Camp Southern Ground NEWS

Camp Southern Ground Earns National Inclusion Project Accredited Program Status

Dec 17, 2024

The National Inclusion Project (NIP) announced that Camp Southern Ground (CSG) has received National Inclusion Project Accredited Program status.

“National Inclusion Project Accreditation means that Camp Southern Ground completed a comprehensive review of its inclusive practices for youth with disabilities and alignment with the National Inclusion Project’s Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs. Expert review of written documentation, program materials, and on-site observation found that CSG’s Summer Camp program met the highest standards for including all children,” said Dr. Amanda Kloo, Director of Inclusive Recreation at NIP. “CSG and NIP form a partnership that promotes belonging, learning, and connection across all abilities. NIP accreditation communicates that CSG is committed to the inclusion of children with disabilities in mission, in design, and in practice.”

“This is an important, universally recognized benchmark,” said CSG CEO and President Mike Dobbs, “so that families can see and know, without a doubt, that our Summer Camp program practices full, meaningful inclusion that meets the highest of standards. Recognitions such as this set us apart from others and is one in which we can all be proud.”

Musician Zac Brown founded Camp Southern Ground with the purpose of getting kids ages 7-16 outside in an inclusive, tech-free environment where kindness, community, and the celebration of differences are the foundation of the programming. From day one, campers make connections; harvest and eat food from an on-site organic garden; learn and develop life skills like bike riding, swimming, cooking, archery, and more. They will make a mess eating s’mores around the campfire, get creative in art and music, and push themselves out of their comfort zone on a multi-level ropes course. For teens, there’s even more adventure with programming that includes kayaking, fishing, and a 1200-foot mega zipline. At Camp Southern Ground, campers explore over 400 acres of wilderness, build relationships with peers and counselors, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between children with disabilities and the world around them. Since 2003, NIP has worked with community organizations and recreational programs, providing them with the training, tools, and support needed to children with disabilities in ALL activities and programs.

For more information about Camp Southern Ground, visit campsouthernground.org, call 678-561-9600, or email [email protected]. For more information about the National Inclusion Project visit inclusionproject.org, call 919-314-5540, or email [email protected].