About Us
Confidence Learning Center provides year-round outdoor educational and recreational experiences for people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities. We have several areas of focus:
To provide opportunities with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for language and cultural expansion, support, and education.
To enhance the ability and self-confidence of people of all ages with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
To educate through “hands-on” outdoor and recreation experiences while meeting individual needs.
To facilitate exceptional learning experiences for families, direct care staff, interns, and professionals in the field of developmental and cognitive disabilities
Confidence Learning Center began in April of 1969…
…when Dick Endres (Camp founder), a small group of local businesspeople, and many individuals from the Brainerd State Hospital combined their energies to form Minnesota Therapeutic Camp, now known as Confidence Learning Center. From that day forward, Camp has grown incredibly both in numbers of campers and facilities.
Located in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota, Confidence Learning Center…
…(otherwise known as Camp Confidence) specializes in outdoor education and experiences for persons with developmental and cognitive disabilities– along with the deaf and hard of hearing communities. Campers are brought to Camp from all over Minnesota and the mid-west by their staff, family or care giver, which is responsible for their direct care. The typical overnight group stay is two – three nights, however, longer or shorter visits are available. Visiting groups include group homes, families, public schools, state facilities, treatment centers, achievement centers and scout groups. Confidence Learning Center is open to all ages.
The programs at Confidence Learning Center are aimed at promoting self-confidence and self-esteem…
…and the necessary skills to become full, contributing members of society. The campers achieve this through active “hands-on”, activities and participation in a variety of outdoor experiences. The staff can provide activities in outdoor education and recreation that are not or cannot be offered in their local setting. Over the years, thousands of individuals have experienced personal growth while participating in educational programs which include archery, cross country skiing, canoeing, and fishing just to mention a few. Such activities as the Confidence Course allow campers to focus on challenging their limits and proving they ‘can.’
Camp provides facilities and equipment…
…as well as a number of program specialists and college interns to assist the groups with activities and programs. Camp has 9, fully equipped and accessible Cabins with waterfront and walking accessible paths. Numerous activity areas are available with accessible transportation provided to and from each activity. During inclement weather, groups can participate in nature study, arts and crafts, the astronomy room, or audiovisual education in the John Mariucci Lodge. Coming to Camp helps basic living skills through planning, preparing, cleanup of meals and care of campsite or cabin.
Confidence Learning Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity in its purest form.
We receive no federal, state or local tax support. Nor does any religious group, college, scouting group, service organization or any other group act as our “parent” sponsor. What we do have is a collage of individuals, families, corporations, service clubs and small businesses that have helped us to develop a 140-acre year-round camp for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities.
“I love taking my clients to the activities that the Confidence Learning Center have available and the cabins they rent out are nice and clean. So many things for people to do! They work with adults, children and families that have disabilities both physical and mental diminished capacity. I feel the attention, help and involvement the staff give is awesome! They also do fund raising activities that helps run the facility! Truly a beautiful place and people! They have now started a Lions Club here! Hoping for great things from adding the club!”
Joe Porter
Ready to start your adventure?
Each trip to camp may be a new and unique experience or a building block based on previous trips. We have eight unique cabins to choose from.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us with questions about camping, events, volunteering or other comments. Form submission does not guarantee your reservation. Please wait for a confirmation from camp.
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