True Friends Camp Eden Wood 100th Anniversary Celebration
DESCRIPTION
True Friends Camp Eden Wood 100th Anniversary Celebration
True Friends, a Minnesota nonprofit that provides life-changing experiences for children and adults with disabilities, is hosting an open-house-style event in celebration of the 100th anniversary of True Friends Camp Eden Wood - formerly Glen Lake Children’s Camp - in Eden Prairie. The event is free and open to the public.
Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case and Eden Prairie Historical Society President Kathie Case will greet attendees. Guests will learn about the mission of True Friends, the history of the camp, and hear stories from campers and staff.
True Friends Camp Eden Wood offers an “up north” experience without the long drive. The 51-acre camp is tucked in the woods on Birch Island Lake just west of where I-494 meets Highway 62 in Eden Prairie.
At True Friends Camp Eden Wood, each camper chooses their activities and determines their own level of participation, including: a multi-sensory environment, gross motor room, arts and crafts, hiking trails and a ropes course.
“Our campers, and their families, tell us that Camp is their favorite time of the year,” said John LeBlanc, President and CEO of True Friends. “It’s a place that creates belonging for people of all abilities. It’s a place where they can relax and be themselves – and that’s something we all deserve.”
Guests will enjoy tours, live music, a traditional camp food dinner, and beverages.
RSVPs requested: events@truefriends.org
WHEN: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: True Friends Camp Eden Wood
6350 Indian Chief Rd, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
WHY: True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for children and adults with disabilities. Programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy and adaptive riding, and travel, serving over 15,000 individuals annually. With locations near Maple Lake, Annandale, and Eden Prairie, True Friends serve individuals in Minnesota and throughout the United States. https://truefriends.org/
TIMELINE: The original facility was established in 1925 as the Glen Lake Children’s Camp, serving as a summer haven for children with tuberculosis.
In the late 1950s, Arc of Hennepin County operated the site as a summer camp for people with developmental disabilities.
In 1995, True Friends expanded its services as it assumed management of Eden Wood Center.
In addition to Camp experiences - respite, retreats, and team building programs are offered at Camp Eden Wood. It is ideal for meetings and offers rustic, yet comfortable, overnight accommodations.
The property is on the National Register of Historical Places.