Camp Courageous of Iowa

Camp Courageous is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides year-round recreational and respite care opportunities for individuals with special needs. Camp Courageous offers a variety of services including weeklong camp sessions, respite care weekends, winter camper care, family camp sessions, outdoor education sessions, and Courageous Travels. The camp was founded in 1972, and the first 211 campers attended during the summer of 1974. Today, Camp Courageous serves nearly 10,000 individuals with special needs on an annual basis.

At Camp Courageous, we strive to inspire a world where individuals with special needs are empowered with courage to look beyond their current capabilities and explore their world with confidence. We provide opportunities for social and personal growth within a supportive environment. Activities are adapted to meet the unique needs of each camper. The success campers experience while participating in activities at Camp Courageous builds confidence that carries over into their everyday life.

Testimonials

"This is such an amazing place for kids/adults with disabilities. My son has been attending camp for many years now, and I never worry about how he is doing. He is always well cared for by all staff, the facility is clean, and all activities have been adapted to all ability levels. I'm so thankful for Camp Courageous. Not only for giving myself as a single parent some respite, but also for the opportunities my son gets to experience that I would never be able to provide for him - sleeping in a tent or a treehouse overnight, zip lining, sensory room, and so much more!" - Michelle Carden

"Cannot ever begin to express the gratitude my family and I have toward you [Camp Courageous]. For our son to have a place to go, where he is completely accepted for all of his quirks and his disability, is truly the most amazing thing we have encountered in his lifetime! He looks forward to this experience all year long. It is such a nice break for us, especially knowing that he is having the time of his life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." - Janet Frasca

"This email is well past due, but I wanted to tell you and your staff what a wonderful thing you are doing in the lives of these children. Our son, Logan, has been attending the MD camp [Muscular Dystrophy weeklong session] for approximately 7 years now, and he is extremely sad each time it is over. The relationships he forms with other kids that have the same or similar disabilities is unlike any other...Only they can fully understand each other's daily struggles and that definitely creates an immediate bond with all the kids! Thank you for having a positive impact in our child's life!" - Don Manderfield

"Thank you again to Camp Courageous and to anyone who is involved in the camp. Camp Courageous is the highlight of our daughter's life each year. Amanda even loves camp more than Adventureland! We love the visions Camp Courageous has and how they bring the visions to life. How you continue to bring new things to camp, like the train, bowling alley, Lake Todd, and more, is amazing! The leadership for Camp Courageous is doing such a wonderful job! Thank you so much for all your hard work, sacrifices, dedication, and time. You have blessed so many lives for so many years, and will continue to do so for years to come." - Lisa Weigandt