Camp Courageous staff illnesses prompt weeklong closure

     Camp Courageous of Iowa, based near Monticello, was forced to close this week after more than a dozen staff members came down with what was described as “flu-like symptoms.”

     Camp Courageous, which has been around since 1972, is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with special needs. This year, they will serve over 8,000 campers with special needs. The camp is run on donations, directly benefitting the campers year round.

     The weeklong closure will allow staff to provide a thorough cleaning of the facilities.

     Charlie Becker, executive director of Camp Courageous, stated the decision to close for a week was made on Sunday, June 17, as a precautionary measure.

     While the origin of the illness was not known, Becker said they do plan on rescheduling the “Just For You” camp, which had to be canceled this week.