STORIES OF HOPE

This summer, we had the joy of welcoming the Vinci family to Camp Southern Ground for the very first time. As a military family navigating frequent moves and the unique challenges of raising both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, they found something special at CSG. Read on to hear their story in their own words.

Where do I even begin? This summer, my family experienced something truly unexpected – an incredible summer camp experience at Camp Southern Ground (CSG). A fellow military spouse told me about CSG’s commitment to inclusion and thought it would be a great fit for my daughters. After learning more, I was blown away by their focus on supporting all children, including those with neurodiversity, and their strong connection to veteran families. I applied without hesitation.

Both of my daughters – one neurotypical and one neurodivergent – attended camp, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. From the start, it was clear that this was a place where kids of all abilities could come together, connect, and grow. I can already see this becoming a yearly tradition – maybe even a stepping stone to them becoming counselors one day.

My oldest daughter, Lilyan, is 13 and has level 1 autism and inattentive ADHD. The idea of a sleepaway camp seemed overwhelming for her – and honestly, for us as parents too. She was apprehensive and asked me not to send her. But CSG’s thoughtful pre-camp questionnaire reassured us that they genuinely cared about each child’s needs. That attention to detail gave us the confidence to move forward.

Drop-off day was a breeze. The girls were excited to hop on a fun golf cart, meet the mascot Smarty Pants, and start their adventure. The staff made it so easy; there was no time for tears or anxiety, just excitement.

Throughout the week, we wrote letters and missed them dearly, but when pick-up day arrived, the joy in their voices made it all worthwhile. My younger daughter, Margaret, who is 11, had a blast, especially biking around camp. Though she wished she could do a few of the older-kid activities, she’s already counting down the days until next summer.

For Margaret, Camp Southern Ground was a chance to stretch her independence in a safe, encouraging environment. She met new people, faced new challenges, and came home more confident and mature. It was beautiful to witness her growth.

For Lilyan, camp was life-changing. Social interactions are typically challenging for her, and she often feels like an outsider. But at CSG, she found belonging. The inclusive environment and caring staff helped her navigate social situations, make friends, and truly feel accepted. She came home beaming, introduced me to her new friends, and didn’t want to leave. She’s still in touch with many of them and continues to benefit from the confidence and skills she gained.

As a military family, we move often, and finding a sense of consistency can be hard. Camp Southern Ground has the potential to be that anchor for my daughters—a place they can return to no matter where we’re stationed. Even if we only get to attend a few summers, I’m deeply grateful for what it’s given them.

To the entire team at CSG – thank you. Your commitment to inclusion and the well-being of every camper shines through in everything you do. A special thanks to Melissa, who welcomed a big hug from me at the end of camp – I’ll never forget it.

Camp Southern Ground is more than a summer camp. It’s a place where kids grow, connect, and discover their worth. My daughters found confidence, belonging, and joy at CSG, and I’ll always be thankful for that. Thank you for changing our lives.