Confidence Learning Center

The “up-north” setting of Confidence Learning Center, also known as Camp Confidence, provides year-round outdoor education and recreation experiences for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities in a motivating environment for continual training in self help skills, behavior management, independent living skills, social adaptability, work habits and life long leisure skills.

Campers are brought to Confidence Learning Center by their staff, family, guardian, or care giver, who is responsible for the needs and care of the group members. This person(s) becomes a peer participant in the activities that help reinforce the successes of the camper and helps to create bonds that can transfer into the camper’s living environment. 

“Everyone enjoyed their experience and couldn’t wait for the next event. Many confronted their fears several times and many tried new things they were unsure of. Learning how to work as a team, confronting their fears, believing in themselves and using their social skills in a safe environment helped them achieve their goals. Thank you – we all really enjoyed camp, great staff and great activities!” - Northern Pines Mental Health Center

The programs at Confidence Learning Center are aimed at promoting self-confidence and self esteem through individual success and to facilitate exceptional learning experiences for families, direct care staff, interns and professionals in the field of developmental disabilities. Our campers achieve this through hands-on activities and participation in a variety of outdoor experiences facilitated by a professional staff of outdoor education specialists. Our staff is able to provide and adapt outdoor education and recreational activities that may not or cannot be offered in their local setting.

“Confidence Learning Center assisted our campers in experiencing the outdoors and wild life environment that was calming and relaxing for most. They also got to experience activities they never had before and created excitement. A few of our campers seemed more social by the end of our trip. Your staff and other campers made them feel welcome and comfortable.” - REM Crystal & Lakeland

We host specialty camps including Camp Journey (a camp for children who have suffered a major loss in their life such as a death of a family member, friend or loved one.), Camp Sertoma (a camp for children who are deaf or hard of hearing), Fishing Has No Boundaries (a national organization that provides fishing for people with any disability), MOFAS (Minnesota Office for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and Dreams & Inspirations (a new program of camps and retreats for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community). 

    "Camp Sertoma, Fishing Has No Boundaries, Fishing Classic, amazing staff! Camp Confidence is the cornerstone if the giving culture that is the   Brainerd Lakes Area! - Kirk Alford

Confidence Learning Center receives no local, state or federal funding and relies on the generous support of individual and corporate donations as well as our special events and fundraisers. We are also proud of the long-standing relationships with service clubs, organizations and foundations and work closely with the Eagles, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Sertoma, and United Way --organizations in Minnesota and the Mid West who support our mission and goals.