YMCA Camp Olson

October 2022

Kids need Camp Olson more than ever.

Dear Friend of Camp Olson,

After two summers of disruption, Camp was able to provide a strong anchor of normalcy in the summer of 2022, as we hosted 1,060 campers and 240 family camp participants.

Our experience in 2022 emphasized to us that kids need Camp now more than ever. They need to be equipped and supported to thrive in a rapidly changing world. They need a place where they can unplug from technology and connect with each other in a meaningful way face-to-face.

We also hear from families about how deeply important the Camp Olson experience is. Kids bring home mosquito bites, dirty laundry, and lots of stories of their adventures and friends. If you’ve ever watched departure at Camp, it’s full of hugs, laughter, and tears before campers board the bus or hop into the car. Friendships have been forged and new confidence gained. As soon as they’re settled, they ask, “Can I go back next year?” It’s a small measure of success, but one that shows Camp Olson succeeded in its mission to share the Spirit of the Northwoods.

As a nonprofit organization, Camp Olson’s success belongs to you. Your passion is what makes Camp Olson, and your generous philanthropy keeps Camp healthy— both physically and in spirit. The experiences Camp Olson provides do not happen by chance. Camp’s positive influence on children is due to its significant investment in quality staffing and programming. We need your support to sustain and enhance this extraordinary summer camp resource for children.

Why do families choose Camp Olson?

“I originally chose to send my children to Camp Olson because I am a staff alumnus, but I keep sending them because they love it so much. I see so much growth in them each time they attend camp, and I hope that it is a part of their life for many more years to come.”

“Independence, trying new things, being stretched, meeting new people, growing as a human in a progressive and non-toxic environment.”

“Of all the Y camps in Minnesota, Camp Olson has—by far—the best combination of activities available for the kids to do. I also really like that they have both structured time with their cabin group to try each thing at Camp, as well as open time to do things of their choice and manage themselves and their decisions.”

Today, we ask you to give generously to our Annual Appeal. Camp Olson requires support from those who value it, have experienced its magic, and want to help it continue. Support goes to the greatest needs of Camp Olson and provides financial assistance to families who don’t have the resources to attend. This year’s goal and need is $170,000. Your support strengthens the experience for every camper and every staff member.

Over the next three months, you will also learn about another exciting project happening at Camp. Just one year from now, we plan to break ground on a new Art Center to replace our existing Craft Shop. We will ask you for a capital campaign gift to raise funds for this project, but first, we need to assure we have the essential annual support to sustain Camp Olson’s excellence. Camp Olson has always mattered in the lives of kids, but it matters even more now as we continue to heal and move ahead. Your gift to Camp Olson makes a difference and continues to change lives.

Please give generously to Camp Olson. Thank you.

Jenny Sall, Board President

Russell Link, Executive Director