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- STAFF & VOLUNTEERS | Brainy Ridge Inc
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
- NEWS | Brainy Ridge Inc
BRAINY RIDGE NEWS Welcome to the Brainy Ridge Camp News page! Here, you'll find the best ways to keep up to date with our summer camp. Stay connected with us throughout the year to see what is new about camp, learn about upcoming events, and hear from our camp community. Washington Parent & Washington Family Magazine Winner In 2025, we won 1st place in several categories in the Washington Parent and Washington Family magazines in which the community voted on the best program in each sector. Lean More Summer 2025 PHOTOS Our photo album is live online! Relive the memories, share the smiles, and show your friends and families all the amazing moments captured at Brainy Ridge Camp. The album is password-protected. If you are or were a participating family or staff member, please contact us to get access to the online photo album. If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share, please send them to admin@brainyridge.com Don't forget to share your favorite shots on social media and tag Brainy Ridge! CHECK OUT CAMP PHOTOS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Stay up-to-date by following us on social media! Our posts on Instagram and Facebook capture the fun and friendship that make camp special. Follow us for highlights, behind-the-scenes looks at life at camp, and camp updates: READ OUR NEWSLETTER Sign up for our camp newsletter to get all the latest news right in your inbox. Every other month, we’ll bring you recaps of camper stories, upcoming events, and special announcements. Subscribe today to stay connected, even after camp ends! SUBSCRIBE
- NEWS | Brainy Ridge Inc
BRAINY RIDGE NEWS 2025 Washington Parent Picks and & Washington Family Best for Families We’re thrilled to share that Brainy Ridge has been named a Winner in THREE categories of the 2025 Washington Parent Picks and in the Washington Family's 2025 Reader's Choice! None of this would be possible without YOU. Together, we’ve built a place where friendships last long after summer ends—a true community for life. Thank you for helping Brainy Ridge support children and families to Have Fun, Be Wise, and Live Well. Best Camp for Neurodivergent Kids Best Sleep Away Camp Best Therapeutic Recreational Camp Best Special Needs Camp Best Camp - Special Needs Best Camp - Overnight
- Teen Leadership| Brainy Ridge Inc
Learn more about Teen Leadership Camp at Brainy Ridge Camp! TEEN LEADERSHIP Brainy Ridge's Teen Leadership Camp Ages: 14-18 Cost: Camper- $850 (Scholarships and P ayment P lans available) Teen Leadership Camp is designed for 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. Additionally, teen advocates passionate about making a difference in the lives of those with chronic conditions are encouraged to apply. Key Components: Recreational Activities – Campers will enjoy swimming, tennis, team sports, arts & crafts, theatre, and team-building exercises. Peer Leadership Training – Teens will develop and practice valuable leadership skills to empower themselves and others. Skill Sessions – Two one-hour sessions daily will focus on practical skill development in various areas. Support Groups – A safe and supportive space where participants can share experiences, seek guidance, and build strong connections. Team Building – Led by trained professionals, activities will foster a sense of hope, belonging, community, and trust among participants. Mentorship – Experienced teens will serve as mentors and role models, guiding their peers throughout the program. This camp provides a unique opportunity for teens to develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and gain confidence in managing their health and future goals. For more information, please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com . REGISTER
- DONATE | Brainy Ridge Inc
Support Brainy Ridge Inc. in providing camper scholarships and sustaining day-to-day operations. Your generosity can make a world of difference in empowering children and teens living with a chronic health condition. Join us in creating opportunities for growth, learning, and lasting memories. DONATE Brainy Ridge Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit camp for children and teens living with chronic health conditions. We provide a safe and cohesive community to promote a sense of belonging and leadership. Your donation will go toward helping children and teens living with chronic health conditions attend our camp and become leaders in their communities. See below for ways you can make donations today. EIN: 99-1298587 By Mail Brainy Ridge Inc. PO BOX 34129 Bethesda, MD 20827 Paypal Donate to Brainy Ridge securely online via Paypal. CampMinder Donate to Brainy Ridge securely online via CampMinder. Donate Donate Matching Gift Many workplaces will match employee donations. DAF Give Donor Advised Funds to Brainy Ridge Stock Gift Brainy Ridge accepts stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Learn More Learn More Learn More Maryland Maryland Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, 1.410.974.5534, or within Maryland, 1.800.825.4510. Virginia A copy of the financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, 1.800.552.9963 or 1.804.786.2042.
- Virginia Summer Camps | Experience Brainy Ridge Camps at Blue Ridge School
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
- Summer Camp for Children & Teens with Type 1 Diabetes | Brainy Ridge
Brainy Ridge provides condition-specific summer camp programs for children and teens with Type 1 Diabetes — with trained staff, a safe environment, and a community that truly understands. Apply today! Type 1 Diabetes Camp July 12 - July 18, 2026 Brainy Ridge's Type 1 Diabetes Camp Ages: 9-18 Cost: $1300 ** Scholarships and Payment Plans available Brainy Ridge's Type 1 Diabetes Camp offers children and teens with type 1 diabetes a seven-day, six-night summer experience filled with fun, education, and social connections. The goal of Diabetes Camp is to have fun while also reducing the social isolation often associated with diabetes and increasing campers' knowledge and understanding of the condition. Expert Medical Support The camp provides opportunities for children to work with trained professionals and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their diabetes. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are under the care of expert doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, pump specialists, and other healthcare professionals. Dr. Otilia Neacsu, pediatric endocrinologist at INOVA Health System, serves as the onsite physician for Diabetes Camp. Condition-specific camps like Type 1 Diabetes Camp have been proven effective in helping children learn more about their condition and develop adaptive behaviors. At Brainy Ridge Camps, children connect with peers and adult volunteers who live successfully with diabetes and offer hope for the future. Engaging Activities & Support Campers choose from a wide variety of activities that keep them engaged from morning to night. Support groups and educational programs help promote knowledge, skill development, and social connections, while strengthening campers' understanding of their condition and building their self-esteem and ability to care for themselves. For more information, please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com . REGISTER
- Diabetes Family | Brainy Ridge Inc
Diabetes Family Camp at Brainy Ridge is a fun, empowering retreat for families of children with Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes Family Camp July 15 - July 17, 2026 Ages: 5–8 Diabetes Family Camp offers young children with type 1 diabetes (ages 5–8) the opportunity to attend a 3-day, 2-night camp with their families. Together, families learn about diabetes while having fun in a supportive, engaging environment. In addition to recreation, the goal of Diabetes Family Camp is to reduce the social isolation often associated with diabetes and to increase knowledge and understanding of the condition. 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 also allow parents to connect with other families experiencing similar challenges and to form support networks that last long after camp ends. Families learn from one another, gain hope for the future, and develop a stronger understanding of both the condition and their own ability to manage what lies ahead. The camp provides opportunities for children and their families to work with professional staff and become more confident advocates and managers of diabetes. Parents can feel confident knowing they are learning from trained and experienced doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, pump specialists, and other healthcare professionals who are experts in the field. Dr. Otilia Neacsu, endocrinologist with Inova Health System, serves as the onsite physician for the family camp. Families stay onsite in shared lodging, with each family assigned their own room or two rooms (depending on family size) and a private bathroom. All families are housed in the same building to foster a close-knit, supportive environment. Rooms include a mix of bunk beds, single beds, and cots. Meals are provided, and siblings are welcome. While the schedule is still being finalized, commonly offered activities include nature walks, arts and crafts, campfires, swimming, fishing, rock wall climbing, canoeing, and breakout sessions for caregivers and children. Programming includes a mix of whole-family activities, age-appropriate child sessions, and dedicated time for parents and caregivers to meet with medical providers for individualized education and support. The cost is $500 for one parent/caregiver and one child with type 1 diabetes. Each additional child is $200, and each additional adult is $300. Scholarships and payment plans are available upon request. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com for more information. REGISTER
- MEDICAL MANAGEMENT | Brainy Ridge Inc
The Brainy Ridge leadership team consists of medical professionals, recreational therapists, special education teachers, dedicated volunteers, and more. 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.
- Summer Camp for Children & Teens with Autism Level 1 | Brainy Ridge
Brainy Ridge offers specialized summer camp programs for children and teens with Autism Level 1 (high functioning) — a safe, structured, and supportive community where every camper belongs and thrives. Apply today! Autism Camp June 27 - July 1, 2026 Brainy Ridge's Autism Camp Ages: 10-18 Cost: $1200 ** Scholarships and Payment Plans available Brainy Ridge's Autism Spectrum Camp offers children and teens living on the autism spectrum (level 1 support) five days and four nights of summer fun and social connections. Children experience all the excitement and adventure of a sleep-away camp, with medical staff available for support throughout the week. For five days, campers don’t have to worry about how they are seen or what others think—they simply have fun. They participate in a variety of activities, learning team-building skills through sports, skits, and Camp Olympics. Both formal and informal support groups allow campers to practice social and communication skills, while also encouraging discussions of meaningful and relevant topics. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Alyssa Weinstein is joined by a dedicated team of nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists to provide medical coverage throughout the week. Experienced special education teachers and recreation therapists use their expertise to work with the campers and assist in training counselors to address the specific issues associated with autism spectrum. Several counselors and volunteers who live with the condition share their experiences and wisdom with the campers each summer. Please contact Brainy Ridge Camps at admin@brainyridge.com for more information. REGISTER
