About
Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence) offers year-round outdoor educational and recreational experiences that include archery, cross-country skiing, fishing, canoeing, nature study, and arts and crafts. Campers also have access to activities such as the Confidence Course, where they can work on challenging their limits and proving they “can.” Over the years, thousands of individuals have taken part in educational programs that feature archery, cross-country skiing, canoeing, and fishing.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Typical overnight group stays are two to three nights, with options for longer or shorter visits
Confidence Learning Center began in April of 1969 when founder Dick Endres, a small group of local businesspeople, and many individuals from the Brainerd State Hospital formed Minnesota Therapeutic Camp, now known as Confidence Learning Center. The program offers year-round outdoor educational and recreational experiences for people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities and has been cultivating self-confidence and self-esteem through outdoor education and recreation for 56 years. Its programs are aimed at promoting self-confidence, self-esteem, and the skills needed to become full, contributing members of society.
Camp provides facilities and equipment, along with program specialists and college interns who assist groups with activities and programs. Time at Camp includes practicing basic living skills through planning, preparing, and cleaning up meals and caring for the campsite or cabin. Confidence Learning Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, and it operates a 140-acre year-round camp for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities, with campers coming from across Minnesota and the Midwest with their staff, family, or caregiver, who are responsible for their direct care. Visiting groups include group homes, families, public schools, state facilities, treatment centers, achievement centers, and scout groups.
The camp has nine fully equipped and accessible cabins, waterfront and walking accessible paths, and numerous activity areas with accessible transportation 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. Confidence Learning Center specializes in outdoor education and experiences for persons with developmental and cognitive disabilities, along with the deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Confidence Learning Center receives no federal, state, or local tax support, and no religious group, college, scouting group, service organization, or other group acts as a parent sponsor. Instead, individuals, families, corporations, service clubs, and small businesses have contributed to developing the 140-acre year-round camp. 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 smile and pride stood out to them. Another testimonial from Joe Porter notes that the cabins are nice and clean, there are many activities for people to do, the staff work with adults, children, and families with physical and mental disabilities, and the facility also runs fundraising activities.
Last updated July 25, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Typical overnight group stays are two to three nights, with options for longer or shorter visits
Confidence Learning Center began in April of 1969 when founder Dick Endres, a small group of local businesspeople, and many individuals from the Brainerd State Hospital formed Minnesota Therapeutic Camp, now known as Confidence Learning Center. The program offers year-round outdoor educational and recreational experiences for people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities and has been cultivating self-confidence and self-esteem through outdoor education and recreation for 56 years. Its programs are aimed at promoting self-confidence, self-esteem, and the skills needed to become full, contributing members of society.
Camp provides facilities and equipment, along with program specialists and college interns who assist groups with activities and programs. Time at Camp includes practicing basic living skills through planning, preparing, and cleaning up meals and caring for the campsite or cabin. Confidence Learning Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, and it operates a 140-acre year-round camp for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities, with campers coming from across Minnesota and the Midwest with their staff, family, or caregiver, who are responsible for their direct care. Visiting groups include group homes, families, public schools, state facilities, treatment centers, achievement centers, and scout groups.
The camp has nine fully equipped and accessible cabins, waterfront and walking accessible paths, and numerous activity areas with accessible transportation 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. Confidence Learning Center specializes in outdoor education and experiences for persons with developmental and cognitive disabilities, along with the deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Confidence Learning Center receives no federal, state, or local tax support, and no religious group, college, scouting group, service organization, or other group acts as a parent sponsor. Instead, individuals, families, corporations, service clubs, and small businesses have contributed to developing the 140-acre year-round camp. 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 smile and pride stood out to them. Another testimonial from Joe Porter notes that the cabins are nice and clean, there are many activities for people to do, the staff work with adults, children, and families with physical and mental disabilities, and the facility also runs fundraising activities.
Last updated July 25, 2026.