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Programs
Creative Options/
Respite
Care:·
Ventures Travel LLC:·
Our son's experience at
Camp was wonderful. It was hard for us as his parents to imagine that
someone else could take care of him and understand all of his needs the way
we do...
...The week our son spent at Camp was a treat for the whole
family... but most importantly our child came home happy, healthy, well
cared for, more verbal than ever, 3 pounds heavier, and with better sleeping
and eating patterns than when he left. When we ask him if he liked Camp, he
says "Yes!"
~Parents
"...They
emphasize her abilities, not her disabilities and limitations..."
~Parent
"...My
daughter talks about camp every day - it's the benchmark that she uses to
tell how much fun something is in her life!"..
~Parents
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Enriching Lives Making A Difference
Friendship Ventures believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to relax, learn, explore and have fun. Since 1964, we've been creating opportunities for kids, teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities - and for their families.
Friendship Ventures serves more than 3,000 people each year through its camping, respite and travel programs. The agency operates Camp Friendship near Annandale, Minnesota, Camp New Hope near McGregor, Minnesota, and Eden Wood Center in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Note: Several of the forms
for registration are available for download from this site. You will need the free
Adobe
AcrobatTM
reader to view these files.
**Please visit the forms library to download registration forms for Resident Camp Programs.=>Go to Forms Library
Program Philosophy
Our goal is to help clients achieve the highest level of self-worth, independence, and
participation in their communities. To that end, participants are encouraged to learn new
skills and practice decision-making. Participate in challenging and fun activities. Enjoy
and appreciate nature. Meet new people and renew old friendships. · Have a safe, relaxing
and fun vacation.
Who Can Participate?
Programs are designed for people who have mental retardation or developmental disabilities
related to autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and Down, Tourette, and other syndromes.
Many clients also have physical disabilities, hearing or vision impairment, and medical
conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy. Siblings and friends without disabilities may
also participate in many of our programs.
Scholarships
Friendship Ventures is committed to providing quality programs that are affordable and accessible. We realize that not every person can afford to pay the cost or discount fee. Financial assistance is made possible in part through generous contributions of individuals, service organizations, businesses and other committed groups who support our annual scholarship campaign. It is through their generosity and commitment that funds are available to provide scholarships to those who need support. To apply, complete the scholarship application which requires applicants to provide information on income, family size and explanation of financial need.
Staffing
For most
programs, Friendship Ventures provides at least one staff member or trained volunteer for
every two participants. (Also provided is one-on-one care as needed.) Our Respite and camp
staff includes food service professionals qualified to prepare special diets and
registered nurses who supervise medical care. To learn more about employment
opportunities,
go here ··:·.
Resident Camp Programs
Offered during the winter and summer at Camp Friendship, Camp New Hope and at Eden Wood Center. Sessions
are available for children and adults, along with special interest sessions that teach the
basics of hobbies, sports, and creative arts. More ··:·
Creative Options/Respite
Care
This program operates weekends throughout the year at Camp Friendship and Eden
Wood Center. Children and adults with developmental disabilities can relax and have fun in
a homelike setting; their families and care providers receive a much-needed break.
More ··:·
Ventures Travel L.L.C. is a new limited liability company has been established. The company offers vacation packages for small groups of teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities. Trips are guided by trained travel leaders and volunteers. Travel is by train, plane, van, or cruise ship to more than 40 destinations in the United States and Canada. More
Sojourn
Offered
year-round at Camp Friendship, this program allows children, teenagers and adults with
developmental disabilities or other unique needs to vacation with their families and care
providers. Day, evening and overnight packages are available.
More ··:·
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