“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
“Camp Courage should really be named Camp Paradise!�
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.
“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.”
Important Dates Throughout Camp Courage History: July 8, 1956: Camp Courage is dedicated “My favorite part of camp is EVERYTHING, but I really, really like hanging out with my counselor. He’s so cool!”
bohm (standing) joins Governor Camp Courage Founder, Wilko Schoen recognition of Camp Courage. Wendell Anderson (seated) for special
1966: Camp expands to offer Speech and Hearing camp
1976: Hubert Humphrey dedicates new reception center after a fire destroyed the original in 1974
“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!”
1998: Schoenbohm Cabin is dedicated • 1999: Schoenbohm Wildflower Garden is dedicated
2012: Friendship Ventures acquires Camp Courage, forming Camps of Courage & Friendship
Bob Polland, lo
ng-time Camp
Courage direct
or
“Every year, Will comes home with a picture of his cabin mates and staff. He frames each one and treasures them.�
2013: Camps of Courage & Friendship rebrands as True Friends
2014: Dudley Equine Center and Sanner Arena are constructed to accommodate the new True Strides Therapy Horses program
it didn’t matter if my “For those ten seconds as able to fly.” legs worked or not, I w
Thank You!
Camp Courage Maple Lake
Camp Friendship
Camp Eden Wood
Annandale
Eden Prairie
Camp Courage North
Camp New Hope
Lake George
McGregor
www.truefriends.org