About Camp Big Heart
For nearly 40 years, Camp Big Heart has been a place where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience a true overnight summer camp, filled with fun, friendship, and a deep sense of belonging, while their caregivers receive much-needed rest and peace of mind.
Week One:
Youth Campers (12-24)
June 7th to June 12th, 2026
Week Two:
Adult Campers (18-60)
June 14th to June 19th, 2026
Summer Camp Dates
Camp Big Heart is held each summer at Camp John Hope FFA–FCCLA Center in Fort Valley, Georgia, overlooking Lake Lassiter, about 100 miles from Atlanta and a short drive from Macon, Columbus, Albany, and Americus.
Week 1:
June 7th to June 12th, 2026
Week 2:
June 14th to June 19th, 2026
Check-in & Check-out Times:
Check in Sunday 2-4PM | Check Out Friday 8-9AM
If you’re planning for a camper, we encourage families to apply early, spaces fill quickly each year.
Who We’re Looking For
Camp Big Heart, a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating since 1984, is a unique overnight summer camp offering a broad range of recreational activities to children and adults with special needs, ranging from ages 12-60.
Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching summer camp experience for children and adults with special needs. With over 40 years of dedicated service, we are committed to offering the highest quality care and programming, delivered by passionate and qualified staff. We strive to create a welcoming environment where every camper can grow, thrive, and build lasting memories.
Who We Serve
Camp Big Heart serves individuals who often fall between the cracks of other medical and special-needs camping programs.
Our campers are:
- Children, teens, and adults with special needs.
- Ambulatory and bathroom independent.
- Able to attend to their own personal needs with supervision and minimal assistance.
At the same time, camp is designed to give parents and caregivers a rare opportunity to rest, recharge, and care for themselves while knowing their loved one is well-supported.
Civitan of Georgia, our founding friends
Camp Big Heart began as a special project of Civitan clubs in Georgia, a community-minded service organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and other special needs.
For decades, Civitan volunteers and clubs across Georgia have:
Raised funds to keep camp fees as low as possible
Helped launch and grow Camp Big Heart as a dedicated program for campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Supported camp planning, fundraising, and board leadership
Volunteered their time and talents to ensure more campers can experience a week at Camp Big Heart
Thanks to the continued volunteerism and partnership of Civitan, Camp Big Heart has been able to welcome thousands of campers and families since 1984.
American Camp Association Accredited
Families trust us with what matters most, their loved ones. That’s why Camp Big Heart is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
For parents and caregivers, ACA accreditation is an added layer of assurance that Camp Big Heart follows best practices and independent standards designed specifically for camp programs.
Our Staff & Medical Team
At Camp Big Heart, safety, dignity, and joy go hand-in-hand, and that starts with our team.
Our staff and volunteers include:
- Caring professionals with years of experience in special education, therapeutic services, and social services
- College students and young professionals studying education, therapy, nursing, and related fields
- Long-time volunteers who return year after year because they love our campers and our mission
Medical Care at Camp
Camp doesn’t happen without a seasoned medical team on duty. During camp sessions, there are always registered nurses on site to:
- Manage medications and health needs
- Provide first aid and respond to emergencies
- Communicate with families and caregivers when needed