Board of Directors

Camp Olson YMCA is a volunteer-led organization. Our Board of Directors are community leaders who generously donate their time and expertise by establishing operating policies, providing planning and strategic direction, and helping to secure the resources we need to promote change in the community and advance the YMCA’s mission.

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.

2023 Annual Meeting

This year’s Annual Meeting was held on January 23rd. Location TBA.

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 2022 events, activities, and the financial health of Camp Olson YMCA and announce organizational plans for 2023.

The meeting included:

  • A report by Board President, Jenny Sall
  • Announcement of 2023 elected officer of the Board
  • Nominations and elections for new Board Members
  • Review of our 2021-2022 Audited Financial Statements
  • Endowment Report by the Board of Trustees
  • Report by our Executive Director Russ Link
  • Awards and Recognitions

Jennifer Sall

President

South Minneapolis, MN
1st Year, 2nd Term

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Jennifer Sall – 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.

Jeff Van Straaten

Vice President

Duluth, MN
1st Year, 2nd Term

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Jeff Van Straaten – Vice 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.

Jeff serves as the Board Liason to the Accountability and Transparency Committee of the DEIJ Taskforce.

Amanda Bakken

Secretary

Evanston, IL
3rd Year, 1st Term

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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.

Amanda also serves as the Board Liason on our Training & Education Committee of the DEIJ Taskforce.

Kevin "KB" Bergschneider

Board Member

Denver, CO
2nd Year, 1st Term

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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
2nd Year, 1st Term

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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
1st Year, 2nd Term

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Marisa Capezzuto

Camp Olson has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old when I first attended as a camper. I attended every year until I was 17, including taking a trip to the BWCA! 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.

After 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.

As soon as I moved back to Minnesota, I knew I wanted to get more involved with camp and ensure that future campers can enjoy camp for many years to come. I currently live in Winona, MN with my giant puppy, Bear. When I am not working or at camp, my free time is filled with photography, walking in the refuge, hiking in the bluffs, listening to live music and cooking with friends. I work from my home for Colliers International Valuation & Advisory Services as the Administrative Manager for the Southwestern United States. I have worked for them for over ten years and love my job. This position has a variety of tasks, but most are related to budgeting/accounting, human resources, training and client relationships.

I look forward to serving on the board and giving back to Camp Olson!

 

Marisa serves as the Board Liason to the History, Traditions, and Culture Committee of the DEIJ Taskforce.

Michael Dougherty

Board Member

Rochester, MN
3rd Year, 1st Term

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Michael Dougherty

Mike Dougherty is the director of public engagement and communications for the Minnesota Department of Transportation District 6 in Rochester. Mike has been with MnDOT for six years. 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, whose experiences have stretched from Family Camp to counselor work and all that’s in between. He is married to Michelle, who has Olivia and Donovan Baskett. Camp Olson continues in our family conversations throughout the year and we’ve supported the effort with donations, recommendations and sweat at work weekends through the years. Mike believes in the values, mission and contributions of Camp Olson to kids and families. Through his daughters’ experiences as counselors or counselors in training, he’s seen the additional value those experiences create for them as they march out into the world.

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 been a youth sports coach and volunteer in his children’s activities, too. The chance to serve on the board of Camp Olson is an honor that Mike views as an opportunity to learn and appreciate in greater depth all that Camp Olson is. It’s also a responsibility to bring his energy, ideas and abilities to meld with the initiatives and talents of the other board members and staff to help find ways to sustain and strengthen Camp Olson in the near-term, but also help carve its toehold in the future.

George Hartson

Board Member

Minneapolis, MN
2nd Year, 1st Term

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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.

Bridgit Jordan

Board Member

Minneapolis, MN
3rd Year, 2nd Term

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Bridgit Jordan

I was lucky enough to marry into a Camp Olson family. My husband, Frank Bures, and his two brothers worked at and attended camp. My first experience was camping in the Shurds with Frank while he was Camp Naturalist, and trying not to get eaten alive by mosquitoes. Since then, I’ve also had the opportunity to enjoy Family Camp with Frank and my two daughters on a number of occasions. As a Camp Olson board member I want to work to ensure that the north woods experience we’ve had is around for generations to come.

Jim McGowan

Board Member

St. Paul, MN
1st Year, 1st Term

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Jim McGowan

I was first introduced to Camp Olson when I became the Executive Director of the MN Alliance of YMCAs in 2013. In that role, I was visiting each of the Y associations across the state and had the pleasure of visiting Camp Olson and getting a tour by Russ Link. I was blown away by the stunning beauty of the camp, and the myriad of opportunities that it had to offer to campers and families.
 
In my current role as Director of State Advocacy for YMCA of the USA, I cover 17 states (including my home state of Minnesota), and also camp advocacy for Y camps across the country, facilitating a Camp Advocacy Day in partnership with the American Camp Association each year in Washington, DC.
 
In my spare time, I perform on my guitar and have had the opportunity to play at Camp Olson on occasion. I’m looking forward to more opportunities to do that again in the days ahead!
 
I am so appreciative of the Camp Olson conservation commitment that will preserve the legacy of this special place for generations to come. I welcome the opportunity to be a part of that work.

Sarah Pacchetti

Board Member

Rochester, MN
1st Year, 1st Term

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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, the LIT and CIT programs didn’t exist back then, and I never had the experience of working at camp, so I’ve lived vicariously through my children.
 
My sons, Sam (22) and Jack (20), both started coming to camp the summer after third grade, and every summer since then. They each completed LIT and CIT programs and have worked as counselors, LIT/CIT lead (Sam), maintenance, and kitchen staff (Jack). It’s sad to think next summer could be the last. Thankfully, their 13-year-old 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. We also own a cocktail lounge, Bitter & Pour, and are typically working on some other business at any given time.
 
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 I can.

Greg Schieber

Board Member

Canton, MN
3rd Year, 1st Term

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Greg Schieber

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.

Nora Woodworth

Board Member

Winona, MN
2nd Year, 1st Term

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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.

Nora serves as the Board Liason to the Access and Representation Committee of the DEIJ Taskforce.