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Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities
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True Friends Family of Services
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NEWS & NOTES
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Friday, July 31, 2015
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FAVORITE PHOTOS: JACKIE &
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TEAM QUEST FEATURED
in Camp Business Magazine!
Read More
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Camper Stories
Chase enjoys a birthday at camp
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Every day at camp is like a celebration, but for Chase, part of his stay was extra special because it was his birthday. "I've gotten to go swimming and play in the gym," Chase said. He has attended Camp Friendship for the past five years.
Chase looks forward to swimming and seeing his favorite nurses. His favorite memories of camp often include staff members. "I like the staff because they're nice and funny." His staff members were proud of Chase's accomplishments at camp this year. "He climbed the rock wall even though he is really afraid of heights," said Jasmine.
Outside of camp Chase goes to school and works. "I like school because my teachers are nice," he said. At home, Chase also enjoys swinging and hanging out with his neighbors. "My neighbors are really nice."
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Volunteers
Be the difference.
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Emily Larson, a student at Winona State University, heard about True Friends from her practicum adviser. After learning about all the volunteer opportunities, Emily signed up for two weeks of camp. Volunteer coordinator Emily Dierling has lots of praise for this volunteer. "She's fabulous! Emily always has a positive attitude and is always a go-getter. The second week of camp was challenge with a hectic cabin, but she handled it very well." Reflecting on her time spent at camp, Larson said, "Each week I got to pick out a different quote. One of the quotes that I got said, 'It's OK to look stupid when having fun.' This really stuck with me because at camp everyone is so accepting. It doesn't even seem like anyone has a disability." Emily says she's fallen in love with camp and is already planning on coming back next year. "This is the best two weeks of my summer," she said.
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Save the Date
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August 16 - MN Twins Discounted Game - The Twins are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act during their 1:10 p.m. game against the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, Aug. 16. Discount seats are available and range from $20 to $42. Use the order form
on our website by Aug. 3 for tickets.
September 19 - 5K Benefiting Camp - Join the St. Kate's Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program in a 5K run. 20% of the proceeds will go to camp! Visit their
Facebook page for event and registration details. Deadline to receive a race t-shirt is Aug. 29.
October 11 - Camp Courage 60th Anniversary Open House
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A
ll are welcome from 1-3 pm. Join the event on Facebook
and get the latest news. If you have any pictures from your time at Camp Courage, please scan and send them to our development team.
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Giving is Good
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Picha Farms Plant Sale
Picha Heritage Farms of Eden Prairie held its annual plant sale raising $2,200 for camp. There were a variety of plants and flowers to choose from and part of the proceeds went to help campers in need!
Wright-Hennepin Electric Trust Operation Round Up allows Wright-Hennepin Electric Trust's customers to round their bill up to the nearest dollar. Those proceeds are then granted to local causes. True Friends has been a recipient of this grant since 1999, with donations exceeding $130,000! This year $4,000 will be added to our Therapeutic Riding scholarship fund. ORU Board Director Tami Odenthal, at right, presents the check to True Friends.
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True Friends Can...
Make an international impact!
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True Friends hosted MiKala Mukongolwa (right), the head of a school in Zambia for children with disabilities and Amy Hewitt (left) from the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. Amy served on the board of directors when the organization was named Friendship Ventures (now True Friends). The group toured Camp Friendship with True Friends Senior Director of Camping, Chet Tschetter (center) and learned what we do at camp and how we integrate fun, learning and safety into the camp experience. MiKala stated, "There is nothing like this in Zambia. When we think of camp, it is a few tents in the woods. [This camp] is amazing." The school MiKala runs serves 240 children with disabilities with 46 local educators. She hopes to increase services for the school children.
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