Fall 2006 Birch

MMPPOOLLSSOONNYYMMCC CCAA THE BIRCH LOG AA

Volume LIII A newsletter for the Camp Olson Family Fall 2006 President’s Message All of us involved with Camp Olson know an Olson experience is a tremendous asset in a child's life. That experience is enduring and is comprised of many factors; including, inspirational fun, accomplishment, spirituality, and connectedness to the Olson community and our young leaders, who serve as role models. I want to share with you what children are experiencing at Camp Olson. Here are a couple parent comments from this past summer. "When our son found out that a staff member had dyslexia, just like him, he beamed. Finally, an older person who could relate to him. He tried so hard to get his Crewman award, which is no small feat considering he has such a learning disability. This staff person accomplished in one small week, things which our son’s tutors have struggled with for years. She encouraged, pushed, chal- lenged, rewarded, and motivated him. She gave stories of her struggles and how she overcame them. She offered practical advice on such subjects as teasing, teachers, and self-esteem. I will be forever grateful to her." ~ parent 2006 campers "I want to let you know that my daughter’s experience at Camp Olson was more than I could have hoped for. I only wish I had sent her earlier in the summer so she could have gone back for another week or even two! She came back with a greater sense of confidence in herself and a sense of belonging to something. My greatest hopes for this week at camp were met and exceeded. I am telling everyone what a good experience it was. We literally pulled this camp out of a hat. She said she wanted horses, so we found a YMCA camp that did horses. My normally non-communicative daughter has not stopped talking about her week. She told me in the car ‘I am so going back there every year until I become a counselor.’ You will never know what a challenge the last 6 months have been and what a turnaround this is for her. That is a great program. Thanks for all you do." ~ mom 2006 camper

This past summer we experienced successful growth, serving an increase of 95 camper weeks over the previous summer. We provided $40,000 in scholarship assistance to more than 140 kids. We are thankful to you, our many alumni, friends, and sup- porters who helped make this possible.

Our 2006-2007 annual campaign will begin soon. Each year camp depends on our alumni and friends to help us provide scholar- ships and finance projects that improve Camp Olson; assuring that Olson’s work for youth and their leaders will endure and improve for future generations. We appreciate your support.

Sincerely, 2005-2006 Board of Directors

Dick Perkins – President - Hamel, MN Todd Schwartz – Vice President - Urbandale, IA Shaun Palmer – Secretary – Rochester, MN CAMP OLSON YMCA STAFF Bill Elliott – Longville, MN Russell Link – Executive Director – [email protected] Dick Estry - Rochester, MN Hollis Feeser – Rochester, MN Colton Altobell – Camp Director – [email protected] Pierce Johnson – River Forest, IL Steve Johnson – Longville, MN Jay T. Mahon – Facilities Manager – [email protected] Dave Kapler – Rochester, MN Howard Kruger – Winona, MN Amy Johnson – Office Manager – [email protected] Louise Robinson – Minneapolis, MN Paul Smithson – Stillwater, MN Eric Sorenson – Rochester, MN

Please contact Camp Olson if you are interested in Web site www.campolson.org learning more about becoming a Board Member. Page 2 The Birch Log

Join us on staff next summer!

We are currently accepting employment applications for the 2007 summer camping season. Applications are available on the Camp Olson website. If you have any questions, concerns or if you are interested in joining our team next summer, contact Colton. Working at Camp Olson is an invaluable experience because of the lasting friendships, lessons, and memories you will certainly take home with you. Annie Schwartz, Emily Johnson, and Matt Spanier A Special Legacy at Camp Olson…

One of the amazing things about Camp Olson is number of people who continue to be connected throughout their lives to this place. This past summer, we had ten second generation staff members! Emily and Walter Johnson son & daughter of Erik (84-86) & Colleen Johnson (81-86), Richie Perkins, son of Richard(70-74) & Wynne Perkins (70-74), Ben & Jane Qualey, son & daughter of Dave (72-75) & Marsha (Richardson) Qualey (71-75), Matt Spanier son of Charlie & Maureen (Brown) Spanier (78-80) Chris & Stephanie Rogers, son & daughter of Dave(74, 82-90) & Marty Rogers , Annie Schwartz, daughter of Todd Schwartz (71-82) & Nancy Schwartz, and Josh Bornstein, son of Peter & Susan (Payne) Bornstein (77-79). It is a great tribute to the significance of Camp Olson and the families of so many that those connections remain strong through generations. Take a moment to consider all of the wonderful personal connections you and your family have discovered through Camp Olson!

Richie Perkins

Jane and Ben Qualey

Josh Bornstein Dave, Chris, Stephanie and Marty Rogers The Birch Log Page 3

Learn to sail at Camp Olson this summer! SAIL...SAIL...SAIL... Camp Olson’s Premiere Sailing Program

Our sailing program here at Camp Olson has received a recent boost. Along with the help of our alumni, Board member Pierce Johnson is working hard to make Camp Olson the premiere Sailing Camp in Minnesota and indeed the Midwest. This is being accomplished through additions and improvements to our fleet and the program in general. This year, we have received the donation of seven boats and have seen the majority of our vessels, cleaned, waxed, var- nished, repaired, and stored. Pierce has also assembled a group of sailing alumni who have contributed great time and effort into sailboat restoration at Camp Olson over the past months. In addition, all of our large boat sails are currently at NorthSails where they will be restored and stowed safely Family campers Mark and Pauline Funk and their for the winter. Donations of sailboats, equipment, and time now grown children learned to sail at Camp Olson. are crucial to the vitality of our program and are always In support of Camp Olson and the sailing program, greatly appreciated. The generosity of many allows us to they donated their 26’ McGregor sailboat. improve our sailing program, by sharing the pleasure and knowledge of sailing with hundreds of kids each summer.

The Olson Fleet:

26’ McGregor (2) E-Scows (7) C-Scows (2) Lightnings (2) M-16s Rhodes 19 X-Boat Catalina Capri 16 Camp Olson Board Member and Brothers Brian and Bruce Edwards who learned to (3) Catalina 14.2s Volunteer Pierce Johnson tunes up a sail as children on Ten Mile Lake were excited to Laser II donated C-Scow. share their passion for sailing with youth and donated Prindle 18 Catamaran two C-Scows to camp this summer. Nick Pearson HobieCat 16 Catamaran and Aidan Windebank, summer boathouse directors, (6) Sunfish were overjoyed to accept this gift for Camp Olson. Many Windsurfers

Boats Donations this Year Include:

26’ McGregeor – Mark & Pauline Funk - Mantorville, MN Catalina 14.2 – Gary Moore – Wayzata, MN (2) C-Scows – Brian & Bruce Edwards, Zimmerman, MN C-Scow – Chris Wessels – Clear Lake, IA C-Scow – Holly Brassington – Madison, WI Alumnus Nate Davis donated this 16’ boat and motor. The boat will be used Lightning – Carol Seitz – Bettendorf, IA as a rescue boat on Little Boy Lake. 16’ Rescue Boat – Nate Davis – Rochester, MN Page 4 The Birch Log Words from a First Time Family Camper

At each turn in life, each new road I venture down, I’m always astounded by the feeling that I have when it’s time to travel back home: what I leave behind, what I peek at in the rear view mirror is now familiar, satisfying and comforting.

It’s never that way when you arrive.

We followed our directions from Rochester to Camp Olson on that second Sunday in August for Family Camp, our first "real" vacation as a family. Three kids, now old enough to soak up the sights and sounds, and no other family obligations on the calendar to coincide with our "vacation."

It was all for us.

And it was raining.

A rain-soaked Sarah greeted us with her clipboard and checked us off the list, directed us down the muddy road and to our cabin. Soon, Emily knocked on the door. She was soaked too, but didn’t seem to mind. We professed our lack of umbrellas and rain ponchos as first timers and she reappeared from the lost and found with five rain ponchos.

So this is our first hour. And now as I think about it, there were so many more names and wonderful people to appear and add to our story. There were many places, many adventures, many meals and many campfires to go. It’s impossible to capture our week at Family Camp in a short piece here in the newsletter. But I’ll give you a sampler platter.

There was an adult in our family of five, who proclaimed it her "best vacation ever." The other adult in the family hedged a bit, but wouldn’t go on the record. A couple of kids in the family also crowned it "the best."

I wouldn’t change much. I’d erase the word "ever." Ever tells me, it doesn’t get any better. I say best "yet." I know there’s next year. I know there’s potential for better. How? I’m not sure. But what keeps all these people we met coming back year after year?

What I found at Family Camp was something complex and yet simple. It was a time for myself, but time for my family. There was time to share with each family member and time to share with people who started the week as strangers. I had thoughtful, fun conversations in a canoe with a college student. Another day it was with a dad who could converse about kids’ gymnastics classes and the harried, but rich life of rais- ing kids.

I went there to soak up as much as I could. Looking back, I feel like I should have been saturated to the point of exhaustion. Maybe I was, but there seemed to be time for a nap, sometimes by myself, sometimes with our 3-year-old, Martha, who rarely cools her jets for anything. There was time to lounge in the bottom bunk with our seven-year-old, Jack, and read him the adventures of Indiana Jones.

I bogged, I sailed, I fished, I rode horses, I paddled canoes and kayaks, I shot the .22 and arrows, I sang goofy songs and amazed my children when I knew the words. The food was always good, as was the treat when a counselor or another family joined our table.

Katie, our six-year-old showed her steely determination at mastering something she decided was important. Earlier in the summer, it was a bicycle without training wheels. At Family Camp, it was being able to retrieve a paper target full of holes she’d made by shooting a .22. She did.

It took all week. Matthew and Devan watched, waited and offered support as we worked and worked. Sometimes there were tears. Sometimes the big bottom lip would emerge when we’d march out to the fence and inspect the unblemished target. Big brother’s target next to us was peppered with holes. On that Friday afternoon, we squinted down the barrel, adjusted and squeezed. Holes appeared in the target. A big smile followed. That punctured target came home with us.

I watched my wife, Margaret, whose idea it was for this week, take her quick walk to the horse corral. Every day. Who gets to care for, ride on and bask in the presence of horses? You do at Family Camp. Margaret did.

On our final day at camp, we made sure everyone had a chance to dabble in their favorite activity or two. Katie shot her targets. Jack settled into a kayak and paddled out onto Little Boy, pulling each paddle stroke with confidence and a smile. The Birch Log Page 5

Martha wiggled her toes in the sand on the beach, rolled the log into the water and splashed her dad. But two months later, she recalls the pony ride we took together.

My "moment" came the night before. The Hauri’s won the staff serenade prize at the carnival, so we sampled S’mores and listened to the talents of Colton and Rabi on the mandolin and guitar. It was really heaven. Martha fell asleep in my arms to the gentle rocking and songs. Katie listened and lulled herself to sleep in Margaret’s lap. Jack and his new friend, Walter, poked at the fire with sticks, mesmerized by the flames. I closed my eyes, listened to the songs and marveled at all the warmth I felt. Can you feel this lucky?

Back home now, school has started, activities keep us busy, as does homework and just the whole process of living. But we still break into songs like "Country Road" or "Flea Fly" or "What Can Make A Hippopotamus Smile." My oldest two recite the script from the range marshal. "Lock, load and fire five."

I think I understand why Camp Olson is about a five-hour drive from Rochester. On the return trip, you have time to ease back into the hustle and bustle, but you also have time to begin to savor the week that was.

We will back.-- Mike Dougherty

2007 DAY CAMP SCHEDULE

Camp Olson will be offering five weeks of Day Camp this summer for local residents, cabin owners and vacationers. From 8:30 to 4:00 your child or grandchild can enjoy the outdoors while participating in all of Camp Olson’s daily activities. Please provide your own transportation and a sack lunch.

2006 Family Camp

This past August, an amazing 36 families attended our two sessions of Family Camp. Place all of these families together, with near-perfect weather, and you have two fantastic weeks. Register today by calling or using the enclosed registration form! Shurds meals, trail rides, bog walks, the Carnival, the Big O Rodeo, Regatta, the Eco-Challenge, and of course the Big O Variety show were just a few of the weeks highlights. Each GIVE THE GIFT OF CAMP THIS week concluded with a slide show of the week’s best photos. CHRISTMAS - Imagine the smile on a loved- With so many events and activities running, the weeks one’s face this Christmas when they unwrap an seemed over in a flash. Families headed for home already envelope and inside is a certificate for a one or two thinking of next summer. We would like to thank all of the families who participated and of course our staff who dis- week stay at Camp Olson next summer. Simply call played endless energy and helped make a most memorable Camp Olson and register a child for camp next sum- two weeks! mer. They will have until the end of January to con- If you would like more information on our Family Camp firm the session they would like to attend. Camp programs please give us a call or visit our website at Olson will mail you the gift certificate for you to www.campolson.org. Space will be limited and new fami- wrap, however you choose. All Camp Olson lies can reserve their space on a first registration-received basis. Christmas Certificates must be ordered by December 15, 2006. Page 6 The Birch Log The Birch Log Page 7 Page 8 The Birch Log The Birch Log Page 9

Memorial Day Weekend 2006

960 hours of Work Accomplished 121 people These alumni from the 70s know Fun, Fellowship & Laughter how to work and eat! New Friends Caring, Pride & Commitment

Words cannot express our gratitude for Thanks for assembling the new what was accomplished during the fishing pier guys! Memorial Day work weekend. The Board of Directors, staff and most of all the campers thank you! We make a living by what we get, we make a life by Mark your calendars and join us what we give. Wow, we never knew work could May 25-28, 2007! Sir Winston Churchill be so much fun! Page 10 The Birch Log Thank you Walter Johnson What does one do during his last summer before his senior year of college...? Work to make lots of money? No. Bum around the country and spend lots of money? No. Give, share, and provide guidance to children at a summer YMCA camp? YES. Walter chose the third, and volunteered as if he was paid for seven full weeks this summer. Same hours, same work, same long days, and always with a smile. Camp Olson is indebted to many people like Walter, who understand that it is better to give than receive.

Walter is a senior studying engineering at Michigan Tech Univ.

Rochester Community ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Block Grant sends 25 youth When: 7:30 pm Monday December 11, 2006 to camp in 2006. Where: Rochester Family YMCA 709 First Ave. S.W. Rochester, MN Funds awarded to Camp Olson from the Rochester City Council’s allocation of the Can I attend and vote? Community Block Grant sent 15 youth from the • Yes, if you contributed more than $1.00 to Camp Olson YMCA Boys and Girls Clubs and 10 Youth form the • Yes, if you volunteered more than one hour of labor or time. Rochester Family YMCAs Youth Mentor • Yes, if you paid for a camp program. Program to camp this past summer. Camp Olson What goes on at an annual meeting? provided nearly $41,000 in scholarship assis- • Interested prospective board members are elected to the board. tance to 140 youth and families this summer. • Audited year-end financials are reviewed and approved. • Meet and spend time talking with board members and the Local Efforts Send Area Executive Director, Russell Link. Youth to Camp Olson YMCA • Discover the excitement of possibly being a future board member. Last Summer *All eligible voters must be over the age of 18 at the time of Grants from Crow Wing Power Trust, the the meeting. Officers of the board are not elected at the Annual Longville Community Foundation, Northland Meeting, but you can nominate individuals to be voted on by the Area Family Center and Camp Olson were col- board. To do so, nominations must be submitted prior to laborated to send 17 local children with financial November 11, 2006 in writing to the Camp Olson YMCA corpo- rate office. need to Camp Olson this past summer. This was Camp Olson YMCA an exciting opportunity for more local children to Rochester Family Y benefit from a resident camp experience. 709 First Ave. S.W. Teachers from the Northland School District Rochester, MN 55902 selected children based on need.

The Power of the Camp Olson Experience - 42 Years Later As Executive Director, I have the honor to visit with many alumni and guests at camp each year. This past June it was such a privilege to hear, feel and witness the powerful impact of the Camp Olson experience. George Cutlip of Madison, WI visited camp and shared with me his fond memories as a camper from 1962- 1964. As he read names, of long lost friends and counselors inscribed on two paddles hanging in the camper lounge, emotional tears watered his eyes. We visited cabin 10, now Radisson cabin, stirring up even more memories of a young child finding himself at a place called Camp Olson. George...Thank you for visiting! The Birch Log Page 11 Join us for a fantastic ADVENTURE this summer! Pioneers of the Apostle Islands

The first Apostle Island Camping Trip as recounted by leader Amelia Salisbury.

We went to the Apostle Islands as sleepy-headed pirates, with star-dust from the athletic field stuck still in the corners of our eyes. The girls wore bonnets, actually bowls turned over, because the boys were wearing ten gallon hats. Upon first sight of Lake Superior (the boats were chiming against the waves and docks), we knew we would come back from the islands as separate versions of ourselves; part sunlight, part pine bark, with stones and gold in our hands (and that by then our hands would be big droopish flowers). Captain Smitty took the seven of us to Stockton Island, an enormous quilt of land, patched by bogs, beaches, craggy caves, and quiet giants which in other stories are named pine trees. When the wind blew just right, the pitcher plants caught frogs, yarrow and milkweed bowed their shy and buggy heads, and seagull eggs washed up on our beach, along with crayfish. We saw snakes, cranes, and bear scat, both blueberry and raspberry bear scat. Though no bears were seen, (not even on our bear hunt), it is rumored one sniffed our sleeping bags, as he passed by us sleeping on the beach. Each of us enjoyed the waves which were surprisingly warm, and swam off Anderson point through an underwater tunnel (eerie)! In Julian bay, a beautiful mile long beach we swam over a ship- wreck. The water there was so clear you didn't even need goggles, and the ship looked like the skeleton of a prehistoric bird. There was a boiler room in the ship's belly. After a long hike to Brown Bay, or kayaking along shore, chilling out in the hammock was bomb. Cody and Emily sung every tune in our song book, while for a snack Sam cooked the crayfish in our frying pan. In the gloaming hours we had homemade ice cream, oranges, and pesto pasta around the camp- fire. Laughter abounded during picnics. One picnic we took on the bow of Captain Smitty's catamaran. The weather was tropical. The lake was majestic. Sometimes, when we looked closely at one another, it was as if our hearts glowed through our bodies. With the lovely blue earth around us, there was a sweetest feeling of awe. The final days of our trip were spent on Michigan Island, a small deserted paradise with two lighthouses and a cobbled beach. On our last night with feathers behind our ears and camp smoke in our hair we braved thunder and lightning like no other pirates could have. By the time the Harbor Master came to bring us home, Meggie had finished three books. Alex was craving Wanton Soup. I felt like it had been the perfect adventure.

CAMP OLSON ADVENTURES

The Superior Sailing Trip is high adventure trip staying on a sleep-aboard catamaran. Sailors will cruise around the scenic Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, exploring and honing their nautical skills. Girl Trail Riders will have the special privilege of life on the trail with their horse friends. Our corral staff will instruct young women in caring for their horses and themselves on the trail. Breakfast will be cooked over the fire and all of Camp’s 1250+ acres will be explored. Our Advanced Canoe Trip gives campers the chance not only to paddle some of Minnesota’s great waterways, but also to gain the knowledge neces- sary to plan a camping trip that leaves minimal impact on the environment. Page 12 The Birch Log

Have you checked out the look of our new website? We are very appreciative to the many alumni who supported us financially with this project. www.campolson.org Donation Options

There are several ways you can help Camp Olson YMCA fulfill its mission.

Annual Campaign Contributions are absolutely critical to fulfilling the Camp Olson’s mission. Camp fees and other earned income cannot completely cover the costs of underwriting our numerous programs - only private funds can make these programs possible. You can help!

Scholarship Gifts Are used to provide funding for families needing financial assistance in sending a child to camp. Help make a child’s dream come true!

Memorial and Honor Gifts Camp Olson YMCA welcomes gifts made in honor or in memory of someone. A card is sent to the recipient or family of the recipient. This has proven to be one of the most meaningful ways to show your love and/or admiration for someone else. Your gift can be designated for a particular program or directly into the general fund, benefiting the entire organization.

Matching Gifts Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employ- ees. Request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift to:

Camp Olson YMCA 4160 Little Boy Rd NE Longville, MN 56655

We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to the Camp Olson may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.

Wish List Gifts The purpose of the Wish List is to enable a donor to earmark additional contributions toward a specific item or project that is needed at Camp Olson. We ask that the Wish List be above and beyond annual donations.

In-Kind Gifts/ Tangible Property Gifts - A gift in-kind is a non-cash donation of supplies, equipment, real estate, boats and vehicles and other property Camp Olson YMCA can use and/or has financial value. Receipts will be pre- pared by Camp Olson and issued to the donor of in-kind gifts. Any in-kind gift in excess of $5,000 requires the donor to complete IRS form 8283 and requires Camp Olson’s acknowledgement statement verifying the receipt of the donated in-kind gift. Values on these gifts must be established by the donor.

Capital Improvement Projects – Please contact the camp Office for a complete list of projects. The Birch Log Page 13 Camp Olson’s New Nature Center Clearly, one of our greatest assets as a Camp is our 1200+ acres of lakes, forests, and fields that are for the most part wild and untrampled since the early logging days. "The plant, animal, and geologic diversity present make infinite the things to be learned and discovered at Camp Olson." This was noted by Les Blacklock during his 1973 naturalist evaluation and by innumerable campers and staff who could be considered ‘novice naturalists’ at best. Our nature program has long been both vital and popular here at Camp Olson. We have been most fortunate to have had so many dedicated and passionate directors, each of whom has contributed to the program directly during the summers, through a great deal of off-season research and study, and through continued contributions as alumni. There is no doubt that each has been uniquely inspired by the landscape of Camp Olson. An awareness and respect for the natural world is an important overriding theme of all Camp Olson programs. To convey this respect and reverance for our environment to our campers and staff is an integral part of our mission; to Share the Spirit of the Northwoods. Our nature program and its staff are the primary resource and facilitators to this end. To foster this education, which is implied in our mission, it is time that we have a quality Nature Center as a base.

Past Nature Directors at Camp have essentially made due with the current facility in the dining hall which was limiting in terms of size and location. By the time you are reading this article or very soon we will have moved the Homestead Barn into main camp. It will be nestled into the woods near the pasture and athletic field and will serve as the new Nature Center at Camp Olson! We are very excited about the move. The new home will allow us to continue to enhance our Nature Program in many ways with the added space and the addition of professional displays obtained by Board Member Paul Smithson through Warner Nature Center in Stillwater. Maybe we can even get Tommy to come back for one more year! Check our website for upcoming pictures of the big move! The total cost of the move and renovation of the barn to become our new Nature Center is estimated at $60,000. We have now raised $47,000 of this goal and are very thankful for nine lead gifts of $5,000 for this project.

Nature Center Lead Gifts: The two levels of the homestead barn will create a nature center *Anonymous three times the size of the existing space located in the dining hall. *Arbour, Steve & Barbara – Grand Rapids, MN A wrap around deck with covered porch, fireplace, and windows *Arrowhead Builders: will be added once the move is complete. Tom & Kathy Dollins – Longville, MN *Estry, Dick & Kathy – Rochester, MN Nature Center Gifts: *Hughes, Sidney – Winona, MN *Palmer, Shaun & Sue – Rochester, MN Crow Wing Power *Perkins Foundation – Wayzata, MN -Brainerd, MN *Shepard, Chuck & Judy – Winona Letsche, Tom & Amy *Woodworth, Pete & Joyce - Cherokee, IA Schwartz, Todd & Nancy - Urbandale, IA

Future home of the homestead The Homestead Barn at its current barn to become our new nature location in Lone Pine Field. center, nestled near the pasture and Site prep is completed and we are athletic field. all anxiously waiting moving day. Page 14 The Birch Log

Board of Director Retreat 2006 - A Strategic Plan for our Site, Facility, and Program

At a recent Board of Directors retreat held at camp on September 30-October 1, 2006 the Camp Olson Board of Directors developed a five-year strategic plan for site and program development. The weekend included a detailed five-hour tour of our camp facilities. The focus of this retreat was to develop a strategic plan for current and new site and program priorities over the next five years. This plan includes immediate, short, and long-range projects. If you are interested in learning more about financial or volunteer assistance with the projects listed below, please contact Russ Link, Executive Director.

*Facility Manager’s Housing *Welcome Center *Dining Hall Renovation *Camper Lounge Renovation *Front Entrance *Camp Seclusion Debt Retirement *Lakeshore Improvements *Roofing Needs *Kitchen Renovation & Expansion *Boat House Improvements *Road Improvements *Plumbing Improvements *Leadership/Tripping Lodge *Corral Barn Replacement *Leadership/Tripping Cabins *Major Equipment Replacement *Program Expansion *Program Office Renovation

Fishing Program Expanded

Next summer we will be offering Fishing Camp for all eager anglers. The five lakes of Camp Olson offer some of the best fishing to be found in all of Minnesota. This new specialty program will allow Fishing Campers to spend each of their mornings exploring a new different hot spot among our fishing holes. Panfish and game fish will be pursued with great enthusiasm. Our Shurd Lakes are home to some HUGE northern pike, while Cooper has an abundance of Bass and panfish to be harvested from our new Fishing Pier. There is even the chance for muskie and walleye on Little Boy Lake. Sign up today for this exciting new session next summer! Future programming may even include off- site fishing trips.

The new Fishing Pier was established over our past Memorial Day Work Weekend with the help of many volunteers. It is situated on the South end of Cooper Lake and juts out just past the lily pad and weed line where the lake bottom drops off. This is the ideal spot for pulling in sunfish, crappie, bass, and northern. This has been a great addition to our fishing program, allowing many kids to fish together with great success. The cast to catch ratio is striking!

Counselor’s In Training – Calling Future Counselors

The Camp Olson CIT program is a four-week intense training program. CITs will spend their first week on the Superior Hiking Trail pushing their limits and learning to work as a team. Upon returning to camp, CITs will receive extensive leadership training as well as knowledge in the operation of specific programs that Camp Olson has to offer. Those interested in becoming a CIT will undergo an application and interview process. Contact Colton for an application or look for one to be posted online by early November. The Birch Log Page 15 Page 16 The Birch Log Camp Olson YMCA Endowment Fund – A Living Legacy

The Camp Olson’s Endowment Fund, managed by the Rochester Area Foundation, is the perfect opportunity for you to provide a lasting gift to Camp Olson. Camp Olson’s agency fund allows our money to be pooled with other foundation funds for maximum investment value. Donors can contribute almost any kind of asset to assist in building our fund including cash, stocks and securities, real estate and insurance policies. In addition there are many attractive arrangements for giving future gifts. Deferred gifts give you the benefit of a current tax deduction in exchange for the commitment of funds to Camp Olson at a later date. The remainder interest in real estate, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, bequests and gift annuities and of life insurance all can be used to create funds for Camp Olson’s future. Camp Olson YMCA and the staff at the Rochester Area Foundation are ready to work with you and your professional advisors as you plan a gift to brighten our future and better serve children and their families.

Welcome New Heritage Club Member Beth (Toepke) Hazelton. Former Camp Director Beth Teopke has recently named Camp Olson YMCA as a partial beneficiary of her YMCA retirement benefits. Beth felt compelled to establish Camp Olson in her estate plans now, as not to forget the importance Camp Olson in her life.

Consider Joining the Camp Olson YMCA Heritage Club

For more information about the Camp Olson YMCA Heritage Club, please contact Russell Link, Executive Director at 218-363-2207 or email [email protected]

Beth (Toepke) Hazelton summer staff 1999-2001, Camp Director 2002-2005.

A Charitable Gift Annuity – Perfect for you and Camp Olson YMCA

Today, gift annuities are a favorite choice for many people who support charities. A charitable gift annuity benefiting Camp Olson will produce life income for them or someone else. Equally important, your gift will benefit Camp Olson long into the future by providing support and aide to scholar- ships and other programs at Camp Olson.

For more information, contact Russ Link, Executive Director at [email protected] The Birch Log Page 17 Calling all Staff Alumni! Work & Play Weekend 2007 Staff Alumni; mark your calendars now for a staff reunion over Labor Day weekend 2007. Details and registration information will be provided in the spring 2007 edition of the Birch Log and on the website early next year. Camp Olson Nurses Teresa Cascino 2001-2006 and Nurses Needed for the 2007 Summer Kim Aronhalt 2002-2006 It is with regret we share Each summer 16 nurses volunteer their time in with you the passing of staff exchange for a child to attend camp. If you are alumnus Victoria O’Brien interested in providing routine health care and (91-92). Victoria died in a desire to learn more about becoming a camp car accident this past March. nurse, please contact Russ at russ@campolson.org

Memories on the Shores of Little Boy Lake ~ Marissa Vine – Rochester, MN

Many of my best memories have come from my summers at Camp Olson. Ah... the wind blowing in from Little Boy Lake whistling its sweet melody in to my ears. I breathe in the North Woods air, drawing in the memories of pat summers with every breath. I remember my first year arriving in this paradise. I got my first view of Little Boy Lake and I was so captivated by it. And oh yes the sunset too; so unreal that I could mistake one for a painted picture. With color so vibrant, they illuminate the entire sky. Yes, those days were among the most precious during my summers. Until, I arrived at camp during the summer of my eleventh year. It would be this summer that new experiences would top the charts of my best camp memories.

I drag myself up the bus steps as I depart camp and I wave to the friends I am leaving behind. That wave goodbye sealed yet another year at Camp Olson, the best year. Comfortably positioned in my cushy seat of the chartered bus, headed for the home front, I watch the endless rows of pine trees pass before my eyes. My mind drifts back in time, and I begin to reflect o the events of the past week. Oh, what splendid experiences I had! I remember most vividly the Bog Walk. Supposedly, a bog was a dead lake covered by plants, but to it was a pathway in to another world. I remembered thinking, "what was Nature Boy talking about?" The lake was certainly not dead, but rather overflowing with life, at least on the day I visited it. If the lake had once been dead, the joyous screams that echoed through its swamps during the battle of the good ol’ mud hole awakened it. When I left the bog that day, I too, felt alive.

I marched back from the bog with the rest of the troops, we all looked like swamp monsters and smelled worse than the corral. With daises and dandelions crowned a-top our muddied heads, we arrived at camp in time for the afternoon gath- ering near the trading post. We made quite a glamorous entrance, of course, striking our supermodel poses. Nothing could replace the renewed sense of self-confidence I felt after that. As I trotted down to the lake to cleanse my muck- covered body, I found myself being soothed by the sound of squish-squash in my tennis shoes. That one simple joy seemed to satisfy me more than a slice of turtle cheesecake ever had.

After playing back all those events in my mind, I began to contemplate the countless life lessons I leaned in that week. The most important lesson taught me to enjoy the simplicity in my surroundings. Back at home, I get caught up in things; I forget to pay attention to the details in life. Everyone has their own oasis, right? Well, camp is mine. I can go there to escape all the pressures from home, and not have any locks or chains tying me down. It brings me in to a state of nirvana, in way, just being away from it all. No school, no homework, no having to worry about what other people think of me; just focusing on becoming more in tune with nature, and more importantly myself. Page 18 The Birch Log Join us next summer and tell a friend about Camp Olson YMCA

Programs for 2007: visit our website at www.campolson.org All of us at Camp Olson are gearing up for next summer. In that spirit, we are happy to announce many exciting program offer- ings that will be available for the 2007 summer.

Discovery & Pathfinder: Camp Olson’s traditional camp programs, one and two weeks sessions for youth ages 8-15.

Specialty Riding & Sailing Camp- One and two week camps to increase skill levels.

Girl Trail Riders (GTR): Saddle up, cowgirl! This program offers a serious trail riding adventure for the experienced rider. Trail Riders will pack out for a part of their two weeks to explore the far reaches of Camp Olson’s 1200 acres. In addition, campers stay out at the rustic Homestead and camp around our Shurd Lakes with their horse friends. Two week session for girls 13-16. Advanced LITs (ADVLIT): This program serves as an alternative to those ambitious teens who aspire to further hone their leadership skills. Advanced LITs will get hands on leadership experience through a climbing experience and three day camping trip. Two week session for Boys and Girls 15-16 yrs old. Apostle Island Camping (AICT): Adventurous campers are dropped on a private island within the Apostle Island National Lakeshore with their counselor. There, they will spend their days exploring, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and hiking these scenic islands of Lake Superior. Two week session for Boys and Girls 14-16 yrs. old. Advanced Canoe Trip (ACT): This tripping session will allow campers to be involved and learn about the entire camping experience. All participants will be involved in all aspects of packing out including choosing their trip! There are numerous rivers to be explored including but not limited to the Big and Little Fork rivers, Crow Wing, and numerous scenic stretches of the upper Mississippi. Make this trip truly your own! Two week session, Boys and Girls 13-16 Wrangler In Training (WIT): Older Campers who are interested in working with horses will have a chance to work in-depth and behind the scenes with our exceptional corral staff. They will learn the proper techniques for equine care and gain valuable leadership experience. Two week session for Boys or Girls 16-17 yrs. old. The Birch Log Page 19 Page 20 The Birch Log Camp Olson YMCA 4160 Little Boy Road NE Longville, MN 56655 218-363-2207 218-363-2490 fax www.campolson.org [email protected]

Sharing the Spirit of the North woods with youth, families and their leaders through YMCA Christian principled JOIN US THIS SUMMER programs that build healthy REGISTER TODAY FOR mind, body and spirit for all. 2007 SUMMER PROGRAMS ~since 1954

PPOOLLSSOONNYYMMC AMM ship•Stewardship•Adv CAA CCA Leader enture

PO Box 118 Longville, MN 56655

A Newsletter for the Camp Olson Family...