Our program provides opportunities to develop an appreciation of nature, live cooperatively with others, share in the responsibilities of group living, develop new leisure interests, experience traditional camp activities and have fun! General sessions provide a traditional camp experience for children and teenagers, while the resort-like settings at all five locations offer a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere for adult guests. Guests determine their own activity interests and level of participation. Siblings and friends are also welcome to attend. We have structured our prices based on care ratios. Our staff to camper ratios often differ from daily living care ratios. Please visit www.truefriends.org or speak with camp staff to determine the best care ratio for you. Please see below for a description of the different programs/sessions. Dates and cost for each can be found in the session area. Camp Otter 1:1 NEW! Providing an environment that brings out gifts within individuals who have a high care needs. Our 1:1 staffing fosters the nurturing setting that enhances campers’ unique qualities and talents. Focusing on their contribution to the camp community builds self-worth and social comfort. Campers who need 1:1 support due to behavioral or physical needs can choose Camp Otter. Adult Camp Classic camp activities with lots of group interaction. Enjoy outdoor and lakefront sports, hikes, campfires and cabin living. Build friendships with other campers and counselors as you experience the best nature has to offer. It’s the classic camp experience. Youth Camp These sessions are for kids and their siblings to come to camp for a week of outdoor adventures, recreational sports, and creative arts activities. Learn to live with a group, try new activities, socialize with peers, and be a kid! Live and play with kids and teens of a similar age, interest and activity level. Adult Getaway Retreat Designed for campers with low care needs who can complete daily living skills. Participants enjoy more free time and plan their own camp vacation by choosing activities that challenge and interest them. Each camp is located on a lake packed with aquatic fun and is full of hiking trails for exploring. Make sure to get enough rest in our modern cabins to do it all again the next day! Horsing Around Any session with “Horsing Around” in the title offers traditional camp PLUS equine experiences. Learn horsemanship, horse history (from the wild west to the pony express), fun saddle skills and a taste of what Therapeutic Horseback Riding(THR) is like. In riding or connecting with a horse, participants gain physical, mental, social and emotional skill development in a unique setting, plus get an unforgettable experience. Camp Independence Designed for higher ability campers who can be supported at a 1:3+ ratio. Siblings are invited to all sessions. Participants are independent in daily living and social skills with few behavioral challenges. This inclusive camp is for youth with or without disabilities seeking to grow skills in: Independence, self-esteem, peer-relationship building, social comfort, adventure, exploration and decision-making. In this graduated program, youth and teens are responsible for achieving individual daily objectives based on their personal growth goals. Campers work both individually and as a team to earn “camp money” on credit cards that they can use to “purchase” outings and special treats. Staff are trained to build skills in campers. Aspergers Camp This structured program for campers with autism spectrum disorder will focus on social skill learning. Campers practice asking to join activities, trying something new, sharing and taking turns while participating in traditional camp activities. Participants build confidence with leadership development and social interactions among other campers facing similar challenges. True Friends partners with ANSWER (Aspergers Network Support) to offer this session. Camp enVISION NEW! Volunteers Innovating, Serving, Inspiring,Organizing and Nurturing. Come explore nature while building confidence and learning valuable life skills. Camp enVISION is designed for youth ages 16-25 to discover their interests in the outdoors. While campers swim, boat, bike, take a weekend trip and use the high ropes course, they will work as a team to learn from one another and support each other in their move to adulthood. Campers create and plan activities, listen to each other, work together and interact. Participants learn more about employment responsibilities by touring the working side of camp and learning about the different departments, leading into volunteer opportunities in their areas of interest.