True Friends Programs and Services: COVID-19 Update
Dear Friend,
True Friends has been receiving a variety of questions regarding the impact COVID-19 (Coronavirus) may have on our programs and services. True Friends has been, and will continue to, closely monitor COVID-19 and follow recommendations and protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Minnesota Department of Health.
Ensuring the health and safety of participants, guests, and staff is our top priority. True Friends has evaluated the operation for each of our programs and services and has made the decision to suspend all programs and services beginning Monday, March 16 until Tuesday, March 31 and will tentatively resume regular operations beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
True Friends has placed additional guidelines in place to ensure the well-being of participants, guests, and staff. We are not aware of any individuals connected to True Friends who have been exposed to COVID-19.
True Friends offices will remain open, we ask if you would like to visit one of our locations, please call us first at 952.852.0101.
True Friends will follow directions and protocols set by the CDC, WHO, and state and local agencies. In the event of an outbreak or mandate prohibiting large group gatherings applicable to True Friends programs and services, True Friends will reevaluate these decisions and continue to communicate any changes.
If you have immediate concerns regarding our programs and services please contact us during regular business hours, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 952.852.0101 or at info@truefriends.org.
We will continue to track COVID-19, use best practices to reduce the spread and impact, and communicate any potential impact at True Friends.
John LeBlanc
President & CEO, True Friends
Summer Camp Jobs & Internships
Experience True Friends
An Inclusive Summer Job
True Friends runs summer camp at all four Minnesota camp locations: Camp Friendship, Camp Courage, Camp Eden Wood and Camp Courage North. We hire 250+ staff to make camp happen – from counselors, health care, and leadership who directly support our campers, to admin, marketing, and kitchen staff who work behind the scenes to enhance campers’ experience. Everyone has a place at True Friends camps – including you!
Summer Job Positions
You should apply if you are…
Passionate about making a difference in the lives of people of all abilities.
Willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Motivated to be a role model for all campers, volunteers, and staff.
Happy to live and work in a communal setting.
Eager to take initiative and have a strong work ethic. All roles require staff to work independently and as part of a team.
Able to be flexible and adapt to an ever-changing environment.
CPR/First Aid certified, Lifeguard certified. These certifications are highly valued, but NOT required.
Excited about a camping experience and have prior experience with the population. Again, prior experience is not required, but highly valued.
Perks
Meals and housing
Comprehensive training
Hard skills
Soft skills
Personal growth
Relevant career experience
Communication skills
Saturday staff trips
Workplace diversity
Internship credit available
Important Information
Residential Experience
Camp staff live at camp for the summer
Work 5.5 days a week, with time off during the week and on Saturdays (typically)
[...]
Board of Directors
True Friends Board of Directors
True Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by two boards: Operations and Foundation. These two boards meet periodically to provide oversight and guidance to the organization’s activities.
From former camp staff to local health care professionals, to entrepreneurs and financial experts, True Friends is supported by a group of individuals offering unwavering dedication and commitment to our mission.
Operations Board of Directors
Gaylen Ghylin, Board Treasurer, Executive Vice President, Tiller Corporation
Jon Gordon, Accounting Professional, JR Gordon LTD
Marilyn Hallstrom, Board Chair, President, Hallstrom Consulting
Nancy Koehler Nurse, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools
Shelly Nelson Senior Vice President of Marketing, Cambria
Mary O’Meara Director of Quality and Regulatory, Grain Millers
Peter Rundquist DPT Program Director, Concordia College
Bob Polland Retired Camp Director
John Woodward Vice President of Innovation, Constellation Solutions
Mary Ellen Wells, Board Vice Chair, Administrator, CentraCare Health – Monticello
John Leblanc President and CEO, True Friends
Kathy Miron
Deb Salhus
Jeff Schrock
Ashley Jones Turner
Peter Ramme
Courtney Miller
Rob Otos
Mark Zastro
Foundation Board of Directors
Lon Bencini, Board Secretary, Marketing Director, Getac Video Solutions
Jody Estensen Director of Brand Communications and Marketing, Regis Corporation
Gaylen Ghylin, Board Treasurer, Executive Vice President, Tiller Corporation
Chris Judson Off Road and International Markets, Polaris
Mary Kemp Murray, Board Vice Chair, President, Ideas That Kick
Steve Lacke, Board Chair, Chair COO, Constellation Mutual
Josh Storms Financial Advisor, The Columns Resource Group of Northwestern Mutual
Jennifer Thalhuber CEO, Ablenet, Inc.
Marilyn Hallstrom President, Hallstrom Consulting
John Leblanc President and CEO, True Friends
Joe Hanson
Lori Trygg
Brent Miller
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in supporting True Friends! Due to current capacity limitations, we are unable to accept new volunteer applications. We anticipate we will be accepting applications in Fall 2021 for opportunities starting in January 2022. Please email volunteerservices@truefriends.org if you would like to be added to our interest list for upcoming opportunities. Returning volunteers may email us now to learn more about facility, lawn, and hospitality volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer with True Friends
Make a Lasting Impact
Love It.
Learn It.
Apply for It.
Learn More
Engage.
Enjoy Yourself.
Bring the Family.
OpportunitiesVolunteer More Info
Make an Impact
When you volunteer with True Friends, you help ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Working with Individuals with Disabilities
Your LanguageRespect of participants is our number one priority. Remember to use person first language by using the person’s name over their disability. For example, “John has autism” rather than “John’s autistic.
Conversation startersMaking a connection is important to everyone. Our participants have hobbies, families, jobs, and school outside of our programs. Start with something that you can relate to and let the conversation flow. Get to know the individuals you work with.
Trained StaffOur volunteers are never left alone with a participant, do not perform personal cares, and are not responsible for behavior management. It’s okay to ask staff for guidance and support. Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in supporting True Friends! Due to current capacity limitations, we are unable to accept new volunteer applications. We anticipate we will be accepting applications in Fall 2021 for opportunities starting in January 2022. Please email volunteerservices@truefriends.org if you would like to be added to our interest list for upcoming opportunities. Returning volunteers may email us now to learn more about facility, lawn, and hospitality volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Opportunities
Youth program volunteers learn leadership through guided program involvement and enhance interpersonal skills while working with individuals of all abilities. Youth program volunteers can volunteer with camp and horse therapy
Leader in Training | Cabin Assistant | Side Walker
Learn More
Adult Opportunities
Adult program volunteers engage participants during activities and connecting through conversation. Adult program volunteers can volunteer with camp, horse therapy, and respite.
Cabin Assistant | Side Walker | Weekend Cabin Assistant
Learn More
Specialized Opportunities
Specialized volunteers are those looking to support True Friends through projects, utilizing or learning trade skills, and helping maintain a safe and clean environment for participants.
Facilities Volunteer | Hospitality Volunteer
Learn More
Group/Family Opportunities
Group volunteer projects are available for established groups wishing to engage in an experience-based service learning or team-building opportunity. Activity group opportunities are available with camp, horse therapy, and respite.
Maintenance Groups | Activity Groups
Learn MoreYouth Opportunities
Leader in Training
Entry level program for youth with limited or no experience working with people with disabilities. Leaders in training will spend one part of their day with their cabin. The second half of their day will be spent team-building and developing leadership skills.
Typically Ages 14-15
Location: Camp Friendship | Program: Camp
Side Walker
Assist with therapeutic horseback riding lessons and help riders take another stride toward their goals. No horse experience required. Side walkers are responsible for supporting riders physically, emotionally and cognitively during the lesson.
Age 16+
Location: Camp Courage | Program: Horse Therapy
Cabin Assistant
Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is required. Cabin assistants spend the day with their cabin, engaging in an intentional experiential learning program.
Typically Ages 16-18
Location: Camp Friendship | Program: Camp
Apply NowAdult Opportunities
Cabin Assistant
Cabin assistants spend the day with their cabin, supporting and engaging participants during camp activities.
Age 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Eden Wood | Camp Courage North Program: Camp
Side Walker
Assist with therapeutic horseback riding lessons and help riders take another stride toward their goals. No horse experience required. Side walkers are responsible for supporting riders physically, emotionally and cognitively during the lesson.
Typically Ages 16+
Location: Camp Courage | Program: Horse Therapy
Weekend Cabin Assistant
Volunteers spend the weekend with their cabin engaged in social and experiential learning opportunities.
Age 18+
Location: Camp Friendship | Camp Eden Wood | Program: Respite
Apply NowSpecialized Opportunities
Facilities Volunteer
Volunteers engage in a variety of tasks ranging from painting, building flower beds, grounds maintenance, and more, depending on the season.
Age 14+ accompanied by an adult or 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Eden Wood | Camp Courage North
Hospitality Volunteer
Hospitality volunteers assist kitchen and hospitality staff with meal preparation and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, dining hall, and buildings on site.
Age 16+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Eden Wood | Camp Courage North
Apply NowGroup/Family Opportunities
Maintenance Groups
Volunteers engage in a variety of tasks ranging from painting, building flower beds, grounds maintenance, and more, depending on the season.
Age 14+ accompanied by an adult or 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Eden Wood | Camp Courage North
Activity Groups
Activity group volunteers lead an activity along with program staff during a camping week or respite weekend. Past activities include arts and crafts, games, science projects and more.
Age 14+ accompanied by an adult or 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Eden Wood | Camp Courage North
Apply Now
Volunteer Contact
Thank you for your interest in supporting True Friends! Due to current capacity limitations, we are unable to accept new volunteer applications. We anticipate we will be accepting applications in Fall 2021 for opportunities starting in January 2022. Please email volunteerservices@truefriends.org if you would like to be added to our interest list for upcoming opportunities. Returning volunteers may email us now to learn more about facility, lawn, and hospitality volunteer opportunities.
We’d love to
hear from you!
Volunteer Apply Now
Thank you for your interest in supporting True Friends! Due to current capacity limitations, we are unable to accept new volunteer applications. We anticipate we will be accepting applications in Fall 2021 for opportunities starting in January 2022. Please email volunteerservices@truefriends.org if you would like to be added to our interest list for upcoming opportunities. Returning volunteers may email us now to learn more about facility, lawn, and hospitality volunteer opportunities.
Apply to Volunteer Today
We carefully review each application to ensure each applicant is a good fit for volunteering at True Friends.
New Applicant Returning VolunteerA Message from True Friends Regarding Coronavirus
True Friends has been closely monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and communication from the CDC, WHO, and Minnesota Department of Health. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well–being of all staff, guests, participants, and visitors.
The best practices to stop the spread of the Coronavirus is to cough into your elbow or upper arm, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and stay home if you are sick.
True Friends will continue to stay up to date on the situation and follow the guidelines and recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and Minnesota Department of Health.
True Friends will continue to monitor the Coronavirus and keep you updated. For questions, please contact us at 952.852.0101 or info@truefriends.org.
John LeBlanc
President & CEO of True Friends
