Staff FAQ
Program and Support Staff are housed in our staff cabins. We offer dorm-style rooms, equipped with 2 or 4 twin beds, or communal living in our Timberframe cabins with 8-12 bunk-style twin beds. Counseling staff will stay in our camper cabins equipped with extra-long twin bunk beds. All cabins are equipped with a dresser or space for personal storage, electricity, fans, clotheslines, and communal outdoor firepits.
Yes, staff can bring their own vehicle, though there is limited space for parking. Many staff carpool or take advantage of hopping on our bus that has multiple pickup spots throughout MN each week (prior notice required)! We offer staff parking and strongly suggest you keep vehicles locked at all times. Camp is not responsible for any theft or damage while at Camp Olson. NO campers are allowed in staff vehicles, and they should only be used during designated time-off.
View the recommended Staff Packing List.
All staff receive a 24-hour off period between camper sessions: 12:00 pm Saturday until 12:00ph Sunday. All staff also receive one night off per week, 6:00 pm-midnight. Counselors also get an extra break sometime during the week in the afternoon to take a nap or relax. Staff curfew is at midnight. Common time off activities includes dinner out at a local restaurant, mini-golf, a movie, a trip to Target, soaking up the sun at Leech Lake Beach, or a night in at the Staff Lounge.
Yes, Camp Olson has Staff Lounge (staff-only space)! The Staff Lounge has air conditioning, TVs, computers, desks, wifi, a full kitchen, storage lockers, a grill, games, a fire ring, and couches to relax and take some time for yourself!
Camp does not offer staff laundry as we do not have the facilities. There is a laundromat 5 minutes from camp in Longville! They are quarter machines, so make sure you have some spare change when doing laundry.
Your two most important roles at camp are keeping campers safe and being a positive role model. As such, drugs and alcohol are forbidden on camp property. Any staff member possessing these items at camp will be dismissed immediately. There is a designated smoking area for tobacco use in our staff parking lot away from all campers. Tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, and any paraphernalia must be kept out of cabins at all times. Any alcohol or drug use by any staff on-site while on contract, or any alcohol or drug use by minor staff while on contract (either on or off camp property) will result in immediate dismissal. Camp will also do random drug testing throughout the summer.
Our long-time mission of “For All” encourages and welcomes campers and staff from all backgrounds. Our purpose is not to change or instill any particular faith or belief upon campers or staff. Our goal is to make every person feel comfortable while still including the traditions and values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Grace is sung before each meal, and we start and end the day with an inspirational word or phrase. Anyone is welcome to opt-out of participation in these activities.
Yes! Staff have used their work at camp as part of internships in the past, and we’re happy to help you in any way we can. If you have questions about making an internship work at camp, please contact us at demi@campolson.org or 218-363-2207.