Meet the Staff
John Lyon - Executive Director
John Lyon comes to Camp Olson YMCA with 30 years of experience in the non-profit world, previously serving at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast where he was the VP of Camp & Branch Operations for the previous 6 years. While there, John increased residential camp revenue, expanded enrollment and added numerous capital improvements. Prior to YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, John also worked for the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, the CHASCO Family YMCA, YMCA Camp McConnell and YMCA Camp Twin Lakes. John holds a Bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University and is currently working on a Master’s degree from the same university.
“I am honored and excited to join the Camp Olson YMCA family and to be a part of the amazing community of Longville. Camp Olson is a very special place that provides exceptional camp experiences that bring people together to create a sense of belonging and community. I am truly
looking forward to working alongside our dedicated staff team, the Board of Directors and community leaders to continue making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”
Margret Windebank - Camp Director
Margret, originally from Maple Grove, first came to Camp Olson as an 8-year-old camper and continued returning each summer, eventually participating in the Counselor-in-Training program. She went on to spend eight summers as a seasonal staff member, serving in a variety of leadership roles including Counselor, LIT & CIT Leader, Waterfront Director, Leadership Development Coordinator, and Counselor Coordinator.
Before joining Camp Olson’s full-time team, Margret worked in special education with the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District, supporting students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. Her experience in education strengthened her passion for youth development and continues to shape her approach to creating supportive, inclusive, and meaningful experiences for campers and staff.
After initially joining the full-time team as Assistant Camp Director, Margret now serves as Camp Director, overseeing Camp Olson’s summer programs, seasonal staff, leadership development programs, and camper experience. Having grown up at Camp Olson herself, she brings both a deep connection to camp’s traditions and a commitment to helping them grow for future generations.
Outside of camp, Margret enjoys spending time outdoors, going on adventures with her three dogs, and spending time with family.
“Camp Olson has played a meaningful role in my family for generations and has shaped so much of who I am today. I am deeply committed to Camp Olson’s mission and grateful for the opportunity to help carry forward the traditions, relationships, and experiences that make this place so special.”
Amy Johnson - Office Manager
Amy has worked at Camp Olson YMCA since 2004 as the Office Manager and Healthcare Coordinator. She had worked as a nurse for a number of years in specialty clinics and general practice and provides support to our nurses during the week and answers questions at registration time to assure continuity of care. Amy resides on Girl Lake with her husband, son, and daughter.
“Some of my favorite calls in the office are the ‘return families’ who are sending their children to the camp that they fell in love with as a child. They are excited for their kids to get their own stories from camp. The 2nd and 3rd generation campers are a testament to Camp Olson’s quality programming. And as we all hope they’ll make their own memories and lifelong friendships networked out of the magic of laughing and playing in nature.”
Lila Spurgeon-Assistant Camp Director
Lila’s camp journey began at age 9 as a camper at YMCA Camp Silver Beach on the eastern shore of Virginia. After progressing through the camp’s Counselor-in-Training program, she went on to spend seven summers on staff in a variety of program and leadership roles, including Sailing Counselor, Program Development Director, Girls Head Counselor, Waterfront Director, and Assistant Program Director.
After earning her degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, Lila continued pursuing her passion for outdoor recreation and youth development, spending her summers working at camp and winters teaching skiing. Most recently, she worked with Long Beach Unified School District at an overnight outdoor education program based at YMCA Camp Oakes, helping fifth-grade students learn, explore, and build confidence through experiences in the outdoors.
Now serving as Camp Olson’s Assistant Camp Director, Lila brings a strong background in camp programming, staff leadership, outdoor education, and youth development. She is passionate about creating environments where young people feel comfortable being themselves, taking on challenges, making mistakes, and discovering what they are capable of.
“I believe camp gives young people the opportunity to be silly, play, face challenges, make mistakes, and grow through it all. I am passionate about creating a community where campers and staff feel empowered to show up comfortably, confidently, and authentically.”
