Sunset on Cedar Lake

Camp Courage's Cabin Leader Janna caputured this amazing sunset over Cedar Lake last week.

Camp Courage Session 1

The first session has drawn to an end at Camp Courage. We had close to 70 adults join us for a many fun adventures. We hope you enjoy these pictures from the week ...


Chatting in the Dining Hall


Tubing Fun


Tech Lab

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.

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/

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!

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.

Loons on Lake George

One of our favorite signs that summer has begun is being able to hear the Loon calls from the lake. Here are a few photos of the Loons heard at Courage North.

Staff Training is Underway

Both Camp Courage and Courage North are in the midst of staff training. We have excellent teams of staff at both camps and are excited to get the season started. The pictures below offer a glipse into training at Courage North