About
Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence) offers activities such as archery, cross-country skiing, fishing, canoeing, nature study, and arts and crafts. The camp also includes programs like the Confidence Course, where campers take part in activities that focus on challenging their limits and proving they “can.”
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Typical overnight group stays are two to three nights
Confidence Learning Center began in April of 1969 as a 140-acre year-round camp. The camp provides facilities and equipment, as well as program specialists and college interns who assist groups with activities and programs. It has 9 fully equipped and accessible cabins with waterfront and walking accessible paths, and accessible transportation is provided to and from each activity. During inclement weather, groups can take part in nature study, arts and crafts, use the astronomy room, or participate in audiovisual education in the John Mariucci Lodge. Coming to Camp includes basic living skills such as planning, preparing, and cleaning up meals, along with care of the campsite or cabin. Confidence Learning Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity that operates without federal, state, or local tax support and without a parent sponsor organization. Campers attend from across Minnesota and the Midwest with staff, family, or caregivers, and visiting groups include group homes, families, public schools, state facilities, treatment centers, achievement centers, and scout groups. The camp has several areas of focus that include opportunities with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for language and cultural expansion, support, and education. Dick Endres is the camp founder.
The mission of Confidence Learning Center is to offer year-round outdoor educational and recreational experiences for people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Its stated mission includes cultivating self-confidence and self-esteem through outdoor education and recreation, enhancing the ability and self-confidence of people of all ages with developmental and cognitive disabilities, and educating through “hands-on” outdoor and recreation experiences while meeting individual needs. The mission also includes facilitating learning experiences for families, direct care staff, interns, and professionals in the field of developmental and cognitive disabilities, and offering programs that are aimed at promoting self-confidence, self-esteem, and the skills to become full, contributing members of society. The organization also states a mission to provide opportunities with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for language and cultural expansion, support, and education.
One family shared that a camper named Bill worked for years to reach the top of the climbing wall and ring the bell, and when he finally did, family, friends, and staff celebrated, and his family described the smile and pride on his face, thanking the staff for instilling a sense of self-worth in the campers they serve. Another testimonial from Joe Porter describes taking clients to activities at Confidence Learning Center, noting the cabins are nice and clean, that there are many things for people to do, and that the camp works with adults, children, and families who have disabilities including physical and mental diminished capacity. This testimonial also notes that staff attention, help, and involvement are “awesome,” and that the camp holds fundraising activities that help run the facility.
Last updated February 21, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Typical overnight group stays are two to three nights
Confidence Learning Center began in April of 1969 as a 140-acre year-round camp. The camp provides facilities and equipment, as well as program specialists and college interns who assist groups with activities and programs. It has 9 fully equipped and accessible cabins with waterfront and walking accessible paths, and accessible transportation is provided to and from each activity. During inclement weather, groups can take part in nature study, arts and crafts, use the astronomy room, or participate in audiovisual education in the John Mariucci Lodge. Coming to Camp includes basic living skills such as planning, preparing, and cleaning up meals, along with care of the campsite or cabin. Confidence Learning Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity that operates without federal, state, or local tax support and without a parent sponsor organization. Campers attend from across Minnesota and the Midwest with staff, family, or caregivers, and visiting groups include group homes, families, public schools, state facilities, treatment centers, achievement centers, and scout groups. The camp has several areas of focus that include opportunities with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for language and cultural expansion, support, and education. Dick Endres is the camp founder.
The mission of Confidence Learning Center is to offer year-round outdoor educational and recreational experiences for people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Its stated mission includes cultivating self-confidence and self-esteem through outdoor education and recreation, enhancing the ability and self-confidence of people of all ages with developmental and cognitive disabilities, and educating through “hands-on” outdoor and recreation experiences while meeting individual needs. The mission also includes facilitating learning experiences for families, direct care staff, interns, and professionals in the field of developmental and cognitive disabilities, and offering programs that are aimed at promoting self-confidence, self-esteem, and the skills to become full, contributing members of society. The organization also states a mission to provide opportunities with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community for language and cultural expansion, support, and education.
One family shared that a camper named Bill worked for years to reach the top of the climbing wall and ring the bell, and when he finally did, family, friends, and staff celebrated, and his family described the smile and pride on his face, thanking the staff for instilling a sense of self-worth in the campers they serve. Another testimonial from Joe Porter describes taking clients to activities at Confidence Learning Center, noting the cabins are nice and clean, that there are many things for people to do, and that the camp works with adults, children, and families who have disabilities including physical and mental diminished capacity. This testimonial also notes that staff attention, help, and involvement are “awesome,” and that the camp holds fundraising activities that help run the facility.
Last updated February 21, 2026.
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