Post on 24-Jul-2016
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“We realized that camping can positively influence individuals’ attitudes toward themselves. The way they view their own disabilities is often more crucial than the disability itself. By breaking out of isolation to share with others the fun of camping in a natural setting, they can see themselves more objectively.”
-Wilko Schoenbohm, 1953 (Courage: The story of Courage Center)
Printing gifted by Rengel Printing Company, St. Cloud, MN
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” -Henry Ford
In June 1955, Camp Courage opened its doors for a limited first session. There were six cabins housing 16 campers and four counselors each, a dining hall/recreation center, a therapy building and a crafts building. About 300 campers, ages 8-19, attended the session.
Ariel view of Camp Courage Fragrance Garden
For the first time in Minnesota, children with physical limitations could explore nature, try new activities, enjoy friendships and benefit from therapy in an accessible camp, built just for them.
“Camp Courage should really be named Camp Paradise!”
“John loves camp. He talks about it all year long and
starts packing for camp in the spring! He feels safe, has
so much fun, and I know he is getting the best care.”
“Words can’t describe how it
feels when you get a camper
to smile for the first time, or
catch their first fish, or hug
you and tell you that this is
their favorite place in the
entire world.”
July 8, 1956: Camp Courage is dedicated
Important Dates Throughout Camp Courage History:
“My favorite part of
camp is EVERYTHING,
but I really, really like
hanging out with my
counselor. He’s so cool!”
1966: Camp expands to offer Speech and Hearing camp
Camp Courage Founder, Wilko Schoenbohm (standing) joins Governor
Wendell Anderson (seated) for special recognition of Camp Courage.
1976: Hubert Humphrey dedicates new reception center after a fire destroyed the original in 1974
1998: Schoenbohm Cabin is dedicated • 1999: Schoenbohm Wildflower Garden is dedicated
“I get to be like every
other kid when I’m at
camp. I even get to fish
off the pontoon and
swim in a lake!”
2012: Friendship Ventures acquires Camp Courage, forming Camps of Courage & Friendship
2013: Camps of Courage & Friendship rebrands as True Friends
“Every year, Will comes home with a picture of his cabin mates and staff. He frames each one and treasures them.”
Bob Polland, long-time Camp Courage director
2014: Dudley Equine Center and Sanner Arena are constructed to accommodate the new True Strides Therapy Horses program
“For those ten seconds it didn’t matter if my
legs worked or not, I was able to fly.”
Thank You!
www.truefriends.org
Camp CourageMaple Lake
Camp FriendshipAnnandale
Camp Courage NorthLake George
Camp New HopeMcGregor
Camp Eden WoodEden Prairie