Camp Courageous, Inc. was founded in the 1963 when there were no camps in this area that would accept children with special needs. Founded by Marty Duncan and Ray DeFrane, Camp Courageous remains the only camp with the qualitative focus and commitment to ensure comprehensive outdoor recreational experiences for individuals with special needs in North West Ohio and South East Michigan



Pioneering parents Marty Duncan and Ray Defrane wanted their children with special needs to have the chance to experience "going to overnight camp" like many children without disabilities do. They also realized that a planned week or two at camp would give parents a much-needed rest...or as it is called today - respite.



At its founding, camp couraeous met a need that no other camp in this community would fill for children with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.