Camp Oasis

Welcome, Minnesota families! When you hear the word "campground," your mind might immediately go to tents, RVs, and traditional outdoor adventures. However, there's a very special "Camp Oasis" in Maple Lake, MN, that offers a unique and incredibly valuable camping experience, distinct from a typical public campground. This Camp Oasis is a program specifically designed to provide a safe, supportive, and fun summer camp environment for children living with certain health conditions, notably Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Hosted at the expansive and well-equipped True Friends - Camp Courage facility, it's a place where children can truly be themselves, make lasting friendships, gain confidence, and create unforgettable memories, all while receiving the specialized care they need.

This isn't a campground where you just pull up your RV or pitch a tent for a weekend. Instead, Camp Oasis is a structured, overnight camp experience, meticulously planned and staffed by medical professionals, mental health specialists, and dedicated volunteers. Its mission is deeply rooted in fostering a sense of normalcy and belonging for children who often feel different due to their health challenges. The program's focus on creating an empowering and joyful environment makes it a true oasis for these young campers, allowing them to participate in classic camp activities without fear or judgment. For Minnesota families navigating these specific health conditions, Camp Oasis stands out as an invaluable resource, providing not just recreation but also crucial emotional and educational support.

Let's explore the details of this remarkable camp, understanding its location, the specialized services it offers, and why it holds such significance for the local community and beyond.

Camp Oasis is situated at 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN 55358, USA. This address corresponds to True Friends - Camp Courage, a well-established and accessible camp facility in the heart of Minnesota. Maple Lake itself is a charming community, providing a serene backdrop for the camp's activities. The location offers a peaceful, natural setting with more than 300 beautiful wooded acres and lake frontage on Cedar Lake, creating an ideal environment for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

The camp's proximity to major roadways, while maintaining a secluded feel, ensures relatively easy access for families from across Minnesota and neighboring states. Maple Lake is located approximately 50 miles west of Minneapolis, making it a manageable drive from the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This allows families from diverse parts of the state to participate in the program without excessive travel burdens. The journey to Camp Oasis typically involves navigating well-maintained state and county roads, ensuring a smooth arrival for campers and their families.

Beyond the camp's immediate surroundings, the wider Maple Lake area and central Minnesota offer additional points of interest, though the primary focus for campers will be the immersive experience within the camp itself. The natural landscape of the region, characterized by its numerous lakes, forests, and outdoor recreational opportunities, contributes to the overall therapeutic and enjoyable atmosphere that Camp Oasis strives to create. This blend of accessibility and a tranquil natural setting makes Camp Oasis an ideal venue for its specialized programs.

Camp Oasis, as a specialized summer camp, provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to its unique campers. These go far beyond what a typical public campground offers, emphasizing medical support, emotional well-being, and structured recreational activities.

• 24-Hour On-Site Medical Care: Each camp session is equipped with a dedicated health center staffed by physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, and dietitians. These professionals are experienced in working with individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ensuring that campers' medical regimens are followed and any health concerns are addressed promptly and expertly.
• Supportive Environment: The core service is providing a safe and supportive community where children living with IBD can feel understood, accepted, and empowered. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and fosters confidence.
• Structured Daily Activities: Campers engage in a variety of classic camp activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, team sports, and evening activities like campfires and talent shows. The schedule is designed to be engaging and fun, with appropriate rest periods.
• Accessible Facilities: The True Friends - Camp Courage facility is known for being fully accessible, ensuring that campers of all abilities can participate comfortably in activities and utilize the sleeping, meeting, and recreational areas.
• Nutritious and IBD-Friendly Meals: Meals are carefully planned and prepared to be IBD-friendly, accommodating special dietary needs and ensuring campers receive nourishing and delicious food.
• Trained Staff and Volunteers: The camp is supported by a dedicated team of trained staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable about IBD and committed to providing a positive experience for every child.
• Leadership in Training (LIT) Program: For older teenagers (grades 11-12), a special LIT program combines camp fun with age-appropriate responsibilities and leadership-building activities, fostering growth and independence.
• Emotional and Social Support: Beyond medical care, the camp provides an environment where campers can connect with peers who share similar experiences, building friendships and a strong sense of belonging.

The unique nature of Camp Oasis lends itself to several distinctive features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional program for its specific demographic.

• Specialized Care and Understanding: This is arguably the most significant highlight. Campers are surrounded by peers and staff who understand the challenges of living with IBD, eliminating the fear of judgment or feeling different. This creates an unparalleled sense of comfort and acceptance.
• Empowerment and Confidence Building: Many campers experience a significant boost in confidence and independence. Learning to manage their disease in a supportive, fun environment helps them feel more capable and in control of their health.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Being hosted at True Friends - Camp Courage, Camp Oasis benefits from impressive amenities. This includes comfortable, enclosed cabins, readily accessible and sanitary bathrooms and showers throughout the camp, and specialized activity areas.
• Diverse Recreational Opportunities: Campers have access to a wide range of activities, from lakefront fun on Cedar Lake (swimming, boating) to indoor facilities like a heated pool and gymnasium (though gym and pool may vary during construction periods at Camp Courage). Hiking trails and outdoor fields also offer ample opportunities for activity.
• Professional and Caring Staff: The presence of a 24-hour medical team, including physicians and nurses experienced in IBD, provides immense reassurance to both campers and their families. The overall staff-to-camper ratio is designed to ensure personalized attention and safety.
• Strong Peer Connections: The camp is a place where friendships ignite among children who "get it." These shared experiences often lead to strong bonds and a supportive network that extends beyond the camp session.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The 300+ wooded acres and lake frontage on Cedar Lake provide a picturesque and calming environment, enhancing the overall camp experience and offering opportunities for nature immersion.

For inquiries, applications, or more information about Camp Oasis of Minnesota, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN 55358, USA

Phone: (646) 943-7480

Mobile Phone: +1 646-943-7480

It is important to note that Camp Oasis is a program of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. For the most up-to-date information on application processes, session dates, and program details, it is highly recommended to visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's official website and specifically look for "Camp Oasis of Minnesota" or contact them directly using the provided phone numbers.

For Minnesota families, particularly those whose children are living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, Camp Oasis in Maple Lake is not just suitable – it is an indispensable resource. This camp provides a unique, medically supported, and profoundly enriching experience that might not be available in a traditional camp setting. For local parents, sending their child to Camp Oasis offers immense peace of mind, knowing that their child's complex medical needs are understood and expertly managed 24/7 by dedicated healthcare professionals.

Beyond the medical aspect, the camp fosters a critical sense of belonging. In a typical school or social environment, children with chronic illnesses can often feel isolated or misunderstood. Camp Oasis creates a vibrant community where these children can connect with peers who share similar life experiences, building friendships based on mutual understanding and support. This environment allows them to shed inhibitions, embrace classic camp activities, and simply be kids, which is invaluable for their emotional well-being and development.

Its accessible location in Maple Lake, within a reasonable drive from major population centers, makes it convenient for families across the state. The high-quality facilities at True Friends - Camp Courage further ensure a comfortable and engaging experience. For Minnesota families seeking a summer camp that goes beyond recreation to offer empowerment, medical security, and a strong sense of community for children with specific health challenges, Camp Oasis truly lives up to its name, providing a much-needed haven right here in our backyard.

Camp Oasis

8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN 55358, USA