Michael – Rochester, MNAnderson, Terri – Plymouth, MNAnonymous

Arnquist, Kit & Tim – Boy River, MNBaaken, Amanda – Evanston, ILBenscoter, Walter & Kathryn – Rochester, MNBergen, Judi & Dick – Austin, MNBjerga Feed Stores – Motley, MNBrodt, Kelsey – Coon Rapids, MNBrown, Erin – Hager City, WIBrutinel, Bri – Minneapolis, MNBurton, Randy & Barbara -- Rochester, MNButler, Christopher – Rochester, MNCachiaras, John & Dot – Rochester, MNCalderone, Rebecca – St. Cloud, MNChapman, Tara & Craig – Winfield, ILCondon, Jake – Golden Valley, MNDyck, Jacob – Rochester, MNEspeset, Paul & Pat – Rochester, MNEwoldt, Russ & Bette – Plymouth, MNFelton, Carolyn – Winona, MNHaider, Michael – Pine Island, MNHauser, Katherine – Minneapolis, MNHayden,Benjamin – Breezy Point, MNHayden, Elizabeth – Breezy Point, MNHeyne, George & Carolyn – Rochester, MNHolloway, Terry & Donna – Longville, MNHouse, Roy & Betty Jo – Chatfield, MNHuizenga, Carolyn – Oak Lawn, ILHuizenga, Nancy & Joe Korzilius – St Paul, MNJohns, Chris – Edina, MNJohnson, Bernt – Bethesda, MDJohnson, Lowell & Barbara – Northfield, MNJonason, Kristin –Minneapolis, MNKapler, Demarie – Sandy, UTKennedy, Kathleen – Andover, MNKrage, Pat & Susan – Grand Marais, MNKust, Jennifer – St. Paul, MNLeingang, Lyndsay – Duluth, MNLink, Connor – Longville, MNLink, Micah – Longville, MN Linnes-Bagley, Laurie – Minneapolis, MNMalinchoc, Michael – Rochester, MNMayer, Stan & Amy – Rochester, MNMunz, Tom – Mt. Prospect, IL Pearson, Margaret – Colorado Springs, COPetters, Colleen – Avon, MNPetters, Dan – Avon, MNPursell, Michael & Kristi – Northfield, MNRitman, Abigail – Rochester, MN Robison, Sam – Atlanta, GAScudamore, James – Rochester, MNShepard, Tom & Marit – Minneapolis, MNSimpson, Bill & Beverly – Sioux Falls, SDSmithson, Paul – Stillwater, MNSpence, Sydney – Columbus, WI

Stettler, Kendra – Woodbury, MNStreet, Julie – Rochester, MNSweeney, Kathy – Longville, MNTimmons, Catherine – Farmington Hills, MIToepke, Dave & Sharon – New Salem, NDUnterholzner, Laura – Rochester, MNWick, Al & Patricia – Rochester, MNWoodworth, Nora – Longville, MNWright, Doug – Minneapolis, MNZobitz, Monica – Oronoco, MN

Wish List Gifts$2,500-$4,999

$1,000-$2,499Palmer, Shaun – Rochester, MNRich, Janet – Rochester, MNSpanier, Maureen – St. Cloud, MNWood, Andy – Rochester, MN

$500-$999

$250-$499

Memorial & Honor Gifts Arenberg, John & Cathy – Cary, IL In Memory of Dan & Arlene Arenberg In Honor of Colton AltobellBakken, David and Karen – Rochester, MN In Honor of Amanda BakkenBornstein, Peter & Susan – North Oaks, MN In Memory of Bayliss SwansonCard, Norman & Kathy – Federal Dam, MN In Honor of Randy Card & Kristi ElliottCard, Randy & Kristi Elliott – Ironton, MN In Honor of the Grewe FamilyCarey, Jean – Nisswa, MN In Memory of Dick CareyCarnahan, Ron and Pat – Port Saint Lucie, FL In Honor of Dan & Arlene Arenberg’s GrandchildrenDening, Michael & Maria Pellew-Harvey --Richmond, VA In Honor of Jim Rieth’s BirthdayElliott, John & Robin – Eagle, ID In Honor of Bill and Jan Elliott In Honor of Randy Card and Kristi ElliottElliott, Sonnie – St. Paul, MN In Honor of Kristi ElliottFellenz, Terry & LorRae—Fall Creek, WI In Memory of Bayliss Swanson In Memory of Margaret Fontana In Memory of Ray Wiste In Memory of Delwyn Johnson In Memory of Bud Steinwager In Memory of Glenn Rogers In Memory of Sam WinrichFougerousse, Jerry & Kathy – West Dundee, IL In Memory of Dan & Arlene ArenbergFurman, Betsy – In Memory of Bayliss SwansonHonsey, Bridget – Ham Lake, MN In Honor of Paul and Linda Sheridan FamilyHughes, Holly, Stacy, Honore & Melissa In Memory of Bayliss SwansonHuizenga, Nancy – St. Paul, MN In Memory of Bayliss SwansonJohnston, Stu & Carol – Decorah, IA In Memory of Nancy GraupmanJonason, Chelsey – Minneapolis, MN In Honor of Kristin Jonason

The Birch LogPage 6 In Honor of Moe SpanierLink, Russ & Jolene – Longville, MN In Memory of Bayliss Swanson In Memory of Dick Carey In Honor of Matt & Chelsey’s Engagement In Honor of Kathleen Kennedy’s Marriage In Memory of Scott Feeser In Memory of Jean SchwartzMiner, Jerome – Duluth, MN In Honor of Moe BrownRaasch, Don & Elisabeth – Maple Grove, MN In Memory of Bayliss SwansonRieth, Doug and Julie– Spartanburg, SC In Honor of Jim RiethRieth, Lee and Alissa –Overland Park, KS In Honor of Jim RiethSheldon, JoAnn – Rochester, MN In Memory of Scott FeeserShepard, Tom & Marit – Minneapolis, MN In Honor of Liam Nora & Mira Shepard In Honor of Magnus & Linnea ShepardSpanier, Maureen – St. Cloud, MN In Memory of Bayliss SwansonSwanson, Margery – Pine City, MN In Honor of Margret SwansonSwanson, Margret & Mark Muellerleile--Mahtomedi, MN In Memory of Bayliss Swanson In Memory of Margaret FontanaTenEyck, David – Pillager, MN In Memory of Dick CareyWindebank, Sharon – Rochester, MN In Honor of Aidan WindebankWoodworth, Joyce & Pete – Winona, MN In Memory of Sophia BaechlerWright, Douglas – Minneapolis, MN In Memory of Ralph Wright

In Kind Gifts Baggot, Lynn – Northfield, MNDavis, Julianne – Rochester, MNDeep Portage Learning Center—Hackensack, MNGross, Chad – Air Link Broadband -- Freeport, MNHart, George – St. Paul, MNJocko’s Saw Sharpening – Longville, MNManke, John – Longville, MNPost Consumer Brands – Lakeville, MN Rasmussen College – Bloomington, MNRecknor, Lee – Rochester, MNWood, Andy – Rochester, MNYMCA of Rochester – Rochester, MN

(3)60 Capital Campaign Gifts(Gifts and Pledges as of 10/1/2015)

$25,000 +Bahn, Mark & Lucy – Rochester, MNBiesanz, Scott & Jane – Winona, MN Campbell, Jim & Carmen – Edina, MNCard, Randy & Kristi Elliott – Ironton, MNChamberlain, Phil & Eunice Hill – Cornville, AZCollins, Michael & Christina – Winnetka, ILFurman, Betsy & Beth Janke – St. Paul, MNJohnson, Pierce – Chicago, ILKuechenmeister Estate – Austin, MNPerkins Foundation – Wayzata, MNRieth, Jim & Theresa – Spicer, MNShepard, Chuck & Judy – Winona, MNShepard, Peter & Megan Perkins – Santa Fe, NMSpanier, Maureen – St. Cloud, MNTitus, Michael – Elizabeth, COWoodworth, Pete & Joyce – Winona, MNYMCA of the USA Strategic Initiatives Fund

$10,000-$24,999Bahn, Lucy – Rochester, MNBrown, Frank & Alice – St. Cloud, MNEdin, Andrew & Becky – Winona, MNEdin, Matthew & Heather, Cary, NCLitin, Scott & Jolene – Rochester, MNJonason, Lori, Chelsey, Kristin – Mpls, MNJulsrud, Paul & Patricia – Rochester, MNPertzborn, Leslie and James – Chapel Hill, NCPlunkett, Richard & Carol Christenson -- Rochester, MNRieth, Lee & Alissa – Overland, KSRochester Area Foundation – Rochester, MNSall, Rodney – Roseville, MNSchwartz, Kern & Jean – Worthington, MNSchwartz, Todd & Nancy – Urbandale, IAVan Straaten, Jack & Linda – Tucson, AZW.Gohman Construction – St. Joseph, MNWilke, Robert – St. Paul, MNWKM Properties – Winona, MNWoodworth, Jacob & Nora – Longville, MN

$5,000-$9,999Abrahams, Mark & Lindsey –Longville, MNBornstein, Susan & Peter – North Oaks, MNCramer, Carl & Angela – Rochester, MNCuthbert, Neal & Louise Robinson –Minneapolis, MNCrowley, Thomas & Debra – Rochester, MNDale, Katie & Charles – Fox Island, WADavis, Nick & Julianne – Duluth, MNDyck, Dr. & Mrs. Peter – Rochester, MNEdstrom, Frances – Winona, MNEsse, Ann –Chicago, ILFrank, Megan & Aaron – Rochester, MNHames, Colin & Claire – Minnetrista, MNHansen, Jay & Nicole-- Rochester, MNHealy, Shelley & Andrew – Minneapolis, MNHill, Steve & Betsy – Kirkwood, MOHolmes, Mike & Leah, Rochester, MNHughes, Honore & Julie Gram – Maplewood, MOHuizenga, Nancy & Joe Korzilius – St. Paul, MNJulsrud, Erik & Jennifer – Duluth, MNKempke, Sean & Ivy Wood – Duluth, MNLink, Russell & Jolene – Longville, MNMerchants Bank – Rochester, MNMiclau, Ted & Kirsten – San Francisco, CAPalmer, Shaun – Rochester, MNPalmer, Susan – Rochester, MN

Recknor, Lee & Betty Jean – Rochester, MNRich, Janet – Rochester, MNRogers, David & Marty – Chillicothe, MOSall, Kent & Jackie – St. Paul, MNSorenson, Eric & Kristen – Rochester, MNStreet, Julie – Rochester, MNStreit, Peter & Karen – Rochester, MNSwanson, Margret – Mahtomedi, MNVan Straaten, Jeff & Aimee – Duluth, MNVan Straaten, Michael & Meegan– Rochester, MNWong, Jeffrey & Pam Olson –Middleton, WI

$2,500-$4,999Anonymous – Brooklyn, NYArenberg, John & Cathy – Cary, ILButler, Bruce & Lynette – Plymouth, MNCalhoun, Michael – Winona, MNElliott, Bill & Jan – Longville, MNFujimoto, Barbara w/ Amy & Brian Smith -- San Francisco, CAHeins, Marvin & Barbara – Rochester, MNLaughlin, Ruple – Rochester, MNLenoir, Martin & Susan – Santa Ana, CALongville Community Fdn. – Longville, MNMiller, Linda – Rochester, MNRasmussen, Dave & Mary – Fargo, NDRichardson, Allen & Colleen – St. Paul, MNRieth, Doug & Julie – Spartanburg, SCRohrbaugh, Britt & Leon – Duluth, MNRovers 1974Anonymous – Rochester, MN Smith, Rick & Kathy – Rochester, MNSteward, Patrick & Patricia -- Rochester, MNVyhlidal, Amy & Chad – Lincoln, NEWatson Family – Rochester, MN

$1,000-$2,499Aas, Erin – Seattle, WAAdkins, Bailey & Michael – Rochester, MNAllen, Mark & Martha – Edina, MNAnderson, Gail – Rochester, MNArbour, Stephen & Barbara – Grand Rapids, MNArnold, Nancy – Seattle, WABauer, Holly & Alan – Iola, WIBeck, David & Rosalyn LaPier – Missoula, MTBergschneider, KB - Glendale, COBergstrom, Sarah & John – Edina, MNBlazer Elkus, Julie – Cincinnati, OHBrown, Bill & Lynn – Edina, MNBrown, Ken & Lucy – St. Anthony, MNButler, Jordan – Maple Grove, MNCalhoun, Michael -- St. Louis Park, MNCarnahan, Ron & Pat – Port St. Lucie, FLCaspersen, Andrew & Rebecca – Corte Madera, CAChiappa Windebank, Sharon – Rochester, MNCrum, Brian & Melanie – Rochester, MNDyck, Jim & Marian – Rochester, MNEkblad, Dazzle – Albany, NYEggenberger, Erin & Miles Mercer – Mpls, MNEstry, Dick & Kathy – Rochester, MNEttinger, Jeff & LeeAnn – Austin, MNFagerholm, Peder – Kennesaw, GAFeeser, Hollis & Pat – Rochester, MNFellenz, Terry & LorRae – Fall Creek, WIFirst National Bank of Walker – Walker, MNFougerousse, Jerry & Kathy – West Dundee, ILFranklin, Daryl & Joan – Austin, MNFranklin, Luke & Danielle – Minneapolis, MNGostout Family – Rochester, MN

Groves Family – Rochester, MNHanna, Matt & Melissa – Chanhassen, MNHanson, Dan & Inger – Northfield, MNHanson, Mari, Sylvi & Thea – Northfield, MNHartson, George – Minneapolis, MNHaydon, Dave and Becky – Breezy Point, MNHughes Girls: Honore, Holly, Stacy, MissyHuizenga Family – Berkeley, CAJirele-Blaine, Jane – Winona, MNJohnson, Carol & Stuart – Decorah, IAJonason, Bill – Minneapolis, MN

Jonason, Kristin – Minneapolis, MNKempke, In Memory of Agnes and Nola – Duluth, MNKempke, Karen & Thomas – Northfield, MNKempke, Zoe and Wren – Duluth, MNKerr, Don & Phyllis – Woodland, MNKramer, Chris & Kendra – Minneapolis, MNKramer, Dan & Kay – St. Anthony, MNLeonard, Gary & Mary – Surprise, AZLichty, Betsy – Lakewood, COLink, Connor & Micah – Longville, MN Litzow, Erin Lenz – Rochester, MNLocke, Jean & Rick – Rochester, MNMahrer, Robert – Rochester, MNMelby, Ken & Ruth – Decorah, IAMorrison, Jay & Tara – Murdock, MNNartovich, Aleksandr, Natalia & Family -- Rochester, MNNordquist, Alan & Sandy – Apple Valley, MNPacchetti, John & Sarah – Rochester, MNRasmussen, Mark & Kristin – Kaneohe, HIRetired Professional Role ModelsRoach, Paul & Shannon Sheedy – Roch., MNRudnick, Jennifer and Paul – Plover, WIScudamore, James – Rochester, MNShellum, Curtis & Jane – Rochester, MNShepard, Chris & Mari Rege – Staranger, NorwayShepard, Magnus & Linnea – Minneapolis, MNShepard, Tom & Marit – Minneapolis, MNSixta, Bob & Helen Monsee – Rochester, MNSpanier, Matt & Chelsey Jonason, Portland, METalon Innovations Corporation – Sauk Rapids, MNTharp, Michael & Julia – Little Rock, AR

The One Stop (Scott & Karen Carpenter) – Longville, MNThompson, Brandi – Elmwood, WITodd, Edward & Kerry – Rochester, MNToepke, Dave & Sharon – New Salem, NDToepke/Sheridan/Hazelton Family – ND, WA, WIVan De North Knight Family – Rochester, MNWallin, Brooks – Paris FranceWells, Bob & Polly – Urbandale, IAWilliams, Patto & Katy – Engadine Australia

Windebank, Sharon – Rochester, MNWood, Andrew & Krista Coleman - Rochester, MNWood, Guy & Julie Croy – Corvallis, ORWood, Jim & Jean – International Falls, MNWood, Mark & Margaret – Redding, CAWood Busch, Phoebe – Denver, CO

$500-$999Anchorage Inn – Longville, MNAnderson, Therese & Bentley – St. Paul, MNAndrews, David & Mary C. – Lino Lakes, MNBohan, Paul – Missoula, MTBures, Dr. Frank and Ruth – Winona, MNClowers, David – Sturgeon Bay, WICutlip, George – Madison, WIDeWispelaere, Laurie & Jay Johnson--Glennallen, AKElliott, John & Robin – Eagle, IDEvans, Wayne & Ellen – Tuscon, ARFritz, Randall and Dorothea – Rochester, MNGuida, John & Carrie – Nisswa, MNHansen, Bill & Laura – Longville, MNHatfield, Tim & Susan – Winona, MNHenning, Barbara & Thomas – Sheboygan, WIHepper, Char & Norm – Rochester, MNKnowlton, Dick & Nancy – Vail, COKrecke, Karl & Susan – Rochester, MNLantz, Charles and Vickie – Rochester, MNLetsche, Amy & Tom – Cherokee, IANaugle, Pete and Margaret – Walker MNRausch, Steve, Anne & Matt – Cookeville, TNSall, Jennifer – St. Paul, MNSloan, Jim and Judy – Rochester, MNSmithson, Paul & Leslie McInenly -- Stillwater, MNSquarcia, Umbi & Lissette – New York, NYStettler, Todd & Sue – Eyota, MNStrauss, Bob & Mary Jo – Winona, MNUtz, Julia & Mark – Rochester, MN Vance, Mary Jo & Bill –Hampshire, ILWabedo Township – Longville, MN

Gifts Under $500Anderson, Jake – Santa Monica, CAAnderson, Jim & Mary – Minnetonka, MNArenberg, Dan & Debbie – Lemont, ILBaggot, Joe and Lynn – Northfield, MNBakken, David and Karen – Rochester, MNBormann, Jayne – Plymouth, MNBreyen, Daniel & Nancy – Nowthen, MNBrutinel, Brianne – Inver Grove Heights, MNBures, Frank Jr – Minneapolis, MNBurton, Randy & Barb – Rochester, MNButler, Tina and Ed – Rochester, MNCapezzuto, Marisa – Minneapolis, MNCard, Norm & Kathy – Federal Dam, MNCharpentier, Carol & Don – Longville, MNCurry, Tori – Ft. Collins, CODeBoer, Al & Ann – Rochester, MNDriscoll, Susan – Charlestown, MADyck, Jacob - Rochester, MNErickson, Ford & Lisa – North Oaks, MNEspeset, Paul & Pat – Rochester, MNFisk, Carol & Wally – Key West, FLGilkes, Mary Louise – Green Valley, AZ Gross, Chad & Shelly – Freeport, MNHahn, Anne & Richard – Bedford, INHardy Family – Edina, MNHarris, Tracy & Julie – Rochester, MN

Haugen, David – St. Paul, MNHeinrich, Steven & Lisa Wolfe, Mpls, MNHoffman, Harry & Julie – Rochester, MNHolmes, Ann – Rochester, MNHolmes, Sara – Rochester, MNHonsey, Bridget – Ham Lake, MNHuizenga, Deborah – Minneapolis, MNHuston, John & Ellen – Rochester, MNJirele, Jaime – Winona, MNJohnson, Bernt and Julie – Bethesda, MDJoyce, Robert & Diane – Rochester, MNKnapp, Barry & Sharon – Rochester, MNKempke, Chris and Lisa – Albany, ORKendall, Don & Kathy – Rochester, MNKorda, Carol & Bruce Dalgaard – Northfield, MNMahon, Tom & Carol – Rochester, MNMartinson, Jeff & Kathy – Rochester, MNMayer, Stanley and Amy – Rochester, MNMcGoon Lundberg, Betsy – Plano, TXMiner, Jerome – Minneapolis, MNMDHA, Lakes & Pines Chapter – Longville, MNMock, Michael and Amy – Esko, MNMogren, Ken & Sally – Winona, MNMoore, Gary and Julie – Wayzata, MNMunger, Tom & Janet – Rochester, MNOgard, Dan & Rachel – Egan, MNPetters, Jon & Colleen – Avon, MNPodulke, Stephanie – Rochester, MNPudwell, Bill & Cindy – Rochester, MNPursell, Michael & Kristi – Northfield, MNRatz, Chuck and Sharon – Longville, MNRecknor, Glen – Rochester, MNRogers, Joe & Sara – Avon, MNRoy, Monica – Lakewood, COSchmerbauch, Ron & Barb – Rochester, MNSchmidt, David and Lucy – Rochester, MNSchwartz, Hope & Charles – St. Paul, MNSheldon, JoAnn – Rochester, MNShellum, Curtis & Jane - Rochester, MNSholtz, Peter & Jane – Hopkins, MNSiebenaler, Liz – Superior, WISilber, Michael and Sandra – Rochester, MNSklar, Michael and Lisa – Boulder, COSmith, Jerry & Sarah – St. Paul, MNSmithson, Tony & Judy – Rochester, MNSpeiser, Page – Salt Lake City, UTStaats, Bruce & Brenda – Rochester, MNStafford, Scott & Jacqueline Leavitt – Rochester, MNStenehjem, Dean & Julianne – Rochester, MNSwanson, Margery – Pine City, MNTarara, Dan, Kathy & Karen – Rochester, MNThomson, Curt & Dana – Peyton, COThomson, Griff – Littleton, COUnterholzner, Laura – Rochester, MNVoss, Dan – Minneapolis, MNWalker, Tom & Denise – Rochester, MNWestendorf, Dan and Rebecca – Rochester, MNWhite, Shelly – College Station, TXYMCA of Austin – Austin, MN

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A Message from our Camp Director – Lindsey Abrahams

What an amazing summer 2016 has been! It was absolutely thrill-ing to be able to view camp from the Camp Director’s perspective this past summer. This is a truly unique view as I was able to see all of camp function. I got to witness staff, who I can still remember as small children, run camp from many of our lead positions. I watched campers make friends with complete strangers. I was even able to watch as children of dear and lifelong friends got to experience camp for the fi rst time. This was just a tip of the iceberg. It is incredible to see how far camp has come since my fi rst year on staff in 2002. Gone are the days of less than half full sessions and empty program areas. This year camp was full every day of the sum-mer and each program area was hopping every afternoon. With the amazing staff and programming we have, a full camp is something

we can continue to look forward to for a long time. This does mean a lot of work for our staff but it also means that there are that many kids who get to have a Camp Olson experience. There will be many more lives changed thanks to our staff’s tireless efforts. As I refl ect on the successes of last summer I can only feel excitement for what next summer will bring. Registration is open and hiring has begun. Already our CIT programs are 1 camper away from being full, half of our LIT sessions are full and Discovery campers and all the rest are rolling in daily. We also already have 70 appli-cants to work at camp in 2017. It seems 2016 has just ended while 2017 has already begun. The campers and staff who can’t wait to attend next summer will surely meet lifelong friends and make unforgettable memories.

$18,000 Scholarship Grant Awarded to Camp Olson YMCA The YMCA of the USA’s Strategic Initiatives Fund awarded Camp Olson YMCA with an $18,000 grant to be used to send fi rst time campers to Camp Ol-son YMCA this past summer. This was a matching grant. We are pleased to share with you that this grant was matched and Camp Olson YMCA provided over $89,000 in scholarship support to over 270 youth this summer.

World Water Monitoring Challenge This summer Camp Olson received a grant from the YMCA of the USA that provided the opportunity to participate in the World Water Monitoring Chal-lenge. This program was developed to empower youth to change the planet and has gone global. Youth around the world are given testing kits to help look at their water and develop awareness about protecting their water resources. At Olson over 100 campers were able to try their hand at testing the water in Little Boy Lake, Cooper Lake and the three Shurd Lakes. Results were mostly constant in our pristine northwoods environment where the water is cool, clear and clean. You can view our results at www.monitorwater.org. We look forward to continu-ing the program next summer!

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As most of you are aware sailing is offered as an activity to do in the mornings and afternoons. We have some pretty experienced staff members who work with kids ranging from ages 8-16 and teach them the science of sailing. I attended camp as a camper every summer starting when I was 8 until I turned 16, and I only went sailing twice by choice during those weeks at camp. For some reason it never seemed fun to me. There are so many cleats and ropes and large, potentially dangerous parts on a boat that I was scared of getting hurt. So as a camper at camp, I avoided sailing if I could. As a counselor however, it is not really up to me anymore where I get to go and what I get to do. Counsel-ors are expected, and rightfully so, to help out at any and every program area. So my first staff training week I went to the sailing clinic to learn the thing that I was least experienced in. At this point in my life I no longer had the same fear of sailing that I did when I was younger. I trusted the staff members who knew how to sail, and I trusted myself more too. The first lesson I remember learning (and have since forgot) is how to rig up a sunfish. A sunfish is like a mini-sailboat with a lot less ropes and dangerous-looking stuff. (That is not an ex-act definition by the way, it’s just my own, lol.) After we learned how to do that, it was time to sail! So a fellow counselor and I went out on the lake and braved the waves. Long story short, I tipped the boat three times. The day was cold, windy and overcast, meaning that sailing conditions were not ideal for beginners and definitely not comfortable for beginners (or probably anyone) either. We didn’t last long, and soon returned to shore in order to warm up. So all in all, my experiences sailing before this summer have been not amazingly pleasant. However, this summer changed my views a bit. One day in particular had a major impact on my feelings not only on sailing, but on how to have fun. My last week as a counselor this summer I was in a cabin with another co-counselor, a counselor in training (CIT) and approximately nine 8-9 year old girls. They were a hoot and a half at times, and... well, less awesome at times. But man oh man did those girls love trying new things and having fun. Sometimes it can be hard to get such young girls excited about things like sailing, because, like I thought when I was little, it can be scary. These girls, though? Nah. They loved every minute of it. The CIT in our cabin was a skipper and could sail by herself, so she was the leader of our adventure. I like to think I was her sidekick. I helped her raise the sail and the jib, (although to be honest she did most of the work) while the girls settled down in the boat. Moving from the mooring out to the open lake was a bit of a struggle at first, as there was very little wind for our sails to catch. As we drifted closer and closer to the beach, I started to get nervous that perhaps we were going to hit the bottom and become beached. The girls in the boat were try-ing to tell our CIT that we were drifting towards the beach, as if she didn’t already know, and to steer us away. Silly girls. Our CIT remained calm and in control though, and we slowly but surely made our way out to the middle of the lake. And although we had a rocky start, the campers were loving every single second of it. Whenever we came about and turned around, they would get excited. They smiled the whole time, and told our CIT how great of a sailor she was. They would dip their fingers in the water and be thrilled. They would see the pirate flag on one of the sunfishes in the fleet and shriek in delight/fear (still not sure which, perhaps a mixture of both?) that there was a pirate ship on the lake. Everything we did was novel and exciting and fun for these girls. Even when we had to shoot the mooring, which required some assistance from a nearby paddle boarder, the girls were cheering our CIT on the entire time. Nothing could stand in the way of their fun! As a person who has experienced sailing few times before and not always enjoyed herself, seeing these girls have the best time ever on a less than perfect sailboat ride was eye-opening. I had the time of my life watching them have so much fun over little things that I had forgotten could be fun. The best part was, after we had success-fully re-clipped to the mooring, all of the girls jumped in the water and swam around together, giggling and shrieking in joy. Those 8-year-old girls knew how to live life in that moment better than I did. And that was humbling.I want to be more like those girls. I want to try to see opportunities for laughter and fun, as little as they may be. I want to not be afraid of new experiences. I want to be able to put my trust in others, even if it may not always seem like they know what they’re doing. I think we all could learn a lesson or two from those campers about what it’s really like to have fun and make the best of an experience.

Having Fun The Right Way ~ By Marly Schrom Camper 2005-13, staff member 2014-16

Marly Schrom has been attending camp…well forever. Attending first, at a very young age, during family camp. A youth camper from 2005-2013. She just completed her third year on staff and she is one of our most requested counselors. She is a versatile staff member. She co-led the Isle Royale Back Packing trip, led a 4-day canoe trip, was a counselor and ran the waterfront for a week this past summer. She is currently a Sophomore English major at Carleton College in Northfield.

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Adventure On…Kristin Jonason This past September, I set a goal for myself to travel to Tanzania and reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Sitting at 19,341 feet above sea level, the dormant volcano is the tallest mountain in Africa and is no small feat to get to the top. I spent a total of 8 days on the mountain, climbing with 5 others, one being my friend from college. For the 6 of us climbers, we had 3 guides and 20 porters to help us along the way. I carried my day pack each day, and our porters carried everything else (our extra clothing and personal gear, tents, food, water, the “toilet”, other camping supplies, etc). Each day we would trek for 4-6 hours before reaching our next campsite. Since I knew I was climbing a mountain, I naturally expected to be going uphill all day everyday, but luckily each day varied in el-evation. We would usually end our day about 1,500 feet above where we started, but the trail would go both up and down, and was sometimes even flat. Our guides were constantly reminding us “pole pole,” which means “slow down.” The slower you go, the better your body can acclimatize to the lack of oxygen on the mountain, which increases your chance of reaching the top. Each day was slow and steady, until the day that we summited. On the morning of the 6th day, we got up at our usual time and climbed from our campsite at 13,200 feet to Kilimanjaro base camp at 15,300 feet, arriving around noon. We ate lunch, napped as much as possible until dinner, then rested some more before our 11:00 pm wake up call. We put on all of our warm layers, drank some tea, and began our attempt to the summit around midnight. We climbed for 8 hours before reach-ing the top, only stopping for quick breaks and to watch the sunrise at 6:30 in the morning. Finally, around 8:00 am, we reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at 19,341 feet above sea level. I was so happy, but my legs, feet, and mind were exhausted, and our day was far from over. After snapping a few photos, we descended for 4 hours back to base camp at 15,300 feet. We then had a quick lunch before walking down another 5,000 feet, which took 3 hours. I immediately fell asleep at our next campsite and slept until our final descent the next day. So what led me to decide to climb one of the Seven Summits? When I was 16, I was part of the CIT program at Camp Olson and I spent 8 days on the Superior Hiking Trail. This trip has piqued my interest in the outdoors and sparked my adventurous spirit. I loved the physical challenge of getting up each day, sore and blistered from the day before, but excited to hit the trail again. I loved the camaraderie that formed with my fellow campers and my counselors. I loved cooking my meals over the fire and not caring if dirt fell onto my plate. I loved sleeping in a tent and being completely sur-rounded by the natural earth. I loved the excitement of doing something that was outside my comfort zone. Since my summer as a CIT, I have both led and participated in multiple trips and adventures of all different shapes and sizes all around the world, and now my comfort zone has expanded greatly. If it weren’t for my experiences at Camp Olson as a leader and a camper, I don’t think I would have the confidence in myself or the appreciation of adventure and the outdoors that is necessary to accom-plish my goals. I can’t wait to see where my next adventure takes me! This was only a very small snapshot of my adventure. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to me at kristin.jonason@gmail.com. I’d love to chat!

Kristin was a lifelong camper and six-year staff member at Camp Olson YMCA. This past summer she was the Assistant Camp Di-rector and was responsible for all out bound trips. She graduated in May of 2014 with a degree in Psychology from DePauw Univer-sity and is currently employed as an Associate Consultant with the Prouty Project.

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Word of MouthHelp us spread the Camp Olson Spirit!

Camp Olson’s operating capacity was at 99% this summer. Still, we remain focused on our commitment to maintaining an experience for every single camper that is both positive and meaningful. Those experiences are what connect young people to the camp family for a lifetime. While we are committed to maintaining a capacity that allows us to continue to offer these experiences, there are still spaces to be filled by campers un-able to return. Each summer there are campers that age out of our programs. Each empty space is a lost opportunity for a young person to enjoy all the great things Camp has to offer! Most families learn about Camp Olson from other connected families—you! Only you, the families already connected, can truly share the positive benefits of a Camp Olson experience. Everyone knows of a young person or family that could experi-ence those benefits, too. They are your extended family mem-bers, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. You attend church, youth sports, or social organizations with them. Sharing Camp with others is a great gift! You can do it by talking up your own experiences, passing along a brochure, and sharing Camp Olson information on your social networks. Besides your own experiences, there are some powerful facts that are unique to Camp Olson:• 1:4 staff to camper ratio • Full time Health-Care staff• Great food! We accommodate nearly all food allergies and dietary restrictions• Great programs in the outdoors: sailing, horseback riding, archery, arts & crafts, swimming, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, overnight campouts, and more!• Comfortable yet rustic cabins• Our amazing, dedicated, and caring staff• 1250 acres of property—5 lakes• Balance of scheduled activities and free-choice• Options for younger and first time campers that provide continuous supervision 24/7• Pathfinder camp sessions (6-nights)• Voyageur short week camp (3-nights)• Coach bus transportation from Rochester, Austin, Twin Cities, St. Cloud, and Brainerd weekly• Camper scholarship program to those who demonstrate need. $89,000 in scholarships and discounts were awarded in 2016!

Become a Camp Olson Ambassador! Contact our Camp Director, Lindsey Abrahams lindsey@cam-polson.org. Camp Olson Ambassadors receive a packet of brochures, discount certificates for new families, and a special gift! Lindsey is also available to assist in hosting a Camp Olson informational meeting at your home. You provide the space, and she will come to present, provide information, offer dis-counts, and answer questions.

GIVE THE GIFT OF CAMP THIS YEAR

Imagine the smile on a loved one’s face this holiday season or upcoming birthday when they unwrap an envelope and inside is a certificate for a one or two week stay at Camp Ol-son next summer. Grandparents this is the perfect gift for your grandchildren. Simply call Camp Olson to order your certificate. Camp Olson will mail you the gift certificate for you to wrap however you choose. All Camp Olson Christmas Certificates must by be ordered by Decem-ber 15, 2016.

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Mountain Biking at Camp Olson Mountain Biking got its start as a program area here at Camp Olson during the summer of 2012. In the five summers since it began, en-thusiasm and passion for the program has only grown. In these years it has remained an after-noon program area and campers have been able to sign up for a ride after lunch. Looking ahead to next summer we’ve decided to take the next step with this program by run-ning it in the mornings as well. We intend to do this in two ways. The first of which will be to in-clude it as part of the homestead hike for camp-ers who are over 13 years of age. Cabin groups under this age may elect to bike if they are all confident bikers. We hope that this will increase exposure and therefore interest in the program. The second step we will be taking has really got us excited… We will be launching our first ever Mountain Bike camp! This camp will be struc-tured much the same as our Riding and Sailing camps. Each morning campers in this program will learn about their bikes and how to improve their seat while riding the trail. In addition to more time riding, these campers will also em-bark upon a one night overnight to a local state park full of beautiful mountain biking trails. To start we will only be offering this program for one week so be sure to sign up fast!

Camp Olson Family CampQuality Time for the Entire Family! Family camp offers families an unforget-table experience with opportunities for fun, fellowship, and activities for the whole family. Much like youth camp, the focus is on building relationships, trying new activities, and expe-riencing the beauty of the outdoors at Camp Olson. It’s the ultimate all-inclusive vacation with great food, lodging, and a variety of fun activities provided right here on-site. Families live in our resident cabins and are assigned a “counselor” for the week who of-fers assistance and who you will get to know personally as a family. Campers under the age of 13 have daily Kids’ Club offered from 9:00am-12:00pm where they can meet new friends, get to know our awesome staff, and try all of our great activities. Parents have morning time open to participate in activities, spend time together, or simply relax. After-noon and evening activities are geared for the whole family to participate together including: regattas, bog walks, horseback rides, bike rides, and so much more. Most cabins can accommodate up to 10 guests, so families are free to combine with extended families or friends for the week. It is an intimate option, but a great way to divide the cost!

2017 Family Camp Sessions: • Family Camp Session A—August 6-12 • Family Camp Session B—August 13-19

Cabins are likely to fill for both sessions, so plan ahead! Please contact us to learn more about Family Camp if you are interested. Up-to-date availability for 2017 Family Camp can be found on our website: www.campolson.org/family-camp.

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Now hiring for 2017the Job of a lifetime!

We are now accepting applications for all positions on the 2017 Camp Olson staff. We are looking for people who are caring, dedi-cated, hard-working, motivated, and who are comfortable working with youth in an outdoors environment. Working on staff is a chance to be a mentor, gain skills, and grow as an individual. In short, it could be the most challenging and rewarding experience of your life! Plus, you’ll meet lifelong friends and have a ton of fun creating the Camp Olson experi-ence for our youth campers. Camp-staff ex-perience builds many employable skills and looks

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS LEADER-IN-TRAINING

Last summer our Leader in Training pro-gram expanded to include both LIT I and LIT II program options for our teen campers and aspiring young leaders. Camp Olson’s Leaders in Training is a two-week session for campers ages 13-16. The program offers young lead-ers the chance to begin to get a little bit more out of their camping experience. Mornings are spent with fellow LITs participating in team-building and leadership lessons in cooperation, teamwork, wilderness camping, and personal growth. The two-week sessions also include a trip to the climbing wall and a group canoe trip. LIT I campers will complete a 4-day canoe trip to Voyageurs National Park and live in our Leadership cabins, Ripley & Ramsey while at Camp.

The Camp Olson YMCA family extends our condolences to the Herr Family

We extend our sympathies to the Herr family after learning that John Herr passed away this past September. John’s father King Herr was in-strumental in working with E.O. Olson when he was considering gifting his property to become Camp Olson YMCA. The Herr family has a long history with Camp Olson and three generations of children have attended camp. John C. Herr, 68, was director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Research in Contraceptive and Re-productive Health.

To learn more about John C. Herr and his ac-complishments visit the complete story issued by the University of Virginia at https://news.virginia.edu/content/memoriam-john-c-herr-uva-cham-pion-translational-research

Volunteer Healthcare Staff Summer Camp Season

Each summer16-18 professional healthcare personnel (RNs, LPNs, and M.D.s) volunteer their time in exchange for children attend-ing camp. If you are interested in providing routine health care and desire to learn more about becoming a camp healthcare profes-sional at Camp Olson YMCA, please contact Executive Director Russ Link

russ@campolson.org

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Counselors in Training 2017The grand finale of camper-hood at Camp Olson is the Counselor in Training program. The Camp Olson Counselor in Training program is the transitioning step for those who aspire to work at camp in the future and for those who are looking for a challenging and life-changing op-portunity. Camp Olson CIT’s undergo an experience like no other. Over the course of four weeks, they will gain leadership skills, trek for a week along the Superior Hiking Trail, and forge lifelong bonds with their fellow participants. The CIT program provides great life experiences and is a great primer to future employment at Camp Olson and life after high school. Through hands-on experience and thoughtful discussion and feedback from their leaders, all participants are able to turn inward and discover the great power they hold within themselves. It is a life-changing journey! We currently have 40 of 42 CITs from around the world registered for the CIT program next summer. Very limited space is available for the 2017 program, though we encourage everyone to still register and get added to the waiting list. Check the website for availability and register soon.

Registered CIT Campers as of October 8, 2016

Gabriel Baggot – Northfield, MNSame Boes – Rochester, MNAnnie Davis – Duluth, MNKatie Davis – Duluth, MNAndrew Degnim – Rochester, MNSamuel Driver – Edina, MNLucy Engler – Edina, MNWilliam Gregory – Greenwich, CTBrooke Heikkila - Duluth, MNAbby Henning – Sheboygan, WIJack Hilt – Oshkosh, WINathanael Hoard – Grand Rapids, MNBenjamin Johnson – Rochester, MNIsaac Kelly – Rochester, MNMaria Lange – Edina, MNKaren Legler – Rochester, MNMatthew Legler – Rochester, MNEmily Liebl – Dennison, MNRebecca Lineberry – DePere, WIClara Maxwell – Basalt, COIsabella McCormick – Edina, MNGracie Miller – Winona, MNJasper Neil – Winona, MNPaloma Valcabado Otero – Madrid, SpainJack Pacchetti – Rochester, MNNathan Pettis – Farmington, MNLily Randall – Edina, MNTaylor Ross – Byron, MNCooper Schwartz – St. Paul, MNRiley Simmons – Brooklyn Park, MNSophia Smith – St. Paul, MNConstantin Tenzer – Paris, FranceLiza Warneke – Eagan, MNRyan Welsh – Carbondale, COLauren Whyte – Winona, MNHannah Wiggins, Rochester, MN

ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTWhen: 7:30 pm Monday January 23, 2017Where: To Be Announced on our website

Can I attend and vote?√ Yes, if you contributed more than $25.00 to Camp Olson YMCA√ Yes, if you volunteered more than 5 hours of labor or time.√ Yes, if you paid for a camp program.What goes on at an annual meeting?√ Interested prospective board members are elected to the board.√ Audited year-end financials are reviewed and approved.√ Meet and spend time talking with board members and staff. *All eligible voters must be over the age of 18 at the time of the meeting. Officers of the board are not elected at the Annual Meeting, but you can nominate individuals to be voted on by the board. To do so, nominations must be submitted prior to December 20, 2016.

Camp Olson YMCA4160 Little Boy Rd NELongville, MN 56655

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Trading PostThe Camp Olson Store

Promoting Camp Olson YMCA

The Camp Olson Trading Post was a popular spot this summer. Campers and staff alike strutted their stuff in Camp Olson swag. Ice cream treats and a cool beverage are just a part of the vast inventory the Trading post holds. Some of the favorite items this year were a maroon quarter zip sweatshirt and black pocketed sweatpants. Each summer we try to stock the old favorites as well as some new exciting items. They may not seem like much but the items purchased at the Trading Post can help campers to relive their camp memories and feel connected year-round. Items range from higher end items such as a $48 sweatshirt to items under $5 such as a water bottle, sunglasses, stickers, pens and more.

It can be challenging to decide just how many funds to send with your camper. Keep these figures in mind when deciding on a total. Campers are able to pur-chase a snack and drink at the trading post twice each day Monday-Thursday and once on Friday. If they get a snack and drink at each of these times, their bill for the week on food alone will reach $20-$25. As men-tioned above, souvenirs range in price from $1-$48. There are plenty of non-clothing items for under $10. Discount tee shirts start at $8 but full price tee shirts are $15. Sweatshirts and sweat pants range from $20-$48. Most discovery campers who attend for one week bring $30-$50. This is enough for treats for the week and a souvenir. We have found that this pricing is a good starting point.

An additional consideration for our CITs is to plan for extra funds for their night off. During their stay CITs will go on a night off where they go out to dinner and visit Dairy Queen. The cost for this night is usually around $25. Since they are staying at camp for a lon-ger stretch CITs typically want to purchase some of the more substantial items such as a sweatshirt.

No matter the amount you plan to send with your camper it can be helpful to discuss your camper’s spending before they depart. If they will only have enough for snacks or if they should stick to a treat and water in order to buy a souvenir, be sure they know what to expect before their arrival at camp.

Camp Olson makes a modest profit from our store sales and all profits are turned back into our operation-al budget to assist in helping us keep our camp fees as low as possible for all.

Camp Olson YMCAWish List updated

October 2016Items Cost Archery Targets $1,000 30 Lifejackets $800 Commercial Microwave Oven $400 Canoe Trailer $2,400 Color Laser Printer (high capacity) $800 (4) four-person tents $1,000 Retractable Display System $600 (4) Saddles & Riding Pads $1,200 Used compact 4x4 pickup truck $8,000 GaGa Pit Materials $3,000 Propane Generator $6,000 Bobcat Skid Steer $18,000 If you would like to donate to the Camp Olson Wish List or would like additional infor-mation about items on the Wish List please contact Russ Link, Executive Director at russ@campolson.org or call 218-363-2207.

Camp Olson YMCA4160 Little Boy Road NELongville, MN 56655218-363-2207218-363-2490 faxwww.campolson.orginfo@campolson.org

Sharing the Spirit of the North woods with youth, fami-

lies and their lead-ers through YMCA

Christian principled programs that build healthy mind, body

and spirit for all.~ since 1954

JOIN US THIS SUMMER and BRING A FRIEND REGISTER TODAY FOR 2017

SUMMER PROGRAMS

A Newsletter for the Camp Olson Family...

www.campolson.org info@camposlon.org

P.O. Box 118 Longville, MN 56655