Specialty Camps

The Corral

Camp Olson’s Corral is home to over 30 horses, a state of the art barn and classroom, three outdoor riding arenas, and miles of trails. Our well-trained, safety conscious wranglers provide riding instruction through exercises and fun games in our arena, as well as trail rides through Camp Olson’s beautiful forest. Experienced staff will instruct campers on the finer points of tack, safety, equine health, grooming, identifying breeds, and respect for the animal.

This program is geared toward younger campers with a passion for riding or a curiosity to see what it is all about. Beginner Riders will spend three mornings at the Corral, learning the basics of horseback riding and the other two mornings trying out other program areas. Beginner Riders will have the ability to achieve trail ride eligibility that is otherwise restricted to campers age 11 and older, working their way up to a trail ride on their final day. Afternoons are always free to enjoy all of our great programs.

Beginner Horseback Riding Camp

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
BR-2Beginner Horseback Riding 2June 15-219-11$1,188$1,088$9884 Male
Female Waitlist
BR-6Beginner Horseback Riding 6July 13-199-11$1,188$1,088$9882 Male
3 Female
BR-8Beginner Horseback Riding 8July 27-August 29-11$1,188$1,088$9881 Male
Female Waitlist

Riding Camp participants will learn basic riding principles in a sand arena and along our many miles of trails. Camp Olson cowpokes stay in the Riding Cabins next to the corral area, and learn and practice their riding skills each morning. Riding campers will learn about our horses and how to take care of them while gaining self-confidence as they hone their riding skills and work to attain riding level awards. Later in the week, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal on the trails around our beautiful Shurds Lakes. Afternoons are free to enjoy more riding or other program areas.

Horseback Riding Camp

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
R-1Horseback Riding 1June 8-1411-16$1,282$1,182$1,0824 Male
7 Female
R-2Horseback Riding 2June 15-2111-16$1,282$1,182$1,0823 Male
3 Female
R-3Horseback Riding 3June 22-2811-16$1,282$1,182$1,082Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
R-4Horseback Riding 4June 29 - July 511-16$1,282$1,182$1,0823 Male
5 Female
R-5Horseback Riding 5July 6-1211-16$1,282$1,182$1,0823 Male
Female Waitlist
R-6Horseback Riding 6July 13-1911-16$1,282$1,182$1,082Male Waitlist
2 Female
R-7Horseback Riding 7July 20-2611-16$1,282$1,182$1,082Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
R-8Horseback Riding 8July 27-August 211-16$1,282$1,182$1,0821 Male
Female Waitlist

The Wrangler in Training Program offers campers the chance to learn what it takes to work at the Camp Olson Corral. WITs will gain extensive training and experience in riding, horse care, and teaching skills from our Corral Staff. WIT participants should have already received at least their level of Ranch Hand or Cowgirl/Cowboy or have equivalent experience/knowledge (it is not guaranteed that WITs will receive the status of “Wrangler”). Choose single or multiple-week sessions.

Wrangler In Training

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
WIT-1Wrangler In Training 1June 8-1415-17$1,282$1,182$1,0821 Male
1 Female
WIT-2Wrangler In Training 2June 15-2115-17$1,282$1,182$1,0822 Male
2 Female
WIT-3Wrangler In Training 3June 22-2815-17$1,282$1,182$1,082Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
WIT-4Wrangler In Training 4June 29 - July 515-17$1,282$1,182$1,0821 Male
2 Female
WIT-5Wrangler In Training 5July 6-1215-17$1,282$1,182$1,0821 Male
Female Waitlist
WIT-6Wrangler In Training 6July 13-1915-17$1,282$1,182$1,0821 Male
Female Waitlist
WIT-7Wrangler In Training 7July 20-2615-17$1,282$1,182$1,082Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
WIT-8Wrangler In Training 8July 27-August 215-17$1,282$1,182$1,0821 Male
Female Waitlist

8:00 am – Breakfast

Morning – Time spent in your specialty program

*Beginner riders will spend M, T, W mornings at the corral and T, TH at other program areas

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:00 pm – Siesta (Quiet/Reflection Time)

Afternoon – Free-choice activities

6:00 pm – Dinner

Evening – Group Game & Campfire

10:00 pm – Lights Out

*Riding campers will have the opportunity to ride to the Shurds and enjoy a campfire cooked breakfast or dinner on one of their last days

Register for your favorite camp Today!

The Boathouse

Camp Olson is a premier, Midwest sailing camp with a stellar fleet of boats including Sunfish, windsurfers, and a wide range of larger boats. Our well-trained, safety conscious skippers provide sailing instruction both on land and in Camp Olson Bay which is nestled on 1,372 acre, Little Boy Lake.

Sailing Camp participants will learn basic sailing principles through a hands-on and experiential approach. Sailors will gain first-hand knowledge in sailing technique, terminology, parts and equipment by sailing aboard a variety of vessels and challenge themselves to earn progressive awards in sailing achievement. Afternoons are free to enjoy more sailing or other program areas. Come sail with us!

Sailing

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
S-1Sailing 1June 8-1411-16$1,194$1,094$9948 Male
10 Female
S-2Sailing 2June 15-2111-16$1,194$1,094$994Male Waitlist
2 Female
S-3Sailing 3June 22-2811-16$1,194$1,094$9941 Male
3 Female
S-4Sailing 4June 29 - July 511-16$1,194$1,094$9944 Male
2 Female
S-5Sailing 5July 6-1211-16$1,194$1,094$994Male Waitlist
1 Female
S-6Sailing 6July 13-1911-16$1,194$1,094$994Male Waitlist
2 Female
S-7Sailing 7July 20-2611-16$1,194$1,094$994Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
S-8Sailing 8July 27-August 211-16$1,194$1,094$994Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist

This voyage to the Apostle Islands is the perfect program for our more advanced sailing campers or a camper seeking a unique adventure. Campers will spend either 5 or 10 days out on the big water on a 33’+ sailboat learning what it takes to captain such a vessel. In addition to time spent learning more about sailing, campers will get to explore these beautiful and unique islands. Groups will be sent with one of our advanced sailing counselors and will form bonds that will last a lifetime! *Sailing experience helpful, but not required.

Lake Superior Sailing Trip

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
SST-6Superior Sailing Trip 6 (Coed)July 13-1913-163-4 participants: $2,0983-4 participants: $1,9983-4 participants: 1,8983 Space(s)
5-6 participants: $1,7985-6 participants: $1,6985-6 participants: $1,598
Superior Sailing Trip is dependent on enrollment. If the minimum number of participants is not met, trip may be canceled and refunded.

The Skipper in Training Program offers campers the chance to learn what it takes to work at the Camp Olson Boathouse. SITs will perfect their sailing skills while gaining knowledge of boat maintenance, teaching skills and program leadership. SIT participants should have already received at least their level of Mate or Mate First Class or have equivalent experience/knowledge (it is not guaranteed that SITs will receive the status of “Skipper”). Choose single or multiple week sessions.

Skipper In Training

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
SIT-1Skipper In Training 1June 8-1415-17$1,194$1,094$9942 Male
2 Female
SIT-2Skipper In Training 2June 15-2115-17$1,195$1,095$9951 Male
1 Female
SIT-3Skipper In Training 3June 22-2815-17$1,196$1,096$996Male Waitlist
1 Female
SIT-4Skipper In Training 4June 29 - July 515-17$1,197$1,097$9971 Male
Female Waitlist
SIT-5Skipper In Training 5July 6-1215-17$1,198$1,098$998Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
SIT-6Skipper In Training 6July 13-1915-17$1,199$1,099$999Male Waitlist
1 Female
SIT-7Skipper In Training 7July 20-2615-17$1,200$1,100$1,000Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist
SIT-8Skipper In Training 8July 27-August 215-17$1,201$1,101$1,001Male Waitlist
Female Waitlist

8:00 am – Breakfast

Morning – Time spent in your specialty program

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:00 pm – Siesta (Quiet/Reflection Time)

Afternoon – Free-choice activities

6:00 pm – Dinner

Evening – Group Game & Campfire

10:00 pm – Lights Out

*Sailors will get the opportunity to sail their very own sunfish or big boat in the Friday Regatta!

Register for your favorite camp Today!

Adventure Camps

Camp Olson’s 6 lakes and 1350 acres is home to a diverse network of trails and aquatic life. Adventure is waiting around every corner, whether it be on land or in the water. Our well-trained, safety conscious staff provide instruction on basic gear maintenance, skills and techniques.

Mountain Bike Campers will spend the morning learning all there is to know about this sport. Campers will learn basic maintenance, how to handle minor obstacles on our mountain bike skills course, and will spend hours on trail. Campers will work towards achieving one of our bike level awards. In the afternoon campers will get to spend time enjoying all of our program areas. This program includes a trip to a mountain biker’s dream destination, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Afternoons are free for more biking or to try any of our other activities. Camp provides bikes and helmets. Campers are also welcome to bring their own gear.

Mountain Biking

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption C
MB-5Mountain Biking 5July 6-1213-16$1,215$1,115$1,015
Fishing Campers will get hooked on fishing as they explore Camp Olson’s 5 lakes full of bass, pike, perch, muskie, walleye, and crappies. Campers will spend each morning fishing by dock, canoe, or pontoon and learn basic catch-and-release fishing skills, including baiting, knot tying, casting, and reading the water. Fishing Campers will be able to enjoy a fish-fry cookout at one of our pristine Shurds campsites. Afternoons are free for more fishing or any of our other activities. Camp provides poles and bait. Campers are also welcome to bring their own gear.

Fishing

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption CSPACES REMAINING
F-2Fishing 2June 15-2111-13$1,193$1,093$9934 Male
2 Female
F-3*Fishing 3June 22-2813-15$1,505$1,405$1,305Male Waitlist
*includes off-site overnight chartered fishing trip2 Female
F-5Fishing 5July 6-1211-13$1,193$1,093$9932 Male
2 Female
F-7Fishing 7July 20-2613-15$1,193$1,093$9934 Male
2 Female

8:00 am – Breakfast

Morning – Time spent in your specialty program

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:00 pm – Siesta (Quiet/Reflection Time)

Afternoon – Free-choice activities

6:00 pm – Dinner

Evening – Group Game & Campfire

10:00 pm – Lights Out

*Fishing campers will have the opportunity to have a fish fry in the Shurds over campfire on one of their final days.

*Mountain Bike campers will get the opportunity to take a field trip to Cuyuna’s Mountain Bike Trails.

Register for your favorite camp Today!

Art Camps

The Art Center is at the heart of Camp Olson, and offers a multi-purpose space for creativity to be explored and expressed! Our well-trained, safety-conscious staff provide instruction that inspires camper’s creative processes and self-expression through learning the history, skills, techniques, and fundamentals of a specific medium or genre of art. 

Art Campers will tap into their creativity and express themselves through a week-long exploration of the arts. Each morning, they will access several different artistic mediums which may include drawing, painting, sculpting, paper mache, theater, jewelry-making, music, creative writing, and more! Campers will build art knowledge and their technical skills while also celebrating their expressive sides, increasing confidence, and building new friendships! Afternoons are free to enjoy more arts and crafts or other program areas.

Art

SESSIONPROGRAMDATEAGESOption AOption BOption C
A-2Beginner Art 2June 15-218-11$1,170$1,070$970
A-4Art 4June 29 - July 512-13$1,193$1,093$993
A-6Beginner Art 6July 13-198-11$1,170$1,070$970
A-7Art 7July 20-2614-15$1,193$1,093$993

8:00 am – Breakfast

Morning – Time spent in your specialty program

12:15 pm – Lunch

1:00 pm – Siesta (Quiet/Reflection Time)

Afternoon – Free-choice activities

6:00 pm – Dinner

Evening – Group Game & Campfire

10:00 pm – Lights Out