The 19th Annual Mickey’s Camp For Women!

Twenty-five years ago, we enjoyed our first Mickey’s Camp. 

We needed to recruit 100 campers in order to provide the charitable impact we desired. After I put the arm on my friends, we were short bodies to fill the roster (I don’t have 100 friends. Never did.)  I took our printed brochures into restaurants and handed them out to strangers. (Janie finally refused to go out to dinner with me.)   

We began camp with 99 campers—one short. Within the first hour a stranger arrived and insisted that he be allowed to enroll.  He said he was new in town and this was an opportunity to meet friends and make business contacts. He was correct. His name was Ersal Ozdemir and in 25 years he has never missed a camp. 

I retained a camp doctor to take care of any medical emergencies that might arise. On the first afternoon it was reported that one of the campers had passed out in the doorway of the dining hall and no one could find the camp doctor. I looked down at the man laying in front of me—it was Bob Wolf, the camp doctor.

And after six years we added Mickey’s Camp for Women. Both camps together have raised millions of dollars for charity. There continues to be a strong interest in attending camp, but my gut feeling tells me it’s time to shut it down and move on to new activities and new ideas.

Please come to the last Mickey’s Camp and help us celebrate 25 years of success.

IBJ Media is proud to partner once again with Mickey’s Camp—this year marking its 25th anniversary and final chapter, and we’re going out with a bang. This milestone year will celebrate a quarter century of unforgettable “only at Mickey’s Camp” experiences, giving campers one last opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect in a truly one-of-a-kind setting. Whether you’re easing into camp with a massage and cocktail or jumping straight into adventure with shotguns, self defense, or ziplining, every moment is designed to be memorable—and this year, even more meaningful.

In addition to the signature activities, campers will hear from an extraordinary lineup of leaders who have helped shape Indiana and beyond, including Mickey Maurer reflecting on more than two decades leading camp, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Allison Melangton, IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson and Vice President Mike Pence. Alongside these powerful conversations, campers can once again engage in professional development sessions—from Entrepreneurship to AI and leadership, the topics of personal health & aging and crafting your financial
legacy —as well as thought-provoking discussions with IBJ’s Lesley Weidenbener on politics and media.

As always, Mickey’s Camp brings together business, civic, and community leaders for an experience that blends learning, connection, and fun—but this final year promises to be the most special yet.

Camper bag gifts
Vera Bradley

Daytime Treat Cart
National Bank of Indianapolis

Exit Hospitality Wednesday
Blend Bus

Hospitality Area Monday Night
JW Marriott Indianapolis

Hospitality Area Tuesday Night
Hiatus Tequila

Karaoke / DJ
Tim Fuller

Late Night Snacks
Indianapolis Business Journal

Morning Coffee
Mission Coffee, LLC

Restroom Amenities
Joy’s House

Turndown Treats
Sweet Things

Turndown Treats
Weaver Popcorn