An Environment of Unconditional Acceptance
Camp Spearhead is more than just a camp. It’s a place where children and adults with special needs are able to escape the social isolation they often experience; in this extraordinary place, they are understood, included, appreciated. Here, our campers intuitively sense they belong. Camp Spearhead offers opportunity, choice, self-determination and delivers experiences we all value and treasure – challenges to try new and exciting things, the development of new friendships, and the chance to “get away from it all” for a few days.
Founded in 1968, Camp Spearhead offers 8 one-week-long residential camp sessions in the summer and two different seasons of The Weekend Program throughout the school year. The camp facility is nestled in beautiful northern Greenville County off scenic highway 11 and was specifically designed to meet the wide-ranging needs of our campers. If you’re interested in getting involved at Camp Spearhead, please familiarize yourself with the details on our programs below.
Camp Spearhead
Summer Camp Information
DETAILS
Eligibility: Children and adults with special needs ages 8 and older. (No upper age limit)
Location: Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center
2020 Program Schedule:
Costs: Camper fees are based on residency as follows:
$350/week for Greenville County residents
$437/week for residents of other SC counties
$810/week for residents of other states
Camper Registration: N/A
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!
Contact Us: [email protected]
(864) 467-3398 (year-round office)
(864) 836-8028 (summer camp office)
TESTIMONIALS
FAQ
If you need scholarship assistance, please contact Randy Murr by calling 864-467-3398 or emailing [email protected]
Campers’ medical needs are met by our healthcare team which includes an RN and four Medications Technicians. Additionally, all camp staff are certified in CPR/AED/First Aid. Some campers have needs that may technically be considered medical needs but are so routine for them that they are met by non-medical caregivers regularly in the home setting. In such cases we prefer needs like this to be handled in the cabin by our Cabin Counselors as matters of daily, routine care. Please contact us for discussion about your camper’s particular need.
Two weeks before your camper arrives, you will be sent information for registering your camper’s medications. Please plan to bring all medications in original packaging including the prescription labeling. Up-to-date and accurate medication information will help expedite the medication check-in process on arrival day. All medications are checked in with our Medications Technicians upon arrival.
An integral part of the camp experience is the sense of “getting away from it all.” In effort to protect this component of the camp experience we ask that visits be limited to our Thursday night Talent Show when family, friends, and former staff are invited to share in the fun. If you would like to send notes of encouragement to your camper during their week you may email them to [email protected]. Your email will be printed and given to your camper’s counselor who will either give it to your camper or read it to them. We also accept notes or letters sent by old-fashioned postal mail, but recommend mailing week prior to your camper’s week of camp to ensure they are delivered on time. Please send to 4806 Old Spartanburg Road, Taylors, SC 29687.
To help ensure a safe, fulfilling, and fun week of camp we maintain a staff to camper ratio of better than 1:2.
We love meeting potential new campers and their families and it is our pleasure to share with them the Spearhead story and the wonderful facilities we are fortunate to have. Please email Randy Murr at [email protected] if this is of interest to you.
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.
There is a section in the Camper Application for listing people approved for picking up your camper. If the person who will be responsible for picking up your camper at the end of their camp week is not listed in the Camper Application, YES, you will need to notify the camp office in writing – please send to [email protected].
More Than Just
a Summer Job
What are you doing next summer? Learn more about what it’s like to work at Camp Spearhead by checking out our YouTube playlist.
If you are interested in working at Camp Spearhead or need additional information, please contact Randy Murr at [email protected] for more information.