Glen Lake Children’s Camp Established; Now Camp Eden Wood
Leonora and George Christianson combined their personal experience with a son who had TB and their philanthropic passion to help others by donating to build Glen Lake Children’s Camp for children with TB. The camp closed in 1950.
The Seeds of Camp Courage
Jenny Bordewich Dowling, due to her being married to Michael Dowling who lost his limbs to a brutal December snowstorm, organized the first camp for kids with physical disabilities east of Hinkley at St. John’s Landing.
Camp Courage North Opened
Walter and Lydia Duebner from St. Paul, donated their 95 acre summer lake home at Lake George, near Itasca State Park, to Courage Center which then became Camp Courage North.
Friendship Ventures Acquired Camp Eden Wood
Friendship Ventures expanded its services in the Twin Cities area through the acquisition of Eden Wood Center in Eden Prairie; previously the site was operated as Glen Lake Children’s Camp and then as Camp Indian Chief.
Friendship Ventures Acquired Courage Center Camps
Friendship Ventures was providing camp, respite, travel, team building, and conference and retreat to thousands of individuals each year. The organization acquired Camp Courage and Camp Courage North in November of 2012, and used the interim name, Camps of Courage and Friendship, for nearly a year.
The Name True Friends Launched
In 2013, a branding strategy firm helped research and launch a new name for the organization. In October 2013, the name True Friends was launched.
The Future of True Friends
Today we offer six programs across four locations, serving individuals of all abilities.