This idea led Dick Endres, founder of Camp Confidence, and a group of Brainerd businessmen to form a non-profit corporation in 1967 called the Minnesota Therapeutic Camp, Inc. Today it is know officially as Confidence Learning Center although its original name of Camp Confidence is used also. This was indeed a pioneering project -- as it was the first program of its kind in the northern 24 states of the United States. Thirty years ago, Dick Endres had a vision — to establish a permanent place where people with developmental disabilities could develop the skills necessary to become full, contributing members of society.

The corporation purchased 140 acres of land on Sylvan Lake with brushing and clearing beginning in April 1969. Tent camping equipment was purchased to provide for eight campsites. Each campsite consisted of a tent erected on a pad, a fireplace, and picnic tables.The local unit of the U.S. Army Reserves assisted in the construction of a road access into the property as well as development of the main beach area and ski hill. They have continued to help with the construction of picnic shelters, the nature playground, and the timber trestle bridge. Three years later in 1969 Camp Confidence was born on the shores of Sylvan Lake near Brainerd. A unique year round facility and program dedicated to the physical and social adjustment of people with developmental disabilities.

For the past 40 years Camp Confidence, now called Confidence Learning Center, has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of campers. Bringing them joy, self-confidence and a new sense of self worth through hands on learning opportunities.

Today Confidence Learning Center continues its mission, serving more than 11,000 camper days a year. A self-supporting facility, Confidence Learning Center operates successfully without the aid of government grants or programs.

The first cabin to be constructed as a lodging facility for visiting campers was "Foster Grandparents", which was built in 1971 with funding provided by the Foster Grandparents Organization located at the Brainerd Regional Health Center. Later that year, Camp Confidence staff constructed the Ski Chalet, which also serves as a day camp area. Funding for the ski chalet was provided through various donations.

In the fall of 1972, Brainerd School District #181 provided the help for the construction of the cabin, which was appropriately named "181 Cabin". This cabin has since been adopted by the Twin Cities Airport Kiwanis Club.

In the summer of 1973, the Burlington Northern Cabin was constructed on top of the existing Ski Chalet. Burlington Northern Foundation and local Burlington Northern employees provided the materials and labor. The upper level serves as overnight accommodations for campers. The Brainerd Jaycees has since adopted this cabin.

The next addition was "Blandin", a two level cabin used as additional lodging facilities for Camp Confidence campers. The construction of Blandin was made possible through a grant from the Charles K. Blandin Foundation. The labor was provided by the Green Thumb Organization with the help of Camp Confidence staff. Blandin was officially retired, moved, and is now the home of maintainance worker Rob Sawyer.

The next cabin was "TI", which was constructed in 1989. The State-Wide Minnesota Vocational-Technical Student Association funded it. The Brainerd Rotary Club has since adopted this cabin.

The MBJ House was completed at the end of February 2000. This outstanding facility was donated by the Maynard Johnson family and will house many large camping groups in the future. Since then two more large roomy duplex cabins donated by the Johnson family complete our facilities. MBJI and MBJ II are known as Oak and Pine.