Founded by the team behind Brainy Camps with nearly 30 years of experience, Brainy Ridge provides condition-specific summer camps for children with Neurofibromatosis, Diabetes, Autism, Epilepsy, heart conditions, and more. Apply today! 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 2026 Camps Now Enrolling for Our 2026 camp schedule is here, and registration is open—mark your calendars! We’re looking forward to another summer of meaningful experiences and strong connections for campers and families. Get ready for days filled with friendship, fun, learning, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you back at camp in Summer 2026. REGISTER NOW Scholarships & Payment Plans are available! We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience the joys of camp, regardless of financial circumstances. Scholarships and payment plans are available to help with the cost of attendance, and we encourage all families to apply. If you have any concerns or questions about financial assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and want to make sure every child can join us for a life-changing summer! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Discover the specialized camp sessions at Brainy Ridge. Each camp session at Brainy Ridge is designed to promote community, resilience, and leadership while providing specialized medical support. From diabetes and cardiology to neurofibromatosis and autism, our programs foster inclusivity, adventure, and lifelong connections for children and families. CAMP SESSIONS Summer 2026 SESSIONS Take a look at the Summer 2026 All Camp Flyer to see session options, plan your summer adventures, and get excited for another unforgettable season at Brainy Ridge. Financial assistance is available! We offer: • Scholarships • Tiered pricing • Flexible payment plans Questions? Contact us — we're here to help. Camp Flyer Neurofibromatosis Camp Ages: 7 - 18 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Type 2 and Schwannomatosis. Learn More Epilepsy Camp Ages: 7 - 18 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with epilepsy. Learn More Heart Camp Ages: 7 - 18 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with heart conditions. Learn More Heart Family Camp Ages: 4 - 8 A 2-day, 1 night camp for young children with a heart condition and their families. Learn More Diabetes Camp Ages: 9 - 18 A residential summer camp for children and teens living with type 1 diabetes. Learn More Diabetes Family Camp Ages: 5 - 8 A 3-day, 2 night camp for young children with diabetes (ages 5-8) and their families. Learn More Autism Spectrum Camp Ages: 9 - 18 A residential summer camp for children and teens living on the autism spectrum (level 1 support). Learn More Transitional Youth Camp Ages: 18 - 26 A residential summer camp for young adults with chronic health conditions transitioning into adulthood. Learn More

The Brainy Ridge team, founded by experts with 29 years of experience running Brainy Camps, is dedicated to creating safe, supportive camps for children with chronic conditions. THE BRAINY LEADERSHIP TEAM Alyssa Weinstein, MSN, RN, CPNP Founder & Director of Brainy Ridge Inc. Sandra Cushner Weinstein, PT, LSCW-C Founder of Brainy Camps '94-'22 Nicole Josey Brainy Ridge Operations Director Will Coffey, CTRS Camp Associate Ali Stigers Camp Associate Liz Mehalick, MSAT, ATC Camp Associate

Explore Virginia summer camps at Brainy Ridge Camps, hosted at Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia. OUR LOCATION We have contracted with Blue Ridge School in St. George, VA, to host our camps. Blue Ridge School is a boarding school for boys, grades 9-12, located 20 miles from Charlottesville, VA, and 2 hours from Washington, DC. The campus is comprised of 750 acres in a beatific setting that lies at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The school has an outdoor athletic complex that includes an artificial turf football field, a six-lane track, 2 soccer fields and a baseball diamond. Other outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, rock wall climbing, canoeing, swimming, low and high ropes challenges and a zip line. Indoor activities offer a theater with stadium seating, 3 regulation basketball courts, a weight room and an art room equipped with spinning wheels and kiln. The cafeteria offers several options for each meal and is able to accommodate special dietary needs. The campers sleep in dorm rooms that are big enough for 4—one being a counselor—and each dorm floor offers a meeting place for kids to hang out and socialize. We have converted classrooms into medical sites to accommodate our needs. Learn More TRANSPORTATION Ask us about bus transportation from the Washington D.C. metropolitan area Fly into Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, which is located just 20 minutes from Blue Ridge School LOCAL MEDICAL FACILITIES The Blue Ridge School is... 30 minutes from Sentara East Rockingham Health Center 40 minutes from UVA Children’s Hospital 45 minutes from Sentara RMH Medical Center

Find answers to common questions about Brainy Ridge's programs, registration, accommodations, and more in our frequently updated FAQ section—refreshed based on your questions! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS General Information Registration & Companion App Medical Management Donations Where is the camp located? Brainy Ridge is located at Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia. Is transportation available for campers? Yes, we provide transportation to and from Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia. As camp approaches, we'll share more details. If you have specific transportation needs or questions, just let us know—we're here to help! Transportation is arranged based on availability and demand. What should my child bring to camp? The camp packing list is available in the Companion App for your convenience. Please be sure to review it carefully as you prepare for camp.We’d like to emphasize a few important items to remember:Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is key, and we encourage all campers to bring their own reusable water bottle.Sunscreen: Protecting against sunburn is essential, so don't forget to pack sunscreen.Bug spray: To keep the bugs at bay, make sure to include some insect repellent. What happens during the check-in and check-out processes? When you arrive at camp, our staff will guide you through the check-in process. You’ll need to: 1. Complete any necessary forms: If you haven’t already submitted all required paperwork, there may be a few forms to fill out at check-in. 2. Medical check: Our medical staff will review your child’s health information and any medications being brought to camp. A lice check will be performed and temperature will be taken. Be sure to have medications in their original bottles, and if applicable, a pill organizer. 3. Meet the counselors and tour the facilities: Your child will have the opportunity to meet their counselor and get settled into their room. Staff will be available to help your camper with unpacking and to ensure that there are no restricted items/medications/food in the bunks. Our staff will be available to answer any questions and help you get your camper settled in for a smooth transition. At the end of camp, here’s what to expect for check-out: 1. Arrive at the scheduled check-out time: Please be on time for pick-up. If you are running late, contact the camp office to let them know. There is an awards ceremony on the final morning of each camp. Families are encouraged to attend to hear about your camper's week! Information about awards ceremony times will be released in the latter half of the camp week. 2. Sign out your camper: A staff member will ensure you’re authorized to pick up your child and will ask you to sign out. You’ll also be given any remaining belongings or items. 3. Complete medical check-out: A medical staff member will review your child's week and return leftover medications and supplies. 3. Discuss the camper’s experience: This is a great opportunity to speak with the counselors or camp staff about your child’s time at camp and ask any questions you might have. Please remember that early check-out or late pick-up needs to be arranged in advance. We want to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all campers during both check-in and check-out. How are staff selected? Our staff members are carefully selected to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. To be considered for a position, all staff must go through a thorough process that includes: Interviews: Every potential staff member is interviewed to ensure they are a good fit for the camp environment. References: Staff are required to provide references that are reviewed as part of the selection process. Background Check: All staff undergo a comprehensive background check to ensure a safe environment for the children. Additionally, to ensure they are fully prepared, our staff members participate in: Pre-Camp Training: Before camp begins, staff complete extensive training to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their roles. Condition-Specific Weekly Training: Each week, staff also complete specialized training to address the unique needs of the campers and the conditions they may face. We take these steps seriously to ensure our staff is not only qualified but also prepared to provide a safe, positive, and enriching experience for all campers. What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? Supervision and individualized attention are essential for creating a safe and enriching camp environment. Brainy Ridge Camps generally maintains a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for all camps. What are the sleeping arrangements at camp? Campers stay in dorms, with several rooms in a hall forming their "bunk." Each room houses 2 to 4 campers and is supervised by a dedicated counselor who ensures a safe and supportive environment. This setup helps create a close-knit community while giving each camper the attention and care they need to thrive. How is homesickness handled? It’s natural for campers to miss home, especially if it’s their first time away. Our staff is trained to support campers through homesickness with a compassionate and proactive approach: Encouragement & Engagement: We keep campers busy with fun activities, helping them stay engaged and build friendships. Supportive Staff: Counselors provide reassurance, listen to concerns, and help campers develop confidence in being away from home. Letter Writing: Campers are encouraged to write letters home, which can be a comforting way to share their experiences. Gradual Adjustment: In most cases, homesickness fades as campers settle in and enjoy their time. Communication with Parents: If a camper is struggling significantly, camp staff may reach out to parents to discuss the best approach. Our goal is to help campers gain independence while ensuring they feel supported and cared for throughout their stay. How can parents and campers communicate during camp? To help campers fully immerse themselves in the camp experience, we encourage families not to send cell phones due to limited service and internet access. If a phone is brought, it must remain inside the cabin at all times. There are still plenty of ways to stay in touch: Camp Communication: If you need to reach your child, contact the camp office, and we’ll ensure they receive your message. Letters: Campers are encouraged to write letters home to share their experiences. Care Packages: Parents can send or drop off care packages during check-in for campers to open later in the week. Emergency Contact: In case of an emergency, camp staff will notify parents immediately. We believe that limiting phone use helps campers build friendships, develop independence, and enjoy outdoor fun. Thank you for supporting this positive camp environment! Note: During Type 1 Diabetes Camp, campers may keep their phones if used as a medical management device. Will food be provided? How are dietary restrictions handled? The camp’s food is prepared in the school kitchen by SAGE Dining Services, a trusted provider known for their commitment to quality and nutrition. They work closely with us to ensure all meals are delicious, nutritious, and catered to the needs of our campers. We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements or restrictions, such as allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, gluten-free, or other specific needs. Please note that the Blue Ridge School is a nut-free campus. If your child has any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance, and we’ll ensure those needs are met during camp. Our goal is to provide a variety of tasty and balanced meals that keep our campers energized and satisfied throughout the day! We understand that you may have many questions, and we’re committed to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information. As new questions come in, we will update this page. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, feel free to reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Brainy Ridge's Epilepsy Summer Camp in Virginia offers a medically supervised overnight experience for children and teens with epilepsy. Scholarships available. Apply today. Epilepsy Camp July 19 - July 25, 2026 Brainy Ridge Epilepsy Camp Ages: 7-18 Cost: $1300 ** Scholarships and Payment Plans available Brainy Ridge's Epilepsy Camp is a week-long, overnight camp designed for children and teens with epilepsy, offering a safe, supportive, and fun environment where campers can build confidence, independence, and self-esteem. For 29 years, Brainy Ridge’s staff have fostered a welcoming camp community where children with epilepsy can connect with peers, overcome isolation, and create unforgettable summer memories. More Than Just a Camp Living with epilepsy can be unpredictable, often leading to social stigma and isolation. Brainy Ridge's Epilepsy Camp was created to help combat these challenges, giving children a space to form friendships, gain a deeper understanding of their condition, and embrace their potential—all while enjoying the excitement of an overnight camp. Throughout the camp, every three to four campers are assigned a dedicated staff member, ensuring personalized care and support. Expert Medical Support Our medical team, led by Dr. Clay Hoerig, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, provides 24/7 physician coverage throughout the week. Additional on-site medical staff include: residents, nurses, social workers, physical therapist and psychologists. All counselors receive training in seizure recognition, first aid, CPR, and the unique needs of children with epilepsy. Many of our counselors and volunteers live with epilepsy themselves, providing mentorship and firsthand insight that inspires campers. Engaging Activities & Supportive Community Throughout the week, campers participate in exciting activities that promote teamwork, personal growth, and self-expression. 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, campers don’t have to explain their epilepsy to anyone—they simply have fun, form lasting friendships, and embrace who they are. Many of these connections continue long after camp ends, providing a support network for years to come. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

Brainy Ridge's Neurofibromatosis (NF) Summer Camp in Virginia offers a medically supervised overnight experience for children and teens with NF. Scholarships available. Apply today. Neurofibromatosis Camp July 19 - July 25, 2026 Brainy Ridge's Camp NF Ages 7-18 Cost: $1300 ** Scholarships and Payment Plans available Brainy Ridge's Camp NF offers children and teens with Neurofibromatosis (NF) an unforgettable seven-day, six-night summer experience filled with fun, friendship, and support. The camp fosters confidence, independence, and resilience, helping campers overcome the stigma and isolation often associated with NF and related health conditions. Additionally, the camp provides parents with much-needed respite, ensuring a safe, enriching environment for their children. Expert Medical Support Our medical team is led by Dr. Clay Hoerig, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, alongside a dedicated team of nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists, who are on-site 24/7 to provide care and support. Camp counselors receive specialized training in NF-related challenges, and many are individuals living with NF themselves, offering mentorship and firsthand insight into thriving with the condition. Empowerment Through Community Condition-specific camps like Camp NF have been proven to be empowering for children, helping them learn more about their condition, develop adaptive strategies, and build self-confidence. At Brainy Ridge Camps, campers connect with peers and role models who live successfully with NF, offering them hope, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Engaging Activities & Programs Campers participate in a variety of activities designed to promote learning and social connections. Support groups and educational programs promote knowledge, skill development and social connections.   By the end of the week, campers leave with a deeper understanding of their condition, strengthened self-esteem, and lifelong friendships. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com  for more information. REGISTER

Brainy Ridge promotes independence, self-management, and meaningful friendships for children and transitional youth with chronic health conditions — in a safe, supportive community where everyone belongs. ABOUT BRAINY RIDGE MISSION Brainy Ridge Inc. is a non-profit dedicated to empowering children living with various chronic health conditions by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. We aim to promote independence, self-management, and leadership skills, while cultivating lasting friendships. Our mission is to provide a safe, positive, and cohesive community that instills hope, a sense of belonging, and the tools necessary for these children to thrive. Have Fun. Be Wise. Live Well. "It takes years of committed staff, volunteers, and families to build a strong and cohesive community." - Sandra Cushner Weinstein Our Core Values At Brainy Ridge Inc., we offer a variety of programs and projects designed to enrich the lives of children, teens, and young adults living with chronic health conditions. We believe that by building a sense of community, we can help children and teens develop confidence and resilience. A Supportive Community Community is an important part of what makes Brainy Ridge Inc. special. A network of partnerships with children, families, volunteers, medical staff, board members, community supporters and non-profit healthcare organizations. Medical Support At Brainy Ridge Inc., we understand the unique medical needs of children and teens with chronic health conditions. We work with a variety of medical experts to provide holistic and comprehensive care services. Self-Advocacy When campers and medical staff work together, children learn to be more assertive, become stronger self-advocates and serve as role models for other children and peers. Empowerment Children leave camp ready to face life’s obstacles with new skills, a sense of confidence and a base of emotional support. Safety We offer a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio as well as a highly qualified, round-the-clock medical team. Education Campers participate in discussions about emotional and physical well-being and medical self-management from therapists, medical experts, mentors and peers.

Brainy Ridge's Transitional Youth Camp in Virginia offers a medically supervised overnight experience focused on independence, life skills, and social connection for teens and young adults. Scholarships available. Apply today. TRANSITIONAL YOUTH CAMP June 27 - July 1, 2026 Brainy Ridge's Transitional Youth Camp Ages: 17-27 Cost: $1100 ** Scholarships and Payment Plans available Transitional Youth Camp is a five-day, four-night experience designed for young adults under 26 who are seeking greater independence and self-sufficiency. During the camp, participants will develop essential life skills, enhance their social abilities, and learn effective self-management strategies. Through engaging team-building activities and insightful group discussions, they will gain confidence, explore their strengths, and set meaningful personal goals for the future. For more information, please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com . REGISTER

Join our dedicated team at Brainy Ridge as a volunteer, staff member, or part of our medical team! Help create an unforgettable camp experience by supporting children with diverse needs. Whether you’re looking to make a difference, grow your skills, or contribute to a positive and inclusive environment, we welcome your involvement. Become a part of our mission to provide a safe and enriching camp experience! HOW YOU CAN HELP Be a part of something truly special. Join the Brainy Ridge Camp family and help us create an incredible summer for children who need it most. Together, we can bring joy, hope, and fun into their lives. Why Volunteer or Join Our Team? Be a part of something bigger: This isn’t just another summer job or volunteer opportunity. You’ll be changing lives, including your own, by creating memories and experiences that last forever. Develop new skills: Working with children with chronic illnesses is incredibly rewarding, but also a chance to learn new skills, deepen your empathy, and grow as a person. Meet incredible people: Our team is filled with dedicated, inspiring individuals from all walks of life. You’ll form lasting friendships and become part of a community that is passionate about making a difference. Who Can Join? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone simply looking for a way to give back, we have a place for you at Brainy Ridge Camp. No prior experience? No problem! All you need is a heart for service, a love for working with children, and the willingness to learn. We offer training and support for all our staff and volunteers. How to Get Involved Join our Staff: Whether you’re a medical professional, counselor, program coordinator, or support staff, we need skilled and passionate individuals to ensure our camp runs smoothly. Your talents and dedication will help create unforgettable experiences for our campers. Volunteer: From tabling at local events to fundraising in your community to lending a hand with camp prep, there are endless ways for you to contribute throughout the year. Your time and energy will directly support these amazing children in having the summer of a lifetime. Reach out to us at admin@brainyridge.com if you want to learn more about our opportunities or are interested in joining us. Summer 2025 staff applications are available now. Register now below! REGISTER NOW