Higher Ground's 7-week summer day camp program gives children and teens the opportunity to experience the outdoors and various adaptive sports without limitations. This summer over 35 participants were able to build their physical and social skills by attending our camps! We want to highlight 17 year old Emilie who has Autism.

Emilie has been with HG's summer program for the last 3 summers. Emilie says, "Going to camp has inspired me to pursue helping people with special needs." Pictured here, Emilie (right) helps Maci (left) stay focused on their hike through Draper Preserve. "You all are awesome at HG", says Emilie's mother who drives her to Hailey 3 days a week from Fairfield so her daughter can participate in HG summer programs.

"She had so much fun this summer with HG and made new friends and she tried more activities. My daughter radiated happiness, she felt at home with her peers and counselors. She said she feels welcomed and appreciated, she is not judged by her quirks; Emilie knows how hard it is in school, to be accepted, to belong. Going to HG's camp this summer was the highlight for her. She feels motivated in the mornings, gets her things ready and looks forward to adventures ahead. Going to camp adds purpose and grounding in her life.