Camp Courage Lakeside Summer Programs:

Sessions for youth with physical disabilities

Four sessions are currently offered, for campers from 7-17, with a wide range of program activities in a safe, healthy setting. Sessions vary in content in response to campers ages and camp experience. The opportunity to grow in responsibility through special projects or volunteering is woven into the program. The modern, diverse facilities and grounds give campers a chance to try a wide range of activities - from horseback riding and swimming in the indoor heated pool to enjoying our camp library, museum, tennis courts or gymnasium and taking part in more traditional activities such as nature studies, bird watching, crafts, fishing, etc.

Sports camp is an opportunity for adolescents and teens ages 12-17 with a physical disability or visual impairment to learn fundamental skills in a variety of sports. Experienced coaches and top disabled athletes will help young athletes hone skills in their favorite sports. Campers can choose to devote their stay at camp to one or two activities, taking advantage of Camp Courage's indoor gymnasium, swimming pool, paved trails, tennis courts, and archery and rifle ranges. The core sports offered during sports camp are wheelchair basketball, swimming, sailing, horsemanship, tennis, floor hockey, fishing, and blind sports. Other sports such as water skiing, golf and marksmanship may also be available if facilities and staffing permit.

College/Career preview session and High Tech camp

In the College/Career camp, campers try college and career interest exploration, including planning steps, rights and responsibilities, a field trip to a college campus, and disability services. The program includes the opportunity to interview with a college faculty member, web interactive sites to explore college/career interests, a panel of adults with disabilities who have gone on to post secondary options, and practice and learning about job skills. The session is offered in partnership with The University of Washington's DO-IT program.   Campers will gain general computer knowledge and learn how to access the wealth of information and support that is available on the Internet, the term used to describe the world wide network of resources and communication now available to most computer users. The session is conducted by experts in the field, such as college professors and computer specialists. College Preview Camp is not all work and no play - it is camp after all! the schedule allows ample opportunity to participate in typical camp activities like horseback riding, overnight camping, fishing, swimming, and other camp programs such as parties, dances and more.  To view the websites of past sessions, click here.

The High Tech Program offers training in assistive technology, web site design, movie making, robotics, a college tour and more. Campers will be involved in developing a web site for family and friends to see what is happening at camp. Again, this is still a camp and campers will have the opportunity to participate in all regular camp activities as well.

Campers can be involved in either the High Tech or College Preview program or both.

Camp sessions for adults with physical disabilities

We offer three different sessions for adult campers at Lakeside campus at Camp Courage, one for campers ages 25-45, one for adults ages 18-25, and one for adults age 45 and older. All sessions at Camp Courage stress a healthy, safe stay at camp (we have a doctor and nursing staff present for these sessions) while giving campers the chance to make new friends and renew friendships in a supportive environment. Session activities focus on subtle adaptations to maximize camper participation and present a daily schedule suitable for a wide range of participation levels. While fun is our most important product at Camp Courage and Courage North, we treat adults like adults and maximize the amount of choice and self-determination in activity and daily living schedules. The modern, diverse facilities and grounds give campers a chance to try a wide range of activities - from horseback riding and swimming in the indoor heated pool to enjoying our camp library, museum, tennis courts or gymnasium and taking part in more traditional activities such as nature studies, bird watching, crafts, fishing, etc.

Leadership development for teenagers with leadership potential.

Courage camps offer "Junior Leader" positions to teenage campers who have "people work" and leadership potential. Up to 20 teens could be accepted for this early or first job experience.

MDA Camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Minnesota operates a one week session at Camp Courage for Children with Muscular Dystrophy. Camp staff provides special program assistance and food service while the MDA recruits campers and basic staff. For more information, please call the M.D. Association at (952) 832-5716.

MS Camp for adults with Multiple Sclerosis

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Minnesota operates a one week session at Camp Courage for adults who have M.S. Camp staff provides special program assistance and food service while the MS Society recruits campers and basic staff. For more information, please call the MS Society at (612) 870-1500.

Oncology sessions for children and teens with a history of cancer

Camp offers a chance for children to meet and get to know their peers in a safe, healthy recreational setting. Opportunities range from typical camp activities such as crafts and nature study to videotape photography, swimming, sports, horseback riding and much more. Camp also provides an opportunity for siblings to share the camping experience with their brother or sister with cancer. In addition to camp activities, siblings participate in a special program which focuses on living with a brother or sister who has cancer. These sessions typically are led by allied health professionals and other volunteers.   Camp staff is comprised of specially-trained young adult salaried counselors supplemented by medical staff. A pediatric oncologist and nurse are on hand at all times. These people are highly-qualified and are committed to helping your child have a good time. They are also sensitive to the special needs your child's illness may demand. There are laboratory and emergency medical facilities nearby should the need arise. The oncology session has been endorsed by Pediatric Oncologists of the State of Minnesota. Camp Courage oncology sessions are open to children and teenagers who have or have had leukemia, brain tumors, and other forms of cancer. The sessions are open to young people ages 6 to 17. Siblings are accepted for a maximum of two years. Families are asked to pay a modest fee for registration. Scholarship assistance is available for campers and no one is denied attendance for financial reasons. If you have medical concerns, a pediatric oncologist or oncology nurse may be able to provide more information. You are also welcome to discuss the camp program, medical concerns, or any other questions or problems with the Courage Center camping staff. Call or write the Camping Department, Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422, Phone (763) 520-0504.

Sickle Cell Camp for children and teens who have Sickle Cell Anemia

A one week camp session is offered at Camp Courage for children and teens who have sickle cell anemia. It is recreational in focus. A medical staff with expertise in sickle cell anemia is in residence.

Augmentative Alternative Communication Camp

This session is for teens, ages 12-19, who use synthesized speech devices. This session is not designed for beginning aac users, but for those users who need to learn more about the capabilities of their device and the importance of communication.  Campers participate in all the fun camp activities, such as horseback riding and tubing behind a boat. Device use is encouraged before, during, and after each activity, (except in the water!) Special night programs are designed to further encourage device use.  During intake, camp pages and vocabulary as well as camp songs are loaded into each camper's device.  Campers are able to meet other teens who use aac devices as well as interact with a proficient aac mentor.  The session culminates in the production of an aac play for family and friends.  This year's play will be "The Little Mermaid: The Mermaid Who Wanted To Talk "  Our goal is to have campers learn the "power of communication" while having fun.

Young Adult Augmentative Alternative Communication Camp

This session, for adult AAC users, 18 and over, will focus on increased social and conversational use of AAC devices. Courage Center professional staff will supervise and teach as device users communicate in our natural surroundings. The session includes all recreational activities and planned teaching sessions. Campers will graduate with increased abilities in device use and social/conversational skills with their communication device.

These Lakeside Campus programs are open to any young person who fits the eligibility requirements. All campers pay a $25 non refundable registration fee on or before the first day of the session and are encouraged to pay what they can toward the cost of camp. HOWEVER, CAMP OPERATES ON A SLIDING SCALE, AND NO ONE IS TURNED DOWN BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO PAY ANY OR ALL COSTS. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like more information, please feel free to write or call.