Camp Spearhead is more than just a camp. It’s a place where children and adults alike can escape social isolation; a place where they’re seen as people, not just as a disability. The camp adds a bit of normalcy to the lives it touches, bringing to life the types of experiences that many of us cherish.
Founded in 1968, Camp Spearhead offers 8 week-long residential camp programs in the summer and 20 weekend programs throughout the school year. The camp is held at the Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, a space specifically designed to meet the needs of our campers while providing the best summer camp experience possible. If you’re interested in getting a family member involved at Camp Spearhead, familiarize yourself with the details on our programs below.
Eligible Ages: 8 and older
Location: Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center
Program Schedule:
Costs:
Activities: Canoeing, kayaking, giant swing, zip line, high ropes course, alpine tower, nature activities, archery, swimming, basketball, gem mining, crafts, group games, yoga, and much more!
What to Bring: Packing List
“Thank you for your help in giving many people the highlight of their summer. My son Andrew started talking about camp in April, then started counting the days after school was out. He decorates our refrigerator with his collection of photos from Spearhead and regularly watches videos from camp. I hope you all appreciate your camp memories as much as he does!”
-Susan
“I just wanted to thank all of you for all you do to make Josie’s camp experience sooooo fun! When I mention camp, she beams. As a parent of a special needs child, it definitely takes a special person to do what you all do. We look forward to many years of Camp Spearhead experiences for Josie.”
-Paula
“The love my child has for you, and the joy you give to him with your hugs and attention, are ingrained in his mind. Kalen can’t always express his thoughts, his joys, his emotions, but he has a lot upstairs that he is thinking about, and one of those big folders is CAMP SPEARHEAD. And Camp Spearhead isn’t just a cabin, a pool, or a campfire. Camp Spearhead is YOU! So thank you for being ‘you’ and for taking an interest in all of the children/adults who ‘live’ to come back every summer!”
-Connie, Jim, Preston, & Carson
If you need scholarship assistance, please contact Randy Murr by calling 864.288.6470 ext. 127 or emailing [email protected]
Campers’ medical needs are met by our healthcare team, which includes a registered nurse, EMT, and two trained medical technicians. In addition, all of our staff members are trained in CPR / AED and First Aid.
Please bring all camper medications in original bottles or packaging. Camp healthcare staff will assist you in checking in medications for your camper. This process typically takes 10 – 40 minutes.
We encourage you to send an email, fax, or regular mail to your camper instead of calling or visiting. Our mailing address is: 4806 Old Spartanburg Road, Taylors, SC 29687. Emails may be sent to [email protected] Faxes may be sent to 864.838.8569.
To ensure safety and the best possible care for our campers, we maintain a ratio of 1 staff to 2.5 campers in the cabins.
Absolutely! We host an open house in May. If you are unable to attend our open house, please call to schedule a private tour.
Every camper receives a camp t-shirt at the end of their Camp session.
Yes, but we cannot promise that we will be able to place your camper with their friend; however, we promise to do our best.
Please make sure you call or email us to inform us of your camper’s early departure.
On the camper application you will find a spot where you can add names of those allowed to pick up your camper. If you forget to add a name, please fax or email us to let us know of this change. Any changes of this nature must be in writing.
We are currently hiring for our 2017 Summer Camp season. There are many positions available. Check out the video to hear what some of our current staff have to say about working at Camp Spearhead.
If you are interested in working at Camp Spearhead or need additional information, please contact Randy Murr at [email protected] for more information.
Location: Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center
Program Schedule & Costs: Download 2017 Spring Schedule
Activities: Apple picking, bowling, watching movies, dancing, and much more!
Register for the Camp Spearhead Weekend Program:
Waiting all year for summer camp to return is excruciating, so make the wait easier by registering for the Weekend Program!
Interested in Another Camp?
The following camps are hosted at our facilities but put on by other organizations. Click on the camp name to find more details:
Sports are universal, connecting individuals regardless of their race, background, nationality, or intellectual ability. The Special Olympics embodies this universality, demonstrating that human greatness is defined by much more than the limitations of the body. It gives families and communities a chance to come together; provides athletes with the opportunity to feel pride and courage for their accomplishments; and creates an environment where people can change their attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities.
Greenville County Rec hosts the Special Olympics for these reasons and many others, offering training and competition in 15 different sports. Two full-time Greenville County Rec staffers direct these programs with help from hundreds of community volunteers, making it possible to offer the program without any fees attached.
DATE OF GAMES
2017 Sports Schedule
Check the event calendar for all upcoming Special Olympics Greenville events.
Click here to download the full 2017 calendar.
If you’re determined to storm the field and show off your skills, have a medical doctor complete the Medical section of the Athlete Medical and Release Form, a parent or guardian complete the Release section of the Form, and return them to the Special Olympics Greenville office. Athletes must be 8 years of age or older to compete.
Volunteering gives you a chance to connect with others while giving back to the community; it broadens your perspective and improves your understanding of those who lead lives that are unfamiliar. Greenville County Rec is in need of volunteers for all Special Olympic sports — no sports knowledge needed, just a desire to help others. If you’re interested, complete the online Volunteer Application.
You don’t have to give your time to help Special Olympics Greenville! You can purchase an Attractions Book — with dining and value guides — at the Greenville County Rec office for $20.
Thank you to all of our marvelous sponsors for making this extraordinary event possible!
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