camp courage 60th anniversary memory booklet

“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