Mission Statement
Our mission is "to operate a camp to allow children to overcome academic, social and emotional difficulties so that they may reach their full potential by providing them with the opportunity and tools necessary to achieve excellence in all facets of their lives."About the Camp
Nestled on nearly 500 acres in the farmlands of Georgia, Camp Southern Ground is the passion project of GRAMMY-Award winning artist Zac Brown. Inspired by his own experience as a camp counselor, Zac's vision is to create a state-of-the-art facility that will serve children, ages 7-17, with both typical and special needs. Zac has long recognized the necessity for every child to have access to the best resources in order to be able to grow and succeed.
The camp will be a place for children of diverse abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, races and religions to come together to learn life skills and encourage personal growth in a positive, healthy and organic environment. Our programs will build confidence through activities designed to allow children to overcome obstacles and grow in their capabilities, while incorporating advanced programs of superior nutrition and physical exercise.
Among the many traditional camp activities that will foster youth development and create teachable moments for campers, plans are in place to align certain elements of the facility with the latest innovative therapies and technology for those children affected with neurobehavioral disorders. In particular, Asperger syndrome, Tourette syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, as well as learning disabilities such as ADD/ADHD and dyslexia.
During the non-summer months, Camp Southern Ground will become a retreat, conference, and educational seminar facility. By gaining life management skills and learning about healthy eating practices, families and groups can come together as unit, fostering a firm foundation and affirming their support for one another.
Camp Master Plan
The Camp Southern Ground master plan is being developed in conjunction with Zac Brown, his Camp Southern Ground team, design firm Perkins+Will, and Benko Construction, Inc.The layout and design of the camp structures will enhance mission goals. State-of-the-art buildings and structures, including a technology center, an equestrian center, as well as flexible housing, are being designed to fit organically into the natural terrain and surrounding environment. Utilizing materials such as stone and concrete, each structure will stand the test of time while incorporating the latest in energy-efficient and renewable energy methods with LEED certification.
Architects Perkins+Will is an international integrated design firm founded on the belief that design has the power to transform lives and enhance society. Serving clients across a broad range of markets and disciplines, Perkins+Will ranks among the world's top design firms and is an acknowledged leader in sustainable design and healthy environments.
Benko Construction, Inc. is a design, general contracting, and construction management firm with extensive experience in the construction of commercial, multi-family residential, educational, and health-care specific properties. Benko Construction has managed the zoning and pre-construction phase of the development of Camp Southern Ground.
Camp Southern Ground will include the following buildings and activity areas:
- Welcome Center
- Day Use Conference Facility
- Girls and Boys Lodges
- Respite Lodge
- Brain Balance Facility
- Equestrian Facility with Indoor Arena
- Dining Facility
- Art and Library Building
- Music Building
- Environmental Education Building
- Technology and Learning Center
- Multi-Purpose Facility
- Maintenance Facility
- Staff and Counselor Housing
- Adventure Area - Zip Lines, Wall Climbing, Mud Slides
- Aquatic Center - Swimming pool and deck
- Health and Wellness Center
- Organic Gardens
- Hiking and riding trails
- Nature observatory decks
- Sport courts and activity fields