Already known for his great music and inspiring causes, Zac Brown (from the Zac Brown band) is doing yet another great thing. His latest project is Camp Southern Ground, a camp located on over 400 acres in the beautiful farmlands of Peachtree City, Georgia. As camp options are scarce for children and teens with special needs, Camp Southern Ground is committed to change that by creating an expansive, fun and educational place for children of all abilities to have a memorable experience. As an added benefit, Camp Southern Ground sits adjacent to Two Doves Farm, a certified organic farm that will provide fresh produce from the same soil as the camp itself.
Currently in the design and building stage, Camp Southern Ground will serve children and teens from ages 7 to 17 with autism, dyslexia, Asperger syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Down syndrome and other disabilities. As a previous camp councilor himself, Zac Brown personally does not have children or immediate family with disabilities, but has years of experience with his closest friends and extended family who have faced various issues. The Zac Brown Band has been using income earned on their recent tours to help fund the camp.
Once finished, the Camp Southern Ground with include an adventure center, amphitheater, aquatics center (as shown above), art center, lodges, chapel, trails, music center, organic farm, dining hall, technology center and much more! You can learn more about Camp Southern Ground by watching the video below and visiting their website. They are also currently taking donations for the development of the camp at this link.
For volunteer opportunities, please visit: http://www.campsouthernground.org/ways-to-give/volunteer
176 comments:
Lesley
January 3, 2016 at 4:41 pm
What a lovely man you are, I wish we had someone like you in the UK, my daughter has Downs Syndrome she is 28yrs and she had a stroke last year, nothing so lovely as this awaits our young adults. Good luck for the future, and would love to know how it turns out.
Jannetta Duran
January 5, 2016 at 6:45 pm
God has granted you a love and a special gift and I praise his name for it, any time you need extra help I am just a e-mail away !!!
Steohanie Pogue
January 7, 2016 at 5:43 am
As a mother of a boy that is 19 with autism I wonder why there is a cut off age of 17. Realizing the camp isn’t open yet there has to be plenty of room for discussion????
Lori Crosby
January 7, 2016 at 11:10 pm
There is a huge need for camps and residential programs in Georgia for young adults 18 and older. We certainly need the support of wonderful people like Zac Brown and the band. Thanks for your love of our world.
Megan
June 24, 2016 at 10:05 am
If you are here in Georgia there is an amazing program for adults. Camp dream GA. It’s down a Roosevelt state park. My daughter is 27 and Down Syndrome she loves it.
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Congratulations to Zach. We are actually thinking of opening a camp that would accept adults. We are in western North Carolina on a beautiful site. If you have friends who would be interested, please give them this email address.
Thanks
Judy
Lisa Campbell
September 24, 2019 at 3:32 am
Hey Judy. I’d be interested in a camp for special needs adults in NC. My daughter is 24. She would love to participate. We have very limited opportunities for recreation because #1 she’s over 18 and #2 her needs require a smaller camper to counselor ratio. What would be the eligibility guidelines?
Karen Jones
January 8, 2016 at 10:47 am
Yes I agree love the Zac Brown band but like yourself I have a 22 year old daughter who would love to go to this.
Sarah
January 8, 2016 at 11:54 am
What a wonderful plan! But I agree with the others…have some weeks where you accept adults with disabilities. My daughter is 22 and there are so few options for her and other adults. They need fun experiences, too, and their parents need respite!
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:11 pm
Sarah,
We are in the process of researching the need for special needs young adults as well as children with other issues. We will be located in the beautiful blue ride mountains. Would this be of interest to you.
Thanks,
Judy
Ansley Robbins
January 30, 2016 at 8:53 pm
I love the idea of this camp!! I have been a volunteer at a camp called Camp Big Heart that is for almost all ages!! Starts at 9 I believe and goes up to however old! As old as in the 80s! The volunteers and workers love coming!! If you haven’t heard of this camp (Camp Big Heart) I would say go check it out! It’s been moved to Perry GA at Camp John Hope!
Mari
May 21, 2016 at 12:45 pm
Love that you’re doing this Zac! I also have a son who is 14 with Down Syndrome Clinic and there is a big need for this type of thing for adults with disabilities. My son leaves in two weeks for camp Hi-Lite in Indiana. His camp week for the past few years has truly been the best week of his year. At 18 it ends. Please consider the comments about. I think an adult camp is a gap that needs filling most.
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:17 pm
We are in the process of developing a camp for special needs including adults. The camp has been in existence as a boys camp. We see and feel the need for people such as your daughter. Please advise if you might be interested. We are in the beautiful Blue Ridge. Mountains.
Thanks,
Judy
Megan
June 24, 2016 at 10:04 am
If you are here in Georgia there is an amazing program for adults. Camp dream GA. It’s down a Roosevelt state park. My daughter is 27 and Down Syndrome she loves it.
Doreen Petrocchi
August 3, 2016 at 11:41 am
This is awesome!!! We have, however millions of people over 17 who have no camps once they reach age 21. Our son is 19 and won’t have anywhere after next summer to go and enjoy his favorite activities. We need help for this age group.
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:02 pm
We are doing due diligence as to whether of not we would be able to fill at least one week session (5 days) for older special needs adults. Our location would be western North Carolina . Would you be interested?
Thanks
Judy
Michael
March 7, 2018 at 6:31 pm
My step son is 18. Autism. I saw the camp on a tv show and got excited. Maybe extend age to 19. There is next to nothing for young adults in camp settings. Proud of Zac for his work here.
Michael
Nashville
Denise
January 3, 2016 at 7:20 pm
Dear Zac,
As a parent of a lovely woman who happens to have Down Syndrome. I
Want to personally thank you for this wonderful camp you have established to serve a population that is historically overlooked or forgotten.
I wish you the very best in your fabulous venture to provide our children and young adults the camp experience while learning to be independent of their parents.
You are loved and appreciated.
Denise
Maureen Nemec
January 4, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Love it! My 14 year old daughter who has DS would love an adventure like this. Been a tough fall with hand pain which has just been diagnosed as severe tenosynovitis and thus falls under JIA. Hoping the Enbrel injections she just got approved for will make a difference. So happy to know there are folks in the world who love our kids like we do!
Regina Harrison
January 4, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Wow, so excited about this camp. My son often feels left out and weird. He gets picked on a lot for being different. Thank you for creating this. What a blessing!
Elizabeth Castro
January 5, 2016 at 12:24 am
My son Noah is a 11 year old who has downsyndrome. He loves the out doors n mingling with all types of people. He has a huge heart for Jesus and the drums, the beat of drums n the sound of a guitar will catch his ear. Please give us more info about your camp I’m a single mom who just wants to show my son the world your a very generous man. Kids with special needs love and appreciate the sight of beauty the sound of music and feeling the sand between there toes. Life is so simple.
Lisa Ledson
January 5, 2016 at 1:19 am
Zac!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! My 3.5 year old daughter, Hannah and her twin sister will love these camps…. someday.. Again, thank you from Oregon xoxo
Rebecca
January 7, 2016 at 10:40 am
Look into Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for your kiddos when they are older. My son has gone to camp there for many years. (MHKC.org)
Danny E. Wilson Jr
January 17, 2016 at 3:28 am
Thank you so much for starting this place. My son will be 35 this May. He has Down’s syndrome . Great job you are doing. I know we are too old for the use. But thank you for helping out whom you can. We were lucky and was lucky enough to get early intervention . Many years ago. That place has now closed down. I wish all kids could get that . From the Wilsons in Tennessee .
Toby Foreman
January 31, 2016 at 10:08 am
Danny, how far are you from Tupelo, Mississippi? The reason I ask, we host a Christian camp called Camp Overcome each summer. We welcome all ages, until our spaces are filled.
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:25 pm
Read your post. Would you be interested in sending your son to a camp for adults in similar situations. Our goal is to serve those who many times are overlooked.
Blessings on your family.
Many thanks,
Judy
Tammy Walker
January 5, 2016 at 5:40 am
Zac Brown, you have given me yet another reason to love you & your music! I honestly don’t know that you fully understand to what lengths you are going to for these kids?!?! It truly makes my heart smile. I have worked with Special Needs children for the last 20 years & it is so sad that they are EXCLUDED/LIMITED to so many things like this. (I myself have often prayed to win the lottery, just so I could do something like this for them!) I will now pray that you can touch as many of those precious little angels lives & make a difference in them as possible! May God Bless you so abundantly for what you are doing!!!????
Stephanie
January 5, 2016 at 11:35 pm
This is so great to hear about the new adventure zac is doing! I have a son with cerbral palsy and he gets excluded from a lot of things! He is only 8 years old and is moderate CP he’s not severe. I wish there was stuff like this for him and other children like him with CP to enjoy stuff like that where I live in CA! But as a lot of people know cerbral palsy isn’t talked about enough and there’s not enough awareness about it either! The reason I wrote you is I pray one day to win the lotto or figure something else out so I can do this for kids with cerbral palsy here in CA!
Brenda Royal
January 6, 2016 at 9:19 am
Hi Teresa and Stephanie,
I too understand both of your dilemmas. My son is 34 now and I never had the opportunity to send him any where. He is moderate to severe CP and is very aware of things that are going on around him. He can feed himself but needs help in most other aspects of his life. Bathing, toileting, transferring, dressing and undressing. Well you get the picture…
I too thought if I could just win the lottery oh how I could just change things for my son and individuals like him. This is a wonderful Camp. I could never say a bad word about it or someone that put so much thought into doing this but, I really do wish there was a Camp for our kids. Just to give them a break from real life.
Curtis McNeal
January 5, 2016 at 6:20 am
My 9 year old son, who is ADHD, with Social Anxiety, got the opportunity to go to one of the weekend camps, extended to Zamily and friends. Zamily is the Zac Brown Band club, per se. We are more than just a “fan club”, we are the biggest extended family you will ever see. We LOVE and support Camp Southern Ground, it is our heart and misson to see this fully build and operating within the next 2 years. The day I dropped off my son, we got him registered and settled in. One of the counselors came up and asked him if he wanted to work on a craft project, usually he will cling to me and take awhile to get acclimated to a social setting like this. Not this time, he gave me a quick hug, said I love you, and ran over to the other kids at the table and introduced himself, needless to say the ride out, was a little blurry. It makes my heart swell with pride and love to see this camp materialize from the ground up. Did you know that a dollar from each ticket sold at a Zac Brown Band show goes toward this Camp. That may not sound like much, but last year they played Fenway park 3 nights in a row, to a packed house, that’s like roughly 50,000 people 3 nights in a row, you do the math…
Heather
January 5, 2016 at 8:47 pm
This is great to know. Thanks for posting!
Kristy
January 5, 2016 at 7:32 am
Very thankful for this. My one-year old son has DS and his future looks bright as I learn of awesome opportunities such as this new camp. I hope everyone who works/helps/etc. with this camp will be very blessed. I am very grateful!
Bonnie
January 5, 2016 at 9:01 am
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. As a substitute teacher with special needs children, I want to THANK YOU for this amazing gesture. I live in Alabama, and I can see several of our students utilizing this amazing facility. Thank you again & God Bless!
Vivian Boyce
January 5, 2016 at 9:15 am
Answer to our prayers. Our little angel (my grandson) is only 4, but he has a lot to look forward to. He happens to live in Eatonton, GA. Very close. Thank you sooo much for caring for our babies. Love you and your music!!
Meara
January 5, 2016 at 9:18 am
This is a wonderful idea!!! I would love to come work here, please let me know if you need staff.
Tammy
January 5, 2016 at 9:19 am
This is awesome! Thank god for people like you. This will be an awesome place. I have two special needs children, hoping someday to send them.
paula mullinax
January 5, 2016 at 9:22 am
So very happy that this is taking place. I wanted to share a name of a sensory integrated camp that I came across. The name is Timbernook.com. There are so many children in this spectrum and it effects everything. Sensory Processing Is usually comorbid with other things as well. I hope this place will have something like this. We have nothing like this in GA. I am so thankful for the little help we had with our kids that at least allowed us to try to wing it on our own. I only wish I could do something like timbernook for my children and so many others. I see desperation on so many parents faces. These kids need fun, but most importantly life skills. Parents do not have resources much less the adequate time that it takes. I hope you all have or will consider a part of your camp in this manner. It seems you have the resources in land. Thank you so much. May God bless you and keep you in this endeavor.
Belinda powell
January 5, 2016 at 9:39 am
this is just wonderful. As a mother with daughter with MDS I wish something like this was available when my daughter was younger. This will mean so much not only to the children but will help parents also. Maybe consider a few weeks out of the year for older ones too. They need a place to go also. Thank u and God will bless you and this camp m
Katy
January 5, 2016 at 8:54 pm
Second the idea for a few sessions for older adults with disabilities.
My daughter is 27, and a huge ZBB fan.
Kelly Rena
January 5, 2016 at 9:58 am
Go Camp Southern Ground!!!!! You can see this mans Love and Passion. Thank You Zac!
I have a Daughter who is 5 yrs old. She has Up Syndrome, there is nothing Down about her.
I pray she will be able to visit one day. Ok, Im crying now. This is very Touching to My Heart. Please Spread the word on Camp Southern Ground. Thank You Again!!!!!!!
Kristi
January 7, 2016 at 8:28 pm
I LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE about your precious little girl! Up Syndrome! Your daughter will be a huge success because of your winning spirit! 🙂
Donna Cooper
January 5, 2016 at 10:03 am
This is wonderful!! Awesome idea and makes me so happy. Thank you for all you are doing for these very special children and teens. My son has autism and Type 1 Diabetes. Often times, when programs are available, they cover one or the other, but not both, so he is disqualified. Just thought I’d mention that as a heads up for kids with multiple issues. Thanks so much.
Tracy
January 5, 2016 at 10:30 am
Zac…what a beautiful gift you have created for the kiddos with special needs! My daughter has a rare syndrome known a PRADER WILLI syndrome. There is one camp here in Oklahoma tailored to their unique needs. Thank you for doing such an amazing thing for these kiddos! The joy in their eyes and memories they make will be priceless!
Peggy Gaines RN
January 5, 2016 at 10:39 am
Thank You for ALL you do! I’m a nurse, my daughter is a teacher, can we help?
CJBrooks58
January 5, 2016 at 10:52 am
This is a well needed project. But there are camp thru out the nation for special kids. Somewhere one for just about all the disabilities. Now my special son is 22 and there is only one camp for his particular syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, for adults with special needs. What is there for these people once they are adults?? Cudos to what your doing though. It’s great and this country needs more but let don’t forget about them when they become adults…
Susan
January 5, 2016 at 11:35 am
Thrilled to hear about this camp so close by! Our 10yr old daughter with Ds craves experiences like her sis and friends have. What a blessing it would be for her to attend summer camp! Thank you for caring for our kids and providing this opportunity for them to fly!
Debra Marshall
January 5, 2016 at 11:47 am
Cpol, cool, cool.
Damn, my son is 20.
Wish, but… of well. Best to you!!!!!
Courtney Pruitt
January 5, 2016 at 1:25 pm
My son is only 3, we live in FL. I can’t wait until he is old enough to be able to attend your beautiful camp. You are such an inspiration and so blessed to have help with our child off all different disabilities, and have them looked at as one. Thank you isn’t enough!!
Courtney Pruitt
January 5, 2016 at 1:26 pm
Of**
Lizanne Pando
January 5, 2016 at 1:35 pm
This is terrific! Can you consider going older than 17, my daughter would love this, but she is 17 now and will age out before you start? This kind of thing is really important for older teens and young adults as they transition to adult hood.
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Lizanne
Your dilemma is one of many for young adults. We are considering changing our boys camp to one for special needs. If you are interested in learning more, you can reply to this email. We are located in. the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.
Bless you,
Judy
Kim Roberson
January 5, 2016 at 1:37 pm
Our son is 30 and is Down Syndrome. He has been attending Camp Barnabas for many years. CB has enriched his life and ours so very much. The CB foundation has now added a college program, Barnabas Prep, which is based in Branson, MO. I highly recommend this program! Thank-you Zac Brown for providing another place for our special kids to be typical kids and for the parents of these kids to have a time of rest.
Michelle
January 5, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Thank you for being the beautiful person that you are..my son Alfonso has server autism and is also nonverbal so you can imagine that there is not much out there activities wide.. This camp would be
AU-SOME for him … Too, bad that is way down south
Nancy
January 5, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Thank you for giving special needs children opportunity. You are truly a amazing person with a giving spirit. My grandson is disabled and i know how hard it is for parents.
Pam Deaton
January 5, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Zac, we have never met but I met your mom several yrs ago just as you were starting your band & have celebrated your succes all along the way. As a grandmother with a17 yr old autistic granddaughter, i am overwhelmed at this new connection with you.
Our daughter in Hollywood has is just releasing her first feature film, a drama about autism & a love project for her niece. “Jack of the Red Hearts”, releasing in 25 theaters Feb 26. It has won 6 film festivals & is resonating with the autism community. Would so love to meet with you.
Kimberly
January 5, 2016 at 11:18 pm
I would love too see the movie will they have one in nj
Michele S.
January 5, 2016 at 2:28 pm
I’m from Massachusetts and my daughter was able to have this wonderful experience through Cam Paul in Chelmsford! MA until we moved. Now we live too far a distance for the travel each day but feel so blessed she was able to have the experience Zac is talking about. God bless all involved in making the dream a reality. You will be reimbursed tenfold once you see the joy, self-esteem, friendships and memories your camp will make. ❤️❤️
Shannon R.
January 5, 2016 at 2:46 pm
So very pleased to hear Zac’s heart and see a little piece of his vision. My son has Asperger syndrome. Every day is a struggle for him. The thought of kids with special needs having a camp where they are safe to be themselves brings this momma’s heart a lot of joy. We rarely have the luxury of sending our son to a place where we know he is understood, appreciated and celebrated.
Zac Brown, I only know you by name but I greatly appreciate what you’re doing. I don’t know if my son will ever have the opportunity to attend Camp Southern Ground, but I fully support what you’re doing. I look forward to seeing updates on the progress you’re making.
Mandy
January 5, 2016 at 3:25 pm
This is such an awesome idea. Please reconsider the age limit though. There is very little out there for young adults with special needs. Just because their age is that of an adult their minds are still very young and they want to be able to experience things like this. My daughter is physically 19 but very young mentally. Unfortunately her life gets really lonely because she is too old for programs like this.
staci
January 5, 2016 at 3:51 pm
My daughter LOVES the Zac Brown Band…Chicken Fried is her favourite song! I just wish she wasn’t 20 so she could attend this camp.
Denell
January 5, 2016 at 3:58 pm
I have a son that is 24 and would love something like this. He was able to go to camp twice a year on his waivered but the no longer let you do that in Minnesota and the special needs camps in Minnesota are very expensive and we cannot afford for him to go. ????
Tiffany
January 5, 2016 at 3:59 pm
This will mean so much going to my kids. I have two with disabilities. Thank you so much for making a place they can be themselves 🙂
Can’t wait for it to open
Nicole
January 5, 2016 at 4:17 pm
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for this project. As a nutritional therapy practitioner working with the disabilities demographic I know how important this work is. I am also the mother of a six-year-old child with a rare genetic disorder, mild cerebral palsy, glaucoma, legal blindness and so on. It may be worth taking a trek out from California when things are up and running. Also, how can I help!
Laura
January 5, 2016 at 4:22 pm
Just beautiful, Zac Brown! One more reason to love you. Hope my family will attend SOON!
Meg
January 5, 2016 at 4:45 pm
Brilliant, Zac! Is there any chance at all that camp could be available to young adults with disabilities? There’s precious little available for my soon-to-be stepson, age 25, who has special needs. He would enjoy this camp so much!
Best wishes for a happy New Year to you and yours!
Irene
January 5, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Wow…and thank you!!! I hope someone north of the border can do something like this
Sharon Clinner
January 5, 2016 at 5:04 pm
This Is Great My 9 Year Old GRANDSON TYE who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair would love to go to camp.
Sara Mayo
January 5, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Wish you and the Camp the greatest success. Your music has enriched my life, these children will be enriched by this camp. God Bless these children and you and your family.
JM
January 5, 2016 at 5:59 pm
This is wonderful!
Lots of love from PA!
Shelly
January 5, 2016 at 6:07 pm
Love you Zac Brown
So heartwarming!!!
You rock ????
Sheila Bullington
January 5, 2016 at 6:33 pm
My sweet granddaughter has Apraxia of speech and Dyspraxia. She is very bright and understands everything that is said to her but can’t make her speech muscles say the words. Moving is getting better but knowing her position in space and keeping her balance and even writing are challenges. However, she knows her way around an IPad! This kind of Camp would be such a blessing for so many! She’s only 7 but I hope one day she will have this experience! God Bless you and all that you are doing to make this a reality!
Jeff
January 7, 2016 at 11:26 am
Sheila – my daughter has the exact same issues – always looking to build connections with parents of children with similar issues to share insight and suggestions for help for them. It seems there is such a wide spectrum of issues, it’s difficult to find the same variations from one child to another. Would love to connect to share!
Michele
January 5, 2016 at 6:55 pm
This is just one more reason to love you! Thank you for taking your success and doing meaningful things for our communities. I hope for my son with DS to attend.
Lisa
January 5, 2016 at 7:06 pm
Zac
Our daughter has special needs except she is 28, her IQ and mind set is about 6 or 7 does that count :-). We do attend Toni’s camp every May but would love another option for her if you do expand to taking the young adults also.
We need more people like you, God Bless you!
Laurie Brownlow Ritter
January 5, 2016 at 7:08 pm
Cho Boi Zac! This SPWD Mama is proud of you! Fun memories… Great traditions! Keep in touch…
Ami
January 5, 2016 at 7:08 pm
Will you be able to accept kids wheelchair bound? I work with a little 3rd grader with cerebral palsy who would love this!
Tasha
January 5, 2016 at 7:09 pm
Wooow amazing. My son is 5 months now and he has Dandy Walker Syndrome and Pontocerebeller Hypoplasia. Many people have never heard of these and many more disorders. To bad we live in Indiana but hopefully with this camp there will be more camps like it. My sons name is Elvis Jesse Howard born on 8-3-15.
Keri
January 5, 2016 at 7:09 pm
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! What a wonderful thing!!!
I’m a retired teacher in Texas who has always worked with Special populations and the Lady in your video couldn’t have expressed the need and joy for this any better!!….Of all the children who need this type of experience, these are the children who do!!
Becky
January 5, 2016 at 7:11 pm
Another reason why my family loves you Zac! My son’s have spina bifida and autism and this camp is exactly what our special kids need! God Bless you for being the wonderful man that you are!
Dolly Browning
January 5, 2016 at 7:18 pm
hi Zac, we are really interested in your camp for special needs. My son Orren and his best friend HAYDEN don’t get to go to summer camps because they have Down syndrome. It’s so unfair because they are so fun to be with. They do need lots if supervision but it’s totally doable but no one wants to take them on. We would love to come to your camp please contact us! Thank you, dolly browning 360-562-6689
Tee
January 5, 2016 at 7:29 pm
Zac, you are awesome! I agree with all the above comment. The tears of joy are running down my cheeks, this is just going to benefit so many. We lost our daughter 6 years ago, she also had Down Syndrome and was just 14… every day is hard but seeing things like this just makes me feel so much better for other kids with Special needs… so glad there are people out there that really care about our kids. Thank you!! My husband & I would LOVE to visit once it’s up and running. Best wishes, can’t wait!!
Lisa Mcgatha
January 5, 2016 at 7:46 pm
WOW i sure wish we had something like this when my son was that age. He is 20 now he was born with Aperts syndrome. Hey if you need help me and my son would love to come help.We don’t live to far from there Thanks for helping these Beautiful Kids i know they are going to love it there.
Renee
January 5, 2016 at 7:46 pm
THANK YOU!!!! – mom to Jon and cole, 7 yo twins born too early…
M Donnett
January 5, 2016 at 7:54 pm
As a nearby resident and patent of a special needs child, I am excited that this dream is taking shape. What a wonderful place for our kids to get to experience the normal camp life that they want to be part of. Prayers for guidance and success for this venture.
juli
January 5, 2016 at 7:55 pm
love to work there:-)
Annie Coyne
January 5, 2016 at 7:55 pm
I was already a Zac Brown fan, but now I am an even bigger fan!! As a mother of two autistic boys, a camp like this is a wonderful gift to children who touch the lives of the people they live with as well as others who get the chance to know them. A wise person once told me that special needs children are our angels on Earth. Thank you Zac Brown for recognizing this, and creating a camp especially for them!
Shawna
January 5, 2016 at 8:08 pm
I have a 15 year old with Aspergers and a 9 year old with Dyslexia. They have virtually no friends. Being different is not accepted among kids in general. I hope mine can attend sometime! Thank you Zac Brown!
Tammy
January 5, 2016 at 8:12 pm
Thank you for doing wish the age was older. We have a 23 yr old that is autistic that can sing most country songs. He would love it
Heather
January 5, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Please come to Southern California!! We would love to support you and this camp. Thank you so much for building this wonderful place where our children can get the experience of being kids! That’s so frequently overlooked when parents of children with special needs are just struggling to get through each day! Thank you!
Beth Lawyer
January 5, 2016 at 8:53 pm
This is a wonderful gift you and the band is giving these kids and their parents. You will NEVER know what this means to all of them. We have a special needs great granddaughter who we love very much and want her to have every opportunity she can have in her life. Thank you!
Jennifer
January 5, 2016 at 8:54 pm
That is amazing news!!! Thank you !!! My son is 9 and has Dyslexia. He struggles every day at school and feels like he doesn’t fit in. I cant wait for the camp to open! We live in Winder, Georgia.
Marie
January 5, 2016 at 8:59 pm
I have a great nephew with Down Syndrome. I’m so happy that you have founded this camp for children with special needs. I live about 5 minutes from there and will be retiring from education in June. Hope to contact the camp to see about volunteering!!
Kandie gunderson
January 5, 2016 at 9:21 pm
I have 11 year old with autism and theres nothing better then having some things theses kids and do i would have loved it if i lived closer bit i live Minnesota a little town called danube and theres nothing for him to do here and its hard to find something for him to do also not much here tht i can find bit its great idea and now ppl should think of a olace where parents can feel safe leaving there kids like a daycare for special needs no had one of those anywhere something to think about
Bev Fuhrman
January 5, 2016 at 9:26 pm
Zac, thank you so much for being there for these very special kids. I have a 9 year old beautiful granddaughter named Abby who has Williams Syndrome, which you have probably never heard of. Even doctors don’t know about it. It is genetic disorder brought about by the breakage of Chromosome 7 during the gestation period. She is beautiful, charming, knows no stranger and such a blessing to our family. My daughter sent her to a camp this past summer that I was so skeptical about, but believe me, she became the talk of the camp. Led the kids in songs on stage, things we never expected. It was a wonderful experience for her and for us. These special need kids so deserve what you are about to make come true for them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for doing this. May God bless you.
Marlena emmert
January 7, 2016 at 2:07 pm
I wish I could go but I am 25 I have asbuger
robin
January 5, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Totally Awesome. As a teacher of nearly 30 years serving students with moderate to serve disabilities, I am joyful with tears as I read about this remarkable adventure for our kiddos! I want to HELP! Thank You Zac Brown…….God Bless You for building a Field of Dreams for our Special loved ones! Would ABSOLUTELY love the opportunity to share this experience with my KIDDOS
Melody A. Smithey
January 5, 2016 at 9:40 pm
Hello, I am a personal parapro for the last 10 years to a girl with many special needs. I have worked with other children in her class rooms in three different schools. Elem. Middle and High school. I would love to work with you camp! If and when you are ready to start staffing, I would wish you would keep me in mind. I love all my special needs children and love to see them explore and learn. Please contact me at this email if you are interested. Thank you and hoping to hear from you in the near future.
Stephanie Schlueter
January 5, 2016 at 9:43 pm
If you need any volunteers on the weekend to help work on building the camp. My family will be happy to help.
Lisa Bluntzer
January 5, 2016 at 9:49 pm
Thank you all for this fantastic place and effort going into it. My son, Ryan, is 10 and has Down Syndrome. He loves your band’s music. He would love this camp. We live in Virginia but it sure would be awesome to visit the camp someday.
Sara Hayman
January 5, 2016 at 9:51 pm
Zac,
Please don’t leave out those kids who just have a physical disability. They are a special group that often gets overlooked. Those, like my son, who has CP, who have just motor issues often cannot participate in camps and activities (Special Olympics) for kids with other special needs. Sometimes this is because the facilities are not accessible. Your camp comes too late for my son, but please make all of it wheelchair and crutch accessible and consider having a session for kids who just have a physical impairment. I would have been so nice for him to have met more people like him.
Danielle
January 5, 2016 at 9:57 pm
How can we donate money to this cause? Also: please consider doing this camp for troubled youth! As a child and adolescent therapist, some of “my” kids need something like this!
Danielle
January 5, 2016 at 9:59 pm
I’d love to volunteer!
Shannon bradshaw
January 5, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Wonderful thing to have this camp for kids with Special Needs. My son is 8 years old with Autism, Epilepsy, Mood Disorder, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. He has never been to Camp. He wouldn’t go without Mom there with him the whole time. He has separation anxiety. This is great for other kids with special needs who want the experience of going to camp with other kids.
Jason
January 5, 2016 at 10:28 pm
I am looking for employment opportunities along the lines of your camp and welcome the chance to learn more about helping.
Pat Hopkins
January 5, 2016 at 10:29 pm
Dear Zac,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking such a bold position and creating such a wonderful place for our special needs children! I have personally directed a residential based housing program for young adults for the past twenty years and my heart breaks a little each time I speak to a parent of a child and I can’t refer them to any camps or programs for their child. I have personally been affected, my granddaughter is 13 and has autism, and our adult son suffers from mental illness. I am very interested in your camp programs and would love to have brochures or other materials I could share with families.
I look forward to the opportunity to hopefully see our beautiful granddaughter attend your camp.
Donnie Ponder
January 5, 2016 at 10:43 pm
Zac you Arran awesome musician and a very caring person. People like you that have the means to help a special person are great. That is why God has touched many people so that they can help others as well. I was a police officer for 21 years and the main reason for me getting into law enforcement was to help others. Thank you for helping these kids. If you ever need any volunteers let me know.
Kathi
January 5, 2016 at 11:00 pm
Zac, I love your music and have attended your concerts and now I love your HEART! I live in northeast Tennessee and have a 15 year old son with Angelman Syndrome. Not only do I care for my son who requires 24 hour care and supervision and will for life, but I also teach special education full time. These kids need more people like you! I hope my son will be able to attend this camp before he ages out. Thank you for what you are doing!
God Bless!
Paula
January 5, 2016 at 11:13 pm
I don’t suppose it would be free to very low income families? We couldn’t even afford the gas to get to GA. But my Downs son would love it!
Debra Doshier
January 5, 2016 at 11:17 pm
Why make the cut off age 17. My grandaughter is disabled and she is 20 but she looks like she is 14 and her mentality is that of a young person. This is a great thing you are doing. Maybe you could have another camp for children 18 and older? God bless you!
Nancy Williams
January 5, 2016 at 11:49 pm
I love your music and now to see what you are doing for children with disabilities is amazing! My daughter is 7 with Down Syndrome! She would live this camp! We live on the West Coast but I seea trip to Georgia in our future!
Susan Edwards
January 6, 2016 at 12:02 am
Zac, I’m sure you had no idea of this but last May a beautiful little girl wandered over to you on the beach in Florida and crawled up in your lap as her parents and grandparents sat there in awe. We wanted to stop her because you deserve your privacy but what you didn’t know is that she has many special needs that include extreme ADHD. She cannot sit on the beach like a normal child and wanders everywhere. You were so sweet to her and your big heart was evident that day as it is now with this project. Hopefully one day she will be able to attend your camp.
Leslie
January 6, 2016 at 12:41 am
WOW is all I can say!!!!! This is sooo touching and brings joy!!!
I am a mom of 3 aged 5,3 &2!! My youngest has lissencephaly a rare Neuro disorder causing him to remain at an infant level his entire life!!!! I wish there wS more opportunities like this for family’s of SN!!!!!
You are a wonderful man and I love your music. Saw you in Toronto last August.
Ps how does one attend your camp
Gina Pollard
January 6, 2016 at 1:10 am
I think this is Awesome. I have a 8 yr old with Autism, bipolar, ADHD. We live in Thomaston Ga.I would love to see about this helping him. Being around kids that understand him. He’s my precious Angel. Zac thank u so much for caring about our special need people. They deserve a great life like everyone else.. Couldn’t thank u enough..
Kelsea Caesar
January 6, 2016 at 1:17 am
This is amazing. I love going to your concerts in toronto at the molson tampa. You are such a talented musician and artist and now this is the most spectacular thing you can create besides your music. I have worked as a camp counsellor that includes special needs children to the camp and programming,day care worker, activity specialist for children with complex medical disabilities, at preschool programs for children with disabilitites behavioural therapy centres and have graduated from my child and youth worker diploma program and my autism behavioural sciences post grad degree program. I don’t think I have ever had a job not working with children or have ever wanted one. Children are my passion and making a child who normally feels, or gets told their different, not feel that way and feel included by everyone, as well as having them feel they can do anything they put their mind to just as any other kid and be able to experience all the experiences mainstream children get to is an amazing thing to see coming to the forefront and being made a reality. This program looks like a fantastic oppritunity for many children and many families and I can not wait to see what a big success it becomes and all the lives you will change because of it, just like your music has already. Bless you Zac and all you do musically and through sharing your heart and time with others.
Kelsea Caesar
January 6, 2016 at 1:38 am
ampa hahah not tampa sorry about that:)
Melissa Miller
January 6, 2016 at 1:23 am
This is absolutely wonderful! I so wish someone in our area of WV would do something like this . My son is Down syndrome and he will be 14 next week and he loves to get out and ride his bike, play ball and do all kinds of different things. But it can be difficult to do sometimes with me working and his dad being disabled to get out with him to play as much as he would like. If there was a camp in this area where he could participate even for 1 week out of the summer, that would give him time to mingle with peers of his age and get to run and play lime a child his age needs to. We live in an area where there arent even any other kids to play with until he gets to school so there isnt much social interaction either. I just think this is such a wonderful idea and may you be blessed Zac. I know me and my son Zach are rooting for your camp to be a big success!
Jessica Elmore
January 6, 2016 at 1:40 am
Zac I have been a huge fan for years and this just made me melt! I’m a single mom of two children with high functioning autism and I work in special education as well. Something like this is such a blessing!!!! I cannot wait for Molly & Mason to attend & if you need staff I know plenty plus myself
Rebecca
January 6, 2016 at 1:43 am
I worked 11 summers at a Texas camp for kids with special needs – such an amazing experience, and so much a part of who I am now. Thank you guys for taking a step out there for “our” kids. What a blessing your camp will be to the kids, their families, your staff, and you! Loved you before. Absolutely adore you now. ????
Laurel Bailey
January 6, 2016 at 1:52 am
Dear Mr. Zac Brown,
Although we have never met I know without a doubt that you sir are…. a rare breed, one ina gazillion. I furthermore demand that you stay the course of this beautiful endeavor. For those either afraid to speak their mind or just unabke to, I wish to bestow on you our trust that Camp Southern Ground will become everything you wanted, ten fold. Btw, any chance that you happen to be hiring? Seriously, lemme know. :=)
Marge DeMauro
January 6, 2016 at 6:47 am
Zac, I have loved you since day one and this is so magnificent. I am a retired pediatric nurse and would love to volunteer my services. I also am the mother of an adult special needs son. You are going to be giving these kids such great memories. God has blessed you and you are sharing your bounty. Thank you,thank you ,thank you.
connie
January 6, 2016 at 6:48 am
God Bless You! What a sweet,loving,compassionate heart you have. I have read many wonderful things about you and my nephew Matt Young has said good things about you also. My oldest sister, Elizabeth aka “Tootsie”, was born with disabilities, she was the love and joy of my life. I wish you could have known her, what a sweet heart she also had. I think about her everyday, Jeseucalled her home in 2005 but she is still with us and in our hearts every minute of every day.
Kristina
January 6, 2016 at 7:02 am
Dear Mr. Brown,
As a teacher, as well as an educator, my sincere thanks to you. My daughter, Emily, appears to be the “typical” child. You look at her & most don’t realize she struggles everyday! She has dyspraxia; sensory integration/processing disorder; ADHD & severe anxiety. Things that are small & trivial to us, often cause her great difficulty & stress! I have sustained the glares; the whispers and thousands of judgemental comments; it’s a blessing to know someone gets it!!!
P.S. Emily loves the song “Chicken Fried!”
Susan
January 6, 2016 at 7:45 am
Thank you Zac looking forward to the opening of the camp my son is 17 years old with Autism and has not been able to get into a camp in 10 years hoping we have the pleasure of meeting you to thank you in person!!!
Tracie
January 6, 2016 at 7:49 am
Please include the unseen special needs, Mental illness. All too often my son is considered a brat, unruly or not disciplined appropriately. Mental illness should be socially acceptable and empathy should be shown to people suffering from this disease the same as diseases that are visible to the eye.
Dawn
January 6, 2016 at 8:15 am
This is such a wonderful thing that you are doing I really wish that we lived closer. May God bless the work you’re doing ????????
Teresa moberly
January 6, 2016 at 8:17 am
This is wonderful!!! If I could make one request it’d be to consider extending the age range. My daughter, 19, never had this opportunity and I’m sure many others haven’t either. Kids with special needs and developmental delays don’t fall into a set age category For instance my 19 year old is more like 5. Thank you no matter what you end up doing with the age, but it’s worth suggesting.
Debra
January 6, 2016 at 9:24 am
OMG! Thank you so very much for your generosity! The kids will love this place. I have a grandson who is special needs and he would love going here! You are the BEST!
Yvonne Wilson-Rice
January 6, 2016 at 9:28 am
Would love to work for you. Fabulous idea!!!!
Tonya Compton
January 6, 2016 at 9:42 am
I love that there are more camps being designed and opened for special needs children and teens. One that is up and running and free is the center for courageous kids in scottsville KY. It is absolutely amazing (been going for years with my son). Thank you Zac for thinking of the children and adding to the very few specialized camps out there! ❤️ You and your music!
Nicole Gibson
January 6, 2016 at 9:52 am
My son is 8 and Autistic and loves country music! His best friend suffers from muscle disease and is in a wheelchair. This is great…they could attend together!! You are a great man Zac Brown!! Much love from Gaffney , SC.
Theree Sauls
January 6, 2016 at 10:18 am
This is a wonderful thing to do, however, I wish it went into adulthood too. These kids grow up…fast! It’s harder to find things for them as they get older. My son will turn 23 the 26th of this month. He recently moved to Wesley Glen in Macon. He is very happy there and his independence is growing by leaps and bounds. But, adults with special needs deserve fun things to do too.
Zac Brown seems like a wonderful man! It is a very unselfish thing to do with his money.
Sabrina Bridges
January 6, 2016 at 10:24 am
Dear Zac,
GOD Bless you in this awesome endeavor! As a mother of a 13 year old son with Down Syndrome, this is so exciting! I love that it is right in my back door as well! We live in Thomaston, GA. My son has been going to a GA Baptist Camp since he was 10 years old and absolutely loves it but it is 3 and 1/2 hours away so to know there will be something available to him that is so close to home is a great feeling. I love that he wants to go to camp but it’s still hard for me to have him gone so far away from me. I also love that there will be a music center. Rhett loves the guitar and loves music!! You are truly an awesome man and I pray GOD’s blessing on you and this camp!!!
chrissie
January 6, 2016 at 11:31 am
You are amazing. I think this is the best thin g someone famous could do for anyone. ???????????????? glad u were thinking king bout others and not yourself. My love goes out to y’all!!!
Anne Rodgers
January 6, 2016 at 12:02 pm
Awesome! Thank you for putting your energy and talents to work for children with special needs. You will never know the lives that you will touch and support by being part of this incredible project! The country needs more folks like you showing support. I say thank you from all parents of special needs children since I have a very special needs daughter. This type camp will surely give not only the children served by the camp but also all those that serve them wonderful skills and memories for life. My child attended camps throughout her childhood that served her well and she has caretakers that know her the world over. As you watch and build this program, please think about the future of the kids as they age out of childhood and the needs not being met for these special people as they become adults. Services for adults are also a huge opportunity for all of us involved in the world of special needs especially those who have the time and energy and talents to help. Thanks for your music and energy you share with the world. Continued blessings to you Zac Brown!!
ashley young
January 6, 2016 at 12:03 pm
I love Zac Brown and so does my 10 year old daughter who has Turners syndrome .She loves outdoors and would love to attend..Its so nice and thoughtful of Zac to do this for our little angles.Your such a wonderful person.God bless you…
Alice bennefirkf
January 6, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Wow!!! I love him more and more!!
Sherri Bates
January 6, 2016 at 1:46 pm
What a blessing. I have worked with individuals with special needs all of my adult life. I’m 61 yrs. old now and still enjoy working with theses guys. May God bless you for this wonderful thing you are doing. They will truly enjoy the camp and you will enjoy them. They can make a dark day bright. Thanks!
LaRhonda Watkins
January 6, 2016 at 1:51 pm
Wow!!! Thank you so much for having a passion for the kids and young adults with special needs. Your video couldn’t be more on target with the need for more camps or facilities for this special group of people.
As a parent of a son with Down Syndrome, I applaud you and wish you the best in this endeavor. Hopefully this will be a spring board to bring attention to the need for these facilities and bring most of all awareness to different disabilities.
This is awesome, I can’t wait for it to open and for kids to experience the fun. For them to see just how much they are just like others in this world than not.
Thank you once again.
Susan
January 6, 2016 at 1:54 pm
God Bless him ! He is a Great Man ! But I wish there were places for our kids after age 18. My son is 21 now and there is nothing out there.
Sonny
January 6, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Just watch out for Pete. He’s the smallest dog, of all the dogs in zacs yard. He’s a mean s.o.b. too.
Shalan
January 6, 2016 at 3:08 pm
I work with Special Needs Individuals as a behavior analyst! Bless you for giving to such an excellent cause! Those who can attend special needs camps talk about them the entire year until they can attend again! Thank you for bringing joy and quality to their lives!
Fran
January 6, 2016 at 3:37 pm
Wonderful opportunity for some in the future. My own Zak is 19 and loves music, too. I echo previous requests to do times for those older than 17. They NEED a camping experience as well like this one kudos to you Zac Brown. What a beautiful heart you have. Your generosity and understanding of the need to fill the void filled my heart as well today.
Jeff
January 6, 2016 at 3:43 pm
As a father of a child with Autism I can say that I’m deeply moved, happy, impressed, and thankful that there are people like Zac doing things like this for these kids and families. I hope when my son is old enough we can find camps like this for him to attend!
Cathy
January 6, 2016 at 7:30 pm
As a school speech-langauage pathologist and a huge Zac Brown Band, I would LOVE to work here!
Rachael
January 6, 2016 at 8:18 pm
So excited to see this come to fruition! Georgia is desperately in need of great opportunities for kids with disabilities. Thanks for leading the charge!
Andrea York
January 6, 2016 at 8:35 pm
I’m excited to hear about your camp. We just moved to Texas from Hampton and used to go eat at your restaurant in Senoia (fish tacos are delish). We choose to leave Georgia after the death of our oldest son last year. I can’t wait for you guys to open and hope my boys get the chance to attend. Joshua who is almost 15 has autism and severe developmental delays. Cameron, who is 3 (I understand he is not eligible to attend at this time however, I look forward for the opportunity) is nonverbal autistic and like his brother has severe developmental delays. It is an opportunity for them to let go. Enjoy themselves. Step outside the continuous string of therapy, Dr’s, and testing. I know you guys are busy with all of the planning/coordinating however I would appreciate any further info you can provide. Thank you for your time.
Andrea M. York
Jayme Stallmann
January 6, 2016 at 9:56 pm
I’m beyond grateful for your thoughtful vision of developing a camp for children with special needs. As a mother of a child that suffers from Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and Autistic Tendicies..I cannot thank you enough. We live in AR, but I will find a way to get my 11 year old daughter to GA for camp…..the world needs more Zac Browns. Wishing many blessings your way…
Yvonne Kinsey
January 6, 2016 at 10:46 pm
What a blessing in all that you do. I wish I lived closer to help you with the dream of giving these special children great memories and happy times. You are Blessed, thank you. Maybe I can get one of my three grandchildren to come. They each have their own specialties.
Connie Lummus
January 7, 2016 at 2:17 am
Awesome! I wish we could have had something like this when my son was young! Even now as he is an adult (30yrs old) he is still only 5 or 6 mentally and loves stuff like this, especially swimming. He would stay in a pool ALL day if you’d let him. Bless you for thinking of the special needs children and teens. Love you and God Bless!
Rebecca
January 7, 2016 at 10:54 am
I see a lot of comments about not setting an upper age limit. I’m a parent of a 22 y/o with CP, a special needs school nurse, and a camp nurse for a great camp in the Pacific Northwest ( mhkc.org – registration starts January 11th at 6am) that serves special needs persons from age 10 and up.
Please do not set an age limit. A lot of parents of special needs children are not ready to send their child to camp until they are in their mid to late teens.
Easter Seals has camps for special needs children. Joni and Friends is a faith based family camp. Camp Attitude is another one.
As a parent, I suggest checking on ACA ratings, camper/counselor ratio, and nursing/medical staffing.
Michelle
January 7, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Thank you so much for this wonderful center and your generosity, not to mention the compassion for such wonderful but different children. Being the mother of an 11 yr old boy with autism and mild learning disabilities, I hope one day I may can send him to this camp.
Sherie
January 7, 2016 at 12:26 pm
As a mom of an almost 23 month old son diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome and have been working hard to spread awareness so that when my son is older people will see that he is more like typical children than different, you have made me one happy mommy. To know that someone cares enough for special people to create an amazing place for them to be, well, it does my heart good. Thank you, we live in Washington state but, i would like to come there when it is done so my Mason can see all the amazement you are building. Thank you
Tyree Merriman
January 7, 2016 at 1:45 pm
This kind of selflessness and generosity is what I pray I teach my boys everday! My oldest son who is 9 was diagnosed with Autism when he was just 3 and this camp is an absolute gift! God bless you Zack Brown!!!!!
Sandi Snider
January 8, 2016 at 1:03 am
I too have a 17 year old daughter with Autism; she would love the opportunity to attend your camp if you increase the age limit!
Malisa
January 8, 2016 at 5:43 am
Zac Brown you are an angel in disguise. I am a teacher of special needs children for 14 years and so often I find that outside of school, they have no programs, camps, or clubs that they can go to due to their disabilities.
I thank you for doing such an amazing thing for our special children who are often bullied, disrespected, or ignored simply because they are different. God has a special place in heaven for you.
Adelle
January 8, 2016 at 10:08 am
God Bless You!!! What an amazing man you are! I love your music and always knew you had a kind heart! I am not sure you will ever know what an amazing gift this Camp will be for families with special needs children!! Thank you!!
Samuel Scarbrough
January 8, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Peach Tree City, Georgia is a fine city that is an excellent example of design and function.
A beautiful location for this fine project.
Congratulations to all served and involved.
Godspeed! Enjoy!
Judy
January 9, 2016 at 11:52 am
Zac Brown is a Awesome Human Being and a country music artist GOD BLESS YOU ZAC BROWN❤️
Padgett Mozingo
January 10, 2016 at 9:17 am
Amazing. Thank you – from a huge fan in South Carolina and a mom of a beautiful little girl who happens to have Down syndrome.
Melinda
January 10, 2016 at 11:36 am
This week, along with most of the country, I’ve given thought to what in the world would I do, If I won the lottery. I know a great camp and I thought about the special needs kids/adults. How fun it would be to fill the camp one or more weeks of special people at no cost.
Michelle
January 11, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Thank you, Zac Brown, the band, and the other individuals involved to make this become a reality. My grandson has apraxia and it’s difficult for him to make friends or socialize because other children and adults don’t understand what he is trying to say. After reading all the comments, i realized there are so many children and young adults who need more than what is offered in the world. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if all the wealthy would help. I know if I ever fall into money, I would not keep it to myself.
Leeann
January 24, 2016 at 10:18 pm
Thank you, I have a son with Autism and other mental disabilities and he would love to go to this camp. He still has a hard time with making friends and doing simply activities but he tries. This would be great for him. Love Zach Brown band, you guys are great, thank you.
Linda James Bennett
February 15, 2016 at 1:32 pm
This is great to see the heart that people have for the disabled who want to be just like everyone else. Not only does it help the child but the parents who feel like they have a normal childhood experience of – camp. When celebrities shine the spotlight on the special kids it builds the bridges that we parents need that gives us hope. These special people have so much love to share with others, to feel encouraged, and motivated to do more.
Joy Wymer, PhD
June 9, 2016 at 4:59 pm
Love this idea! As a neuropsychologist, I’m always looking for new resources for my clients. Thanks!
Kathy
September 12, 2016 at 12:47 am
A neurophysiologist!!? Now that’s interesting.
Judy frady
November 16, 2016 at 5:33 pm
Joy,
We are exploring the idea of changing our boys camp to a camp for special needs which will accept adults. If you would like to learn more about us, please respond and perhaps we could have a conversation.
Thank you for the work you do.
Sincerely,
Judy
Shana
June 11, 2016 at 10:34 am
As a special needs mom I want to thank you for doing this wish my son could do this
Frances Mareno
June 11, 2016 at 1:06 pm
I have a special need son but he like 36 I can’t take him ant where to have fun down South ervewhere has Sand down hear in Alabama but I would love to take him to ineoy be for some thing happen to him just one time in life that very nice of you to do this for special need pol Zack
Betsy
June 13, 2016 at 7:21 pm
I think this is a terrific idea. I do hope to see other various disabilities included such as juvenile arthritis, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and MS. There are many young kids that have these disabilities.
Kathy
February 25, 2017 at 8:02 pm
I think every opportunity my 24 year old son had to feel like the his siblings was wonderful as a child. I am though in complete agreement we need an organization for our adult children to mix and mingle like other young adults maybe not a camp because we travel and vacation but a monthly or weekly mixer with no one to make you feel less abled. Not one human in this world is normal or perfect , but every one needs love and happiness and a comfortable atmosphere to be in. My son has a ton of friends on face book, but since high school he doesn’t have human interaction with his peers. I want us strong mothers and fathers of these wonderful people to make this happen in all 50 states and not have to pay for dating sights maybe pay a cover charge at the door to off set expenses for hall, food and beverages. I know I can find several vfw and amvets legion halls that would donate a hall. Let;s make this happen. It is harder to watch your adult siblings in relationships having college graduation weddings and careers. I see the pain in my youngest sons eyes not the tears he can’t cry. He is the greatest person in my life and the person that made me the strong woman I am. I know if he can endure 35 surgeries and his impairments I can handle my little problems with him in my world. He is funny and a hidden gem for people to meet
Peaches Raleigh
April 23, 2017 at 8:26 am
Zac,
Maybe you can help out… Toms River, New Jersey Family looking to build “Field of Dreams” for Special Needs students. Donations are pouring in and they are looking for someone to headline their concert. Darius Rucker’s wife is from Toms River and they are looking to reach out to him to perform. Maybe you could help! See article attached below.
http://www.app.com/story/sports/2017/04/20/community-support-toms-river-field-of-dreams/100597862/
Dina Wurmlinger
January 12, 2018 at 7:47 am
This is a wonderful idea and program, however, lets not cap it at 17. I work with Adults with Special Needs (in Michigan) and they have the same wants and desires as the children to enjoy camp and other activities in the great outdoors. Keep up the great work though. 🙂
sous vide
January 1, 2019 at 3:45 am
nice post, thanks for sharing.
keep up the good work, my followers over at https://shopsousvide.com will enjoy this
Carol Harris
March 15, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Living in Mount Pleasant SC, I know the great need for a program such as this, I have a 14 year old nephew with Autisum, He does not communicate very well, and his parents are looking for something close to home for him, more like a summer day camp.
Amy Clay
September 23, 2019 at 8:35 pm
This is awesome. What a role model. More celebrities should pay attention. People don’t realize how hard it is to raise a child with disabilities. Finding opportunities for them similar to those of regular kids is so hard. I myself didn’t realize it until I had my daughter who is now 15
KANDICE HERNANDEZ
April 20, 2021 at 10:16 pm
As a mother to 6 year old special needs twins this warms my heart to no end. Watching the tree house show I cried tears of joy. You are heaven sent! Thank you for thinking of children with special needs. They need a place to have fun with others they can relate to. I can’t thank you enough!