Staff

Kristi Youngdahl has spent every summer of her life at Cathedral of the Pines, first as a camper, a counselor, on staff in college, in her role on the Mount Olivet Youth Staff, as Assistant Director, and eventually becoming Camp Director in 2011. Kristi leads with kindness, welcoming 2000+ people a summer to the shores of Lake Caribou. She understands the importance of traditions old and new at camp, with relationship-building being the center of a great camp experience.

She is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. Kristi was hired to be on the Youth Staff of Mount Olivet in January 1988. She became the Youth Director in the fall of 1991 and served in that role for 23 years.

Kristi enjoys picking agates on Lake Superior and the many rivers along the North Shore, hanging out with her two favorite golden retrievers, Copper and Reuben, and if it were up to her, she would play cards all day, every day.

Kris Ericksen is a born and bred Mount Olivet gal. She grew up loving COP, participating in all facets of Camp as a camper, workstaffer, counselor, camp staff member, volunteer cook, and landed in the role of Camp Coordinator in 1996. Little did she know as a first-time, 3rd grade camper in the early 70’s, that COP would be her life-long vocation.  She is blessed to help guide parents and campers in their COP journey.

Kris and her husband, Brad, have been married for over 30 years and reside in Apple Valley, MN. Their greatest joy is being parents and grandparents to Hannah, Mark, Kaden, Parker, Luke, Rachel, and Anthony. When not at Church or Camp, Kris is an avid Minnesota sports fan, she loves the beaches of Florida, her daily walks and most of all, loves to spend time with family and friends.

Gail has been a part of Cathedral of the Pines for many years and has been on the Camp Staff since 2019. With a degree in Elementary Education from Gustavus Adolphus College, Gail spent five years in education, bringing her passion for education and relationship-building to young learners.

After her teaching career, Gail served as the Coordinator of Membership, Fellowship, and Special Events at Mount Olivet before landing in this role. She’s dedicated to creating meaningful connections with everyone who walks through the camp gates and believes in the power of shared experiences

Gail and her husband, Joe, reside in St.Louis Park, MN with their golden retriever, Leonard. When not at Church or Camp, Gail loves to travel, hike, and spend time with her family and friends.