Camp Courageous (Iowa)

Camp Courageous is a year-round therapedic camp located in Monticello for Iowa-area people of all ages with various disabilities.

Purpose

Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. All people, regardless of ability level, have the right to opportunities found in the world around them. Individuals with disabilities, as well as their families, should experience year-round recreational and respite care activities in a camp setting. Camp Courageous of Iowa provides this needed service to all. The camp provides opportunities for social and personal growth within a supportive environment. Campers learn to try a variety of creative and challenging activities and experience success. Campers develop enhanced self-esteem which carries over to work, home, or school environments.

History

Camp Courageous was founded in 1972 when 40 acres (160,000 m²) of land was donated for the sole purpose of establishing a camp for the disabled. In 1973 five buildings were built from donated labor and materials. By 1974 the camp was ready for its first campers, which totaled 211. Today the camp is open year-round, has over 150 acres (0.61 km²) of land with 14 buildings, and annually serves over 5,000 campers, ranging in age from 1 to 105.

Camp Courageous was built and continues to operate on donations, without government assistance, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fund-raisers.

Location

Camp Courageous is located about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Monticello, Iowa. The camp occupies about 80 acres (320,000 m²) of land adjacent to the Pictured Rocks County Park in Jones County, Iowa. The camp also owns additional land within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the base camp totaling about 150 acres (0.61 km²).

External links

• Camp Courageous of Iowa
• Camp Courageous Blog