Duluth Area Recreation and Youth Development Programs
Courage Center Duluth has provided quality recreational opportunities for people with physical disabilities, including vision loss, and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) since 1979. Now, we also invite “able bodied” friends and family members to register for our programs, creating healthier families and a healthier community. While everyone is welcome to register for our programs, priority is given to people with disabilities.
Full and partial scholarships are available for youth. Please contact Mark Hanna at 218-726-4834 for details on eligibility and how to apply.
All programs require pre registration and the best way to register is with Mark Hanna by telephone 218-726-4834 or through email at and Mark.Hanna@couragecenter.org.
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Winter 2011-12
General Information
All programs require pre-registration and the best way to register for programs in Duluth is with Mark Hanna by telephone 218-726-4834 or through email at Mark.Hanna@CourageCenter.org.
2012 Up North Winter Adventure
Make it a part of your vacation or weekend get away!
For all abilities. Experience and enjoy all the wonderful things there are to do in the northland in the winter! Come join us at Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (about a 25 minute drive north of downtown Duluth) for a day of fun experiences and learning about a variety of outdoor winter recreation activities that are available here in the north woods. There will be on-site dogsled team where you’ll learn about the dogs, sleds and equipment. Cross-country skiing using traditional and adaptive equipment, snow shoeing, a winter hike with a naturalist, bon-fire, roasting s’mores, and a light lunch. This event is generously sponsored by the Essentia/SMDC Corporate Contributions Fund.
Day/Time: Saturday Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center
Cost: $10 per person $20 for a family. Scholarships available.
Registration deadline: Jan. 14.
9th Annual Great Lakes Mono Ski Madness Camp at Spirit Mountain
For youth and adults with physical disabilities. Generously Sponsored by The Van Gorden Fund of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, Minnesota Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Adaptive Adventures, Spirit Mountain Ski Area, and The Edge Resort and Conference Center.
The largest mono ski camp in the Midwest. Clinic topics include Improving your All Mountain Skiing, Racing Fundamentals, Equipment Set-up as well as daily video analysis by some of the nation’s leading mono-ski instructors. Each day at Spirit Mountain offers one-to-one expert instruction, clinics and optional social time in the Chalet. Daily cost includes lift tickets, clinic instruction, video analysis, and a Water Park Pizza Party on Thursday, banquet ticket for Friday night at Edgewater. Learn more about the 2012 Mono Ski Madness Camp. View the video of the 2011 Mono Ski Madness Camp.
Registration required by Feb. 8, 2012.
Days/Time: Wednesday-Friday, Feb 15-17
Location: Spirit Mountain Ski Area
Cost: $60 per day
Additional banquet tickets only $15 per person must be purchased in advance.
Lodging: Edgewater (Host Hotel) Deadline Jan 23. Special rates. 800-777-7925
Visitor and Convention Duluth 800-438-5884
"Day of Discovery" Curling
Make it a part of your vacation or weekend get away!
For all abilities. Curling is for youth and adults with physical disabilities and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Join us for this unique winter sport that takes place on Friday evenings once a month. Register for just one night or all five. Players slide heavy granite "rocks" down a sheet of ice, aiming for a circular target. This clinic is designed to introduce athletes to the excitement, challenge, and basic skills of this Paralympics and Olympic sport. It is a partnership with the Duluth Curling Club.
2011/12 Fridays/Time: Feb 3, and March 2, 5-7 p.m.
Location: Duluth Curling Club
Cost: $5 per person per session
Registration deadline: Must register 48 hours in advance
2012 Giants Ridge Adaptive Ski Program
For youth (ages 6 and older with physical disabilities). We are pleased to announce a wonderful opportunity for range-area youth to discover the joy of downhill skiing. With the help of Iron Range United Way and the Cleveland Cliffs Foundation we are able to bring a full adaptive ski program to Giants Ridge this year. Each program day offers families an opportunity for their child to receive a bi-ski lesson and instruction. All you have to do is pre-register, dress warm, show up and be prepared to have fun! Trained volunteers will be on hand to assist participants with set up on state-of-the-art adaptive equipment, skiing instruction and using the chair lifts. Register now for one or all six sessions. Registration slots are limited to the number of program volunteers and equipment available on any given Sunday. See you on the slopes!
Registration is limited to Iron Range residents ages 6 and older weighing 150 lbs and less.
Location: Giants Ridge, Biwabik MN
Dates: Feb. 5, 12 and 26, March 4, 18 and 25
Times: either 10:30 am – 12 p.m. (noon) or 1–2:30 p.m.
Registration deadline: 7 days prior to day of event
Contact: Sheila Rothman, 218-865-0174 or srothman@couragecenter.org
Brochure with registration information
2012 Buena Vista Adaptive Ski Program in Bemidji, Minn.
For youth (ages 6 and older with physical disabilities). We are pleased to announce a wonderful opportunity for Bemidji area youth to discover the joy of downhill skiing. With the help of Northwest Minnesota Foundation we are able to bring a full adaptive ski program to Buena Vista again this year. Each program day offers families an opportunity for their child to receive an adaptive ski lesson and instruction. All you have to do is pre-register, dress warm, show up and be prepared to have fun! Trained volunteers will be on hand to assist participants with set up on state-of-the-art adaptive equipment, skiing instruction and using the chair lifts. Register now for one or all sessions.
Location: Buena Vista, Bemidji, Minn.
Dates: Jan. 22 and 29, Feb. 5, 12 and 26, March 4
Times: 1-4 p.m.
Registration deadline: 7 days prior to day of event
Contact: Lisa Papp Richards, 218-766-6822 or risfpr@hotmail.com
Brochure and registration information
Spring Summer 2012 Programs
Climbing Program
Ages 8 and up
A program partnership with the College of St. Scholastica.
Location: College of St. Scholastica Indoor Climbing Wall
Registration deadline: March 21st for sessions A and B
Dates/Times: Session A: Wednesdays, March 28 - May 2 (6 Weeks) Cost: $65
Session B: Wednesdays, March 28 - April 11. (3 Weeks) Cost: $40
Time Slot # 1: 5:30 – 6:30 pm, (designed for returning Climbing program participants)
Time Slot # 2: 6:30 - 7:30 pm, (designed for new/beginner program participants)
Climbing Program designed for youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This program pairs Courage Center Duluth volunteers with each child to have fun while learning about team work, communication, trust and working through individual risk barriers. Maximum 8 participants per session.
Archery
Ages 5 and up
Dates/Times: Mondays, April 2 - May 7 (six sessions)
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Youth session
6:30-7:30 p.m. – Adult session
Location: Chalstrom’s Archery Center
Registration deadline: March 26
Cost: $60
Archery offers rewarding challenges while improving eye-hand coordination and increasing strength. This life-long sport is a perfect family activity. Our adaptive equipment and highly skilled instructors make archery possible for people with a wide range of abilities.
Youth Swimming at the YMCA
For youth with autism, ages 5-13
A partnership between Courage Center Duluth volunteers and the Duluth YMCA
Dates/Times: Wednesdays
Spring session: Feb 22-April 4
Summer session June 13-July 11
Registration deadline one week prior to session
Cost: $65
Swimming lessons offering one-to-one instruction to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Register through Courage Center Duluth.
Lego Robotics at the College of St. Scholastica
Ages 9-15
Dates/Times: TBA - both late spring and early summer sessions will be available.
Cost: $50
This three-day session is designed for children with autism. This camp will introduce the basics of working with Lego Robotics in a fun and open learning environment.
Power Wheelchair Soccer
Youth and adults with physical disabilities
Dates/Times: Tuesdays, March 27 - May 8, 5:30-7 p.m.
Registration deadline: March 20
Location: TBD
Cost: $60
The Twin Ports Rolling Thunder are back for another season and are looking for new team members!
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Additional Offerings
Equipment Demos
Courage Center Duluth has a variety of adaptive recreation and sports equipment available for individuals, schools or other groups to try out during the off-season. Equipment includes disc golf, sledge skates, kayaks, sailboats, downhill and cross-country skis, sport wheelchairs, archery and cycling equipment, and much more. Please contact Mark Hanna at 218-726-4834 for details.
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Mentor Duluth Partnership: Matching kids with positive adult role models.
Courage Center Duluth is beginning a new partnership with the Mentor Duluth Collaborative. This initiative is made possible by the financial support of the Ordean Foundation. Being a part of this Mentor program allows an adult volunteer to work and play with the same youth participant both in Courage Center Duluth programs and out in the community.
Strengthened by 70 years of mentoring experience, the Mentor Duluth Collaborative matches positive adults with young people between the ages of 5 and 17. Mentor Duluth believes that all young people have the need for a positive adult, outside of their family, to provide support. Our mentors are asked to be a role model, guide, resource and - most importantly - a friend to their mentees. Mentoring takes place in the community and activities can be anything from sporting events or cooking dinner to hiking up the North Shore or participating in activities organized by Courage Center Duluth or Mentor Duluth. If you're interested please contact Mark at 218-726-4834.
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Private, Individual or Small Group Lessons
Courage Center Duluth can facilitate a private lesson or lessons for individuals or small groups who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in the following activities: alpine (downhill) skiing, archery, biking, curling, climbing, disc (Frisbee) golf, golf, kayaking and swimming. Contact Mark Hanna at 218-726-4834 for prices and information. Note - In most cases a minimum of 3 weeks is needed to set up a private lesson.
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Operation Liberty
Courage Center Duluth is looking for a “FEW GOOD MEN & WOMEN” - veterans with disabilities - to participate in nationally recognized adaptive sports and recreation programs in Minnesota. Operation Liberty is reintegrating our injured men and women of the armed forces back into full participation in life; having fun, gaining skills and building confidence. Courage Center’s adaptive sports and recreation programs give veterans a chance to rediscover their passion for sports and recreation! There is NO COST. Because of the grant from the Paralympics, all program fees, equipment use and competition costs are covered.
More Information
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Generous gifts keep the program strong!
Your donation to Courage Center Duluth make a difference. Every dollar raised by Courage Center Duluth is spent on programs in the Greater Duluth/Superior area. We rely on community support to continue to provide high-quality, seasonal programs. Our current focus is to increase opportunities for youth participation therefore we have established a scholarship to ensure that every child who wishes to participate in Courage Center Duluth programs is able to do so regardless of their ability to pay. We also now have a designated fund within the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation established by a gift from a local family. If you would like to know more about this gifting opportunity please contact Eric Larson, 218-726-4762.
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Courage Center Duluth
Our program schedule is e-mailed four times a year, fall, winter, spring, and summer. For program updates, send us your e-mail address, visit our web site at www.couragecenter.org/duluth or call our sports and rec phone line for program cancellations and other program related information.
Sports & Rec line: 218-726-4834
Volunteer information: 218-726-4763
Courage Center Duluth • 200 Ordean Building
424 W. Superior St. • Duluth, MN 55802
Sports and Rec Coordinator: Mark Hanna 218-726-4834
E-mail: mark.hanna@CourageCenter.org
Program Manager: Eric Larson 218-726-4762
E-mail: eric.larson@CourageCenter.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Lisa Lauzon 218-726-4763
E-mail: lisa.lauzon@CourageCenter.org