True Friends
Family of Services
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There is space available for your group at camp! Call today to reserve.
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Team QuestTeam-building programs for schools and companies. Visit  to see what awakening potential looks like.
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Our Therapy Horse program is in full swing! Follow their for updates!
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Our respite services provide families with a much-needed break and are licensed by the MN Department of Human Services.
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Features group trips and customized travel planning.
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NEWS & NOTES Keeping you connected with camp
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We enjoy giving campers experiences and adventures that create lasting memories. In addition to the laughs, the cheering and the shrieks of delight - we know campers are enjoying their time with us simply by what they say. Here are just a few of the great things we're hearing from campers and families. "She's about to lose her head, she's so excited." - mother of a first time camper
"I get excited to see my friends who I've known for years, but I'm always excited to meet new friends at camp too" Bart, camper  "The first time he came to camp, I cried when I dropped him off because it was the first time for him to be away from home. The second time, he bolted out of the car and I knew he'd be OK here." - father of a second time camper "She's at camp - she's home." -mother of a camper
"I love this place. The people I have met here are some of the best people I have ever known. The second I leave I cannot wait to come back." -Zoe, volunteer "Angel Foundation felt so welcomed at Eden Wood for our Kid's Kamp. It truly is a remarkable place that offers so much for our kids and families. Looking forward to 2015!" - Janice, Co-Director of Angel Foundation_______________________________________________________________________  Fox 9 was at Camp Eden Wood filming for an upcoming segment. They toured camp, talked with program staff and Team Quest and met some campers. Check out the segment airing Tuesday, July 29 at 6:35 am, 7:35 am, 8:35 am and 9:35 am! If you missed any of the previous segments about TF this summer, you can catch them all here.
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Camp Activities
|  Keeping cool in July!
With the summer weather finally arriving, we have been finding creative ways to stay cool at camp! Slip 'n' slides, boat rides, tubing and water fights are just a few of the fun things campers have been up to this month. We have also been treated to ice cream and lemonade socials. A few spots remain for later sessions, sign up and join in the good times! |
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 Michael has a love for camp that goes beyond the day to day activities. You might see him picking up trash or as he would say, "keeping camp beautiful." He has been attending Camp Friendship for 31 years, first coming to camp at age eight. Since then he has developed many lasting friendships with campers and staff. He looks forward to the camping trips, the high ropes course, the dance, the talent show and s'mores.  When asked what his favorite memory from camp was Michael responded, "Staying in a cabin with my best friends, Lasean and Joshua, last year in Blue Heron."
Michael has a wide range of hobbies including watching movies, writing songs about camp and collecting stamps and coins. He works at a casino where he cleans and makes beds. "I really enjoy working at the casino because it allows me to clean and work with great people," he said. During the camp talent shows, Michael performs his original songs in hopes of helping other campers learn about and overcome diversity at camp. |
Volunteer Services
| Minnesota Life College Interns 
True Friends and Minnesota Life College (MLC) have teamed up this year to offer internships to young adults at MLC. The program gives students an opportunity to put the social, employment and life skills learned during the school year into practice.
MLC students were introduced to the concept of camp and counseling and those who were interested, enrolled in a class called 'The Summit.' The purpose of this class was to identify and develop leadership skills unique to each student.
"This program has really helped me with my disability and I've become more outgoing through this opportunity. I've met a lot of great people while at True Friends," said Lyndsey Rundle, a MLC student and intern.
Students will leave the program with a better understanding of their own leadership strengths and how to use them effectively and appropriately. Students also bond together as a group, work as a team and appreciate individual perspectives.
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Save the Date!
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 September 7 - Camp Friendship's 50th Anniversary -All are invited to relive memories of camp at an open house held at Camp Friendship. There will be camp activities, tours, lunch and more! Visit truefriends.org/Camp50th for more information and to RSVP.
September 20- True Strides Open House - Join us as we celebrate the dedication of the new horse arena at Camp Courage. This facility will serve as the home for our True Strides therapeutic horsemanship program.October 11 - Courage North "Up and Running" - Fulfill your bucket list goal of running a 5K, Half- or Full Marathon at the Blue Ox Marathon in Bemidji while supporting camp. Join the team in running or donating to help fund scholarships for Courage North campers. Visit www.bemidjiblueoxmarathon.com to register or contact Emily Engel for more details at [email protected]. Good luck to all! |
Giving is Good
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 Basketball court by day... dance floor by night
True Friends was able to completely re-do the basketball court at Camp Friendship thanks to the Paul Adelman Endowment Fund. The new court is fully accessible and allows everyone to experience the fun of outdoor recreation. It also turns into a fabulous space to host the dance party every Thursday night. Thank you for supporting camp! |
 ...stop by for a visit! In 1971, Walter and Lydia Deubener donated 95 acres near Itasca State Park to Courage Center. This property is now Camp Courage North. Philip, their great-nephew, came back to camp this month for a surprise visit. He spent time at North from the ages of 5-16. As he was being shown around camp, Phillip started sharing memories of the stone steps, Fort Lund and the museum. He and his wife were very impressed with the original integrity of the Director's House. He shared memories of his aunt and uncle and their community spirit. At the end of his tour, Philip said, "I think Uncle Walter would be proud of what is happening here today." Great having you, Phillip! Come again soon.
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