New Website Launched

We are excited to announce the debut of our new and improved website. Phase one of the update is now live and can be viewed at wwww.couracecenter/camps. Check back often as additional content will be added soon!

Reminder of Application Deadline

A reminder to all campers and families that starting this year we have an application deadline for all of our camp sessions. All applications must be received in our office by May 1, 2009. If you have not sent in your application you are encouraged to do so soon. If you have any questions, please call 866-520-0504 or e-mail camping@couragecenter.org

Lead with Courage- New Format for our Youth and Teen Session -Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Courage North is excited to announce a new format for our session that serves youth and teens who are Deaf or hard of hearing. (ages 7-17)

Enjoy a fun-filled week of traditional camp activities such as sailing,
fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, digital photography, nature
and environmental studies, arts and crafts, and overnight camping.
In addition to having fun, campers learn social and leadership skills
and gain independence in a safe mentoring environment. Staff
includes students from Gallaudet University and Rochester Institute
of Technology for the Deaf. The program format has changed
this year with a shorter regular session July 27-August 3 and the option of an
additional five-day Boundary Waters canoe trip, Aug 3-7.

Full Cost: $700 Canoe Trip: $750 Financial aid is available using a sliding fee scale

Aplications are due May 1st and can be found at www.couragecenter.org/camps

Oops

For our alumni who have just read the e-newsletter, there was some important information missing regarding the spring clean up weekend at Courage North. Our apologizes. Here is the correct info:

Summer is coming soon and there is plenty of work that needs to get done before campers arrive. Camp Alumni are invited to attend our annual clean up weekend and lend a hand with a variety of different work projects. Housing and meals and a ton of fun will be provided. Please RSVP with Mimi using the contact info listed here. We would love to see you again!

Friday, April 17, 2009, 7 p.m to …
Sunday, April 19, 2009, 12 p.m.
Courage North, Lake George, Minn.
1.888.276.3631
couragenorth@couragecenter.org

American Camp Association Accreditation

Both Camp Courage and Courage North are accredited camps of the American Camp Association. We are often asked the question "what does it mean when you say that you are accredited by the American Camp Association?"

The ACA-accreditation program has a fifty-year history and is continually evaluated and updated to reflect current best practice in camps. ACA collaborates with experts from many fields such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to be sure required practices are current and sound. ACA standards are revised based on research in the public, legal, youth development, and camp arenas.

Courage Center recognizes that ACA camps set the standard for the industry. For us, it is a regular, independent health and safety audit of camp operations. For parents, the ACA-accredited camp sign symbolizes excellence and our accountability and ongoing commitment to the children and adults we serve.

For more information on the American Camp Association visit www.acacamps.org

Camp Staff Recieves McDonald Distinguished Employee Award

On Friday February 27th LuVerne Anderson was awarded Courage Center's Bob and Yvonne MacDonald Distinguished Employee Award. This award recognizes and celebrates employees who demonstrate outstanding contributions, dedication and commitment to Courage Center, its mission and clients.

LuVerne has worked at Camp Courage for over 30 years. He is responsible for operations management for both Camp Courage and Courage North. In this capacity, he oversaw construction of the entire Courage North facility. He also has been involved in the complete renovation of the Camp Courage site.

Over the years, LuVerne has been the general contractor or managed the general contracting of eight new buildings at Courage North. He also has planned and been general contractor for 13 new buildings at Camp Courage. In addition, he has renovated four buildings at Courage North and 20 at Camp Courage. He has saved the Camp Department millions of dollars, along with building better facilities, by managing the contracting himself. He has done this while, at the same time, managing day-to-day buildings and grounds needs, recruiting volunteers to assist with grounds and maintenance, and planning camp grounds and building initiatives.

LuVerne treats all people well, and always considers the major use of camp - for campers with disabilities - in his planning and execution. LuVerne is the hardest working staff person on the grounds. He works evenings, weekends, in all weather and at all times. For 30 years, staff have had his home phone number to call when anything at camp breaks. He has maintained good relationships with volunteers and groups that have used camp for their gatherings. They stay because they appreciate LuVerne’s skills and how he treats them.