Caledonia Argus

Camp Winnebago celebrates 35th birthday

Posted: 5/25/04

A group of about 115 people helped Camp Winnebago mark its 35th anniversary on May 15.

The camp, located in section seven of Winnebago township, provides outdoor and camp experiences to children and adults with developmental disabilities

The highlight of the day was the dedication of a new 11,000 square foot building that will include a new dining hall, new staff offices, dormitory rooms, and a recreation room.

(The old office will be converted to nurses quarters, and the old dining hall will be used for a sleeping cabin.)

The Cedar Valley Bluegrass Band performed music at the program. They ate lunch, took tours, and dedicated the building. A Governorís Proclamation was also announced naming May 15, 2004 Camp Winnebago Day in Minnesota in recognition of their 35 years in operation, and the opening of the new building.

The proclamation read:

WHEREAS: Camp Winnebago, Inc. is a Minnesota-based company incorporated August 25, 1969, and celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2004; and

WHEREAS: Camp Winnebago. Inc. is a private non-profit organization started by a group of parents seeking outdoor and recreational opportunities for their children with developmental disabilities, located in the beautiful Southeastern Minnesota Bluff Country, and serving greater Southeastern Minnesota and tri-state communities; and

WHEREAS: Camp Winnebago has a 35 year history of fulfilling their mission: To enhance, through a variety of experiences, the self-worth, independence and quality of life of people with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS: Camp Winnebago staff and employees are a driving force in the success of the company; and

WHEREAS: The Camp Winnebago Board of Directors has maintained a culture of support and generosity to its employees and the communities it serves throughout the last thirty-five years; and

WHEREAS: Camp Winnebago continues to provide summer and respite programs for Campers ages 7-70, offering ìFun through accomplishmentî; and

WHEREAS: Camp Winnebago is dedicating, on this date, it's new multi-purpose building located on the Camp Winnebago grounds in Caledonia, Minnesota.

Now, Therefore, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Saturday, May 15, 2004, to be: Camp Winnebago Day in the State of Minnesota, and honor the 35th Anniversary of Camp Winnebago.

Camp Winnebagoís full staff numbers 45. They handle 44 campers per week. Camp starts on June 14 and ends on August 20 this year.

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