Welcome to your outdoor experience
Year-round outdoor educational and recreational experience for people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
Cultivating self-confidence and self-esteem through outdoor education and recreation for 56 years
People achieve self-confidence and self-esteem though active “hands-on” activities and participation in a variety of outdoor experiences. Programs like archery, cross-country skiing, and fishing—just to mention a few—allow our Campers to challenge their limits and prove to the most IMPORTANT person of all, themselves, what they are capable of.
Upcoming Events
BRAINERD JAYCEES ICE FISHING EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, January 31st, 2026 | 12pm– 3PM
The Brainerd Jaycees is a non-profit organization made up of members between the ages of 18 to 40. The mission of the organization is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. The organization hosts many events throughout the year and all proceeds raised get donated back to local charities and organizations.
One of the primary events is the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. The first contest was held in January of 1991. The founders never expected the event would become the world’s largest ice fishing contest and put Brainerd, MN on the map. The winter event generates over $1 million in revenue for area businesses and over $150,000 for area charities annually. Over $3 million has been donated since its inception.
AMERICA’S ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT
Friday, February 6th 5pm- Sunday, February 8th 12pm
The 5th America’s Ice Fishing Tournament will be held on February 6th -8th 2026, The contest will begin at 5pm the 6th and run til noon on February 8th. It is open to anglers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Eligible species include walleye/sauger, northern pike, crappie, perch, and sunfish. All fish must be caught through a naturally formed sheet of ice on a public body of water. Tournament will be run through the FishDonkey app, from the frozen body of water of your choice!
GULL LAKE’S FROZEN FORE “BATTLE OF THE BANDS”
Saturday, February 28th
Get ready for the coolest event of the season – the Gull Lake Frozen Fore!
This one-day, pub crawl-style adventure brings together fun, friends, and a little friendly competition across some of the best bars and restaurants around Gull Lake.
I love taking my clients to the activities that the Confidence Learning Center have available and the cabins they rent out are nice and clean. So many things for people to do! They work with adults,children and families that have disabilities both physical and mental diminished capacity. I feel the attention,help and involvement the staff give is awesome! They also do fund raising activities that helps run the facility! Truly a beautiful place and people!
Ready to start your adventure?
Each trip to camp may be a new and unique experience or a building block based on previous trips. We have eight unique cabins to choose from.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us with questions about camping, events, volunteering or other comments. Form submission does not guarantee your reservation. Please wait for a confirmation from camp.
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