Geared perfectly toward younger, first-time campers, Pathfinders will spend their week with their two counselors who will lead them in all daily activities. These include: swimming, arts and crafts, archery, nature activities, ring rides on horseback and introductory sailing. Counselors also accompany Pathfinder campers through evening all-camp games and evening campfire programs.

Discovery Camp Ages 9-15

Discovery Camp offers Camp Olson's traditional camping at it's finest. Campers live, learn, and discover the "Spirit of the Northwoods" through new friendships, independence, and exploration of the outdoors. Campers are assigned a cabin at the beginning of the session and will live with two counselors and their fellow campers their age. Mornings are spent with their cabin group and are structured to include all of the fine activities Camp Olson has to offer. During the afternoon, campers are given the freedom to choose their own activity. Discovery Campers will also camp out 1 night with their cabin around our beautiful Shurds Lakes. One-week sessions are available for campers ages 9-15 and two-week sessions are available for ages 11-15.

Horseback Riding Camp Ages 11-15

Riding Camp participants will learn basic riding principles in a controlled ring-riding situation 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. Like all Camp Olson youth programs, afternoons are free for campers to choose any of Camp Olson’s great activities. In addition to getting the general Camp "O" experience, riding campers will learn how to care for and about their horse friends, while gaining self-confidence as they hone their riding skills and work to attain Riding Level Awards.

Trail Riders Ages 13 - 15

This program offers a serious trail riding adventure for the experienced rider. Trail Riders will pack out for a part of their two weeks to explore the far reaches of Camp Olson’s over 1200 acres. In addition, they will have the opportunity to stay out at the rustic Homestead, cook breakfast over a fire, and camp around our Shurds Lakes with their horse friends. 2 Week session for boys and girls 13-15 yrs. old.

Sailing Camp Ages 11-15

Sailing Camp participants will learn basic sailing principles through a hands-on and experiential approach. This will include instruction in the basics of sailing theory, boat parts and other equipment, and sailing terminology. Sailors will gain first-hand knowledge by sailing aboard our fleet of Sunfish and big boats. Like all Camp Olson youth programs, afternoons are free for campers to elect their own activities. In addition to getting the general Camp "O" experience, sailing campers will to learn to grow in self-confidence and awareness as they challenge themselves to earn progressive awards in sailing achievement.

Fishing Camp Ages 11-15 (New 2007)

This is a new program offering for the serious angler. Fishing Campers will head out each morning to jerk some jaws around our 5 lakes. Our resident fishing guru will help campers to explore and find the real hot spots. This session will include instruction in lure tying, fish identification, and cleaning.

Advanced Sailing Trip Ages 13-16

This is a two-week session that includes an authentic big water sailing experience. Advanced Sailors will spend part of their time at camp learning and practicing their skills with their Sailing Counselor. Then, Advanced Sailors will take it to a whole new level when they set sail for three days of exploration of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The trip will be led by a US Coast Guard licensed Captain aboard a private yacht. While on board, campers will aid in sailing and navigation while touring the scenic island chain. Space is limited!

Ranger Camp Ages 11-14

Ranger Camp was created for those campers with a high interest in exploring the great outdoors. During their session Rangers will stay in our rustic homestead cabin and cook their breakfast over an open fire. The rest of the morning is focused on activities and experiments related to nature and the environment. Many of these activities will take place out of our new Nature Center. Afternoons are free for campers to participate in all of Camp Olson’s afternoon activities. The Ranger’s week peaks with an overnight field trip to Itasca State Park where they will explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Apostle Island Camping Ages 14-16

Adventurous campers are dropped on a private island within the Apostle Island National Lakeshore with their counselor. There, they will spend a week exploring, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and hiking these scenic islands of Lake Superior. During their weeklong stay, campers will learn valuable camping skills that will last a lifetime. This two-week session allows campers time to experience all that Camp Olson has to offer as well. Space is limited!

Advanced Canoe Trip Ages 13-16

Advanced Canoe Trippers will explore the scenic Big Fork River, navigating rapids and discovering the amazing natural beauty of this northern Minnesota river. This tripping session will allow campers to be involved and learn about the entire camping experience. Participants will be involved in all aspects of packing out including planning of their weeklong trip! Valuable camping skill will be gained along with a lesson in teamwork. Canoe Trippers will also have sufficient time at Camp Olson to experience all of their favorite activities.

Leadership In Training (LIT) Program Ages 14-15

This program is catered to the older camper who seeks to get a little more from their Camp Olson experience. Through hands-on training and group initiatives, the Camp Olson LIT program focuses on cooperation, self-discovery, and leadership skills. Each two-week session includes a three day canoe trip and a day trip to a climbing wall and ropes course. Campers will stay in two of our newer timber-framed cabins and spend their mornings with their fellow LITs gaining leadership skills through an array of team building and thought provoking activities. Afternoons are open so that campers may choose their own activities. LITs will leave with a greater sense of themselves and the necessary skills to be a leader.

Advanced Leadership Training Program Ages 15-16

This year, we are proud to offer an option to those mature and ambitious teens who seek to further hone their leadership skills. The session will be a bit more intense and ask more from its participants when it comes to demonstrating what they have learned. A three day backpacking trip and climbing experience are also included. These young leaders will stay at the rustic Homestead where they will cook breakfast over a fire and spend their mornings involved in leadership activities and Homestead projects. The Advanced Leadership Training Program at Camp Olson is a great alternative for teens that aspire to work at Camp Olson yet are unable to participate in our CIT program.

Wrangler In Training Ages 16-17

The Wrangler in Training Program takes on one boy or girl per two-week session for extensive training with our wonderful Corral staff. WITs will acquire the equine skills and knowledge it takes to work at the Camp Olson Corral and beyond. Application required for those interested since space is limited. CLICK HERE for an application

Skipper In Training Ages 16-17

Camp Olson's Skipper in Training program offers campers the chance to learn all that it takes to work at the Camp Olson Boathouse. SIT’s will hone their sailing skills while gaining knowledge of program implementation and boat maintenance. This program is the perfect primer for teens aspiring to work in the Camp Olson programs and beyond. Space limited to two participants per two-week session. CLICK HERE for an application

Counselor In Training (CIT) Program Age 16 by start of session

The ever-popular Camp Olson CIT Program offers campers the ultimate training experience for those who aspire to work as a camp counselor in the future. CITs will spend a week on the Superior Hiking Trail, bonding and pushing their limits. The lessons learned on the trail will be immediately put to use upon return to camp through leadership training and instruction in each of Camp Olson’s program areas. During the final week, CITs will shadow a cabin and begin sharing their acquired knowledge with young Camp Olson campers. This is a highly competitive and space-limited program and an unforgettable experience. Potential CITs must complete an application as we will only accept 11 participants per session. CLICK HERE for an application

Update 10/31--CIT 6789 Almost Full!!

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