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There is space available for your group at camp! Call today to reserve.
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Our Therapy Horse program is offering lessons! Follow their Like us on Facebook for updates!

Our respite services provide families with a much-needed break and are licensed by the MN Department of Human Services. The 2015 dates are available now! 

Full 2015 schedule is online now! Check it out.
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February 27, 2015
NEWS & NOTES Your February connection to True Friends  

This is Peter, a Camp ADDventure camper, from this past summer. Peter has challenges with behaviors, but excels in all areas of fishing. At camp, Peter was able to use his skills to catch fish and, under careful supervision, even teach other campers how to filet them. To savor their labors, the group enjoyed their own fish fry and bonded while learning new, practical skills. Staff member Erin said, "It was great to see Peter use his knowledge about fish to help teach the other campers. They all benefited from a new skill and were able to bond over the fish fry."   

 

There are many benefits to the camp experience. Unplugging from electronics and enjoying the outdoors is therapeutic - physically, mentally and emotionally. The action of free play fosters social interaction. The opportunity to be active in an open environment with their peers can be life-changing for many campers.

 

Sign up for a summer session today using our new online application

True Friends uses intentional programming and the power of play to engage campers in activities that enhance their independence and self-esteem. The true power of this method is seen each week at camp. Note the outcomes highlighted in the graphic, at right.

 

One of our staff recalls that during winter camp, a particular group of campers started the week nervous and unsure. Later, this group ended their time by making their own sleepover arrangements. They talked to each other and the counselors about all of the fun they had ... and how they didn't want to leave camp! It was inspiring to watch the transformation as this unsteady group evolved into a close-knit connection of friends.   

Volunteers

True Friends' Volunteer Services is pleased to announce a new partnership with Rasmussen College Health Care Department. Students from the Rasmussen College nursing programs began working with True Friends' Respite in January. Each weekend, and throughout the summer camp program at Camp Courage, Rasmussen students and their instructors will work alongside True Friends' Health Care team to provide quality health care services for clients. Rasmussen College is excited to create this partnership with True Friends to provide hands-on experiences for their nursing students.To learn more about partnership possibilities for your business or organization, contact the Director of Volunteer Services: 952-852-0113.  
Save the Date!SavetheDate
Cancelled- Dance with Courage - The organizers of this event have made the decision to cancel this event due to security concerns issued by the Department of Homeland Security. There will be an alternate option for fundraising, more information can be found on the website.

 

Lions' Statewide Raffle - Benefiting True Friends, this raffle is statewide and goes through April 18. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through our development team or sold on our behalf. Prizes include a vacation to Florida and a fishing trip to Ontario!

Open House - Explore the grounds, chat with staff and see why we love camp so much. Camp Courage and Camp Friendship will be May 3 and Camp Eden Wood, Camp Courage North and Camp New Hope will be May 17. See our website for more details.
Giving is GoodSavetheDate

The Minnesota Timberwolves chose True Friends Literacy Camp to receive their $5,000 Read to Achieve-themed grant in March. The grant will support scholarships for Literacy Campers in need.   

 

Literacy Camp is a collaboration between True Friends, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Center for Literacy and Disabilities Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Find out more about the camp here 

 

Thank you to our friends at the Timberwolves! 

True Friends Can ...TFC
help save the camp!

Cycle Health is holding two Kids' Triathlons to raise money for camp! When the team learned that a beloved camp for children with cancer and their siblings had suddenly lost its funding, they quickly rallied around it. The camp is a unique partnership that also includes Children's Hospital. Check out their Facebook page for more info!
True Friends | 800.450.8376 | news@truefriends.org | www.truefriends.org
10509 108th Street NW Annandale, MN 55302