Submitted By: Beth Vaughan

Zac Brown Band – the American country music artists from Atlanta, Georgia not only cranks out some seriously catchy tunes (such as “Chicken Fried” and “Toes), but they have also made a commitment to helping those with special needs. Lead performer of the band, Zac Brown, has made announcements during their concerts about a portion of the proceeds from their shows going towards helping those with Autism and other special needs. Those proceeds will benefit Camp Southern Ground (www.campsouthernground.org), located in Peachtree City, Georgia and is nestled over 400 acres in the Farmlands of Georgia.

This camp is the passion product of the Grammy Award Winner’s and he says, “As a former camp counselor, I know how a positive camp experience can transform a child’s life. My dream is that children of all abilities will have an opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors.” The Camp’s Mission: “Our mission is to operate a camp to allow children to overcome academic, social and emotional difficulties so they may reach their full potential and provide the tools necessary to achieve excellence in all facets of their lives.”

Once through with the development stage the camp will serve children from the ages of 7-17 from all different backgrounds, races and religions, with a special focus on those young people with neurobehavioral needs; at risk populations and children from military families. The camp will be a place for children and their families to learn healthy life skills through an advanced program involving superior nutrition, physical exercise, and the latest practices in therapy, administered by a knowledgeable staff. Zac has long recognized the necessity for every child to have access to the best resources to grow and succeed.

Camp Southern Ground will have activities to challenge, educate and inspire these children. 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 by neurobehavioral disorders. In particular, Asperger syndrome, Tourette syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, as well as learning differences such as ADD/ADHD and dyslexia.

Camp Southern Ground will include the following buildings and activity areas:

• Adventure Center
• Amphitheater
• Aquatics Center
• Art Center
• Boys’ and Girls’ Lodges
• Chapel
• Fire Pit
• Hiking and Nature Trails
• Mountain Bike Trails
• Music Center
• Multipurpose Building
• Organic Farm
• Outpost Tent Area
• Peterson Hall -dining hall
• Respite Lodge
• Shade Pavilion
• Technology Center

Currently in the development stage, Camp Southern Ground is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and is seeking partnerships and funding in order to bring this vision to fruition. Visit the “Ways to Give” page to learn more about how you can help! – See more: http://www.campsouthernground.org/camp#sthash.orr8lO7S.dpuf