About Our Summer Camps

what is camp joy

Established in 1980 by Mrs. Ann Brice and Frances Sanders, Camp Joy is a Christian Co-Ed camp serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities coordinated by the Brice-Sanders Foundation. This ministry of the ARP church is only possible through donations and camper fees which underwrite the cost. At the very first session of Camp Joy 40 + years ago, there were 13 counselors and 9 campers. Camp Joy now has four sessions held each summer in Flat Rock, North Carolina; two in Aiken, South Carolina; one in Lake Wales, Florida; one in Wirtz, Virginia and more on the horizon! These sessions serve hundreds of special needs campers, counselors and staff members each year.

Our Locations

North Carolina

Bonclarken Conference Center

Florida

Lake Aurora Christian Camp

South Carolina

Camp Gravatt

Virginia

Skelton 4H Center

Tennessee

Coming Soon

Our

Mission

Our mission is to enable those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience a week long camp where they are loved, accepted and experience the love of Christ.

Our

Philosophy

Each camper will have the opportunity to participate in all activities and with each other, regardless of their ability. The attitude and actions of our staff will model Christ-like traits. We will show our concern for each person taking part in Camp Joy. Each camper’s unique talent will be utilized in a manner that will enable all campers and counselors to appreciate how their different gifts compliment one another. Additionally, teamwork and love for one another are the most important assets in a successful camp experience.