Roger Upcraft to Receive STAR Assistive Technology Award

Roger Upcraft, former Program Manager at Camp Courage will be one of Fourteen Minnesota citizens, educators and organizations to be  recognized April 13 in a ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda as champions of removing barriers to independence for people with disabilities.


The Minnesota STAR Program’s “Awards for Excellence in Assistive Technology” honor individuals and groups for championing the removal of barriers to independence through the use of assistive technology (AT). AT is any device that maintains, improves or increases function at home, school, work and in the community.

Roger Upcraft was the camp manager at Camp Courage in Maple Lake for over 30 years. Roger was instrumental in establishing the Augmentative Communication (AAC) Camp for Teens, an AAC session for adults and the Literacy Session. The AAC Session is one of a few AAC camps in the country. Campers learn the “power of communication” by using their aAACdevices during typical camp activities as well as during special events such as Camp American Idol, that provide motivational and fun opportunities to communicate.
The Literacy Session is the only of its kind in the nation and is under the direction of Drs. David Koppenhaver and Karen Erickson, national literacy experts. Koppenhaver and Erickson teach 20 educators how to assess literacy as well as literacy strategies and assistive technology solutions that address each camper’s area of greatest need. Each educator gets the opportunity to work with 2 campers and immediately apply the newly learned knowledge. While the educators are in class, campers get to experience the full range of camp activities.
Roger was always supportive of anything that was needed to support the AAC and literacy sessions. He made sure that his counseling staff were trained on how to support AAC use as well as how to include literacy into camp activities. Roger personally helped haul computers, books, and other equipment into the space for literacy camp, even after his retirement. Rog was someone who worked quietly “behind the scenes” but his management led to 10 years of successful aac sessions and 5 years of literacy camp.

The award presentation will take place in the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13th. A reception with light refreshments will be held in the Great Hall following the ceremony.

Mimi Fogarty Received Courage Center's MacDonald Distinguished Employee Award

Congratulations to Mimi Fogarty, Courage Center Camp's Program Manager on being a MacDonald Distinguished Employee Award recipient. Mimi was nominated by:Nominated by: LuVerne Anderson and Elizabeth Meyer. Excerpts from their nominations follow.

Luverne said: “Mimi has demonstrated willingness to adapt to numerous job assignments over many years with a most pleasant attitude. Most recently she has taken over the program management responsibilities of Camp Courage by volunteering to do so. Results were great and beyond what should have been expected. She always puts the client first, and knows and demonstrates the mission of Courage. She commits to and follows through on really good ideas, and gives encouragement to others.



Elizabeth said: “Mimi has devoted her adult life to Courage Center’s camping program. She has made many contributions, too many to list, but if you’ve worked with or for Mimi you will remember. The summer of 2009 will stand out from all the other summers for the incredible turnaround she orchestrated at Camp Courage. Under her direction, the morale of the staff improved, the efficiencies of the programs improved, the food services budget was reduced and processes improved, and the atmosphere of the camp improved.



Mimi achieved all this by engaging her staff in the process, encouraging them to think outside the boundaries of camp, being enthusiastic about the needed changes, and supporting her staff during the tough times with respect, a sense of humor and the willingness to get into the trenches with them. She is selfless, professional, ingenious, dedicated and a goofball. She knows many clients by name and treats them with respect and kindness. She personally ensures that every camper feels safe while participating in the camping program.”

Preparing for Camp

We are in the home stretch! 2010's camp season is now less than 4 months away. As we get closer to the start of sessions, our staff  often get calls from parents and caregivers looking for advice on how to prepare thier camper for a stay at camp. We are happy to talk with anyone regarding Camp, how to prepare and what to expect. Feel free to contact our office at 763-502-0504 and ask to speak with one of our Program Manager's. Our goal is to create a positive experience for every camper and thier family!

In addition we encourage parents to visit the American Camp Assocition's website for parents http://www.campparents.org This site has some great articles and information related to the camp experience. We especially like the section on parent and child relationships http://www.campparents.org/parchdrel.php

Work Hard- Play Hard- Change Lives

If you are facing another summer of the same old job…think again. Working at a camp is one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable. You will be surprised as to the impact that you will have on our campers and the impact that they will have on you. The friends you make will last a lifetime. Check out employment at Courage Center Camps and experience the best summer!
2010 Job Openings:

• Camp Counselors

• Camp Program Specialists

- Arts and Crafts

- Camp Craft Leaders

- Horse/Riding Instructor

- Nature Director

- Photographer

- Program Director

- Recreation Director

- Technology Director

• Waterfront Staff (lifeguards)

• Healthcare Staff (RN, LPN, BSN, GPN and nursing students)

• Cabin Leaders

• Cabin and Program Supervisors

• Cooks



* Most positions include a weekly salary, room and board



Applications available on line: http://www.couragecenter.org/campjobs

Campfire Stories for Parents

Long time Camp Professional Marla Colman is lending her perspective and expertise in the field of camping through her blog Campfire Stories for Parents. She shares a variety of blog posts for parents of campers and parents considering camp for her children. Even though she is not a Courage Center Camp staff, we highly recommend the site to our readers.

New Session Spotlight: Summer Sampler for Youth

Courage Center Camps is exited to announce the debut of a brand new youth session during the 2010 camp season. The Summer Sampler for Youth is a special session designed for youth ages 7-12 who have a physical disability or visual impairment.

The session offers campers an opportunity to try out overnight camp for the first time! During this three-day experience, campers have the opportunity to enjoy cabin life along with many traditional camp activities such as horseback riding, swimming, fishing, arts & crafts and more. This is a wonderful introduction to the unique experience that overnight camp provides.

The Summer Sampler for Youth is taking place at Camp Courage's Woodland Campus

Applications can be downloaded and more information regarding summer camp offerings can be found at www.couragecenter.org/camps

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.