Neurofibromatosis Camp July 13 - July 19, 2025 Ages: 7-17 Neurofibromatosis Camp offers children and teens with neurofibromatosis (ages 7-17) seven days and six nights of summer fun and social connections. Neurofibromatosis Camp serves to reduce the stigma and isolation that is often associated with neurological disorders and chronic health conditions. The camps also provide parents with respite. Dr. Clay Hoerig, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, heads the medical team for the week of camp. Addition medical staff, including nurses, social workers, physical therapist and psychologists, are on-site 24 hours a day. Counselors are trained in dealing with the issues associated with NF. Many counselors and volunteers live with the condition themselves and share their experiences with the campers. Condition specific camps have proven to be an effective way for children to learn more about their condition and to develop adaptive behaviors. At Brainy Ridge Camps, children learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with these same health conditions and are offered hope for the future. Campers participate and choose from a myriad of activities. Support groups and educational programs promote knowledge, skill development and social connections.  Children and teens gain a better understanding of their condition, strengths and self-worth. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

TEEN LEADERSHIP June 29 - July 3, 2025 Ages: 15-17 Teen Leadership Camp is open to teens with a wide range of chronic health conditions, including but not limited to type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, neurofibromatosis, congenital heart disorders, hydrocephalus, and Tourette syndrome. Teen advocates are also invited to apply. Key Components: 1. Recreational Camp Activities: Including swimming, tennis, team sports, arts & crafts, theatre, and team building. 2. Peer Leadership Training: Teens will learn and practice valuable leadership skills. 3. Skill Sessions: Two sessions will take place daily in one-hour sessions to promote skills. 4. Support Groups: Providing a safe space for participants to share experiences, seek guidance, and build connections. 5. Team Building: Led by trained professionals to foster a sense of hope, belonging, community, and trust among participants. 6. Mentorship: Experienced teens will serve as mentors and role models, helping to guide their peers throughout the program. REGISTER

Type 1 Diabetes Camp July 20 - July 26, 2025 Ages: 9-17 Diabetes Camp offers young people with diabetes (ages 9-17) seven days and six nights of summer fun, education, and social connections.  In addition to fun, the goal of Camp Take Charge is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with this condition and increase knowledge and understanding of diabetes. The camp provides opportunities for children to work with professional staff and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their condition. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, pump specialists and other healthcare professionals who are experts in the field. Dr. Otilia Neacsu, pediatric endocrinologist at Inova Health System, serves as the onsite physician for Diabetes Camp.  Condition specific camps have proven to be an effective way for children to learn more about their conditions and to develop adaptive behaviors. At Brainy Ridge Camps, children learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with the same health conditions and are offered hope for the future. Campers participate and choose from a myriad of activities that keep them busy from morning to night. Support groups and educational programs promote knowledge, skill development and social connections.  Campers gain a better understanding of their condition, strengths and ability to care for themselves. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

Heart Camp (CHD) June 22 - June 28, 2025 Ages: 7-17 Heart Camp offers children and teens with congenital heart conditions, ages 7-17, seven days and six nights of summer fun, education, and social connections in a safe and supervised environment. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the constant care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses and healthcare providers who specialize in the condition. Dr. Valerie Curren, a pediatric cardiologist at Johns Hopkins, is the onsite camp physician. In addition to fun, the goal of Heart Camp is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with heart disorder and increase the knowledge and understanding our campers have about their condition. The camp provides opportunities for the kids to work with professional staff and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their condition. They learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with the condition, serving as role models and offering hope for a successful future to our campers. Campers participate and choose from a myriad of activities. Support groups and educational programs promote knowledge, skill development and social connections.  Children and teens gain a better understanding of their condition, strengths and self-worth. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

Epilepsy Camp July 13 - July 19, 2025 Ages: 7-17 Epilepsy Camp is a week-long, overnight camp for children and teens with epilepsy, ages 7-17.  For 29 years, it has provided campers with epilepsy a safe environment where they can have fun while building confidence, independence, and self-esteem. Epilepsy is a common and unpredictable condition that often leads to feelings of social stigma and isolation. Epilepsy Camp was developed to reduce the stigma and isolation, while allowing children with epilepsy to meet others with the same condition and enjoy an overnight camp experience. Epilepsy is more than a summer camp—it is specially designed to help kids with epilepsy develop friendships, gain an understanding of their condition, and realize their potential and self-worth. At Epilepsy Camp, one staff member is assigned to every 3 - 4 campers. Dr. Clay Hoerig, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, heads the medical team and provides 24/7 physician coverage of camp.  Additional medical staff, including nurses, social workers, physical therapist and psychologists, are on-site throughout the days of camp.  Counselors are trained in seizure recognition, first aid, CPR and the special needs of children with epilepsy. Many counselors and volunteers live with epilepsy and share their experiences with the campers. Throughout the week, campers participate in a myriad of activities. The kids learn team-building skills through activities such as sports, skits, and camp Olympics. Group counseling sessions allow the children to discuss their feelings and learn how others cope with their epilepsy. For one week, the children do not have to worry about explaining their seizures to their peers; they simply have fun. The friendships made at camp often continue throughout the year and for many to come. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

Type 1 Diabetes Family Camp Dates To Be Determined Ages: 5-8 Diabetes Family Camp offers young children with diabetes (ages 5-8) the opportunity to attend a 2-day, 1 night camp with their families so together they can learn about the condition and have fun during the process. In addition to fun, the goal of Diabetes Family Camp is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with this condition and increase knowledge and understanding of diabetes. The camp provides opportunities for children and their families to work with professional staff and become more confident advocates and managers of their condition. Parents can feel comfortable that they are learning from trained and experienced doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, pump specialists and healthcare professionals who are experts in the field. Dr. Otilia Neacsu, endocrinologist of Inova Health System, is the onsite physician for the family camp. Condition specific camps have proven to be an effective way for children to learn more about their conditions and to develop adaptive behaviors. Family camps allow parents to connect with other families who are experiencing similar issues and form support networks that survive long after the end of camp. Families learn from each other and are offered hope for the future.  They gain a better understanding of the condition, their strengths and their ability to handle what lies ahead. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

Autism Spectrum Camp July 7 - July 11, 2025 Ages: 9-17 Autism Spectrum Camp offers children and teens living on the autism spectrum (level 1 support), ages 9-17, five days and four nights of summer fun and social connections. Children experience all the fun and adventure of a sleep-away camp with medical staff close at hand. For five days, the children do not have to worry about how they are seen or what others think; they simply have fun.  They participate in a myriad of activities, learning team-building skills through sports, skits, and Camp Olympics.  Formal and informal support groups allow campers to practice appropriate social and communication skills and encourage the discussion of meaningful topics including how to handle bullying, what to do when teased and how to make friends. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Alyssa Weinstein is joined by a staff of nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists to provide medical coverage throughout the week of camp. Experienced teachers volunteer their time and expertise to work with the campers and help train the counselors to deal with the issues associated with autism spectrum.  Several counselors and volunteers who live with the condition share their experience and wisdom with the campers each summer. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT MEDICAL MANAGEMENT Medical management is an important aspect of Brainy Ridge Camps to ensure our campers' safety and well-being while they experience camp. Our dedicated, on-site medical team allows for regular monitoring and prompt responses to medical needs. While overseeing each camper's medical care, our staff also aim to empower kids to participate fully in activities, building confidence and fostering a sense of normalcy in a supportive community. DAY ONE CHECK -IN The medical check-in process at Brainy Ridge is a critical step to ensure the health and safety of all campers. During check-in, medical staff review each child’s health history, medications, allergies, and any specific care instructions. This allows the camp team to be well-prepared to manage any health needs and make adjustments to accommodate dietary or physical requirements. Medical check-in also serves as a time for parents to communicate concerns and verify emergency contacts, helping camp staff respond swiftly and appropriately to any medical situations that may arise during the session. DAILY MEDICAL CARE Camp medical staff work closely with campers to administer prescribed treatments, monitor symptoms, and adjust care based on each camper’s daily activities and energy levels. Medical staff work with counselors to prevent emergencies and keep campers comfortable and safe. By integrating medical care seamlessly into the camp routine, staff empower children with chronic illnesses to participate in activities with confidence, knowing that their health needs are prioritized. ROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPERVISION Campers are supervised at all times by counselors and medical staff. Our on-site health care building is equipped to meet daily medical needs and medical emergencies should they arise. Any situation that requires medical treatment that is not available on-site can be accommodated at one of the local medical facilities. Should an emergency arise, parents are notified as soon as possible. Throughout the day, medical staff round to activities and are available should any medical needs arise. Overnight, at least one medical staff is on-call in the health building while others stay on the dormitory halls to respond to any emergencies. CONDITION-SPECIFIC EDUCATION Having access to medical education and support groups during camp can be incredibly empowering for children managing chronic illnesses. During the week, "Doc Talks" and support groups are held. These programs provide campers with practical information on managing their conditions and offer a safe space to share experiences with peers facing similar challenges. Support groups foster a sense of community, helping campers feel understood and less isolated, while educational sessions build their confidence in self-care practices. Together, these resources not only enhance campers’ knowledge but also strengthen their resilience, encouraging them to take charge of their health in a supportive and understanding environment.

More than a Camp, We're a Community. The Brainy Ridge EXPERIENCE Brainy Ridge Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides condition-specific residential summer camps for children and teens living with chronic health conditions. Our goal is to provide an experience that is both fun and supportive, where campers can build new friendships and develop their skills in a safe and caring environment. Learn About Us Summer 2024 Wrap-Up Brainy Ridge Camp's inaugural summer has officially wrapped up, and what an incredible experience it was! From fun-filled activities to the bonds of friendship made, this summer has been unforgettable. We want to thank all the campers, families, and volunteers for making it such a success. Click below to read about more our first year of camp! Summer 2024 Happy Holidays From the Brainy Ridge Team Dear Brainy Ridge Families, As the holiday season fills the air with warmth and joy, we at Brainy Ridge Camps are reflecting on a year of growth, resilience, and community. Your support has been instrumental in creating memorable camp experiences for children and families, and we are thrilled to announce our plans for the upcoming year. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year. We can’t wait to see you at camp in 2025! From all of us at Brainy Ridge Inc., we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright new year. Thank you for being part of our family! In the spirit of Brainy Ridge, The Brainy Ridge Team We’re thrilled to kick off our Summer 2025 camp season! Mark your calendars, and get ready for another unforgettable summer filled with friendship, adventure, and growth. We can’t wait to welcome our Brainy Ridge community back for an incredible experience! Registration for Brainy Ridge Camps is open! Please visit our UltraCamp page to apply. Summer 2025 Camps! Announcing Register Now! Thank you to our sponsors!

CAMP SESSIONS Summer 2025 SESSIONS Teen Leadership Ages: 15 -17 Teen Leadership Camp is open to teens with a wide range of chronic health conditions, including but not limited to type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, neurofibromatosis, congenital heart disorders, hydrocephalus, and Tourette syndrome. Teen advocates are also invited to apply. Learn More Neurofibromatosis Camp Ages: 7 - 17 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Type 2 and Schwannomatosis. Learn More Epilepsy Camp Ages: 7 - 17 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with epilepsy. Learn More Heart Camp Ages: 7 - 17 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with congenital heart conditions. Learn More Diabetes Camp Ages: 9 - 17 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with type 1 diabetes. Learn More Diabetes Family Camp Ages: 5 - 8 A 2-day, 1 night camp for young children with diabetes (ages 5-8) and their families. Learn More Autism Spectrum Camp Ages: 9 - 17 A residential summer camp for children and teens living on the autism spectrum (level 1 support). Learn More