Camp Olson YMCA

Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Bonfire

Wedding Day

Camp Day

Lunch at Camp Olson - Pizza

Dinner at Camp Olson - Burgers & Brats

Welcome to #CampGustin!

Our Wedding

Eagles fly together... Forever

This story brings us all the way back to 2004.Matt (more commonly known as Gus) and Kristin met as young middle schoolers while going through confirmation at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. After meeting, a silent crush was kindled as they went on with their lives thinking the other was cute. Through middle and high school Matt and Kristin maintained a friendship, but it wasn't until the end of their senior year in 2010 that they finally got together.The high school sweethearts went on to college only a few short months after beginning their relationships, but luckily for them, they both attended schools in Indiana (Matt attended Indiana University and Kristin attended DePauw). Over the next 2 years the two maintained a long distance relationship by keeping in touch through writing letters and visiting one another when possible. Unfortunately, after almost 2 years of long distance, Matt and Kristin had a tearful breakup.However, as you probably already know, their story wouldn't end there. After splitting, the two remained friends and continued to hang out when they were both back in Minnesota visiting home.In 2016, Kristin moved back to Minnesota after living in Indianapolis for a couple years after graduating from DePauw. When she moved home she decided to write Matt a letter (just like the good old days). She wondered if he felt as though there was still something there between the two of them. Matt and Kristin ended up going on their second "first date" to have dinner and see some live music (one of their favorite things to do together).And, well, the rest is history.Over the next few years Matt and Kristin went on hundreds of dates, wrote many letters, took various trips that ranged from Northern Minnesota to weeks spent road-tripping across the United States to hiking and exploring all that New Zealand and Australia has to offer, they moved into a cute downtown Minneapolis apartment together, and adopted their adorable pup, Shanti.After 4 years of dating "again", Matt and Kristin got engaged on 10/15/2020 with their dog child, Shanti, and parents there to celebrate with them.They have since moved out of downtown Minneapolis in hopes of finding their perfect first home together in the near future. They both work in the western suburbs and Kristin is also completing a Master's program in Applied Positive Psychology through University of Pennsylvania in which she will graduate August 2021.Matt and Kristin are excited to jump into their next adventure of forever together and have many fun things to look forward to in the next several months leading up to the wedding.They are grateful and excited to share their most special moments with all of you at Camp Olson on 9/10/2021! P.S. Both Matt and Kristin have saved every letter they have written back and forth since the beginning of their "first" relationship in 2010. They keep them in a special box together and read through them from time to time. How special! You may be wondering - Why Camp Olson? Kristin spent her summers at Camp Olson between the years of 1995-2013 as a young camper and eventually a staff member and it holds a very special place in her heart. Matt has also been to visit several times over the years. Since they both love nature, camping, and outdoor activities, it seemed like the perfect place to celebrate their love. We hope you enjoy your "Camp Gustin" experience!

Our Story

First of all, thank you so much for making the trip! We know it is not an easy destination to get to so we are VERY grateful that you are able to take the time and energy to celebrate with us! Whether you are driving from Minneapolis, flying from out of state, or even arriving with your passport in tow, your presence means the world to us! Camp Olson is located at 4160 Little Boy Rd NE, Longville, MN 56655. Driving from Minneapolis via Hwy 94/10/371/84 OR 94/169/6 both work well and either route takes about 3 hours. Be sure to check out the "Things to Do" page for some recommended stops along the way. If you are flying, bless your soul and thank you! You can look into flying into three different airports:-The cheapest option is most likely flying into the Minneapolis St. Paul International Aiport (MSP). This means you will probably have to rent a car or coordinate with a local friend to make the final leg of the journey. It is possible there might be airport shuttles from MSP to the Brainerd area. MSP is about 3.25 hours away from Camp Olson.-Another great option is flying into Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (KBRD). This airport is about 1 hour from Camp Olson. If you plan on flying into Brainerd, feel free to let one of us know and we can try to coordinate transportation for your final leg of the journey. We will do our best to accommodate you!-If you have special connections to a pilot, Longville Muni Airport (XVG) is right in town. If you are able to fly straight into Longville, definitely let us know and we will make sure you get a ride to/from the airport!

Getting There....

We would love it if you joined us by staying in a cabin on site! Staying at Camp Olson alleviates the stress of having to drive safely to and from the ceremony/reception and allows you to stay close to the fun and action all weekend long! Cabins can sleep between 8-12 people and do not have bathrooms or sinks inside. There is electricity and lighting. We can accommodate your "bunk mate" requests if you wish to share a cabin with friends or family. Please note: There are two heated bathroom houses (with toilets, sinks, private showers, electricity, mirrors) on site. The cabins only have bunks with twin mattresses. So please bring sheets, blankets or a sleeping bag, pillow, or your preferred choice of sleeping if staying on site. If you are traveling by airplane and think this might be an issue for you, please let us know and we will try our best to help you out! Camp Olson is kind enough to lend us their cabins for the weekend, so please respect the property and leave them as you found them. You can also camp (tent, RV, etc.) for free on site. Please just let us know if you plan on doing so! Please coordinate directly with Kristin (kristin.jonason@gmail.com) to reserve your cabin! Arrive as early as Thursday and stay as late as Sunday. We realize this type of accommodation isn't for everyone, so we've included some other options below.

This is a 5 minute drive from Camp Olson.

Little Boy Resort

This is a 6 minute drive from Camp Olson.

Pine Ridge Resort on Girl Lake, Longville, MN

This is a 15 minute drive from Camp Olson.

Pine Haven Resort

This is a 10 minute drive from Camp Olson.

All Seasons Resort

This is a 20 minute drive from Camp Olson.

Woman Lake Lodge

This is a 20 minute drive from Camp Olson

Kee-Nee-Moo-Sha Resort on Woman Lake

FYI: Walker is a 30 minute drive from Camp Olson

Country Inn Walker

If you are looking for something nicer, Grand View Lodge is a great option. However, it is a 1-hour drive from Camp Olson.

Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort

Feel free to rent a house in the surrounding area using www.airbnb.com or https://www.vrbo.com/ Just be sure you check to see how close it is to Camp Olson (located in Longville, MN)

Rent a house using AirBnB or VRBO

Travel & Accommodation 

One of the reasons we decided to have our wedding at Camp Olson is because it has so much to offer for our family and friends! Please stay and hang out with us all day Saturday after the wedding!Camp Olson has more than 1250 acres of forests and fields, including 5 lakes, three of which are private to Camp Olson, plus many miles of hiking trails. We have the entire property to ourselves for the weekend, so make yourselves at home. We both love hiking, canoeing, camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, and saunaing - and you can do any and all of those things while you celebrate with us throughout the weekend! For you yard game lovers - there is plenty of space for outdoor games and activities. If you have a favorite you want to bring, please do! And if reading or hammocking is your thing - there is plenty of space for you to relax, too.Whether you arrive early on Thursday, want something to do on Friday before our ceremony, or while you hang out on Saturday, we invite you to enjoy all of the beauty and fun the Northwoods has to offer. Saturday Activity Schedule:10:00 am - 5:00 pm Horseback Riding (please sign up for a trail ride time slot while at camp; long pants and close-toed shoes required)10:00 am - 3:00 pm Sailing (just show up to the boathouse to take a sunfish or have a staff member sail you around)1:00 - 4:00 pm - Target Sports: archery, riflery, axe throwing (just show up, no experience required)2:30 pm - Iowa vs. Iowa State Game at the Staff Lounge All activities available throughout camp and are "open-house" style are available all weekend long: yard games, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, saunaing, swimming, fishing, and lounging. Enjoy all the fun and beauty Camp Olson has to offer!

Activities at Camp Olson

Grab a drink or a meal and play some Big Buck Hunter at The Anch! Make sure you order some Cheese Curds while you're there!

Anchorage Inn

Kristin has spent more time and money at The One Stop than any other destination in Longville, so of course it had to make the list! Whether you need a snack, pizza, sub sandwich, gas, a fishing license, or live bait, The One Stop really has it all!

The One Stop

A favorite local establishment with the best drinks and even better karaoke.

Docksider Bar

We haven't been here yet but I heard it is a good food truck with mini golf!

The Woodpile Up North Eatery and Mini Golf

Walker is one of the "larger" towns in the area. It is located on Leech Lake and has lots of shops and restaurants. Walker is about 30 minutes from Longville.

Shores of Leech Lake

Brewery in Walker, about 30 minutes away from Camp

Portage Brewing Company

Oh my gozh Zorbaz is a northern Minnezota clazzic. If you have extra time, and a car, you do not want to mizz Zorbaz on Gull Lake! It is about 1 hour from Camp Olzon. You could alzo ztop here on your way to Camp if driving via 371. Pleaze drive rezponzibly!

Zorbaz

Things to Do

I have known Kristin her entire life. We've been on plenty of adventures together including Camp Olson (and even being co-counselors for a very lucky group of 10 year olds), traveling to Zambia and Peru, and making up musical concerts to perform at Christmas time (Kristin on the piano and Chelsey on the trombone). Like any good wine, our relationship gets better with time!

Chelsey Jonason

Bridal Party


How we met: We were freshman year roommates at DePauw!

Favorite memory with Kristin: Kristin and I have so many memories together that I can’t just pick one! But one of my favorites is the week I visited Kristin while she was studying abroad in Denmark!


Bailey Anstead

How we met: 7th grade baseball and then our families took a spring break trip to Hawaii that Winter.  The rest is history.
Favorite memory with Matt: At the end of every summer from high school through college our friend group (many groomsmen included) would take a trip to Gus’ cabin to cap off the summer.  Countless summer weekends, snowmobile trips and great memories have been enjoyed with the entire Gustafson family at Cedar Lodge on Spider Lake.  Big shout out to Denny and Sue Davies for hosting us!


TJ Fisher

How we met: Partners in crime since 8th grade!
Favorite memory with Kristin: Camp memories aside… the times we cannot sleep at a sleepover, camp out, or cabin and we lay there for hours laughing about nonsense. Things that no one else finds funny but brings us to tears even after already laughing about it for an hour.


Jeni Luker

How we met: Gus and I grew up playing on many of the same baseball and football teams together. We became great friends in high school and then got to live together in our fraternity at Indiana University. 
Favorite memory with Matt: One of my favorite memories with Gus was a spontaneous trip we took in 2011 to the Georgia vs. Florida football game. We’ve adopted the Georgia Bulldogs as our SEC team ever since. 


Chris Knoff

How we met: I met Kristin when my brother, Gus, and my family were on the same senior spring break cruise as Kristin!
Favorite memory with Kristin: I have 2! The first is when Kristin and Gus came to visit me at Madison my senior year and I got to show them all my favorite spots and we even went on our own cheese curd crawl. Second, the camping trip we took this fall with my siblings and significant others! KJ is our master camper and provided all we needed for survival + entertainment! Yes, including 4+ hours of Catan by the lantern light.

Anna Gustafson

How we met: I was lucky enough to grow up in the same neighborhood as Gus so our memories go WAY back.
Favorite memory with Matt:  Some of my favorite memories are trips to Hayward, living together fresh out of college, and practicing our best pyro techniques at family bonfires growing up. 


Gage Shaeffer

How we met: I met Kristin at DePauw! We lived across the hall from each other freshman year and then got close when we both joined Theta!
Favorite memory with Kristin: Kristin is one of my dearest friends who not only has the kindest heart but is always up for a fun and silly time! She and I used to walk around DePauw’s campus together and climb trees. I have so many wonderful memories with KJ and I am so excited for Gus to be part of our future adventures together!


Christine Barlow

How we met: I met Gus at some point growing up in EP. I’m not sure exactly when but it most likely involved talking around a bonfire or lunchroom table. We went on to have plenty of table talk when we lived together in Uptown post-college. 
Favorite memory with Matt: Eaux Claire’s music festival a few years ago seeing some of our favorite bands and camping in the Wisconsin wilderness. 


Jack Nixon

How we met: Kristin and I met the summer before our freshman year at DePauw when she and her sister and mom hosted a local DePauw party!
Favorite memory with Kristin: I can’t pick just one! The countless laughs, heart to hearts, and lake walks we’ve had over the past 11 years.


Kath (Reichel) Maloof

How we met: Teammates from the imperfect and lack luster 8th grade football team.
Favorite memory with Matt: Barhopping in Waconia. It was a hard ask to drag people outside the city but Gus came willingly. Now we pay our bill with pull tabs at the VFW. 


John Schram

How we met: We met freshman year at DePauw when living in the same dorm and joining Theta together, eventually living together sophomore year!
Favorite memory with Kristin: Being at Theta together causing shenanigans and playing tricks on their friends, dance parties at the frats, sleep room chats, and FaceTiming each other from different parts of the house to be weird together! 


Lilian Raidt

How we met: I can’t pinpoint when exactly I met Matt, but we became good friends back at EPHS & never looked back. 
Favorite memory with Matt: Some of my favorite memories are the countless concerts we have attended together, late nights at our uptown house, and the time spent up at Cedar Lodge. I look forward to the many of memories yet made alongside each other. 


Kyle (Gorg) Wargolet

How we met: We met many years ago (2010) when Gus and Kristin started dating their senior year of high school!
Favorite memory with Kristin: During quarantine we got to spend a lot of time with Gus and Kristin at the cabin, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and those are my favorite memories! Exploring the wilderness, playing Catan, watching Grumpy Old Men, and just relaxing and enjoying each other's presence!

Megan Gustafson

How we met: Gus and I met in 1st grade playing hockey together. We played hockey, baseball, and football together all the way through high school. 
Favorite memory with Matt: It always seemed like I spent just as much time at the Gustafson’s house as I did my own. They were a second family for me growing up! One of my favorite memories was watching Gus hit his first career home run in his very last at bat in high school.


Matt (Hal) Halloran

How we met: When Kristin moved into the house 2 doors down in 5th grade, it took some time to get to know each other, but in high school we were inseparable
Favorite memory with Kristin: Desperate Housewives Sundays, loner bons (bonfires with just us two), and sleepovers in her basement.


Paige Jennings

How we met: I first met Kristin in the summer of 2008 when I was her CIT leader at Camp Olson – fortunately we got her to change out of her heavy Doc Martin leather boots (thanks Lori) before our trip down the Superior Hiking Trail. Unbeknownst to Kristin at the time, I was already dating her older sister, Chelsey (the camp beach director). We formally became in-laws in 2017.  I feel lucky to have Gus as a compatriot in the Jonason family, thank goodness Kristin locked him down.

Matt Spanier

How we met: Freshman year at DePauw!
Favorite memory with Kristin: Two years after graduating from DePauw, Kristin and I got the itch to go on an adventure and we both simultaneously offered up the idea to climb Mt Kilimanjaro! Several months and lots of planning later, we shared a tent for 10 days, summited Kili, then celebrated with a honeymoon in Zanzibar.


Sarah Brennan

How we met: Eden Prairie's most prestigious educational institution, Prairie View Elementary, circa 1999 - 2000. 
Favorite memory with Matt: Too many to count. From high school adventures around Eden Prairie, listening to obscure music late at night, and traveling across the country attending music festivals, we've been through a lot! Overall, I'd have to say catching a Radiohead show at Coachella and a BWCA trip this past summer are top-tier memories for me. Gus is perpetually curious and always down to experience something new. Forever thankful to have a friend like him! 


Ryan Smith

How we met: We met our first week at DePauw! When you hear someone else is from Minny you search them out and become fast friends!
Favorite memory with Kristin: Visits to camp (her happiness there is contagious!), running Grandma’s Half Marathon together, driving to Wisconsin for the cheese curd festival, and our many trips together with gal pals!


Sydney Weaver

How we met: I first met Gus back in the early days of high school.  We initially bonded over a mutual love for music, movies, and cheese curds (all of which remain pillars of our friendship to this day).  
Favorite memory with Matt: Our friendship has taken us to countless concerts and music festivals, visits to our respective college towns, a trip to the boundary waters, and many other memorable adventures.  Gus and Kristin are some of my oldest friends, and I am so excited to be a part of their special day!


Sam Whelan

Wedding Party

On October 15, 2020, Matt surprised Kristin on one of their daily dog walks under the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis with a proposal. Obviously, she said YES!

We graduated from Eden Prairie High School together in 2010 (when the story really began) GO EAGLES!

In 2019 we adopted Shanti, a retired sled dog from Voyageur Outward Bound School in Ely, MN. Shanti spent the first 8 years of her life pulling sleds for youth groups in the Boundary Waters. She couldn't have imagined a better retirement for herself - she is a very lucky (and loved) dog.

One of our first dates (in 2010) was biking to Lake Calhoun from Eden Prairie - 30 miles round trip

Both Matt and Chelsey's (sister) now-husband Matt (right) both attended the Kappa Alpha Theta formal at DePauw in 2011. Yes, Chelsey is also married to a Matt

We decided to recreate the photo at Chelsey and Matt's wedding in 2017. You could say we all aged well.

Matt is lucky to be have so many wonderful ladies in his life. Here we are with Matt's sisters Megan (right) and Anna (middle).

Fun Fact: We went skydiving together (with Lori - Kristin's mom) in 2011!

We moved in together in 2018. We absolutely loved living downtown Minneapolis!

Back in 2011 when Kristin used to pretend to care about Football. Now that they've sealed the deal she has stopped pretending.

Our first trip to the Boundary Waters together was in 2017. We went for 4 days and Kristin caught a lot more fish than Matt did :-)

Kristin is quickly learning to enjoy the sunsets at the Gustafson's cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin

All smiles after a 20+ mile hike in Grand Teton National Park in 2020

Kristin is very grateful that Matt is willing to go horseback riding with her in all sorts of places - this is Yellowstone National Park in 2020

Rivers are to Matt as Horseback Riding is to Kristin. No matter where in the world we are, we try to find a fun adventure on the water. This was taken on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park in 2020.

We had an amazing trip to the Boundary Waters with 7 other friends in the summer of 2020

Cheetos are one of our favorite post-camping snacks

One of our all-time favorite trips was when we went to New Zealand and Australia (2019) for 2.5 weeks. We explored the south island of New Zealand by campervan cooked most of our own meals, hiked too many miles to count, and had an amazing time.

We proudly and gratefully fulfill our civic duties together!!

We're learning to find the joy and fun in all four seasons that Minnesota has to offer

We are so grateful for our parents! Wendy &amp; Dean Gustafson, Lori Jonason, and Bill &amp; Christy Jonason

Photos

Registry

What should you pack?

This isn't your average wedding experience so you may be wondering what to pack! Most of the items listed below are optional and will only enhance your weekend experience. However if you are staying with us onsite at Camp Olson, we do recommend you bring the majority of the items on the list. We're hoping you have some nostalgia for the good-ol-days of summer camp as you pack and prepare! Note: No matter where you are staying for the weekend, all of our guests are invited (and encouraged!) to hang out at or around Camp from Thursday-Sunday.   If you are staying at Camp Olson: -Bedding for Twin mattress (sheets, blankets/sleeping bag, pillow) -Headlamp -Reusable water bottle -Personal toiletries (including shampoo/conditioner & body wash, toothpaste, etc.) -Chargers for personal items -Towel (bath and/or beach) -Personal mirror (optional) -Shower Shoes (optional) -Favorite camping equipment (i.e. camping/folding chairs, fun cooking equipment, hammocks, etc.) -Cooler & beverage of choice   Optional Items for Everyone: -Backpack or day pack -Reusable water bottle -Weather appropriate clothing -Hiking boots or sandals (Chacos are our favorite) -Swimsuit -Towel -Hat / Sunglasses -Sunscreen / bug spray (bugs likely won't be too bad at this time) -Hammock -Book -Fishing pole / gear -Musical instrument -Yard games -Long pants and close-toed shoes (required for horseback riding) -Camping/folding/tailgate chairs -Favorite snack or beverage of choice -Cooler for personal drinks

Packing List

-We ask all of our guests to please have a negative covid test result before arriving at our wedding for the weekend. -We will have 185 guests in attendance. We know almost everyone is vaccinated.-We will be outside as much as possible. -You are welcome to wear your mask at any point throughout the weekend. Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe!

Kristin & Matthew

Kristin & Matthew

Covid-19