Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get Started or Become a Camp Knutson Volunteer?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Camp Knutson, call or email Lori Lee, our membership coordinator at 952.457.6746 or loriandronlee@comcast.com. Please visit our Volunteer page for additional information about membership. You will need to fill out a Volunteer membership form; a background check and voluntary disclosure form, (in accordance with MN state law), and a time and talent form. All volunteers, new and returning, will need to create a profile here: MyImpactPage - Application Form - Camp Knutson (betterimpact.com). The creation of your volunteer profile will include all of your necessary forms to volunteer. You are encouraged to attend our Spring meeting for new volunteers at Camp Knutson on May 30 at 10 a.m. to find out more about us.

What Are the Volunteer Qualifications?

To volunteer at Camp Knutson, you must be at least 18 years old. The CK Volunteer Organization welcomes prospective members regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. (By Laws of Camp Knutson Volunteer Organization)

What Are the Basic Expectations of Volunteers?

Ability to provide caring support and patient encouragement to kids
Are passionate about making a positive impact on others’ lives
Willing to learn and work with individuals of all ages and abilities
Have the ability to be a team player and be flexible
Be committed to completing your chosen task while having fun with kids and volunteers.

How Do I Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities?

Please visit the Volunteer page to explore camper or non-camper activities; fundraising and special events. After looking over the volunteer opportunities, fill out the Time and Talent Interest Form sheet and contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lori Noll at 952-452-0259 or labonoll@gmail.com You may participate in pre-season sign-ups for specific activities and dates for volunteering at the Spring meeting on May 30 at 10 in the Camp dining hall.

How Will I Keep Track of My Volunteer Schedule for the Summer?

Following the spring meeting and throughout the summer, all schedules for activities are available online (betterimpact.com). Included under each activity will be the date, time, contacts, listing of volunteers, and available dates/times for ongoing opportunities or necessary cancellations.

What’s the Time Commitment?

Each volunteer activity is outlined on the Volunteer Opportunity page, and includes a brief description and the day and time they meet. There is no minimum weekly, monthly or summer commitment; you may sign up for as many activities as you’d like. Volunteers who work on other non-camper activities such as gardening, cleaning, or maintenance often meet weekly but there is no required attendance expectation.

How Do I Register for Night Under the Stars or Other Events?

You will receive an invitation in the mail in May if you have attended the event in the last few years. You may also register online on the Night Under the Stars Event Page. This website will have links to updated information, silent and live auction items, auction donation forms and much more. This year the theme is Boots and Bling. If you’re interested in working with a dynamic team and meeting new friends, contact Gretchen Sebald @612.310.4405 or gasebald83@gmail.com

LSS: Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) a non profit organization that provides a wide range of human support services related to the basic necessities of life - food and shelter, physical health and safety, and emotional and spiritual well-being. Camp Knutson is a service of LSS.

CKV: Camp Knutson Volunteers

This acronym is frequently used when referring to our Camp Knutson Volunteer organization. CKV is run by a board of volunteer leaders. We are grateful for our current membership of approximately 150 volunteers.

NUTS: Night Under the Stars

Night Under the Stars is the main fundraiser sponsored by the volunteers. The event is the third Saturday in July. It features both a silent and live auction, music, wine and appetizers, program and a gourmet dinner. Reservations made online or by RSVP cards included with mailed invitations.

Greater Giving

This fund-raising auction software has been used by the NUTS volunteers to promote a smooth organization of the silent and live auction since 2012.

Quilt Auction

The Quilt Auction is sponsored by the Paul Bunyan Regional Auxiliary. It features beautiful hand-made quilts donated by churches, quilt groups, and individuals that are sold at the auction. This event is typically in August. Our group of volunteers often get involved in helping support this event.

Ice Tee Open

This fundraiser is sponsored by Moonlight Bay in Crosslake, MN and Golden Eagle Golf Course, Fifty Lakes, MN and held at the Moonlight Bay Restaurant in February.

Pancake Breakfast

Camp Knutson Counselors and Staff host all CK Volunteers, friends, and families at the Camp for a complimentary “Thank-You” breakfast, held Saturday of Labor Day weekend.

All CKV Volunteer Picnic

The Camp Counselors and Staff host a picnic for the volunteers, on the Camp grounds and usually in September.

Where Spirits Fly

This hard cover book is 120 pages of Camp Knutson history in photo-rich, coffee-table format. Each page of Where Spirits Fly brings to life Camp Knutson’s vision of providing a nurturing place for children with disabilities and/or fragile health conditions to find acceptance, support and love.

Harold Knutson

Congressman Harold Knutson deeded his summertime retreat to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in August 1953. His cottage and 30 acres of lakeshore property were to be used exclusively as a summer retreat for "neglected, unfortunate, deprived and handicapped children" during the months of June, July and August each year.

Canteen / Camp Store

This Camp store, located in Bazinet Recreational Center, is a place for campers, visitors and volunteers to purchase CK apparel and candy.

Fairy Fund

This Canteen Store fund is donated by volunteers specifically for kids who come to camp with no money or funds.