Camp Courageous (Iowa)
Camp Courageous is a year-round therapedic camp located in Monticello for Iowa-area people of all ages with various disabilities.
Purpose
Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. All people, regardless of ability level, have the right to opportunities found in the world around them. Individuals with disabilities, as well as their families, should experience year-round recreational and respite care activities in a camp setting. Camp Courageous of Iowa provides this needed service to all. The camp provides opportunities for social and personal growth within a supportive environment. Campers learn to try a variety of creative and challenging activities and experience success. Campers develop enhanced self-esteem which carries over to work, home, or school environments.
History
Camp Courageous was founded in 1972 when 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land was donated by Father John R. Gallagher for the sole purpose of establishing a camp for individuals with disabilities. In 1973 five buildings were built from donated labor and materials. By 1974 the camp was ready for its first campers, which totaled 211. Today the camp is open year-round, has 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land with 20 buildings, and annually serves nearly 7,000 campers, ranging in age from 1 to 105.
Camp Courageous was built and continues to operate on donations, without government assistance, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fund-raisers.
Location
Camp Courageous is located about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Monticello, Iowa. The camp occupies about 80 acres (320,000 m2) of land adjacent to the Pictured Rocks County Park in Jones County, Iowa. The camp also owns additional land within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the base camp totaling about 150 acres (0.61 km2).
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Coordinates: 42°12′28.12″N 91°6′27.6″W / 42.2078111°N 91.107667°W