Testimonials
The “Spirit of the Northwoods” is a unique feeling. Here is how some of our campers, staff, and families describe the Spirit of the Northwoods.
"The way I feel when I’m out hiking and canoeing and enjoying nature."
CAMPER
"Hearing the unique laughter of each camper during campfire skits."
STAFF MEMBER
"Laying on my back with my best-friends looking at the stars over the tree line."
CAMPER
"Being able to share the outdoors and make connections with new people."
CAMPER
"Freed from routine pressure and experiencing love and devotion towards camp."
CAMPER
"Home."
PARENT
"Meeting people from all across the world and becoming family in the span of a week."
CAMPER
What Parents are saying:
“I want to let you know that my daughter’s experience at Camp Olson was more than I could have hoped for. She came back with a greater sense of confidence in herself and a sense of belonging to something. My greatest hopes for this week at camp were met and exceeded. I am telling everyone what a good experience it was. My normally non-communicative daughter has not stopped talking about her week at Olson. She told me in the car, “I am so going back there every year until I become a counselor!” You will never know what a challenge the last 6 months have been and what a turnaround this is for her. It speaks to the power of your program. Thanks for all you do.”
PARENT
“Since his time at camp, we have witnessed a huge transformation in our son. He came home with a more positive attitude. He was more confident and outgoing. He is having his best school year yet. We know his experience at Camp has made a major impact on his life. Thanks for all your hard work for kids of ALL ages!”
PARENT
“Thanks for a great week at Camp Olson during which I discovered why my kids have loved it so much. Your operation is rare in its mission, its setting, and its management. You’ve assembled an unbelievable staff. The group of young adults on staff at Camp Olson give me hope for the future! Thanks for all you do!”
PARENT
What Campers are saying:
“I love Camp Olson so incredibly much that I am sometimes embarrassed. I think I love Camp so much because you guys are so great and positive—it’s amazing! I do things at Camp that I am terrified to do anywhere else. I am excited that my parents are sending me for 3 weeks this summer! On days when I’m feeling sad or bummed out, I think about Camp and suddenly I find myself smiling and laughing. The staff are so great that it makes me want to pass this on to kids someday, so I want to be a counselor.”
CAMPER
“I think it’s the atmosphere at Camp that keeps me coming back year after year. There’s something about this place and the caring staff, who are not just leaders, but friends, that is so freeing. It lets you be yourself at all times. No one at Camp even remotely cares what you look like, how much money you have, or where you come from. They just care who you are and who you hope to be.”
CAMPER
“After being home for a week, I’ve begun to contemplate the countless life lessons I learned at Camp Olson. The most important lesson taught me to enjoy the simplicity in my surroundings. Back at home, I get caught up in things; I forget to pay attention to the details in life. Everyone has their oasis right? Well Camp is mine. It’s there that I escape all the pressures of home and am truly free. At camp I can focus on getting in tune with nature and more importantly, myself.”
CAMPER
