The first sessions at Camp Friendship started on Sunday, June 8, and there has been plenty of excitement in the first few weeks of the season.
Below is a brief recap of some of the highlights.
First True Friends year
Camp Friendship, in its first summer under the new name of True Friends, is preparing for another summer of providing camp services to children and adults with disabilities. To do so, the organization has brought in workers from all around the world. Staff began arriving May 25 and were immediately brought together to start a two-week training course. Training days consisted of team bonding and special, safety and health training.
"A lot of people come in and have little to no experience working with people with disabilities so it’s super beneficial to have the training," said Anna Kennedy, a program leader at Camp Friendship.
St. Cloud Rox visit
The St. Cloud Rox baseball team joined campers at Camp Friendship on Wednesday, June 18, for a baseball-filled morning. The Rox play in the Northwood’s League, a collegiate summer league.
Campers had the chance to take pictures with the Rox’s mascot, get autographs, take batting lessons and play catch or kickball with the players.
"My favorite part of today was playing catch with the baseball players," said a camper.
This is the second year that the Rox have visited Camp Friendship.
Camp Independence
Camp Independence is an inclusive camp for youth with or without disabilities seeking to grow skills in independence, self-esteem, peer-relationship building, social comfort, adventure, exploration and decision making.
Youth and teens are responsible for achieving individual daily objectives based on their personal growth goals. Campers work both individually and as a team to earn "camp money" that can be used to "purchase" outings and special treats.
Mel Kloek with the True Friends program team created Camp Independence last summer for Camp Courage, Camp Courage North and Camp Eden Wood. This year, the program grew to include Camp Friendship into the mix.
The inaugural Camp Independence at Camp Friendship started Sunday, June 15, with a total of 16 campers. The campers were divided into four focus groups that centered their efforts in areas such as event photography, organizing a costume area, forest development and creating mosaic artwork for the waterfront.
"Camp Independence is an amazing program. I know staff and campers have taken very well to it. This past week has set a bar, and I am excited to see what the future holds for this new program," said Hannah Shier, who is overseeing the program at Camp Friendship this summer.
Camp Friendship will be hosting another Camp Independence session during the week of Aug. 10.
Muscular dystrophy
Camp Courage, a part of True Friends, is a camp for children and adults with disabilities.
Camp Courage recently welcomed back the Muscular Dystrophy Association for a full week of activities. Campers ranged in age from 6-12 years old. They participated in a wide range of activities that are customized to fit their abilities, including swimming, fishing, horseback riding, boating, field hockey and baseball. Other activities include arts and crafts, nature study, talent shows, cookouts and Disney Radio Retro Dance.
Campers were also given the opportunity to attend Camp Friendship’s rope course and ride across the zip line, led by Team Quest staff. Campers are supported by a chair and harness that safely lifts them up into the air and then allows them to zip line back down.
"This event is by far their favorite event of the year," said counselor Amanda Larson.
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