The site of the future Camp Southern Ground is located in the farmlands of Georgia in unincorporated Fayette County, 40 minutes south of Atlanta. The frontman for the Zac Brown Band donated the 500-acre piece of property, which is described as “rolling pasture land, woods and wetlands,” according to the camp’s website. 

The camp will be geared toward children with neurobehavioral and learning difficulties (including ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as children with diverse backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Camp programs will include canoeing, swimming, organic gardening, hiking, music, arts & crafts, and zip lines.

Brown appeared before the Fayette County Board of Commissioners Thursday to request that the zoning for the land, which was zoned for residential and agriculture, be changed to allow a retreat or lodge, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Although some neighbors were concerned over traffic or noise, commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the zoning request.

Construction may begin in early 2012.

“To me, there is nothing more worthwhile than helping kids,” Brown said in a statement on the camp’s website.

“I grew up working with kids while on staff at summer camps and remember how they were impacted during their visits. Their time at camp helped to make a difference in their lives and will last them a lifetime. Camp Southern Ground will work with special-needs children while providing them with lodging and facilities to most effectively contribute to their rehabilitation. The highly trained staff will offer a wide variety of therapeutic activities that are designed to help stimulate the mind and body and encourage development, all in a beautiful setting. This is the year to get it started! Welcome to Camp Southern Ground.”

Click here for the article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Click here for Camp Southern Ground’s website.