The health and safety of our campers are our first priority. We are committed to physical and psychological safety and aim to create an inclusive camp community where each camper is valued and celebrated for who they are.

Camp Olson YMCA Facts:

• Accredited by the American Camping Association and annually licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.
• We provide an overall staff to camper ratio of 1:4.
• Professional health care staff (Registered Nurses or MDs) are on duty 24/7 in the Camp Olson Health Lodge to respond to any medical needs, provide first-aid, and distribute prescription medications.
• All campers and staff receive a health check by our professional health care staff upon arrival.
• All staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive background and sex offender registry checks at the local and national levels.
• Staff participate in a one-week training that includes topics on homesickness, bullying, camper health and hygiene, sexual abuse prevention, behavior management, mental health, and trauma-informed practices.
• The majority of staff are CPR, First-Aid, and Lifeguard certified by the American Red Cross.
• We have a clinical mental health professional on-site.
• All outbound trips leaders are Wilderness First Aid, and Lifeguard certified.
• Storm and emergency response drills are practiced and reinforced throughout the season to keep our staff prepared. 

MEALS

At Camp Olson YMCA, we understand that food not only fuels fun but also friendships. Meals at camp are an excellent opportunity for creating community through table conversations and authentic interactions with cabinmates and counselors. Our large dining hall can seat all campers at once for a community dining experience and offers a covered outdoor dining space. Campers enjoy three hearty meals per day (served buffet-style), with an afternoon and evening snack available at our trading post.

Our skilled food service staff serve up a wide variety of dishes to please the pickiest of eaters. Weekly menus include cereals, french toast, pizza, pasta, sandwiches and burgers, tacos, chicken, and plenty of salads, vegetables, and fruits. We do our best to accommodate dietary needs by making vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free,nut-free and gluten-free options. However, we cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination from food ingredients from facilities that also process nuts, dairy, or gluten products. If your camper has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please be sure to note these on your health forms.

LODGING

Cabins are the basis of the camp community – a place to connect, a group to identify with, and cabin counselors to have as role models. Creating friendships, developing leaders, and increasing self-confidence are the goals of Camp Olson YMCA’s programming and cabin environment. Each cabin houses 8-10 campers and two counselors. We carefully place campers in cabins with youth of similar ages and gender (also see our gender-inclusive cabin options). Campers are also welcome to request a cabin mate, though they are sure to make new friends regardless of whether they come with friends from home or not.

Our cabins are cozy, rustic, well-maintained, and ideal for small-group living. All cabins have electricity and screened windows for fresh lake breezes. Campers sleep in twin-size bunk beds with access to their own cubbies or storage. Every cabin is a short walk from a modern bathroom and shower facility.