IN THIS ISSUE


Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities
True Friends Family of Services
NEWS & NOTES
Thursday, December 31, 2015
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW
The first week of winter camp was a blast, we can't wait for week two... More pictures here!

MAKE YOUR YEAR-END GIFT
and support scholarships for kids & adults to attend camp! Use our secure, online donation form

Camper Stories  
Fred has been coming to Camp Courage for 42 years, since age seven! "I like it here," said Fred, when asked why he returns year after year.

His favorite camp activity is zip lining and he also enjoys getting out in the lake to swim and fish. His counselor said "He loves cooking, the camp store and arts and crafts. Fred is very social and loves to meet new people!"

Fred was happy to learn of the new, 10-day Adult Retreat session at Camp Courage "Because it's longer. Because I get to stay here through Tuesday."

Fred is already excited to attend his 43rd session at camp in 2016.
Volunteer  Be the difference.
Being a seasoned staff member, Margo decided to shake things up this winter by inviting her mom, Jean, to come to camp. Jean works full time as a physician for patients with serious mental illnesses and was interested in working with the True Friends population as well. "I don't get to see my patients in this type of setting, so I thought it would help me better understand how people with disabilities live their lives," said Jean.

Another reason Jean wanted to come was because of all the camp stories Margo shares with her. "Margo has this special way of telling stories with humor and these joyous moments that she experiences at camp," said Jean. "It thrills me to see her working with this population. She's really good at it and I'm so proud of her and proud because she found her passion and what she loves. It's amazing to see everyone blossom throughout the week and get to know each person and their personalities," said Jean.

"I think this experience could bring us closer together," said Margo. "Camp stories are hard to tell if you've never been to camp, so I think there will be more understanding between us."
True Friends Can... make an impact with year-end giving
"Becca loves her time at camp. She will say "there are kids just like me." As much as we integrate Becca into her school, community, church and neighborhood and celebrate her differences and similarities with everyone, she enjoys having time each summer to have fun, learn and hang out with kids 'just like her.'"
-Rachel, Becca's mom

Don't let this holiday season end without sharing a gift that will mean so much to someone special. Children and adults with disabilities need the generous support of true friends like you. If you would like to make a tax deductible, year-end contribution, you can give online today or visit our website to see the many ways to give back to camp.
Giving is Good 2015 Giving Highlights
  • CH Robinson: A generous grant is funding interior improvements, furnishings and program materials for Birch Hall at Camp Eden Wood. Campers will enjoy new games, equipment, art, music & more in a comfortable, appealing and fun space.
  • Starkey Hearing Foundation provided program support and financial assistance for the renewed Deaf/Hard of Hearing session, reviving a camp that hadn't been offered for five years and enabling 18 participants with hearing impairment to enjoy an adapted camp with peers.
  • The Lions Club International Foundation, local Lions Clubs, the Finish Line Youth Foundation and the Paul Adelman Children with Disabilities Endowment Fund have collaborated to fund the construction of a completely accessible Team Quest adventure climbing structure and zip line at Camp Courage.
Thank you to these and many other generous donors! 
Ever wondered what it's like to lead a group through high and low ropes, team-building activities and communication skills ---> find out here!

2016 Catalog is available online now!


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