About Us

About Camp Courageous…

CEO Message

Hello and Welcome! 

The trust Camp Courageous holds with tens of thousands of campers, families, and supporters has been built carefully over decades. We understand that choosing a camp—especially for a loved one with disabilities—is a significant and deeply personal decision. That responsibility guides everything we do. From the programs to the policies, safety, and care, we remain committed to excellence and accountability.

While our beautiful setting—surrounded by state parkland and the Maquoketa River—and our outstanding facilities enhance the camp experience, the heart of Camp Courageous is the exceptional staff. Their compassion, professionalism, and dedication ensure that every camper leaves with meaningful memories and a sense of belonging.

We are proud of the innovative and accessible experiences available at Camp Courageous today. From the all-accessible miniature golf course and thrilling zipline, to the creativity of the Rotary Music Park, the immersive Penaluna Tunnel, and the reflection found at Mainliner Memorial Park, each space is designed to engage, inspire, and empower the campers.

As Camp Courageous continues to grow, each day brings new opportunities to strengthen our impact and expand our reach. We are deeply thankful for the long-standing relationships that have made this possible. To Courageous longtime supporters—thank you for your continued belief in the mission. To those new to Camp Courageous—welcome. We invite you to grow with us as we look toward the future.

We hope this website reflects the excitement, purpose, and heart that define Camp Courageous.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about camps mission and community.

With gratitude and optimism for the future,

Camp Courageous Mission:

Camp Courageous provides year-round recreational, respite, and travel program for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The camp is run primarily on donations, giving all individuals the opportunity to give through gifts of time, materials, financial, and other means that support the camp.

Camp Courageous Vision:

To inspire a world where individuals with disabilities are empowered with courage, to look beyond their current capabilities and explore the world with confidence.

Camp Courageous Values:

Environment:

We will reduce the environmental impact across operations & through services we deliver to campers.

Community Involvement & Development:

We will tackle the issues that impact the campers and contribute positively to local communities.

Inclusion For All:

At Camp Courageous we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  Our collective goal is to drive equity, solve challenges, and champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected in everything that is Camp Courageous

Wellbeing:

We value the campers & employees & strive to promote a positive culture that enables individuals to feel resilient and successful in their personal & work life.

Operating Practices:

We conduct business in an open, honest & ethical manner & strive to implement best known practices & socially responsible actions.

What Camp Courageous is…

Camp Courageous is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides year-round recreational, respite, and travel opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Camp Courageous offers a variety of services including weeklong camp sessions, respite weekends, family camp sessions, outdoor experiential sessions, and travel program. The camp operates primarily on donations without government assistance, formal sponsorship, or paid fundraisers. On an annual basis, Camp Courageous serves thousands of individuals with disabilities ranging in age from 1 to 105.