Camp Confidence celebrates 40th year

Current and former staff members and volunteers gathered last weekend at Confidence Learning Center to celebrate its 40th birthday.

Supported by a large contingent of his family, Dick Endres was recognized for his outstanding work in outdoor education for people with developmental disabilities.

Although he was unable to attend, Endres' mentor in this effort, Dr. Julian Stein, sent a long letter of congratulations to Dick and to Confidence Learning Center. Stein remarked that Endres' efforts in Brainerd have not been duplicated but they have been emulated all over the country. His concept allowed Camp Confidence to focus on the need to promote confidence and personal growth in people with developmental disabilities.

Endres and Larry McGerr shared anecdotes about various volunteer groups like the Teen Corps, the Army Brigade and the Jaycees as well as the contributions of the Maynard Johnson family.

Endres recognized the continued involvement of longtime employees Mary Harder, Bob Slaybaugh and Jeff Olson.

As Stein remarked, "What a wonderful 40 years it has been, as Confidence continues to provide outstanding opportunities and services for those in Minnesota, while affording inspiration for others to follow in other states and throughout the world."