A camp with a big heart… Powered by even bigger hearts
At Camp Big Heart, children and adults with special needs experience a week of pure joy, dances, lake days, talent shows, and friendships that last a lifetime.
A community that needs care, support, and a place to shine
Children and adults with special needs often face barriers to traditional camps, high program
fees, lack of accommodations, long waitlists, and limited inclusive options.
At Camp Big Heart, we keep tuition low to make camp accessible. The families who come to us
are often navigating complex medical needs, continuous supervision, and the demanding
realities of daily care, so we work to keep the process as manageable as possible.
When donors step in, a camper gains a week of belonging, confidence, and joy, a week they
would never have without you.
What your donations do
Every gift, no matter the size, covers something real at camp. Here’s how different amounts add up to big impact:
$25 – Spark Creativity
A week’s worth of arts & crafts supplies, sensory-friendly materials, or adaptive games so campers of all abilities can express themselves.
$50 – Fuel a Day at Camp
Nutritious meals for one camper for a full day, plus supplies for inclusive activities like swimming, music, or cooking.
$100 – Change a Camper’s Week
Essential camp gear, adaptive tools, and specialized staff training that help campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel safe, supported, and empowered.
$300 – Be a Camper Hero
Provide a full week of camp (a “campership”) for one camper in financial need, from meals and medical care to all the fun and friendships.
About Camp Big Heart
Camp Big Heart is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the highest quality summer recreational camp experience for Georgia’s children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For nearly 40 years, campers have discovered fun, friendship, and independence at camp, while caregivers receive much-needed respite, knowing their loved one is safe, engaged, and happy.
We welcome campers ages 12–60 for a full overnight camp experience built around adaptive activities, trained staff, onsite medical professionals, and a community that treats every camper like family.
Care is provided by experienced professionals in special education, therapeutic services, social services, and healthcare, along with dedicated volunteers who make camp feel like family.
A little camp with a big heart, serving approximately 115 campers per week across two one-week sessions
Supported by Civitan Clubs of
Georgia.
Proudly accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting rigorous standards for health, safety, and program quality
We are:
Voices of Impact
Camp Big Heart has been life-changing for our daughter Ily on the autism spectrum. The camp gave her incredible tools for taking trips, independence, and self confidence. She had an amazing adventure and couldn’t wait to put it on her visual calendar for next year. We’re so grateful to Camp Big Heart for an experience we never knew existed and for the wonderful friendships she created. Thanks Camp Big Heart! - The Kearney’s
Tiffany Kearney (Parent)
Camp Big Heart has been a part of my life for about half of my life. I began as a volunteer, was a unit leader, an activity leader, and now I have the opportunity to serve as support staff. At a very young age, CBH showed me my passion for working with individuals apart of the special needs community. It has given me the chance to advocate for inclusivity in all aspects of life - even at summer camp! It brings me so much joy being able to help our campers have the best summer every summer, especially those who have returned year after year. Being a part of the staff for CBH has not only allowed me to serve others but has also given me countless memories, experiences and opportunities that I will cherish forever. I aspire to share my love for CBH with others in hopes that they will love it as much as I do!
Dakota Harris (Staff)
I just love being here at Camp Big Heart, I feel like i’m at home, this is my form of respite
Logan (Camper)
Summer Programs at Camp Big Heart
Each June, Camp Big Heart hosts two one-week overnight sessions at Camp John Hope FFA-FCCLA Center in Fort Valley, Georgia, overlooking Lake Lassiter.
Campers ages 12–60 enjoy a full camp experience, arts & crafts, music, swimming, adaptive sports, theater, science, talent shows, dances, and more, tailored to their abilities and needs.
Our typical summer schedule includes:
- Youth & Young Adults Session (approx. ages 12–24)
- Adults Session (approx. ages 18–60)
Every session includes:
- Trained staff and onsite medical team, with multiple registered nurses on duty
- Structured, accessible activities for campers with different abilities
How Giving Works
We keep it simple for you, and deeply meaningful for our campers.
Choose Your Impact
Decide how you want to give: make a one-time donation, sponsor a camper, or become a monthly supporter.
Get Inspired
After you give, you’ll receive email updates with photos,
stories, and behind-the-scenes news from camp.
See Your Impact Grow
Every dollar stretches far at camp, from meals and medical supplies to adaptive activities and staff training.