Camp Blue Skies Foundation offers camps to adults with developmental disabilities and enriches their lives through recreation, socialization, and life skills education.
The foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Our mission
Why Camp Blue Skies?
The number of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities drops dramatically after they turn 21. Overnight camps allow these individuals to experience a range of recreational and social activities while giving them a sense of community.
Year after year, they have a special place to look forward to —where they can enjoy themselves and build self-confidence.
Our goals
Camp Blue Skies’ programs focus on increasing an individual’s physical and mental well-being through a healthy lifestyle and positive social skills.
Recreation
Discover enjoyable, sustainable physical activities.
Socialization
Join a network of friends from camp.
Life skills
Learn practical skills that increase confidence.
Our model
Camps are ideal places to learn new things while having fun. Founder Dick Sesler’s vision: Create camping experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.
Our model, rather than owning our own properties, involves leasing camps during the off-season. Hundreds of traditional camps are under-utilized during the academic year, and thousands of potential campers would benefit from the opportunity to improve upon essential life skills while making new friends and nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.
And have a GOOD TIME!
Our partners
Thank you to those who make our life-changing camps possible for adults with developmental disabilities.
Education partners
Colleges and universities whose students and professors have worked with Camp Blue Skies over the years:
Georgia Southern University
UNC Charlotte
Clemson University
Harvard University School of Business
West Georgia Technical College
University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (Asheville)
Wingate University School of Pharmacy (Hendersonville)
Mercer University College of Pharmacy
Warren Wilson College
South Piedmont Community College
Appalachian State University
Davidson College
Community partners
Annual camps
with lifelong impact
The Byrd sisters – Jennifer and Sarah Beth – both have developmental disabilities and are long-time campers. The sisters and their parents share what Camp Blue Skies means to their lives from improving life skills and building confidence to well-deserved respite.