Our History
1967
Founder Dick Endres forms the nonprofit MN Therapeutic Camp Inc. – Camp Confidence is born.
1969
Land is purchased and residents from the Brainerd State Hospital begin enjoying the rustic setting.
1970s
Camp primarily serves residents from the five Minnesota State Hospital facilities – an average of three thousand individuals annually.
1971
The first of camp’s nine cabins is constructed to accommodate overnight camping.
1974
Sports and television celebrities unite with the first annual Celebrity Golf fundraiser.
1976
Hockey legend John Mariucci and his family host the first Mariucci Fiesta fundraiser ar camp.
1980s
As community-based living programs develop, camp reaches out statewide to serve campers outside of the state hospital system.
1982
Camp joins forces with Special Olympics Minnesota to host the first Winter Carnival. Today, more than three hundred athletes from central Minnesota look forward to this day each year.
1984
Nick Adams initiates the first annual Camp Confidence Fishing Classic with support from Marv Koep, Al and Ron Lindner, and other fishing legends.
Brainerd Sertoma partners begin hosting the annual John Mariucci Fiesta.
Camp is named Minnesota State Eagle Charity of choice. Six additional Minnesota Eagle’s presidents have continued this tradition.
1985
Camp employs five year-around program specialists and serves a record ten thousand camper days.
1990s
Brainerd Jaycees hosts first Ice-Fishing Extravaganza and chose camp as the primary beneficiary. Minnesota Jaycees have since named camp a statewide priority project.
1994
Camp is designated by industry peers as the Top Environmental Center serving persons with disabilities.
1997
John Mariucci’s dream is achieved with the grand opening of the Mariucci Lodge, allowing camp to further develop indoor activities and better serve campers during inclement weather.
1999
Camp’s mission statement is broadened to include services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Camp Sertoma is born with support from Sertoma’s five-state region.
2000s
Camp designates the month of May to serve Brainerd-area school classes, offering a balance between environmental education and recreational activities.
2002
Older cabins are replaced to improve accessibility and accommodate large groups with the support of Maynard Johnson and his family. Brainerd area Rotary, Kiwanis, and Jaycees adopt remaining cabins to update and maintain.
2003
Camp develops program partnerships with organizations such as Fishing Has No Boundaries, MN Organization of Fetal Alcohol Association, Rotary’s Camp Journey, and many others.
2008
Camp serves a record thirteen thousand camper days.
2016
Climbing wall was installed.
2017
Joe and Kay Gustafson Field is built. Now houses Gaga Ball, Disc Golf, and Zipline.
2019
Camp turns 50!
2020
The Fraternal Order of the Eagle’s adopt MBJ 2 as Eagle’s Nest Cabin.
2021
Lions Club adopt MBJ 1 as Lion’s Den.
2022
Air conditioning units installed in all cabins thanks to the support of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles’ and other donors.
2023
The Camp Golf and Fishing Classic Weekend celebrates 50 years!
NOW
Confidence Learning Center continues to operate without the use of state or federal tax dollars and is recognized as a leader among nonprofits and a provider of opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities.
Questions?
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