THE BIRCH LOG

A newsletter for the Camp Olson A newsletter for the Camp Olson FamilyFamilyVolume L Spring 2005

CAMP OLSON YMCA STAFFRussell Link – Executive Director – russ@campolson.org

Beth Toepke – Camp Director – beth@campolson.org

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

Amy Johnson – Office Manager – info@campolson.org

CAMP OLSON YMCACAMP OLSON YMCA

President’s MessageDear Friends of Camp Olson:

Most of us who attended Camp Olson as children have no problem reliving the memoriesof camp in our minds. We hold these moments very near and close to our hearts. We madenew friends, experienced new activities, perfected our sailing and riding skills and lookedup to the leaders who guided us. We returned home eager to share all the fun we had withour parents and friends.

During the next month many families will finalize summer plans for their children.After all, SHARING is what Camp Olson is all about. For over 50 years we have shared a

special heritage together of fun times with friends, singing, camp fires and personal growth.

In a survey conducted last summer over 75% of our campers learned about Camp Olson by word of mouth. Thisyear we already have over 77 new campers who have enrolled in our summer camping programs. As exciting as thisis, we could sure use your help to get the word out about Camp Olson, so we could serve even more kids this sum-mer.

If you’re a former camper and staff alumni, take an opportunity to relive your camp experiences and share these withthe parents of a potential camper. If you are a parent of a current camper, tell a friend about Camp Olson. Spread theword!

The American Camping Association says: "Camp Gives Kids a World of Good." I know it did for me! My own chil-dren, like many other Camp Olson campers, have been fortunate to benefit from the life changing experiencesoffered by Camp Olson to its campers and their leaders.

We thank those who have already shared their story with friends. We still have room to grow, and a desire to offerthe Camp Olson experience to as many as possible, in turn keeping us cost effective.

Thank you for your help.Richard C. Perkins

2004-2005 Board of Directors Dick Perkins – President, Hamel - MNTodd Schwartz – Vice President - Urbandale, IALaura Unterholzner – Secretary – Rochester, MNDon Beed – Rochester, MNBill Elliott – Longville, MNDick Estry - Rochester, MNHollis Feeser – Rochester, MNSteve Johnson – Longville, MNDave Kapler – Rochester, MNShaun Palmer – Rochester, MNLouise Robinson – Minneapolis, MNPaul Smithson – Stillwater, MNEric Sorenson – Rochester, MN

For more information on our Board of Directorsplease visit our websiteWeb site www.campolson.org

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Join Us this Summer and Tell a Friend about Camp Olson YMCA

Leaders in Training (LIT) ProgramBoys & Girls Ages 14-16

This newly developed program was designed to provide teens with acamping opportunity unique for older campers. These campers willspend their mornings engaged in hands on teambuilding and leadershipactivities and spend their afternoon at the activity area of their choice.This two week co-ed session also includes a three day river trip to LeechLake and an off site day trip to a high ropes course. These leaders willalso have the opportunity to practice their skills by assisting the staff withdaily skits & announcements and hosting an LIT campfire. Although ourbrochure states that this program is for those ages 14 & 15, we haverecently extended it to 16-year-old participants as well. If you arebetween the ages of 14 & 16 and are interested in learning leadershipskills through fun activities, this program is perfect for you! Please callcamp today to register! 218-363-2207Space is limited and we only have a few spots left so CALL TODAY!

FAMILY OPPORTUNITIESCamp Olson offers three different opportunities

for families to enjoy the northwoods.

BWCA Family Camp: This new program is perfect for those fami-lies looking for the ultimate northwoods adventure. Let Camp Olsonmake your BWCA trip easy and fun! Camp Olson does all the prepwork and will even provide you with one of our own expert trippingguides. A great way to spend a week in the Boundary Waters CampOlson style!

Traditional Family Camp: Our traditional Family Camp is packedwith activities for adults and children of all ages. We offer morningprograms for the youngsters, which allow the adults free time to par-ticipate in activities of their own. Our evening programs provide funfor the entire family, with songs, skits, games and even a carnival!(ONLY THREE CABINS REMAINING)

Family Retreat: Family Retreat is a new program, created to accom-modate the large number of families interested in enjoying the beautyof the northwoods. This less structured program will offer families thetime and freedom to happily enjoy the accommodation and relaxingatmosphere of Camp Olson! This new program was designed for thoseinterested in relaxing by the lakefront, reading a book, fishing in theShurds, or just playing cards in the cabin. A perfect opportunity forfamilies with teen-age children or a great get-away for Mom and Dad.

Whether your family is looking for the ultimate northwoods adventure,lots of activities, or just looking for a relaxing week in the northwoodsone of these sessions is the perfect answer for a family vacation! Formore information, prices, or to register please contact the Camp Olsonoffice at 218-363-2207.

Resident Camp Opportunities

Pathfinder Camp (ages 8-9) perfect for the first timecamper.

Discovery Camp (ages 9-15) Camp Olson’s tradition-al camp program with all activities available.

Riding Camp (ages11-15) great for the beginner tothe more advanced rider.

Sailing Camp (ages 11-15) a progressive programwith over 20 sailboats and windsurfers.

Homestead Camp (ages 14-16) learn by doing in thisunique program that emphasizes leadership, groupcooperation and individual resourcefulness.

Ranger Camp (ages 12-14) explore the wonders ofour environment with Tommy the Nature Boy!

Advance Sailing Trips (ages 13-16) this programincludes 3 nights sailing on Lake Superior on a 38"yacht led by a Coast Guard licensed captain.

Competitive Swim Camp (ages 11-15) practice yourstrokes and improve your endurance, led by a certi-fied YMCA swim coach.

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Full Time Camp Director Job AvailableWe are now accepting resumes for the Camp Director positionwhich will be available after the summer camping season. TheCamp Director is responsible for day-to-day operations of sum-mer residential camps, day camps and off-season programs;will recruit, train and oversee personnel; supervise enrollmentand program efforts; interact with campers, parents and volun-teers; assure YMCA program standards and outcomes areimplemented in all aspects of the camp environment; adhere toand comply with ACA Standards; provide input to ExecutiveDirector on safety, budget, facility, and maintenance.Requirements: B.S. degree in education, recreation or relatedfield and 2-4 years of camp experience. Must be a team playerwith strong leadership, communication, planning and develop-ment skills. Competitive salary, housing and benefits. Mail,fax or email by June 15, 2005 cover letter, resume, three profes-sional references and salary history to: Russell Link, ExecutiveDirector, 4160 Little Boy Rd NE, Longville, MN 56655. Fax:218-363-2490, russ@campolson.org. Camp Olson YMCA isan Equal Opportunity Employer. (ACA Accredited)

Is Your Favorite Summer Staff Member Returning?Although we will see the turnover of several legendary staff members this summer we are overjoyed to haveso many new staff members up and coming. Below is a list of those we do have returning for another greatsummer of fun in the sun at the Big "O". Is your favorite summer staff member returning?

A huge thanks goes to these staff members for giving so much of themselves to this amazing place. Each ofyou are amazing, and have touched the lives of numerous children in your own special way. Campers willalways remember that one special staff member who taught them how to do something for the first time, easedtheir struggle as they learned something new, taught them it’s ok to just be yourself, or just gave them a hugwhen they needed it. Thank you to all of our current and former staff members… for you are what truly makethis place magical!

Staff Positions StillNeeded!

• Waterfront Director• Riding Staff

• Counselor CoordinatorCome join the summer fun and be part

of an amazing team! Applications and information available

at www.campolson.org or by contactingBeth Toepke at beth@campolson.org

218-363-2207

Brent McConaheyKara MasonBrita Nielson

Emily JohnsonWalter Johnson

Liz JohnsonAidan Windebank

Rabi VandergonSusan FratzkeJill EikenhorstNick Pearson

Chris SherwoodDavid Kaeppel

Jill Schmidt

Maggie SternTommy Rodengen

("Nature Boy")Katie Wolff

Katie GordhamerKarin Ibele

Robert Rondeau

Matt RauschVitaliy Dovgal (2003staff member from the

Ukraine)Sean Tierney

Lindsey WoodworthJake Woodworth

Staff Winter RetreatOver 25 summer staff members showed up for our annual Staff WinterRetreat this past January. We spent the weekend enjoying Camp Olson asa winter wonderland. We had a great time skiing, ice skating, snow shoe-ing, building snow forts and getting excited about the upcoming summer!It was a great time to reconnect with old friends, relax and play in thesnowy outdoors but… we can’t wait for summer!!

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DONATIONS TO CAMP OLSON YMCACamp Olson YMCA has a profound and lasting effect on our campers, families and the young adults who work as summer staff members.Your continued support to Camp Olson is greatly appreciated and vital to our future success. Camp Olson YMCA is a charitable organiza-tion and has a 501 (c)(3) IRS tax status that allows donations to be deductible from both state and federal taxes as allowed by law.Donations to Camp Olson assist us in keeping our camp fees as low as possible.

GIFTS TO CAMP OLSON YMCAAnnual Sustaining Gifts: Your annual donation provides us yearly support to assist with off-setting operational expenses. A gift to thesustaining fund is critical to our operation. A yearly gift to the sustaining fund should be considered before all other types of cash dona-tions.

Scholarship Gifts: Donations are used to provide funding for families needing financial assistance in sending a child to camp.

Wish List Gifts: The purpose of the Wish List is to enable a donor to earmark additional contributions toward a specific item or project thatis needed at Camp Olson. A complete Wish List is available on the website at www.campolson.org We ask that contributions to the WishList be above and beyond sustaining donations.

Adopt-A-Cabin Gifts: As part of the ongoing effort to prepare Camp Olson YMCA for the future we have "adopted" the idea of adopting acabin. By donating, you are making it possible for campers and families to enjoy the same Northwoods feeling of warmth and traditionwhile staying in an "Original Camp Olson Cabin". The adoption price per cabin is $7,500 and with a minimum contribution of $500, yourname will be included on a plaque with other donors.

Memorial & Honor Gifts: Individuals can provide donations in memory of deceased friend and relatives and to honor birthdays, anniver-saries, and other special occasions of family members and friends.

Endowment Gifts: Donations to the Endowment Fund can be given directly through your will, stocks, real estate, life insurance, or outrightgifts. You are eligible to become of member of the Camp Olson Heritage Club by planning or making an outright gift of $1,000 or more.For more information on making a planned gift contact Executive Director, Russell Link, russ@campolson.org

In-Kind Gifts: Camp Olson certainly benefits from in-kind gifts. Types of donations we have received in the past include; sailboats, vehi-cles, tools and equipment, office furniture and supplies, etc… If you think you have something to donate, which may benefit Camp Olson,please do not hesitate to contact us.

A MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

OK, all you former staff, CITs, board members and campers, it’s time to show your Olson spirit by emptying your pocketsand contributing to our first ever Alumni Fundraising Project. We’re raising money to pay for the redesign of Camp Olson’swebsite. We can all use a new look now and then and, frankly, the Olson website could use a makeover. The redesign willenliven the look of the website (www.campolson.org) and make it easier for people to learn about camp and register for pro-grams.

We’re already more than half way to our fundraising goal of $1,500. You can use the "Click and Pledge" feature on Olson’swebsite to contribute using a credit card. You can also mail your donation to camp. Be sure to indicate that your contributionis dedicated to the Alumni Project.

Please join us in making this first alumni project a success. We’re all grateful for what Camp Olson did for us. Here’s a wayto give back to Camp.

Other alumni news: Check out the Yahoo site created for Camp Olson folks by former Homestead camper Mike Stenstrom.More than 30 current and former Olson folks are already registered and ready to chat. You can register by linking tohttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/OlsonAlumni/. Another way to help us all stay connected is to make sure that camp has yourup-to-date contact information, including an email address.

From the Alumni Association Steering Committee,Nancy Huizenga, Pierce Johnson, Sarah McGoon Lund, Margret Swanson, and Andy Wood

If giving to Camp Olson makes you feel good, think what it does for others!

Heritage Club Members(*Charter Member)Austin, MNKuechenmeister, Ruth*

Byron, MNCarlson, Ron*

Cape Coral, FLArenberg, Daniel*Arenberg, Arlene (In Memoryof)*

Cherokee, IALetsche, Tom *Letsche, Amy*

Chillicothe, MORogers, Dave & Marty

Fall Creek, WIFellenz, Terry & LorRae*

Glenview, ILFather John Thinnes*

Grand Rapids, MN

Arbour, Steve & Barbara*

Hamel, MNPerkins, Dick & Wynne*In Memory of Marilyn J.Perkins*

Longville, MNDollins, Tom & Kathy*Elliott, Bill & Jan*Link, Russell & Jolene*Mahon, Jay & Susan*

Minneapolis, MNFurman, Betsy*Louise Robinson & NealCuthbert*

Northfield, MNJohnson, Lowell*

Port Saint Lucie, FLCarnahan, Ron *Carnahan, Pat*

Rochester, MNAnderson, GailAnderson-Siems, Terri*Beed, Don*

Brown, Ken & Lucy*Chamberlain, Phil*Christensen, Brian* Christensen, Sarah*Estry, Dick & Kathy*Feezer, Hollis*Feezer, Pat*Hazama, Charles*Holmes, Mike *Holmes, Leah*Huizenga, Kenneth & Isabel*Kapler, Dave & Kathie*Lund, Kevin & DianePalmer, Jay, Ellen & Calvin*Palmer, Shaun*Palmer, Sue*Rich, Janet*Sorenson, Eric *Sorenson, Kristin*Streit, Peter*Streit, Karen*

Spicer, MNRieth, Jim & Theresa*

Spokane, WAThomson, Gaylord*

Stuart, FLVasquez, Barb*

Urbandale, IASchwartz, Todd & Nancy*

Wayzata, MNPerkins Foundation*

Winona, MNHughes, Sidney*Shepard, Chuck*Shepard, Judy*Toepke, Al (In Memory of)*Woodworth, Peter & Joyce*

Worthington, MNSall, Ella Mae*Sall, Kenneth (In Memory of)*

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To Our Supporters – The Camp Olson YMCA Heritage Club – Growing Stronger

Have you considered or contemplated planning a gift to Camp Olson YMCA? As most of you are aware, Camp OlsonYMCA now has a program of planned giving. Though still in its infancy, we are very proud of our 56 Charter Members.These special friends with a vision for the future express their belief in and commitment to the long-term vitality of CampOlson YMCA.

Last summer we completed our 50th year of service. We are mindful of the need to secure our future for the next 50years and beyond. Camp Olson YMCA Heritage Club and Endowment Fund was established to provide continuity, sta-bility and preservation of our most cherished values. The Heritage Club and endowment program allows us to pursue ourgoals with confidence that our Mission will be experienced by future generations.

The Camp Olson YMCA Endowment and planned giving program aspires to increase the range of giving opportunitiesavailable to our donors while continuing to fulfill our Mission and programs. Together, we can make this organizationeven stronger for future generations.

Camp Olson YMCA believes endowment development is a process of building funds through various forms of currentand planned giving. We invite you to work with our staff to satisfy your financial and estate planning goals as you envi-sion a gift that will make an enduring difference in the lives of all those we touch. A priority is placed on drawing onlyfrom endowment earnings while leaving the principal intact. We invite you to make a lifetime gift that benefits both youand the future of Camp Olson YMCA. You can be rest assured that Camp Olson YMCA will continue to be a positive,values-driven organization.

Welcome New Members!Gail Anderson, Rochester, MNDave & Marty Rogers. Chillicothe, MO

For more information about the Camp OlsonYMCA Heritage Club please contact RussellLink, Executive Director at 218-363-2207 oremail russ@campolson.org

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Through the first half of this year we have raised nearly $30,000 in sustaining gifts and pled ges. Our sustaining gift goal is $50,000 by the end of September. Camp Olson YMCA is a 501c(3) charitable organization. Gifts are tax deductible. Please consider joining the many who support our mission or by giving an additional gift.

Our thanks to a ll those who have donated to Camp Olson YMCA. Gifts recorded from October 1, 2004 -March 8, 2005

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

Sustaining Gifts & Pledges

Totals $ 29,280.00

Ann Arbour, MI Chipault, Mrs. Geri

Arden Hills, MN Wallace, Lynn

Arlington Heights, IL Rutenber, Tom & Karen

Atlanta, GA Tauxe, Robert & Cynthia

Austin, MN Brown, Frank & Astrid Brown, Rhoderick & Laura Franklin, Daryl & Joan

Baxter, MN Reichert Enterprises, Inc.,

Bloomington, MN Lesch, Jim and Michelle

Boise, ID Elliott, John & Robin

Brainerd, MN Austin, Cheryl

Byron, MN Cartney, Joe & Sharleen

Colorado Springs, CO Thomson, Curt & Dana

Colville, WA Reichelt, Dennis & Cindy

Deer River, MN Schrom, Robert & Cheryl

Dexter, MN Douty, Lorma

Fergus Falls, MN Churchill, David & Inger

Fox Island, WA Dale, Charles & Kate

Fremont, NE Lutz, Jan

Golden Valley, MN Wood, Andrew and Krista

Grand Rapids, MN Arbour, Steve & Barbara

Hollister, MO Antonson, Stanley & Janet

Lemont, IL Arenberg, Dan & Deborah

Little Rock, AR Tharp, Mike & Julia

Longville, MN First Nat’l Bank of Walker Daudt Construction, Terry Daudt Elliott, Bill & Jan Johnson, Craig & Amy Link, Russell & Jolene Longville Lions Club, Donor Pine Cone Press-Citizen Salem Lutheran Church Wright, Kathleen

Madison, WI Ibele, Erik & Gail

Marquette, MI Elliott, Kristi & Randall Card

Middleton, WI Wong, Jeff & Pam Olson

Minneapolis, MN Magee, Ted & Liz Louise Robinson & Neal Cuthbert

Minnetonka, MN Anderson, James & Mary

Missoula, MT Beck, David & Rosalyn Lapier Bohan, Paul

Motley, MN Bjerga Feed Stores

North Riverside, IL Knutson, Gerald

Pine River, MN Dabill Wood Mill

Plymouth, MN Bailey, Chuck & Ann Ewoldt, Russ & Bette

Remer, MN Harrison, Pam

Rochester, MN 37th Street Tire & Auto Adkins, Mark & Shirlyn American Legion Post 92 Baker, Gail Beck, Ken & Barbara

Benscoter, Walter & Kathryn

Block, Jule & Marian Broadbent, Jim & Edna Cachiaras, John & Dot Cascino, Greg & Teresa Comprehensive Business Services DeWitz Construction Espeset, Paul & Pat Estry, Dick & Kathy Feeser, Hollie & Pat Goellner, John & Annette Hepper, Norman & Charmaine Heyne, George & Carolyn Hodge, Jim & Sally Holland, Joseph & Lois Holmes, Mike & Leah House, Roy & Betty Huizenga, Kenneth & Isabel Huston, John & Ellen Kapler, Dave & Cathie Linnes, Joanne Vince Majerus Trust Estate Mesarchik, Robert & Marie Miller, Linda Moynihan, Timothy & Linda Hanke Nigon, Bernard & Julie Palmer, Shaun & Sue Patterson, Kelly & Tom

Now you can make a donation online by visiting our website!

Now you can make adonation online by visitingour website!

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A heartfelt thank you is extended to all of our volunteers who have donated their time and talentssince October 1, 2004. If you or an organized group of people are interested in volunteering, con-tact us at 218-363-2207 or email Jay T. Mahon, Facilities Manager at jay@campolson.org

Hernandez Painting and Diamond Vogel Paintof Rochester Benefit Camp Olson YMCA

Over the past five years Diamond Vogel Paint of Rochester,located in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, has donated over 200gallons of paint and other painting supplies to benefit CampOlson. Sales Representative Rick Walters indicated thatDiamond Vogel is pleased to support such a worthwhile causethat benefits children from the greater Rochester Community.Hernandez Painting of Rochester has been volunteering laborfor many projects at Camp Olson since 1998. HernandezPainting has worked on numerous projects at camp includingthe interior painting of the Timber frame cabins and RanchHouse as wells as interior and exterior painting work associatedwith the Adopt-A-Cabin project. We are very grateful for theirsupport!

Thank you HernadezPainting and Diamond

Vogel Paint of Rochester!

2004 CITs and now 2005 summer staff members, Kendra

Stettler, Analise Pieper, and Ali Morris volunteer at the Hormel Challenge.

Hormel ChallengeHormel employees raised nearly $4,000, which will provide scholarshipfunds to send Austin, MN area children to Camp Olson YMCA this summer.The event consists of Hormel employees raising funds by department. Theythen compete and challenge other departments for a traveling trophy in eventssuch as basketball, volleyball and an obstacle course. Camp Director, BethToepke and summer staff members Kendra Stettler, Ali Morris and AnalisePieper attended as Camp Olson representatives. Camp Olson would also liketo thank the YMCA of Austin for hosting the event, the Hormel Food Corp,and all the employees who made donations and participated in the HormelChallenge this year. A special thanks goes to Ruth Chamberlain (AustinYMCA employee) who has made this event possible for the past 17 years.To assure that any Austin area child can attend Camp Olson regardless offinancial limitations, the YMCA of Austin provides assistance through ascholarship program. For more information on scholarship money availablefor Austin area youth, contact the YMCA of Austin at 507-433-1804.

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Wedding Bells for Camp Director Beth Toepke

With its beautiful lakeshore and acres of wooded forest Camp Olson servesas the ideal spot, not only for a children’s camp, but for a nature lover’swedding. Camp Olson has hosted four previous weddings and will againhave love in the air this October when Camp Director Beth Toepke and herfiancé Vance Hazelton are married with Camp Olson as a beautiful back-drop.

Beth & Vance are both originally from Winona, MN and have pretty muchgrown up together; since Vance was good friends with both of Beth’s olderbrothers. After moving on from Winona, and graduating from college,Vance spent some time working in Alaska and Beth did some travelingabroad.

For the past three years Beth has served as the Camp Director here at CampOlson and Vance has been living and working in Illinois as a WildernessFirefighter for the Midewin Hotshots. The two recently "re-met" in the fallof 2004. "It was like we were always suppose to be together… we justneeded the right timing," says Beth smiling!

We will miss you, Beth!Not so fast! Beth will be with us for the 2005 summer camping season! We are taking this opportunityto inform the Camp Olson Family about her departure. I have known Beth for only two short years andmany of you know her much better than I do, you are lucky! I do know she will be extremely missed bythe summer campers, family campers and staff she has made laugh and guided the past six years. CampOlson has been most fortunate to have had Beth serving as Camp Director the past three summers. I willnever forget her smile, laugh and more importantly the unselfish service she has given to Camp OlsonYMCA. Beth, it has been an honor working with you! ~ Russ

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Frontenac Cabinwith new windowsand door. Thankyou Jim, Lee and

Doug Rieth

Tom and Deb Crowleyof Rochester adopted

Marquette Cabin

Renovation begins on Hennepin Cabinthanks to the Rochester Area Foundation

Adopt-A-Cabin Project UpdateOver $37,000. has been raised since November of 2003in support of the Adopt-A-Cabin campaign. All 13 of theoriginal cabins will be renovated. With a minimumdonation of $500 your name can be included on a plaquewith other donors. The adoption price per cabin is$7,500.

By the start of the 2005 summer camping season we willhave completed the renovation of six of the 13 originalcabins. Duluth and LeSeuer cabins were completed lastsummer and renovation is well on the way for Marquette,Nicollet, Frontenac and Hennepin cabins. All have hadnew windows, door and trim installed this winter. If youwould like to support the restoration of one of the origi-nal cabins or learn more about this project contact RussellLink, at russ@campolson.org

Contributors to the Adopt-A-Cabin project:

Duluth Cabin - Friends of the Winona Community Le Seuer Cabin -Merchants Bank of Rochester (pledged)Marquette Cabin - Tom & Deb Crowley Frontenac Cabin – Jim, Doug & Lee Rieth Hennepin Cabin – Rochester Area Foundation Nicollet – Many Friends of Camp Olson To Be Determined – Arlene Arenberg Memorial Funds Grosseilliers – Waiting for AdoptionJolliet – Waiting for AdoptionLaVerendrye – Waiting for AdoptionRamsey – Waiting for AdoptionRadisson – Waiting for AdoptionSchoolcraft – Waiting for AdoptionLC – Waiting for Adoption

Family Fishing WeekendMay 13-15, 2005

We invite you to join us on Little BoyLake for a Family Fishing Weekend May

13-15, 2005. We can accommodate groups of 1-10 peoplein sixteen cabins. The cost is $60.00 per adult, children13-17 $40.00, children 4-12 $30.00, children under fourattend free. Cost includes two nights lodging familiesmust supply their own food service. Camp has rowboats,canoes and lifejackets available for your use. Your maybring your own fishing boat and dock your boat using ourpiers on Little Boy Lake. We do not allow the use of anygas or electric motors on Camp Olson’s three private lakesthe Shurds. For those who would rather not fish, soak upthe first signs of spring while hiking through the woods, orrelax next to a warm fire or enjoy the sunshine reading agood book. Call the camp office to register by phone or toobtain a registration form. 218-363-2207.

CAMP OLSON WISH LIST• John Deere Gator or Other Utility Vehicle $4,000• New or use 4-Wheeler $3-5,000• Backpacks for CIT trips $1,000• Archery Equipment $700• Two Way Radios (2) $800• Laser Printer (color) $600• Corral Fencing & Hardware $1,500• 80,000 BTU Furnace $1,000• New or slightly used Riding Mower $3,000• Floor Dryers $400• Copy Machine $3,000• Sailboat Repairs $1,000• Retaining Wall Repairs $3,000• Used Bobcat Skidsteer $10,000• Environmental Education Materials $400• Office Flooring $700• Used Pontoon Boat $4,000• Parachute $150• Upright Freezer (trading post) $300• Sailboat Moorings $200• Ansul Fire Suppression System (kitchen) $3,000If you are interested in purchasing an item on the Camp OlsonWish List or have other In-kind donations you would like tomake please contact us. info@campolson.org 218-363-2207

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Camp Olson YMCA would like to thank our many alumni for their continued pas-sion and spirit. Over the last six months alumni Pierce Johnson has donated sixcomputers, hardware, software and technical support. We are very grateful to all ofour alumni who are always thinking of ways they could benefit Camp Olson.

Alumni Focus – Pierce Johnson - River Forest, IL

Pierce Johnson received a BA in Latin and Ancient Studiesfrom St. Olaf College in Minnesota and later completed hisMBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota. He worked17 years for the Paris based Hotel Sofitel chain. As a Regional director he managed hotels in Paris and the UnitedStates, led teams of 700+ employees and directed strategyand operations for businesses with $37 million in annualrevenue. In 1995 Pierce founded Johnson Technologies, Inc.a software company that specialized in Supply ChainManagement for the Food Service Industry and later sold thecompany in 2000. He retired in 2001 after a massive heartattack reminded him to slow down and enjoy life and nowraces his Sabre 36' sailboat on Lake Michigan.

Pierce has sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, climbed Mount Rainier, run the Chicago Marathon. He is married toAnn, and they have a 19 year old son, Reid, a freshman at Swarthmore College and a 17 year old daughter, Elise,a senior at OPRF High School. The Johnsons live in River Forest, IL.

My memory is like Swiss cheese so my dates at Camp Olson are a bit sketchy. I started as a camper the last yearDick Carey was the Camp Director. I think I was in 5th grade but who knows for sure.

(As a side note- My parents drove up me up to Longville a month before my first camp session so they couldscrutinize the camp and I would feel comfortable. I absolutely HAD to go to this camp and try sailing! I'm sur-prised my parents let me go but with five kids they were probably relieved to have one less kid fighting with theothers.)

I did the normal progression from camper, CIT, Work Crew (JC) and then one (or two?)years as a counselor in1973 or 1974. The financial burdens of buying pizza and beer (it was legal at 18) in college forced me into a lesssatisfying but better remunerated summer job. Later I stepped into a Board role during some really tough timesfor the camp when the association was cut with the Rochester, Winona and Austin Y's. I sadly resigned from theboard in 1988 when we moved to Paris.

I have had a lot of good friendships develop from my Olson experience. Brooks Wallin and I were Co-Directorsof sailing one year and 15 years later I attended his wedding in France. Mark Bahn was on the work crew with meand we were college freshman room mates at Carleton College. (I tried to teach Mark how to party and he tried toteach me how to study; we were only partially successful!) Kent Weimar, also on the work crew, asked me toserve on the board of his YMCA in Oak Park, IL when I moved to Chicago. My brother, Erik Johnson, was thecaretaker for many years while his wife, Colleen, was the camp nurse. My children were campers and mynephew, Walter, and niece, Emily (The Trading Post Queen) worked there last summer.

Camp Olson is the nexus of many events and people in my life. The beautiful tapestry of Olson friends and mem-ories woven over the years make me deeply grateful I am an Alumnus.

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2005 Women’s Retreat

Close your eyes and imagine: • a weekend where you don’t have to cook or clean, • a weekend with horseback riding, sailing, canoeing, hiking, reading, hanging out by a campfire

singing or gabbing, heating up in the sauna followed by a refreshing dip in Little Boy Lake, breakfast at the Shurds,

• a weekend meeting new friends from around the state and rekindling old friendships,• a weekend listening to the loons,• a weekend with soothing daily massages,• a weekend working on a new craft project that will serve as a reminder of an enjoyable, relax-

ing time.Now open your eyes and discover this was a reality for the women who attended the 2004 Women’sRetreat, plus so much more. Now say to yourself, I deserve to have a weekend experience like thisand then please join us for Women’s Retreat September 23 –25, 2005! ~ Diane Kennedy

Come Join The Fun!

September 23rd - 25th

Payment in Full________Check___________or Mastercard/Visa______________Card#__________________________Exp.___________

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PO Box 118 Longville, MN 56655

AA NNeewwsslleetttteerr ffoorr tthhee CCaammpp OOllssoonn FFaammiillyy.. .. ..

www.campolson.org info@campolson.org

CAMP OLSON YMCACAMP OLSON YMCALeadership•Stewardship•Adventure

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