Courage Center Camps - Camp Courage and Courage North - are part of Courage Center, a nonprofit rehabilitation and resource center for people with disabilities. Since 1955, Courage Camps have provided children and adults with disabilities and speech, hearing and language impairments safe, accessible places in nature to learn, grow, make friends and have fun.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
2010 Summer Registration Now Open
We are happy to announce that registration for the summer of 2010 is underway. The Camp catalog is at the printer right now and will be landing in mailboxes by the end of January. However, session information is available on our website and the application is available to download. www.couragecenter.org/camps.
Campers who register by March 6th will receive a limited edition gift. Don't miss out! Send in your application today
If someone you know would like to be added to our mailing list, please give us a call at (866) 520-0504.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Bandit Needs a Home
I'm a 15-hand, coming six-year old Paint gelding, and I'm a newcomer to Camp Courage. I was ridden extensively in an arena before I came to Camp and I do very well in that setting. However, I have very little experience on the trail, so I tend to shy at things that frighten me during trail rides.
I need an experienced rider to help me become the kind of horse the Camp Courage campers will enjoy. Someone with natural horsemanship skills who could do some desensitization work with me would be ideal.
I'm up-to-date on my shots, and trimming, and I have a negative Coggins, so I'm ready to go to a home where someone can devote some time to me before I return to camp for the summer.
Best of all - my expenses are tax deductable as a charitable donation.
If you are interested or need more information, please contact Denise Saylor at 320.963.4110 or Denise.Saylor@couragecenter.org
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
New Addition to the Woodland Campus
The last couple of months have been busy on Camp Courage's Woodland Campus. We have begun the exciting process of adding a new outdoor recreation area called Paul's Park. The park is located outside of cabin one and will feature:
* A sport court suitable for tennis, basketball, power soccer and more
* An outdoor kitchen area
* A picnic pavilion
* Beautiful views of Cedar Lake
Though the picture may not do it justice at this point in construction, we hope it gives those of you readers familiar with camp a visual idea of how things will look. We are extremely excited about the new activity options that will be able to be offered to campers and guests staying on the Woodland Campus. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
2009 Toast To Courage Recap
We are happy to report that A Toast to Courage was a HUGE success!
Please check out the link for pictures from the night. They’re easy and free to download if you wish!
http://ryantorma.smugmug.com/Non-Profits-Corporate/Toast-to-Courage-2009/10252176_BnMcf#707155024_2AbsW
Some highlights for you:
Automatic Door openers: 6 were funded for Camp
Eureka Freedom Tents: 12 were funded for Camp
Life Jackets: 60 were funded
Camper Days: 46 were funded
We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone involved with this event!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Fall Morning at the Farm
Monday, November 9, 2009
Courage Center Camps Receive Enterprise Risk Management Milestone Recognition
Monday, October 26, 2009
2010 Lions' Halloween Party a Sucess
The 5M5 Lion's Clubs once again hosted a wonderful Halloween Party at Camp Courage on the 25th. Great costumes, fun games, exciting entertainment and yummy food. A wonderful time was had by all. A huge thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this happen!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Toast To Courage Coming Up soon
A Toast to Courage
To Benefit Camp Courage
Presented by RBC Wealth Management & Validus Consulting
Please join us at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at 6:30p.m. for an event you won't want to miss: champagne, cocktails, dinner, wine pairing - and a chance to support Camp Courage. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.couragecenter.org/camps
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Meet Saxony
"Embrace who you are."
- Saxony Pohlman, Courage Center camper
When 7-year-old Saxony Pohlman’s physical therapist suggested Saxony might benefit from going to Camp Courage, Saxony hated the idea. Now 18, she recalls with an infectious laugh, “I kept trying to figure out why my parents were punishing me. What had I done wrong?”
That was 11 years and 11 summer camp sessions ago. “Oh my gosh, I wouldn’t miss Camp for the world!” she said. “It’s fantastic!”
Saxony, who has cerebral palsy, attended Courage Center’s Youth Camp as a kid, then Teen Camp when she turned 13. While she enjoys all Camp activities, she admits to “absolutely loving” tubing (“I love the water,”) and horseback riding. “My balance is a little off, so I usually ride double with a counselor. I mean, you’re up fairly high, and that ground is pretty hard!”
Most of all, Saxony loves the freedom of Camp – the freedom to do things “you probably can’t do at home” and to interact with others.
“I remember one night at Camp, we had five girls all jammed into one cabin with all our walkers, chairs and various equipment – you could hardly move – and we just hung out until way past ‘lights out’ laughing and talking. Ironically, we were talking about various surgeries we had experienced. And we all understood exactly what the others were talking about because we’d faced similar challenges.
“That companionship is so important! I understand them; they understand me. We acknowledge ourselves. That helps us live our lives positively.”
Saxony enjoys connecting with camp friends each session as well as meeting new friends. “And the counselors? They’re just like us campers, only bigger. They have as much fun as we do. In fact, I keep in touch with campers and counselor friends year round through Facebook, texting and e-mail.”
Now a senior at Maple Grove High School, Saxony is exploring career options. Perhaps not surprisingly, she’s looking into Courage Center’s Counselor in Training program. “Being a camp counselor may be the perfect way to continue enjoying camp and be able to give back at the same time. And it’s great work experience.”
As a camping pro this past summer, Saxony was called upon to talk to homesick “newbies.” “After all, I know exactly what they’re going through,” she said, recalling her emotional first camping session. “It really helps to have a fellow camper understand and tell you it’s OK to be homesick. I even tell them it’s OK to be afraid: Camp is a new environment, and you can’t possibly know what to expect.
“But I also tell them to have an open attitude. Think of time at camp as independence, because it really is. Be yourself and have fun. Embrace who you are.”
To parents …
“Making the decision to send your child to camp is an emotional one. Recognize that, and give yourself permission to be emotional about it. But recognize, too, that the Camp Courage staff is incredible! They’re thoughtful, professional and fun-loving. They balance the campers’ needs with opportunities to explore independence. They allow the campers to stretch – to try new things – and, when appropriate, encourage them. But there’s absolutely no pressure, and, when assistance or support is needed, the staff is right there. I’ve seen how my daughter, Saxony, has grown and matured over the 11 summers she has attended Camp Courage, and I’ve seen how much she loves Camp, her counselors and fellow campers. Let me sum it up: I love that place!”
- Brad Pohlman, father of Saxony Pohlman, Camp Courage camper
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
McGough Construction Volunteers Construct New Accessible Ramp at Camp Courage
A brand new accessible ramp leading to the dining hall will greet campers in 2010 at Camp Courage on Cedar Lake. The new ramp was made possible by volunteers from McGough Construction and Tree Trust, Inc., both of St. Paul, Minn.
Spanning 220 lineal feet, the new ramp is part of an ongoing project to increase accessibility of the Woodland Campus Dinning Hall. The project was started in May by volunteers from Tree Trust Inc., and was completed on Saturday, Sept. 12, by a team of 25 volunteers from McGough Construction.
“It was fun to see a finished project. My crew felt very good about helping out an organization like Courage Center,” said Brad Wood, executive vice president, McGough Construction.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"Camp is an Oasis of Freedom and Independence".
On the referral of a friend back in 1978, the parents of then 7-year-old Mark Kranz made a fateful decision. They sent their youngster to Camp Courage.
“I attended a week-long session for kids with physical disabilities,” Kranz recalls. “The kids all had different types of challenges. Mine was cerebral palsy. That first camp experience was very frightening,” he admited. “However, after a few days, I didn’t want to go home!”
That was nearly 30 years ago. Now 38, Kranz still remembers his favorite camping activity with fondness. “The horses, by far!”
Since that first session, Kranz has returned to Camp Courage seven times. Now married and raising his own children, he brings his family to Family Camp. “My kids, Jon, age 9, and Emily, 6, really like all the staff at Family Camp,” he said. “The staffers are very friendly, kind and helpful. And we make new friends at every camp we attend.”
For Kranz, Camp Courage has always meant freedom. “Camp has always been the place to try new things and learn to be independent.”
Today, Kranz works as an accredited wealth manager and assistant vice president of RBC Wealth Management. “My job requires me to talk with people all day. I meet new people all the time.” He credits camp with helping him develop his social confidence. “Camp helped me grow as a person. It made me more confident and more independent. As a result, my life has been far more exciting and rewarding.”
Kranz encourages those who might have some apprehension about going to Camp Courage to, “Go anyway. You’ll be glad you did.”
And to parents who might have reservations about sending their child to Camp Courage, he advised, “Give your child a chance to grow without you. You’ll be amazed how outgoing your child is when he or she is reunited with you.”
Did little Mark Kranz’s parents foresee the benefits of sending their youngster off to Camp Courage nearly 30 years ago? Perhaps. Today, grown up Mark Kranz summarizes its effects: “Camp Courage is an oasis of freedom and independence. I will be forever grateful to the men and women who had the vision to build this wonderful place.”
For more information about Camp Courage and Courage Center’s many camping programs, call 763.520.0504 or visit CourageCenter.org/camps.
- Story by Mary Jellison-
“I attended a week-long session for kids with physical disabilities,” Kranz recalls. “The kids all had different types of challenges. Mine was cerebral palsy. That first camp experience was very frightening,” he admited. “However, after a few days, I didn’t want to go home!”
That was nearly 30 years ago. Now 38, Kranz still remembers his favorite camping activity with fondness. “The horses, by far!”
Since that first session, Kranz has returned to Camp Courage seven times. Now married and raising his own children, he brings his family to Family Camp. “My kids, Jon, age 9, and Emily, 6, really like all the staff at Family Camp,” he said. “The staffers are very friendly, kind and helpful. And we make new friends at every camp we attend.”
For Kranz, Camp Courage has always meant freedom. “Camp has always been the place to try new things and learn to be independent.”
Today, Kranz works as an accredited wealth manager and assistant vice president of RBC Wealth Management. “My job requires me to talk with people all day. I meet new people all the time.” He credits camp with helping him develop his social confidence. “Camp helped me grow as a person. It made me more confident and more independent. As a result, my life has been far more exciting and rewarding.”
Kranz encourages those who might have some apprehension about going to Camp Courage to, “Go anyway. You’ll be glad you did.”
And to parents who might have reservations about sending their child to Camp Courage, he advised, “Give your child a chance to grow without you. You’ll be amazed how outgoing your child is when he or she is reunited with you.”
Did little Mark Kranz’s parents foresee the benefits of sending their youngster off to Camp Courage nearly 30 years ago? Perhaps. Today, grown up Mark Kranz summarizes its effects: “Camp Courage is an oasis of freedom and independence. I will be forever grateful to the men and women who had the vision to build this wonderful place.”
For more information about Camp Courage and Courage Center’s many camping programs, call 763.520.0504 or visit CourageCenter.org/camps.
- Story by Mary Jellison-
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Power of the Experience
Spending time at one of Courage Center's camps is a life changing experience. A number of years back we asked Camp Courage's camper and staff alumni to complete a survey regarding their experiences at Camp. The following quotes help to illustrate the power of the camp experience and cause us to start counting down the days until next summer!
" Camp is the place where I met life long friends,learned some lessons along the way and got to experience the beauty of the outdoors in all seasons as well as see the beauty of the human spirit at its best and brightest."
- John Nedden Durst-
" Simply put the people at Camp Courage allowed me to experience life. They were friends. They saw us for who we are and who we could be. I can honestly say that I would not be who or where I am today had it not been for all of my friends and staff that came out of Courage. Thank you."
- Jamie Head-
" Camp became the very best job I ever had or ever will. I may not return to Camp often, but it is in me daily."
- Cliff Dodge-
" The people I worked with at Camp Courage were the most real and decent people I've ever known. I was so sheltered, quiet and conservative before I started at Camp...I learned to truly live by working at Camp."
- J. Chris Leonard-
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Another Great Summer Comes to an End But the Fun Continues
As August draws to a close so does another summer at the Courage Center Camps. Time flies when you are having fun! 2009 marks our 55th summer of providing camp experiences for individuals with disabilities and it was another great year. We were able to serve over 1350 individuals and families this summer!
People often ask those of us who are here year round what we do during the "school year." Much to their surprise, our camps are busy places year round. There is never a dull moment!
Most of the non summer months are spent preparing for the next summer. This includes a whole variety of tasks. The schedule needs to be finalized, staff and campers recruited and registered, activities planned, funds raised and buildings maintained. This is no small feat for a program as large as Courage Center Camps!
What many people do not realize is that the majority of our buildings stay open year round as retreat and conference facilities. Families, churches, businesses and a whole variety of other groups are welcome to use our facilities and enjoy the natural beauty of camp. For more information on this aspect of our business, click on the link above or e-mail ConferenceCenter@CourageCenter.org.
In October we will be offering our second annual Fall Family Camp Weekend at Camp Courage (October 15-18). This is a unique opportunity for families that include an individual with a disability to experience the sites, sounds and unique activities that the fall season offers at camp. There are still some openings for families. Please contact our main office for more information (866)520-0504.
A special thank you goes out to all of our staff, alumni, volunteers and donors. Without the hard work and dedication that they share with campers, our programs would not be what they are today.
People often ask those of us who are here year round what we do during the "school year." Much to their surprise, our camps are busy places year round. There is never a dull moment!
Most of the non summer months are spent preparing for the next summer. This includes a whole variety of tasks. The schedule needs to be finalized, staff and campers recruited and registered, activities planned, funds raised and buildings maintained. This is no small feat for a program as large as Courage Center Camps!
What many people do not realize is that the majority of our buildings stay open year round as retreat and conference facilities. Families, churches, businesses and a whole variety of other groups are welcome to use our facilities and enjoy the natural beauty of camp. For more information on this aspect of our business, click on the link above or e-mail ConferenceCenter@CourageCenter.org.
In October we will be offering our second annual Fall Family Camp Weekend at Camp Courage (October 15-18). This is a unique opportunity for families that include an individual with a disability to experience the sites, sounds and unique activities that the fall season offers at camp. There are still some openings for families. Please contact our main office for more information (866)520-0504.
A special thank you goes out to all of our staff, alumni, volunteers and donors. Without the hard work and dedication that they share with campers, our programs would not be what they are today.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
National S'mores Day
Campers and Staff from Courage North set out to roast the perfect marshmellow.
Another great reason to celebrate... August 10th is National S'mores Day. In case you need some reminders on how to make a s'more, we have provided a recipe below
Classic S'Mores
(1) Place Hershey bars on graham crackers.
(2) Toast marshmallows.
(3) Place toasted marshmallows on Hershey bars to melt chocolate.
Indoor S'mores (for those of you without access to a real campfire)
12 graham cracker squares
3 Cups milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons peanut butter
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1. Spray 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray
2. Put the graham crackers a plastic zip lock bag. Seal bag closed. squeeze the
bag until crackers are broken into small pieces about the size of postage
stamp.
3. Put the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the saucepan. Cook over low
heat, stirring all the time with wooden spoon, until chocolate chips are
melted. Take saucepan off hot burner. Stir in the graham cracker pieces and
the marshmallows.
4. Spread the marshmallow mixture in the sprayed pan, using back of wooden
spoon. Put pan of bars in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until firm. Cut
the pan of bars into 8 rows by 6 rows, using a sharp knife. Wrap any leftover
bars in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.
Another great reason to celebrate... August 10th is National S'mores Day. In case you need some reminders on how to make a s'more, we have provided a recipe below
Classic S'Mores
(1) Place Hershey bars on graham crackers.
(2) Toast marshmallows.
(3) Place toasted marshmallows on Hershey bars to melt chocolate.
Indoor S'mores (for those of you without access to a real campfire)
12 graham cracker squares
3 Cups milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons peanut butter
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1. Spray 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray
2. Put the graham crackers a plastic zip lock bag. Seal bag closed. squeeze the
bag until crackers are broken into small pieces about the size of postage
stamp.
3. Put the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the saucepan. Cook over low
heat, stirring all the time with wooden spoon, until chocolate chips are
melted. Take saucepan off hot burner. Stir in the graham cracker pieces and
the marshmallows.
4. Spread the marshmallow mixture in the sprayed pan, using back of wooden
spoon. Put pan of bars in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until firm. Cut
the pan of bars into 8 rows by 6 rows, using a sharp knife. Wrap any leftover
bars in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A New Campfire Favorite
If you are looking for a new recipe to try over the campfire this summer you might want to consider making Key Lime Pie. Anna, a lifeguard at Camp Courage shared this recipe with us and we love it!
Anna's Campfire Key Lime Pie
Ingredients:
1 can condensed milk
1 stick of butter
1 package Graham cracker crumbs
1 bottle of lime juice
1 package cream cheese (optional)
Tools:
1 spoon (metal)
frying pan
pie pan
Directions:
Melt butter into pan and crush Graham crackers to form a pie crust. Next mix lime juice, condensed milk and cream cheese and bring to a simmer while stirring over heat. Once the mixture forms into pudding like consistency pour over the pie crust and enjoy.
Anna's Campfire Key Lime Pie
Ingredients:
1 can condensed milk
1 stick of butter
1 package Graham cracker crumbs
1 bottle of lime juice
1 package cream cheese (optional)
Tools:
1 spoon (metal)
frying pan
pie pan
Directions:
Melt butter into pan and crush Graham crackers to form a pie crust. Next mix lime juice, condensed milk and cream cheese and bring to a simmer while stirring over heat. Once the mixture forms into pudding like consistency pour over the pie crust and enjoy.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A Few Good Volunteers Needed
We are looking for a few great alumni who might be interested in helping us out in a few different positions or projects:
Radio Camp:We are in need of a few male counselors to assist with this program at Courage North August 16-23, 2009. Transportation from the metro area is available.
Family Camp: An additional lifeguard or two is needed to work on waterfront at Camp Courage August 14-17, 2009
Special Projects: We have a variety of end of the season inventory, cleaning, and reorganizing projects at Camp Courage. Time commitment can be flexible to meet your needs
If you are interested and available please contact Mimi at 320-963-4111 or mimi.fogarty@couragecenter.org
Radio Camp:We are in need of a few male counselors to assist with this program at Courage North August 16-23, 2009. Transportation from the metro area is available.
Family Camp: An additional lifeguard or two is needed to work on waterfront at Camp Courage August 14-17, 2009
Special Projects: We have a variety of end of the season inventory, cleaning, and reorganizing projects at Camp Courage. Time commitment can be flexible to meet your needs
If you are interested and available please contact Mimi at 320-963-4111 or mimi.fogarty@couragecenter.org
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Miracle Kids Kamp at Camp Courage
Another session at Camp Courage is drawing to a close today. This week camp was home to Miracle Kids Kamp. A session designed for children who have cancer or other blood related disorders and their siblings. This session is one of our partner programs. we are extremely thankful for the wonderful support from the Miracles of Mitch Foundation, Children's Hospitals and Clinics and the Randy Shaver Foundation.
The campers enjoyed an action packed week full of typical camp activities. There were also a few special events. Dojo Karate preformed for campers and taught some basic moves to everyone. In addition Girl Scout Troop 10646 visited camp and helped the kids decorate and plant flower pots.
The campers enjoyed an action packed week full of typical camp activities. There were also a few special events. Dojo Karate preformed for campers and taught some basic moves to everyone. In addition Girl Scout Troop 10646 visited camp and helped the kids decorate and plant flower pots.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Setting sail on a new adventure- Camp Courage's Paralympic Campers Featured on Kare 11
During this summer's Paralympic Sports Camp Wayzata Community Sailing Center hosted an adaptive sailing event for our campers. Kare 11 featured this event in a recent story. Click on the link below to read the story and watch the video clip. Many thanks go out to all the individuals who worked hard to make this happen.
kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Setting sail on a new adventure
Shared via AddThis
kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | Setting sail on a new adventure
Shared via AddThis
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A Peek Into the Hemophilia Session at Courage North
Courage North's annual session for youth and teens with Hemophilia kicked off on Sunday July 19th. Activities are in full swing and a lot of fun is had by all. Enjoy this sneak peak at some highlights from the session so far.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Highlights from Sports Camp
The Paralympic Sports Camp was held at Camp Courage July 6-14. A variety of on site activities and field trips were enjoyed by all. Highlights of the week included participating in a PGA golf clinic, sailing on Lake Minnetonka and trying out adaptive water skis
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Life is short, eat dessert first, and be a good citizen!
Doolittles Woodfire Grill will donate a portion of the profits from every slice of Mudslide Pie sold during the third quarter to help Courage Center fund its camps this summer.
http://www.doolittlesrestaurants.com/
http://www.doolittlesrestaurants.com/
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Highlights From Camp Discovery
For close to 14 years Courage North has parentered with the Autism Society of Minnesota to offer camping programs for children with Aspberger's Syndrome. This year we are offering two sessions of "Camp Discovery." The first session just wrapped up and great fun was had by all. We hope you enjoy the following pictures!
Campers from Camp Discovery head out on the lake
for an afternoon of tubing.
Courage North's program director Christen (C10) Szymanski found
herself on the hot seat in during the Camp Discovery Carnival. One
Twins fanatic camper practiced his fast ball during the sponge toss
leaving C10 soaked on a cool summer evening.
The Courage North Slip and Slide was well used during the Camp
Discovery Carnival during the last night of camp. Campers from all
cabins, mentors and staff all had a wet and wild time
These campers from Camp Discovery all participated in a few games of
chess during even program outside on the lawn of Courage North.
Prizes were given to those who could beat the guest Chess Grand Master
of the Evening. Check Mate!
Campers from Camp Discovery head out on the lake
for an afternoon of tubing.
Courage North's program director Christen (C10) Szymanski found
herself on the hot seat in during the Camp Discovery Carnival. One
Twins fanatic camper practiced his fast ball during the sponge toss
leaving C10 soaked on a cool summer evening.
The Courage North Slip and Slide was well used during the Camp
Discovery Carnival during the last night of camp. Campers from all
cabins, mentors and staff all had a wet and wild time
These campers from Camp Discovery all participated in a few games of
chess during even program outside on the lawn of Courage North.
Prizes were given to those who could beat the guest Chess Grand Master
of the Evening. Check Mate!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Camp Courage Session 1
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Update from Camp Courage
Statement Regarding H1N1 Flu at camp:
Recently, there were 10 cases of H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu) among campers and staff following the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) camp that was held at Camp Courage. None of the 10 showed symptoms until after the camp session ended June 12, and all 10 have recovered. We have reported this to state health officials, followed appropriate infection control procedures and sanitized Camp Courage. We are confident that the facility is safe. Future camp sessions are going on as scheduled and we do not anticipate any further problems.
Recently, there were 10 cases of H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu) among campers and staff following the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) camp that was held at Camp Courage. None of the 10 showed symptoms until after the camp session ended June 12, and all 10 have recovered. We have reported this to state health officials, followed appropriate infection control procedures and sanitized Camp Courage. We are confident that the facility is safe. Future camp sessions are going on as scheduled and we do not anticipate any further problems.
A Story By One Of Our Campers
Genia Voitsekhovskaya is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia but resides in Minneapolis Minnesota. She is a recent graduate of Augsburg College with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Creative Writing. Currently, She holds two part time jobs as an usher at Orchestra Hall and the Children's Theatre Company. Although she enjoys these positions, she is currently looking for a full time position related to writing. In the near future, she plans to obtain her MFA in Creative Writing and would like to become an Arts & Entertainment critic.
Genia has been coming to Camp Courage since she was a young child. She values the experiences that camp has given her and reflects on them in a recent article on her website http://russiangal-genia.blogspot.com/. An excerpt from her article entitled Foundation of Camp Courageis featured below. It provides great insight on the unique impact that time spent at Camp Courage can have on a person’s life.
I have Cerebral Palsy which mostly affects my lower extremities, but also my fine motor skills. My right side is weaker than my left, but it's really hard to tell unless people know me. I don't like to make little things obvious. My biggest message to people who live or are associated with individuals who have physical and/or developmental challenges is to think outside the chair, ask questions, show your interest, and get to know them at the core.
Camp Courage is a true blue example of the meaning of this message. Once you enter, it's like you're in a different world. Here, you are not viewed as just another person in a wheelchair, but a real individual with a mind, body, and soul. Staff embraces your talents and brag of your individual uniqueness.
When I think about Camp Courage the word that comes to mind is Freedom. Freedom means the ability to be around people that are not all the same as you. My favorite part of camp is being able to take the focus off of my challenges and put it on people who are not so much physically different from me but culturally. I strive to learn something new pertaining to culture every year at camp, (e.g., sign language)
Courage Center is a place where "abilities and disabilities become possibilities." Camp Courage focuses on what we are able to do despite our disabilities rather than what we are not able to do because of them. By the end of camp, a surrogate type of family is created. This "family" is made up of staff and/or campers whose exemplary personality, constant encouragement, and words of wisdom carries us through the rough and tough moments as well as the good and bad moments of the year until we return the following summer for more things to put in our memory bags. This self-created group of supporters, which is different but yet so similar for each individual, creates the foundation of Camp Courage.
To view the full article please visit http://russiangal-genia.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
We are so greatful for the countless volunteers and donors that support our programs. Check out this link http://www.stjamesnews.com/news/x1633992839/Wagon-train-rides-through-St-James for a neat story on a recent event that took place to raise funds for Camp. Thank you to all who participated!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Scenes From the First Session at Courage North
Both Camp Courage and Courage North are officially up and running with campers! We are so excited to be back in action.
The first session at Courage North this summer is actually a unique blend of three smaller sessions all together. Adults attending the Brain Gains session, Forum on life and the traditional adult session are enjoying a beautiful fun filled week "Deep in the Pines" of Courage North.
Campers and staff exchange introductions around the first camp fire of the session. Smores and interesting stories were shared by all. This year several of the campers were new to Courage North and enjoyed learning about camp from former campers and staff. Everyone was excited for the session.
The Courage North Ho-down and country night kicked off with a tractor ride throughout the 105 acres of camp. Upon return campers learned how to square dance and line dance. Dancing went late into the night as all of the campers had a blast.
The first session at Courage North this summer is actually a unique blend of three smaller sessions all together. Adults attending the Brain Gains session, Forum on life and the traditional adult session are enjoying a beautiful fun filled week "Deep in the Pines" of Courage North.
Campers and staff exchange introductions around the first camp fire of the session. Smores and interesting stories were shared by all. This year several of the campers were new to Courage North and enjoyed learning about camp from former campers and staff. Everyone was excited for the session.
The Courage North Ho-down and country night kicked off with a tractor ride throughout the 105 acres of camp. Upon return campers learned how to square dance and line dance. Dancing went late into the night as all of the campers had a blast.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Loons on Lake George
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Staff Training is Underway
Thursday, May 21, 2009
In Bloom
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