History

The History of Camp Olson YMCA . . .

really begins about 12,000 years ago with the melting and receding of the giant glaciers that covered this area and molded it into lakes, rivers and land formations. This was followed by forests with the gradual addition of flora and fauna.  Man arrived and used the resources for hunting, fishing and logging. With logging operations came settlers and some farming took place.  In 1945 EO Olson, a very successful poultry entrepreneur from Worthington, Minnesota, purchased 1600 acres of forests, lakes and fields about 3 miles south of Longville Minnesota and used it for recreation and a bit of farming.  In 1953, because of a positive relationship with the YMCA, he gave the property to the YMCA for a Camp.  Now, for over 50 years this land and the lakes have been developed and utilized as one of the nations finest summer camps.  The complete history of Camp Olson YMCA is contained in two volumes pictured below which can be read and/or purchased at the Camp Office.

To see a Camp Olson YMCA Timeline PDF file Click Here