The 23rd Annual Mickey’s Camp!

Join Us For The 23rd Annual Mickey’s Camp!

Mickey’s Camp was a long-time dream of mine. In 2001, that dream came true with the inaugural Mickey’s Camp. We pulled together 100 campers. In more than twenty years, Mickey’s Camp has enabled adults to leave behind daily pressures, explore new opportunities, perfect old skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow campers in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

In 2023, women’s and men’s camps combined raised more than $123,000 for over 60 charities. This year we are proud to present an extraordinary array of experts for Mickey’s Camp, scheduled for August 21-23 at Bradford Woods Outdoor Center. The nightly presentations will be a fireside chat on Wednesday with Governor Eric Holcomb and our speaker for Thursday night will be IU Basketball Coach Mike Woodson. Your time will be filled with exciting 90-minute sessions throughout Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Options include craps, sculpting, welding, forging metal, pickleball, stand up paddleboard and so much more. You may also relax at the beach, have a massage, or read a good book. Evening activities promise to be equally enjoyable as you will have the opportunity to dine on delicious cuisine, play in a poker or euchre tournament, eat s’mores around the campfire or turn the lights out early and rest up for another exciting day at camp. This year, sponsored meals include Amore Pizzeria, Metro Diner, Prime 47, Sullivan Steakhouse’s and The District Tap.

Read on to learn about what’s in store for you at Mickey’s Camp. Sign up soon; reservations will be held on a first come, first served basis.

IBJ Media and Mickey’s Camp Partnership

IBJ Media is once again excited to partner with Mickey’s Camp this year to bring campers “only at Mickey’s camp experiences.” Whether you are in need of a reset and the space to explore new ideas, new connections and new skills, or you are looking for a more active experience, Mickey’s Camp allows you to customize your experience. Start camp with a massage, a cocktail and a session about Indiana film documentaries, or jump start your camp experience by shooting shotguns, or climbing the alpine tower and then learn about the bourbon craze and try rare bourbons.

Not only will you have the opportunity to try new activities, learn new skills and support local charities, but you will have a blast meeting leaders from across the state and take a much-needed break from day-to-day obligations. This year we have added a professional development track which will include sessions on the art of negotiating, finding the right work/life balance and creating your financial legacy with Pete the Planner. You can also enjoy sessions with IBJ’s editor Lesley Weidenbener who will help try to make sense of this intense election year, and sessions covering U.S. foreign policy moderated by Pat Lynch with the Liberty Fund. Join business, civic and political leaders at Mickey’s Camp this year who are all working to make Indiana a better place to call home.

Wednesday Lunch

VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Mike Pence was born in Columbus, Indiana, on June 7, 1959, into a family that epitomized the American Dream, instilling in him values of hard work, faith, and family. After graduating from Hanover College and Indiana University School of Law, he embarked on a multifaceted career, including law practice, hosting a talk show, serving as a Congressman for six terms, and championing limited government and fiscal responsibility. Pence then was elected the 50th Governor of Indiana, focusing on tax cuts, job creation, education reform, and infrastructure investment while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His accomplishments in Indiana led to his selection as the 48th Vice President of the United States. Pence’s conservative philosophy, inspired by Ronald Reagan, led to his founding Advancing American Freedom which continues to advocate for faith, family, and liberty as foundational American values.

Wednesday Evening

GOVERNOR ERIC HOLCOMB

Eric J. Holcomb, 51st Governor of the State of Indiana, is a lifelong Hoosier and veteran of the U.S. Navy. Elected to a second term in 2020, he received the most votes for governor in Indiana history.

Under Holcomb’s leadership, Indiana’s economy is strong, the state’s finances are honestly balanced, and the state is streamlining government services and returning dollars to Hoosier taxpayers, while simultaneously delivering significant investments and advancements in infrastructure, education, workforce, quality of life and public health.

During Holcomb’s terms, Indiana employees and employers are enjoying consecutive record-breaking years of job commitments. In 2023, companies committed a record-breaking $28.8 billion in capital investment. In 2023, Forbes ranked Indiana the number one best state in the U.S. to start a business.

Thursday Evening

COACH WOODSON

Indianapolis native Mike Woodson was named the 30th head coach in the men’s basketball program’s history in 2021.

In his first year, Woodson guided the team to a nine-win improvement, an NCAA Tournament win, and built the top-rated defense in the Big Ten. IU also led the Big Ten in field goal percentage defense at 39.6% and finished second in blocked shots at 4.83 a game. In Big Ten games, the Hoosiers also led the league in field goal percentage defense at 41.3%.

Woodson returned to the Bloomington after playing in the NBA for 11 seasons beginning in 1980 and serving as a coach in the league beginning in 1996 for seven NBA franchises.

Woodson played 104 games for the Hoosiers after graduating from Broad Ripple High School and is the fifth all-time leading scorer with 2,061 points and his 19.8 points per game average is tied with Calbert Cheaney. He was inducted into the IU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.