Giving Back

All of the proceeds from the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza are donated to area charities. If you are a local charitable organization wishing to be considered for a donation, please download the grant application, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address below by January 31.

Brainerd Jaycees
PO Box 523
Brainerd MN, 56401

Located on Sylvan Lake in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Confidence Learning Center, also known as Camp Confidence, is a year around outdoor center for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities.

The mission of Confidence Learning Center is to offer an environment where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Accessible accommodations and activities are offered year around with a professional staff to facilitate each camper’s experience. The staff is able to provide and adapt outdoor education and recreational activities that may not be available or financially feasible in their home environment.

The programs at Confidence Learning Center are aimed at promoting self-confidence and self-esteem through individualized success. At Confidence Learning Center each camper is encouraged to succeed at their own level, explore their abilities, establish new leisure skills and learn about the environment. Activities such as boating and fishing, skiing, archery, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing are adapted to meet both the physical and cognitive needs of each camper. Overcoming fears are addressed through activities like climbing a 60 foot tree or holding a live snake which teaches the campers to use knowledge and trust to make their own decisions.

As a non-profit organization which receives no federal or state tax dollars, Confidence Learning Center relies on charitable support such as the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza to reach out and serve nearly 12,000 camper days each year. Only a nominal fee is passed onto visiting families and groups thanks to the support of many.

Over the past 26 years, the Extravaganza proceeds have been used to provide this unique experience to nearly 60,000 persons with disabilities.

“On behalf of our campers, I want to thank the Jaycees, anglers, and sponsors for their efforts”, says Confidence Learning Center’s Jeff Olson. “The fun that everyone has on this one day is extended year around through the opportunities made available through your participation.”

Find out how you can get involved today!

You helped raise $152,232 last year! The proceeds from the 2016 event were donated to 41 area charities! The Brainerd Jaycees would like to thank you for your role in making a huge impact in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

Boy Scout Troop 43
Boy Scout Troop 45
Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association
Brainerd American Legion Post 255
Brainerd Area Amateur Radio Club
Brainerd Area Sertoma Club
Brainerd FFA
Brainerd Fire Department
Brainerd Parks and Rec
Brainerd Ski Loons Water Ski Show Team

Central Lakes ASL “PAH” Club
Central Lakes ATV Club
Central Lakes Small Engine and Marine Club
Central Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge
Crow Wing County Dive Team
Crow Wing County Sentence to Serve
Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol
Cuyuna Iron Range Riders
Good Samaritan Village – Bethany Auxiliary
Gull Chain of Lakes Association

Holy Trinity Catholic School PTO
Junior Achievement
Lakeland Public Television
Lakes Area BMX Association
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity
Lakes Area Racquet Sports
Lakes Area Youth Soccer Association
Minnesota DNR Fisheries Restocking Program
Minnesota JCI Senate
Mounted Eagles

Nisswa Fire Department
Northland Arboretum
Pequot Lakes Police Reserve Unit
Pillager Scout Troop #77
Pine River Backus Family Center
Precious Years Learning Center
Ronald McDonald House
St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School
Twin Cities Online Kiwanis
Wild and Free Wildlife Program
Zion Lutheran Church – Active Christian Teen