THE BIRCH LOG

A newsletter for the Camp Olson A newsletter for the Camp Olson FamilyFamilyVolume LVII Fall 2008

CAMP OLSON YMCACAMP OLSON YMCA

At the end of July, six young men, my co-leader,Tyler Hoecker, and I were part of a first in CampOlson tripping: a wilderness canoe trip in one of themost remote areas of North America. For ten dayswe navigated the Canadian Shield, made trail-lessportages between spectacular, untouched glaciallakes and finished with a run down the ManigotaganRiver to shores of Lake Winnipeg. While we pad-dled through an area never before visited by Olsontrippers, our expedition was reminiscent of theextended trips that had been such a valued part ofCamp’s programming in the past, but missing inrecent years.

The trip started after driving through the early morning hours down one of the last roads heading north into theCanadian wilderness, hundreds of miles north of the border and the Boundary Waters. Only hours after leaving the buswe faced our first portage; the beginning of the many challenges the trip would present us. With neither a portage trailnor shortage of steep rocky slopes and cliffs, mucky bog, clouds of mosquitoes, and downed trees piled up like match-sticks, we slowly made our way through. At times we had to set a compass and cut our path through the forest from laketo lake. After the first couple days were through, we found that things like flipping a wet, slippery canoe onto yourshoulders or dragging the boats through what at times seemed like endless bogs, or down nearly flow-less beaverdammed streams were not such a big deal anymore. A sense of accomplishment started to build as we looked back atwhat we had done.

Working hard during the day also made for a great sense of satisfaction while kicking back around camp in theevenings. Our Mexican night, Thanksgiving dinner, and pizza or cake baked in a reflector oven by the fire seemed torival any meal cooked at home, despite the extra protein of more than a few mosquitoes making their way into the foodwhile it was being prepared. There are many campsites none of us will soon forget, where we sat around and ate dinnerto a sunset we could watch both in the sky and on the mirror finish of the lake below, or listened to the roar of waterfallscascading down in front of us.

As the trip progressed the challenges we faced during our days no longer came from taking the canoes off the water fora carry though the woods, but rather the adventure of running the boats down the river through a foaming set of rapids.Whitewater paddling skills didn’t take long to develop, and within days we were navigating through tricky currents,waves, and around rocks like seasoned pros. As the trip drew to a close, everyone possessed the paddling and other basicskills necessary to head out into the wilderness in the future. But as it turns out, the experience gave everyone a lot morethan just paddling knowledge.

(Continued page 2)

"New Tripping Program OffersParticipants ValuableWilderness Experience"

A Trip of a Lifetime!

Trip Leader Matt Spanier, back left, is a Sr. at Colorado College and co-leader Tyler Hoecker, front cen-ter, is a sophomore at Willamette University in Oregon. Together Matt and Tyler have logged 15 years ofexperience at Camp Olson as both campers and staff.

Wilderness Trip Cont...On the final evening of the trip, we sat around our campsite perched on a small island in the middle of the river, admir-

ing the waterfalls that made up the channels on either side. As the sun started to fall, and the dark clouds of a distantthunderstorm slowly rolled in, we passed around a pan of Oreo no-bake dessert, and talked about the last ten days. Itwas evident from the start of the conversation that the rarely experienced, untouched environment we had been travelingthrough had an impact. Expressions like "This was my first experience in the wilderness, now I want more," and,"Nothing can get as good as whitewater canoeing" seemed to be coming from everyone. It can be safely assumed thatthrough the adventure of discovering an unknown wild place, a deeper sense of appreciation for untouched wildernessand environmental stewardship was taken away by all.

As we struggled to finish-off the pan of dessert, talk started to turn to things that the trip had given the guys, and madethem realize about themselves and each other. They spoke of things like perseverance, self-confidence, and leadership;not your typical topics of conservation with a group of 15 year-olds. One commented, "We learned that if we can com-municate and work together we can get through anything…and I can do a lot more than I originally thought," whileanother explained that while getting through challenging situations he "Learned to lead, but I also realized sometimesyou need to step out of the way and listen." And as thoughts starting turning to returning home, the general consensusamong the group became that many of the things that used to seem like obstacles in everyday life would seem simplenow, having overcome so much that originally seemed impossible during the trip.

While the bus made its way through the night back to Longville, I’m certain there were feelings of longing to bespending another night lying in a tent, and sadness the next day didn’t have another set of rapids in store for us. Thenext evening the sense of accomplishment was evident in their faces as they narrated a slideshow of the trip on the deckof the nature center to an audience after final night campfire. Our ten days in the Canadian wilderness had turned out tobe an experience of a lifetime for the eight of us, as it hopefully will be for many more in the summers to come.

~ Matthew Spanier

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Camp Olson would like to thank Dr. Jay Hoecker fordeveloping the medical protocols for this trip and Dr.Joe Lobl for being on call 24 hours a day during theduration of the trip. We appreciate your support andenthusiasm for our leaders of tomorrow.

Join us in 2009 for ourWilderness Trip to Isle Royal

This summer’s Wilderness Trip heads to scenic IsleRoyale. This island in Lake Superior is renowned forits picturesque beauty and unique ecosystem includ-ing a variety of wildlife. The wolf and moose popula-tions of the island have long been studied to aidhumans in the management of these interestingspecies throughout North America. Sign up for aWilderness Trip this summer to explore this pristineisland of Lake Superior.

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTPROGRAMS

Counselor in Training (CIT) Program (4 weeks) $1650Age 16 by July 12th: Session One: June 21-July 18

Session Two: July 12- Aug 8

The ever-popular Camp Olson CIT Program offers campersthe ultimate training experience for those who aspire to workas a camp counselor in the future. CITs will spend over aweek on the Superior Hiking Trail, bonding and pushing theirlimits. The lessons learned on the trail will be immediatelyput to use upon return to camp through leadership training andinstruction in each of Camp Olson’s program areas. This is ahighly competitive and space-limited program. Potential CITsmust complete an application as we can only accept 11 partici-pants. Application is included. Applicants must send com-pleted application in along with registration and deposit.

Homestead Program (3 weeks) $1600.00Ages 14-16: Girls: July 19-Aug 8th , Boys: June 28-July 18

The Camp Olson Homestead Program returns to provide lifelessons through leadership, stewardship, and adventure! This3-week program offers teens the chance to live and learn withtheir leaders in our rustic Homestead cabin and on a week longtrip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Life at theHomestead will focus on living off the land in an eco-friendlyway and how we can apply these lessons toward our modernlifestyle. The lessons learned and experiences gained are afirm foundation for future leaders in your schools, communi-ties, and beyond.

Wilderness Trip (2 weeks) $1175.00Ages 14-16: Girls: July 12-25th, Boys: July 26-Aug 8th

This 2-week program offers teens the chance to gain directleadership experience both at Camp Olson and on the trail.Teens will spend a over a week on beautiful Isle Royale inLake Superior where they will explore the fascinating ecosys-tem of this remote wilderness. Campers will tent camp onCamp Olson property as they prepare to pack out and hit thetrail. Upon their return, Trippers will be able to present theirexperience to fellow campers and enjoy their favorite campprograms.

Leadership Development ProgramsTraining Leaders for our World

Leadership in Training (LIT) Program (2 weeks) $1225Ages 13-15 Coed: June 14-27th/ July 5-18th/ July 26-Aug8th

This program is catered to the older camper who seeks to get alittle more from their Camp Olson experience. Throughhands-on training and group initiatives, the Camp Olson LITprogram focuses on cooperation, teambuilding, and leadershipskills. Each two-week session includes a three day canoe tripand a day trip to a climbing wall. Campers will spend theirmornings with their fellow LITs gaining leadership skillsthrough an array of carefully chosen activities. Afternoons areopen so that campers may choose their own activities. LITswill leave with a greater sense of themselves and the necessaryskills to be a leader.

Wrangler in Training - $540/weekAges 16-17: Available in 1-3 week sessionsJune 14-Aug 8th

The Wrangler in Training Program takes on two campers persession for extensive training with our wonderful Corral staff.WITs will acquire the equine skills and knowledge it takes towork at the Camp Olson Corral and beyond. Application(included here and available on our website) required for thoseinterested since space is limited. Applicants must send com-pleted application in along with registration and deposit.

Skipper in Training - $540/week

Ages 16-17: Available in 1-3 week sessionsJune 14-Aug 8th

Camp Olson Skippers in Training have the opportunity to honetheir sailing skills with our knowledgeable boathouse staff.SIT’s will also get to go behind the scenes of Camp Olson’spremier sailing program where they will gain teaching skillsand boat maintenance knowledge. Applicants must send com-pleted application in along with registration and deposit.

Hundreds of young adults are uplifted and inspired each summer during their time at Camp Olson. Nurtured by inspir-ing leaders and immersed in nature’s beauty, teens and young adults at Camp Olson are afforded the opportunity to lookinward and discover themselves. Our Leadership Development Programs cultivate young leaders through intense curric-ula that challenge the mind, body, and spirit of all participants. Teens gain confidence and experience that allows themto be young leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond.

The summer of 2009 will see the continued expansion of our Leadership Development Program offerings. Check outthe descriptions below and sign up today!

Register soon, space is limitedin each of these sessions!

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President’s MessageGreat things continue to happen at

Camp Olson! Many of you are awareof Camp's biggest building project inthe last 50 years is in progress. A newHealth Care Center that will includenew bathrooms. This will be a yearround facility located near the timber

frame cabins. Be sure to check out all of the details in thisBirch Log as well as watch the progress on the web site.

This, along with all the other great things that are happen-ing would not be possible without the people that have sucha love and passion for camp. My many thanks to the pro-gram participants, the many volunteers, the summer and fulltime staff and the donors who so generously support camp.

I would like to recognize four fellow board members who,along with myself, will be leaving the board when our termsexpire in December. Many thanks to Dick Perkins, DickEstry and Bill Elliott who all served two three year teams.Also thank you to Pierce Johnson who will be stepping offthe board after serving three years and commuting fromChicago.

It has been a privilege to serve on the board, the last twoyears as President. Being a native of Worthington, MN, thehome of E.O. and Bella Olson, camp has a very special placein my heart as well as the hearts and lives of my family.

Thank you for that privilege and all that everyone does tomake Camp Olson so special.

Todd SchwartzBoard President515.270.1136toddkschwartz@hotmail.com

2007-2008 Board of Directors

Todd Schwartz – President - Urbandale, IAEric Sorenson – Vice Pres. – Rochester, MNDick Estry – Secretary – Rochester, MNBill Elliott – Longville, MNHollis Feeser – Rochester, MN Pierce Johnson – River Forest, ILDick Perkins – Wayzata, MN Louise Robinson – Minneapolis, MNPaul Smithson – Stillwater, MNMaureen Spanier – St. Cloud, MNMargret Swanson – Mahtomedi, MN Mike Van Straaten – Rochester, MNNathan Woodworth – Plymouth, MN

ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

When: 7:30 pm Monday December 8, 2008Where: Rochester Family YMCA709 First Ave. S.W. Rochester, MN

Can I attend and vote?√ Yes, if you contributed more than $1.00 to Camp

Olson YMCA√ Yes, if you volunteered more than one hour 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 mem

bers and staff. *All eligible voters must be over the age of 18

at the time of the meeting. Officers of the boardare not elected at the Annual Meeting, but you cannominate individuals to be voted on by the board.To do so, nominations must be submitted prior toNovember 8, 2008 in writing to the Camp OlsonYMCA corporate office.

Camp Olson YMCARochester Family Y, 709 First Ave. S.W.

Rochester, MN 55902

Todd Schwartz and his familyhave enjoyed family camp for18 years.

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City of RochesterCommunity Block GrantProviding Opportunitiesand Touching Lives

Funds awarded to Camp Olson from theRochester, MN City Council’s allocation ofthe Community Block Grant sent 28 youthfrom Rochester to camp this past summer.Youth from the Rochester Family YMCAsYouth Mentor Program, and school referredyouth benefited from camp this past summer.Camp Olson provided over $55,000 in schol-arship assistance to over 260 youth and fami-lies this past summer.

Camp Olson just learned even more childrenwill benefit next summer as funds were onceagain allocated to Camp Olson YMCA for thesummer of 2009.

We are very grateful to all the city councilmembers for their ongoing support of our life-changing programs for youth.

CAMP OLSON YMCA STAFFRussell Link – Executive Director

russ@campolson.org

Colton Altobell – Camp Directorcolton@campolson.org

Jay T. Mahon – Facilities Manager jay@campolson.org

Amy Johnson – Office Managerinfo@campolson.org

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Camp Olson Breaks Ground on New Health Care CenterOn September 15, 2008, Camp Olson broke ground for a new Health Care Center. For the first time in its 54-year-old history Camp

Olson will have a facility that is specifically designed to address the health and wellness needs of campers and staff. The Health CareCenter is the first major capital undertaking since construction of camp’s original buildings. We are drawing from our extensiveexperience operating health services out of the east end of the Ranch House to build a camper-friendly, code-compliant facility. Weextend our thanks to numerous health care professionals within the Camp Olson family for their thoughtful input on the final design.

The Health Care Center is being designed and constructed by Nor-Son, a design/build construction firm in Brainerd, Minnesota,specializing in residential and commercial design and construction in Northwoods settings. The major features of the main level willinclude a walk-up medication dispensing area, a treatment/examination room, and four overnight patient rooms. The lower level willprovide camp with additional restrooms and showers (finally some relief for the White Palace!) and additional storm shelter space.This year-round facility will be nestled against a stand of trees just north of the Craft Shop, centrally located near many programareas. Considered a signature building that campers and visitors will view as they approach the main area of camp, it has beendesigned to reflect its northern surroundings with a half-log and stone exterior.

We must raise more than $550,000 to support this project and as of early October we have secured $380,000 in gifts and pledges.We are grateful to everyone who has generously supported this project and we hope many more members of our camp communitywill join in this effort. At the same time, we need everyone to maintain their contribution to our annual campaign which providesessential support for camp’s operations and its scholarship program. The Health Care Center is expected to open in time for the 2009season and you can follow the progress of this exciting project on our website.

Camp Olson Board Members brokeground for the new health care facilityon August 14 with a record attendance

at family camp looking on.

Contributors as of 10/6/08

ANDERSON, GailANDERSON, James & MaryARENBERG, Dan & DeborahBAHN, Mark & LuckyBIESANZ, NickBIESANZ, Scott & JaneBROWN, Mary & Mike PowersCALHOUN, Paul & RebeccaCARNAHAN, Ronald & PatriciaCHAMBERLAIN, PhilCOOK, G BradfordCROWLEY, Tom & DebraEDSTROM, John & FranELLIOTT, Bill & JanELLIOTT, Kristi Randy CardESTRY, Dick & KathyFEESER, Hollie & PatFOUGEROUSSE, Jerry & KathyFRITZ, Randall & DorotheaFURMAN, ElizabethGRAF, David & EmilyGUNDERSON, Michael and CarolHAHN, Richard & AnneHAURI, Peter & CynthiaHAUSER, Stephen & EleanorHAYES, Dave & SharonneHAZELTON, Vance and BethHENNING, Barb & TomHODGE, Jim & SallyHOECKER, Jay and JeanneHOLMES, Mike & LeahHUGHES, SidneyJOHNSON, Jennings & CarolJOHNSON, Pierce & AnnJULSRUD, Erik & JenniferKRAUSE, NorrisKUECHENMEISTER, RuthLANTZ, Chuck & VickieLINK, Russell & JoleneLITZOW, Mark & KristineLOCKE, Rick and JeanLONGVILLE COMM FOUND.LUND, Diane & KevinMACON, Bill & CindyMOGREN, Ken & Sally

MOORE, Gary and JulieMOYNIHAN, Tim & Linda HankelMUNGER, Tom & JanetNOR-SON Construction ServicesOBERTON, Will & ShirleyORVIDAS, Mark & LauraOVERHAUG, Larry & ChrisPALMER, Shaun & SuePATTERSON, Kelly & TomPENNINGTON, Dan and PamPERKINS, Dick & WynnePERKINS FOUNDATION

Richard W. PerkinsPROSSER, Edward and SusanRASMUSSEN, Mark and KristenRECKNOR, Lee & Betty JeanRICH, JanetROBINSON, Neal Cuthbert & LouiseROBINSON FAMILY TRUST, H.K.

and JeanneRUD, Jay & JulieRUSSELL, Stephen and JaneySALL, Ella MaeSCHROM, Robert & CherylSCHWARTZ, Todd & NancySHEPARD, Chuck & JudySHEPARD, PeterSHEPARD, Tom and MaritSMITHSON, Paul & Leslie McInenlySORENSON, Eric & KristinSPANIER, Charlie & MaureenSPENCE, TraceySTAFFORD, Scott & Jacqueline LeavittSTREIT, Peter & KarenSTUART, Jim and HelenSWANSON, MargretTARARA, William & KathleenVAN STRAATEN, Jack & LindaVAN STRAATEN, Mike and MeeganWARD, Drs. Louis & LindaWARD, Robert & EllenWATSON, James and NicoleWEINS, John and SandraWOODLAND BANK, Brian NicklasonWOODWORTH, JacobWOODWORTH, NathanWOODWORTH, Pete & Joyce

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Bill Elliott, receives Camp Olson’s highest honor. The Camp Olson YMCA "Keeper of the Dream" award.

At the 2008 annual Family Camp Banquet on August 14, Todd Schwartz,Board of Directors President presented Bill Elliott with the "Keeper of theDream Award". Through out the 60 year history of Camp Olson the award hasbeen received by 12 individuals who have carried on founder E.O. Olson’s wishthat "One man may not live to see all his dreams come true but his institutionscarry on." Bill began his relationship with Camp Olson in 1957 as a counselorwhich he continued in 1958, the year he met future wife Jan, also a counselor.They were married a year later at Camp Olson. Currently he is completing his2nd 6-year term on the Camp Olson Board of Directors where he served asPresident in the 1970’s. Living the past 20 years on Lake Wabedo, in closeproximity to Camp Olson, has given him the opportunity to make frequent con-tributions to the success of the Camp Olson program. Bill was surprised to seehis entire family in attendance for the celebration.

Mark Your Calendars – Callyour Camp Friends - CampOlson 55th AnniversaryCelebrations Labor DayWeekend 2009!

Time sure does fly when you are havingfun! The summer of 2009 will mark 55amazing summers at Camp Olson. To markthis historic birthday, we will be hosting areunion and celebration over Labor Dayweekend September 4-7, 2009! Any and allstaff and alumni of the Camp Olson commu-nity through the years are invited to attend.Cabins and tent camping will be available toensure that all can stay. We will providefood, some programming, and entertainmentthroughout the weekend! Please spread theword among your fellow camp friends aboutthis historic event!

Keeper of the Dream Award"One man may not live to see all his dream come true, but his

institutions carry on".~E. O. Olson

Past RecipientsMax Clowers, Les Blacklock, Clem Peterson, Holly Hughes,Colleen Hughes, Ray Mork, Hollis Feeser, Gaylord Thomson,Dave Rogers, Dick Perkins, Shaun Palmer.

Whom Might You See at the 55th Anniversary?

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More than a Deck with a Great View…

A Tribute to a Good Friend ~ By Colton Altobell

This past April, six guys and I gathered at camp for a weekendto build a deck on the front of our Dining Hall. This was a pro-ject sponsored by the Edstrom family from Winona, in memoryof their son Jake, who spent many fun-filled summers at CampOlson. The group gathered, was comprised of fellow Winonanalumni and childhood friends of Jake. All arrived Friday night,completing the long trip up through some nasty, wet weather.

By morning, the wetness turned to white, and the snow flew.This was, of course, no reason to halt the project. It couldn’tkeep up like this. Not in April! And so we carried on, framingand enforcing the base for the 750 sq. ft. deck while over 18inches of powder coated our work area that day. There wasreally very little that could dampen the spirits of good friendswho’d come together for a project like this. We laughedthroughout at the absurd amounts of snow falling in late April,sure that Jake was above us somewhere laughing, too. Sunday,we awoke to sunny blue skies and 50 degrees that allowed us tolay the decking in shirtsleeves, completing the project on sched-ule.

This past summer, sitting on the deck was the reward given tothe cleanest cabin everyday. So many were able to enjoy thisbeautiful look out where the eagles so often soar above LittleBoy Lake.

Volunteers MakeAll the Differenceat Camp Olson!

We extend a heartfeltthank you to all of ourvolunteers who havedonated over 3,450 hoursof time and talents fromOctober 1, 2007-September 30, 2008. Ifyou or an organized groupof people are interested involunteering at CampOlson please contact us at218-363-2207 or email usat info@campolson.org

Former campers Barbara and Erica Beccafico ofLes Granges France continue to give back toCamp Olson each summer. Barbara below lefthas volunteered 17 weeks and Eric 6 weeks overthe previous three summers.

Volunteers Janet Rich andEllen Hamernik train CampOlson staff in Lifeguarding,First Aid and CPR.

Volunteer Ken Brown ofMinneapolis & Longvillereceives the 2007 MNYMCA VolunteerAward. As a retired IBMemployee, Ken is able tohave his volunteer hoursmatched with an IBMcash gift up to $1,000 tobenefit Camp Olson.

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The Big O CorralFor those of you who have ever been on a

horse while at camp, you know that the hors-es, trails, and staff who facilitate this pro-gram are such special part of the Camp Olsonexperience. We are aiming to build a NEWcorral barn and upgraded by the summer of2010 and are looking for insight and inputfrom former corral staff for both structureand sight improvements. Please contactColton by phone or email if you would liketo be involved!

STAFF FOCUS: CAROLYN FRITZ

Rochester native, Carolyn Fritz, camper ‘01-04 and staff member ’05-present wasjust one of our great CIT leaders this summer. She also served as Craft Shop andBoathouse Directors. Quite a summer for a special camp staffer! Carolyn routinelymakes an enormous impact on so many of the youth that she comes into contactwith. Her humanity and compassion has made her amazingly attentive to hercampers.

Outside of Camp, Carolyn is a junior at St. Benedict’s University where shemajors in Art and Environmental Studies. She also works for the Sister NancyHynes Center for Women where she is the Expedition Coordinator, planning tripsand other exciting things. Carolyn is a shining example of a young leader who hastaken the Camp Olson experience and training to give back to both Camp Olson andher community. We are proud to recognize such an remarkable individual inCarolyn Fritz.

Words from the Camp Director ~ Colton AltobellAnother summer has come and gone here at Camp Olson, and I find myself in the

reflective time of autumn in the Northwoods. The colors in the woods are vivid, a lasthurrah before the lesser hues of winter blow in. With 1,032 camper weeks served thissummer, I bore witness to an incredible amount of magical moments that only canhappen in this place. Where else can one see kids of all ages and backgrounds cometogether to create and recreate a utopian community of acceptance, friendship, andfun week after week? Olson summers fly in the blink of an eye.

I am excited this off-season to continue to plan for our expanded LeadershipDevelopment Program offerings and to recruit the next crew of inspired staff. Didyou know that 9 out of 10 Camp Olson staff member have come up through our ownleadership programs? The experiences of these programs ideally groom young adultsinto the wonderful role-models that we expect on our staff. Indeed, these inspiredyoung leaders are gaining valuable experience for their future works out in their communities and beyond.

Join us on staff next summer!We are currently accepting employment applications for the 2009 summer camping season. Applications are avail-

able on the Camp Olson website. Working at Camp Olson is an invaluable experience because of the lasting friend-ships, lessons, leadership and memories you will certainly take home with you, not to mention the lives you will touch.Contact Colton if you are interested in joining our team next summer.

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Pierce Johnson and his wife Ann have donated a greatdeal of their time and resources into the Camp Olsonsailing program over the past 5 years. Pierce, a formerboathouse director, has been instrumental in rejuvenat-ing the program from upgrading and helping to maintainour boats and equipment to sharing his vast sailingknowledge with our staff.

In-Kind Donation Benefit Camp OlsonDo You Have Something for Us?

Bauer, Holly – Iola, WI – Health Care SuppliesBelanger, Joan – Edina, MN – Used C-Scow SailboatBriese Computers – Rochester – PC ComputerDavis, Nick & Julianne – Duluth – Catamaran TrampolineDowson, Scott – Eden Prairie, MN – Used C-Scow SailboatElliott, Bill & Jan – Longville – Decking & Lawn TractorElliott, Kristi & Randy Card – Ironton, MN – Bathroom FixturesFineLine Finish Carpentry – Eyota, MN – Labor Ford Metor – Rochester, MN – Door Delivery & InstallationHauerstock, Ray & Irene – Deep Haven, MN – C-Scow SailsHodge, Jim & Sally – Rochester, MN – 1993 Volvo SWJohnson, Pierce & Ann – River Forest, IL - 3 Sunfish Sailboats,

Sailing Supplies, Sailboat Repairs, Computer SoftwareMalt-O-Meal Corporation – Northfield, MN – Cold CerealsMoen, Cindy – Victoria, MN – Bucaneer SailboatPalmer, Shaun & Sue –Rochester, MN - BenchesRutenber, Tom, Arlington Heights, IL – Portable Radios Solo Plumbing – Rochester – Plumbing Supplies & LaborSchloesser, John – Oshkosh, WI – E-Scow SailsTrester, Rick, Menomonee Fall, WI – M-16 & C Scow SailsVanStraaten, Jeff & Amiee – Duluth - Catamaran TrampolineZinn, Hans –Excelsior, MN – C-Scow SailsZinn, Carl – Excelsior, MN – E-Scow Sails

THE CAMP OLSON FRENCHCONNECTION SUMMER 2009This winter, long time camper and staff member,

Barbara Beccafico, will embark on a recruiting tour inher native France. The Beccafico family has longbeen associated with Camp Olson. Father Eric was acamper and staff member while his children, Barbara,Erica, Brian, and Kristopher have all attended CampOlson for an amazing experience and immersion in anew language. The Beccafico’s have continuallyinfused an international flavor into Camp Olson bysharing their culture and creativity with us all.

Barbara will serve as the international camper liai-son as we further expand our camperships to Europeand the rest of the world. Fluent in French, English,and Spanish, she will be invaluable in bridging thecommunication gap and in helping these long-dis-tance campers to feel at home while at Camp. Welook forward to spreading the joyful experiences atCamp Olson around the world!

WIND AND EXCITEMENT ARE FILLING OUR SAILS

AT CAMP OLSONWith record numbers of campers enrolling in our sail-

ing programs, Camp Olson has become a premiere sail-ing camp in the Midwest. Countless young campershave found the skills and knowledge to sail on the windand water of Little Boy Lake. With the generosity ofpeople like Pierce and Ann Johnson, we have been ableto provide excellent boats and windsurfers for ourcampers. Alumni Leah Willcutt, has provided intenseand advanced Sailing training to our staff for the past 3years during our training week, ensuring that our staffhave the knowledge and confidence to skipper boats andteach so many youth throughout the summer.

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FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES – Fun for the Entire Family

Family Camping is a growing trend as a popular family vacation. Our Family Camp program is a wonderful chance foryou and yours to come and enjoy Camp Olson together. The week is jam-packed with activities for all ages. We haveKid’s Clubs in the mornings which offer structured fun for children and free time for adults. In the afternoons, our fun andcreative staff provide games and events for the entire family. A campfire program provides your evening entertainment androunds out the day. All meals and activities are included in a price that is a great value in comparison with any basic resortaccommodations. Family Camp A will run August 9-15 and Family Camp B runs August 16-22. Whether your family islooking for the ultimate northwoods adventure, lots of activities, or just looking for a relaxing week in the northwoods oneof these sessions is the perfect answer for a family vacation! BWCA Family Camp: This program is perfect for those fam-ilies looking for the ultimate northwoods adventure. Let Camp Olson make your BWCA trip easy and fun! Camp Olsondoes all the prep work and will even provide you with one of our own expert tripping guides. A great way to spend a weekin the Boundary Waters, Camp Olson style!

For availability information, prices or to register please contact the Camp Olson office at 218-363-2207 orvisit our website www.campolson.org

WELCOME BACK KRAMER FAMILY! For over a decade Dan and Kay Kramer enjoyed family camp with their chil-dren from 1980-1991. This summer they returned to camp with their children, their spouses, and two grandchildren.Staff member Kristin Pearson (far right) introduces the Kramer family to the entire camp.

So you think your children are too young for camp?

Think again! The Watson Family, from Rochester MN joined usagain this August for Family Camp with their 5 children in tow. Theirages range from 0-9. Family Camp programs provide activity and carefor children of ALL ages, even toddlers. Our afternoon and eveningactivities also provide fun and entertainment for the entire family,regardless of age. Sharing camp with children at an early age is theideal way to get them comfortable for their future summers as youthcampers!

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PO Box 118 Longville, MN 56655

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www.campolson.org info@campolson.org

CAMP OLSON YMCACAMP OLSON YMCALeadership•Stewardship•Adventure

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

Sharing the Spirit of theNorth woods with youth,families and their leadersthrough YMCA Christianprincipled programs that

build healthy mind, body andspirit for all.

~since 1954

JOIN US THIS SUMMER and BRINGA FRIEND REGISTER TODAY FOR

2009 SUMMER PROGRAMS