At Camp Olson, our mission is to “Share the Spirit of the Northwoods” and we believe all kids should have the opportunity to experience that spirit, regardless of their ability to pay. It is the policy of Camp Olson to provide services for any person who desires to participate. These funds are made available through contributions to Camp Olson from individual donors, grants, and other sources.

Financial assistance can include the camp fee, transportation fee, and camp store money. To serve as many children as possible financial assistance awards range from partial to full assistance of the cost to attend a camp session. Financial assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until our funds are depleted.

Consideration in Awarding Financial Assistance

1. Financial Assistance will be granted based on financial need, household income, and other factors. Family income will be used as initial eligibility criteria. Parents, guardians, social service agencies, or grandparents may apply for their camper.
2. Camp Olson believes a strong sense of ownership and pride is developed when financial assistance recipients contribute to the cost of their camp experience. Therefore, applicants will be asked to pay a portion of the camp fee. We request each financial assistance applicant to provide a $200 deposit towards their camp fee when registering. If you are unable to provide a deposit, please contact Camp Olson, 218-363-2207. This deposit is part of the registration process and will hold your place. Your check or credit card payment will not be processed until the award amount is accepted by the camper’s family. The deposit is refundable if you do not accept the financial assistance offer.
3. Financial assistance may also be provided to a child whose school behavior, social interactions, family situation, or life experiences indicates a need for a Camp Olson opportunity. In this case, if the family income exceeds our criteria, financial assistance may still be granted.

How to Apply

If you have not already done so complete the Financial Assistance Fillable Form which is available below. After submitting this form, register for a camp session. A camp registration form must be submitted in order to be considered for financial assistance. If you are not able to pay for the deposit at this time, or wish to wait to pay the deposit until your financial assistance is confirmed, please select “check” on the payment preference in the registration form.

Applications will be processed as they are received, and the financial assistance award amount must be accepted and agreed upon before we finalize the camper’s registration. You will be notified by email regarding the financial assistance award amount, and you must reply that you accept or decline the financial assistance. If you are not satisfied with your financial assistance award amount or if financial assistance is not granted, you may contact us, cancel, and your deposit and all paid fees will be refunded.

Financial assistance will be granted for only one camp session per participant.

Accounts must be paid in full four weeks before the participant may attend their camp session.

All financial assistance applications are kept confidential and non-management camp staff are not aware who attends camp with financial assistance.