Board of Directors
Under the Bylaws of Camp Olson YMCA, members of the corporation meet annually and elect members to the Board of Directors for a three-year term. The Board of Directors then manages the affairs of the corporation. Currently, there are 13 board members who meet monthly to ensure all resolutions of the Board of Directors are implemented, observe and enforce all rules and policies of Camp Olson such as The Camp Olson Code of Conduct. The Camp Olson Board of Directors also hires and assesses the performance of the Executive Director on an annual basis. The Camp Olson Board of Directors operates under the Carver model of governance. Serving on the Board of Directors is voluntary and without reimbursement. Camp Olson’s fiscal year is October 1 -September 30.
Please contact Camp Olson YMCA if you are interested in learning more about becoming a board member and view our Board Member Job Description here.
Financial Statements
As a publicly supported organization, Camp Olson YMCA believes in the appropriate disclosure of its financial data. Please use the links below to view recent tax returns and financial audits.
Bylaws
Bylaws are the rules that govern the internal management of an organization. They are written by the organization’s founders or directors and cover, at minimum, topics such as how directors are elected, how meetings of directors are conducted, and what officers the organization will have and their duties. Click link below for Camp Olson’s Bylaws.
2024 Annual Meeting
This year’s Annual Meeting was held on January 22nd in Rochester, MN.
What is the Annual Meeting?
The Camp Olson YMCA annual meeting is the Board of Directors’ time to report to our alumni, volunteers, donors, and camp families a summary of 2023 events, activities, and the financial health of Camp Olson YMCA and announce organizational plans for 2024.
The meeting included:
- A report by Board President, Jeff Van Straaten
- Announcement of 2024 elected officer of the Board
- Nominations and elections for new Board Members
- Review of our 2022-2023 Audited Financial Statements
- Endowment Report by the Board of Trustees
- Report by our Executive Director Russ Link
- Awards and Recognitions
- Projects and 70th Anniversary for the 2024 season
Jeff Van Straaten
President
Duluth, MN
3rd Year, 2nd Term
Jeff Van Straaten – President
My brother Mike got me started working at Camp the summer of 1990 as a dishwasher. From there, I spent the next 8 summers counseling, directing Program Areas and leading the Homestead project. These were the best, most formidable summers of my life. I took my camp experience and built a career of guiding extended wilderness trips for incarcerated youth in New Jersey. Later I got my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology in Seattle, Washington and moved back to Duluth, Minnesota to take a job as a Psychotherapist for a residential wilderness therapeutic program. Presently I am a stay at home dad managing our two children Elizabeth and Brooke with my wife Aimee.
It is so wonderful to live closer to Camp. We have attended Family Camp for many summers and our oldest daughter attends youth camp.
Greg Schieber
Vice President
Canton, MN
2nd Year, 2nd Term
Greg Schieber - Vice President
I never attended summer camp as a child (gasp!), but found great opportunity to make up for lost time my couple of summers on staff in 2007/08. My introduction to camp occurred in the dead of winter on a University of St Thomas geology field trip—the purpose of which was to take lake core samples of the Shurds lakes for an environmental geology course. At the urging of my friend and colleague, Tommy Rodengen, I came back that next summer to join the cause and found the previously frozen Northwoods alive with adventure, excited youth, and talented staff, many of whom would quickly become close friends. As a Camp Olson outsider, I was especially impressed by the welcoming and accepting spirit of my colleagues.
I worked a subsequent summer on a Wyoming dude ranch before returning to Minnesota to spend three summers as camp director at Camp UniStar on nearby Cass Lake. I next served on the Camp UniStar Foundation’s initial board of directors and feel proud to be coming full circle back to Camp Olson where the spark was ignited.
I graduated law school in 2013 and have my own small-town law practice in Harmony, MN. My wife and I reside on 16 acres in what locals call “The Big Woods” fifteen minutes south of Lanesboro, MN. We have two young daughters (Eva and Lucy), a cow, donkey, and too many chickens.
Amanda Bakken
Secretary
Evanston, IL
2nd Year, 2nd Term
Amanda Bakken – Secretary
I came to work at Camp Olson after my first year of college expecting a fun summer job where I could spend time with young people in the outdoors and meet some new friends. I got that, and so much more. Not only did I acquire basic camp skills like how to saddle a horse, pack for a week-long canoe trip, cook over a fire, and how to make a black ash basket, it was at Camp Olson where I really learned about the value of teamwork, came to appreciate that fun and work are not mutually exclusive, and met people who would become lifelong friends. I enjoyed six summers at camp as a cabin counselor, trips leader, and trips/outpost director.
Most people who have gotten to know me in the years since I worked at Camp have had the pleasure of hearing me tell them all about Camp Olson YMCA. I hope that as a board member I can continue to talk to people about the wonderful things that happen at Camp, and work for the benefit of the organization that has given my family and me so much throughout the years, so that the organization can continue to thrive and provide opportunities for more young people for many more generations.
I live in a Chicago suburb with my husband Geoff and our son and daughter, and I work in healthcare. Our son started coming to kids camp a few years ago, and then we started coming to Family Camp a couple of years later, and now we can’t imagine ever missing it! It is the highlight of our year.
Jennifer Sall
Past President
South Minneapolis, MN
2nd Year, 2nd Term
Jennifer Sall – Past President
My love affair with Camp Olson began in 1977, my first year as a camper. I continued to go back to camp for the next several summers. In 1981, my parents suggested that I apply to work at Camp instead of getting a "real" job in town for the summer. I had no idea how life-changing that would be. The next four years on staff were some of the best summers of my life. The things I learned and the relationships I forged there will never be forgotten. My time at camp instilled in me love and respect for the outdoors, helped me to become a stronger leader, and a more compassionate human being.
I feel very blessed to be a part of the Camp Olson family. Both of my kids, who are now adults, were also long-time campers. Over the years, it has been amazing to see how camp has changed, yet stayed the same. I look forward to giving back to this place that means so much to so many. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. I have been in the Graphic Design field for over 30 years. Currently, I am a freelance Designer and Art Director. I live in South Minneapolis with two Goldendoodles, one of which is a working therapy dog.
Kevin "KB" Bergschneider
Board Member
Denver, CO
1st Year, 2nd Term
Kevin "KB" Bergschneider
Growing up in Rochester and a proud graduate of Mayo High School, I was looking to spread my wings in 1980 before starting college at the University of Texas. I was hired on to be a counselor that summer and ended up spending the next 5 summers on staff as a counselor, CIT Director, Program Coordinator, with part-time stints at the Boathouse and Corral. At Camp Olson, I was anointed the nickname of KB and have carried it with me ever since.
My fondest memories of Camp are of leading canoe trips into the BWCA and rivers of Northern Minnesota. The North Fork, South Fork, Namekagon and St Croix were canoe trips I led numerous times and enjoyed immensely. These were high adventure years! Building relationships with fellow Camp Olson staff and staying connected over the years has been truly rewarding and it was great to be able to attend Camp Olson’s 50th & 60th Anniversary events.
I live in Denver, Colorado with my wife Carolyn. We have two children – a Senior in High School and Sophomore in College. I work for a water engineering firm called HDR and lead the company’s Client Development activities in Colorado. We thoroughly enjoy the mountains of Colorado, but in the Summer you will find us on the water at our lake cabin near Park Rapids MN.
Although I was raised in Rochester, I have always felt that Camp Olson taught me how to connect with people. I look forward to serving on the Camp Olson Board.
Erin Brown
Board Member
Hager City, WI
1st year, 2nd Term Term
Erin Brown
My first introduction to Camp Olson YMCA was through the stories of dear friends who had been campers and CITs in high school. Through their connection, I was able to find a job working at this place that meant so much to them, and spent two summers working at camp in the corral. Here I made amazing friendships with people and horses that are still alive and well today. Camp was a place of outdoor adventure where kids were able to explore and discover themselves while the staff was able to learn to lead with compassion and humor. I returned to camp as a family camper when my children were toddlers and have loved watching them grow to be youth campers that are having new and different adventures every time they are at camp.
I work in St. Paul, MN at Ecolab where I began as a Chemist and am currently doing Change Leadership work in Business Adoption. I live in Hager City, WI with my husband Jeremy, and our mixed family of four children, and a variable number of foster children. We have chickens, ducks, goats, and horses, including one retired Camp Olson YMCA favorite, Killer.
Marisa Capezzuto
Board Member
Winona, MN
3rd Year, 2nd Term
Marisa Capezzuto
Camp Olson has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old when I first attended as a camper. After being a camper, I worked for several summers as a counselor and as one of the first LIT leaders. Camp Olson has helped me find an incredible group of lifelong friends and a place that feels like home. It has also helped me develop my leadership skills, fostered my love for the outdoors and has created more joy in my life than I can put into words.
Following my freshman year at Northland College, I went on to serve in the
Wisconsin National Guard as a mechanic, then graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Environmental Policy, Planning and Law. After graduation, I lived in the Portland, OR area as well as Phoenix, AZ for over 9 years.
After moving back to Minnesota, I wanted to get more involved with camp and ensure that future children can enjoy camp for many years to come. Currently, I live in Winona, MN, with my giant puppy, Bear, who is normally right by my side. When I am not working or at camp, my free time is filled with photography, hiking in the bluffs, month-long road trips, and cooking with friends. I work at Colliers Valuation & Advisory Services as an Executive Administrator (now for fifteen years!). This position has a variety of tasks, but most are related to operations, training, client services, and staff development.
I look forward to serving on the board and giving back to Camp Olson!
Dimitri Culpepper
Board Member
Minneapolis, MN
1st Year, 1st Term
Dimitri Culpepper
My journey at Camp Olson begins for me at the tender age of 11. I didn’t know what to expect or think when I first took that coach bus from the Twin Cities on that hot Sunday, but I knew I was excited to see what camp had to offer! The fact of the matter is that for me and many children who choose to spend their summer in the Northwoods, it becomes a place of sanctuary and peace. Learning how to horseback ride, loving it, and eventually becoming the Corral Program Director would have never happened without a place like Camp Olson. The skills I have learned and the memories I have kept have translated to my everyday life in so many different ways.
Today, I work as a Technical Product Manager consultant in Minneapolis and an alumni of St. Olaf college. When I’m not working or spending time with family and friends you can find me cooking delicious meals at home, or at least I think so. I also love listening to music and adding to my vinyl collection.
Michael Dougherty
Board Member
Rochester, MN
2nd Year, 2nd Term
Michael Dougherty
Mike Dougherty is the director of communications and public engagement for the Minnesota Department of Transportation District 6 in Rochester. Mike has been with MnDOT since 2013. Previously he’s been a newspaper and freelance writer and editor for 25 years. He’s the father of Jack, Katherine and Martha Dougherty, all veterans of Camp Olson. He is married to Michelle, whose children Olivia and Donovan Baskett have also discovered the magic of the Northwoods. Camp Olson is a constant in our family conversations throughout the year and an organization we support. Mike believes in the values, mission and contributions of Camp Olson to kids and families. Through his daughters’ and step-son’s experiences as counselors in training and counselors, he’s seen how camp can build leaders who carry their experiences into the world ahead of them.
Mike is a volunteer at Rochester’s homeless shelter the Dorothy Day Hospitality House and visits inmates at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester. He’s also been a youth sports coach and volunteer in his children’s activities. Mike feels that service on the Camp Olson board of directors is an honor, knowing you’re entrusted with the stewardship of camp’s continued success.
Grant Flick
Board Member
St. Paul, MN
2nd Year, 1st Term
Grant Flick
My memories of Camp Olson are among my earliest and fondest. Throughout the early 2000s, many of my summer weeks were spent as a camper taking advantage of everything Camp had to offer- the boats, the horses, the rifles, and of course, the friends. In 2010 my involvement transitioned to a staff role through the CIT program, followed by multiple summers in a variety of roles on the staff. Around the campfires of the North Woods, my strongest friendships were forged, many of which remain strong to this day. Nowadays, I work at 3M Health Care in a research and development function. I live in St Paul with my wife, Emily, along with our two dogs and cat.
George Hartson
Board Member
Minneapolis, MN
1st year, 2nd Term
George Hartson
I fell under Camp Olson’s spell in the summer of 1965. I was 10 years old and I would have never believed that a week anywhere could be as much fun as camp. I was a camper and CIT during my summers at Camp Olson. I’ll never forget the anguish I felt when my parents advised me that I needed to pursue summer jobs in town. Camp Olson was absent from my life until the invitation to participate in the Memorial Day Spring clean-up came some 11 years ago. Since then, I’ve come back under camp’s spell. My heart sings whenever I have the opportunity to return and wander about our beautiful camp and reconnect with friends from decades past.
I’m currently retired. I spent over 35 years in Federal service. After serving in the Peace Corps in the Philippines, I worked with the Treasury Department in New York City, and was invited to join the Department of Agriculture after a Master’s Degree internship in Washington D.C. I worked in a variety of administrative positions with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and ended my career as a national Branch Chief for Realty and Property Services, supporting 4 agencies within the Department.
Shelley Healy
Board Member
Minneapolis, MN
2nd Year, 1st Term
Shelley Healy
How fortunate I am that in 1983, when I was 10 years old, my father decided that we should attend Family Camp at Camp Olson. We stayed in the Lower Cabin that summer, and I rode a horse for the first time. I quickly fell in love with Camp Olson, and continued attending as a camper and family camper through the rest of my childhood before working on staff for 4 years from 1989-1992.
I returned to Camp Olson with my own children to attend Family Camp in 2013. My children immediately fell in love with Camp Olson and felt a deep connection there. Over the past decade they have attended Family Camp and Discovery Camp, progressing through the LIT and CIT leadership programs. At Camp, I (re)met the love of my life and husband, Andy Healy and we joined our families together in 2015. Now, we have children working at Camp Olson! It is amazing to see the relationships that have developed between our children and the children of other staff that we worked with decades ago! Life truly comes “full circle” at Camp Olson.
It is impossible to overstate the profound influence that Camp Olson has had on my life and my family. Camp Olson has given us an exceptional love of the outdoors, a fierce desire to protect natural spaces, relationships with incredible people from all over the world, and the confidence to be leaders that work for good in our home communities. I want to see Camp Olson continues to thrive and change the lives of children and their families for years to come. I am excited and honored to be able to give back to Camp by serving on the board.
Sarah Pacchetti
Board Member
Rochester, MN
3rd Year, 1st Term
Sarah Pacchetti
My love- some might say obsession- with Camp Olson began in the summer of 1979. I attended multiple summers (sometimes twice per summer) with my cousin, and/or various friends from both Rochester (where I was born) and Mankato (where I moved to in 4th grade). Sadly, I never had the experience of working at camp, so I’ve lived vicariously through my children.
My sons, Sam and Jack, both started coming to camp the summer after third grade, and every summer after. They each completed LIT and CIT programs and worked as counselors, LIT/CIT lead (Sam), maintenance, and kitchen staff (Jack). It’s sad to think that all of that has come to an end for them. Thankfully, their younger sister, Eleanor, is following in their footsteps and adores camp as much as the rest of us!
I have an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Texas A & M- Corpus Christi. After Texas, we lived in Oklahoma and Florida while John flew as an E6 Pilot for the Navy. After 10 years, we left the Navy and came back to Rochester where I opened a Home Instead Senior Care franchise. John joined me in that business 6 years later when Ella came along. I opened Bloom Açai Cafe in the summer of 2022 which takes up most of my time now.
My community involvement includes 6 years on the Civic League Day Nursery board, leading a community-built playground project in 2005, and organizing the upkeep ever since. I have volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club in various roles for the past 10 years as part of my husband’s involvement on the board. As part of our Home Instead business, I started the Be A Santa to A Senior program which has been serving southeastern MN seniors for almost 18 years. I have also served as an ambassador for Camp Olson.
I am beyond excited to be a part of the Camp Olson board of directors and look forward to helping grow the Spirit of the Northwoods in any capacity that I can!
Brian Vanderah
Board Member
Minneapolis, MN
2nd Year, 1st Term
Brian Vanderah
I was first introduced to Camp Olson as a parent when we convinced my then 9-year-old daughter to give camp a try – all by herself – by telling her, “they have horses…” After leaving our tiny person in the middle of that giant athletic field and then poring over the photos online during what was a seriously rainy and mucky June week, we weren’t sure what to expect. But when we picked her up from the bus, our bedraggled kid announced, before even giving us a hug, “one week was not enough!” From then on I knew that Camp Olson has a special magic.
Camp has meant so much to my family over the years. My kids have grown from campers into staff members, and we’ve seen the transformative power of camp through their development. Family and friends have joined us for work weekends and family camps, finding their own camp magic. In 2020 we spent a lot of time at Camp Olson working on bikes, and planning and helping to build the mountain bike skills course along with the many other volunteers who helped beautify camp that quiet summer.
My happy place is outdoors. Bicycling, adventure motorcycling, canoeing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and camping are where you’ll find me when I’m not in my day job as a Customer Service Supervisor for Quality Bicycle Products. Life is best when I get to share those outdoor activities with friends and family.
Now, after a lifetime outdoors and many years as a Camp O parent and volunteer, I’m excited to join with the full board of directors and staff to help ensure that that Camp Olson continues to protect and share the “spirit of the northwoods” that has captivated us all, whether as campers,
staff, parents, grandparents, board members, or volunteers, for years to come.
Nora Woodworth
Board Member
Winona, MN
1st Year, 2nd Term
Nora Woodworth
When I was 11, my family left our home in Minnesota and moved to New Hampshire. The next year, my friends from Minnesota asked if I wanted to join them at a summer camp for a week. I did. I fell in love with Camp Olson – the people, the atmosphere, the Northwoods – and returned summer after summer, staying a little longer each time as a camper, then CIT, then a staff member. I finally moved back to the midwest “for college”, but really it was to be closer to my camp family. Convinced that the “Spirit of the Northwoods” was something real and in need of protection, I pursued a degree in Environmental Science and later a Masters in Education.
I met and married my husband, Jake Woodworth, at Camp Olson and was thrilled to join him as a year-round resident there. It truly is a very special place. I took my camp-fostered passion for the outdoors and entered the field of environmental education. I recently started a second location for a small nonprofit, Happy Dancing Turtle, where I implement educational programs for youth and adults, including environmentally-themed day camps.
Camp has always been the place where I feel most at home. I have gained so much from my time there and I now fully understand how transformative being involved in a camp community can be. As a board member, I hope to use my experience to help make camp the best version of itself, so that all youth can have the opportunity to find a home and a family in the Northwoods for many generations to come.
