Operation Homefront Sends Kids from Wounded Veteran Families to Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

Attending a carefree summer adventure camp can be the highlight of a military child’s year, especially a child with a parent who has been severely injured. That’s why Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit that builds strong, stable, and secure military families, is sending eight children of wounded, ill, or injured veterans to Camp Southern Ground in this summer.

“We are so honored that Operation Homefront will be sending eight incredible kids to Camp Southern Ground,” said Zac Brown, Founder of Camp Southern Ground and GRAMMY Award-winning musician. “It is important to me that we take care of the families that protect our freedom and keep this country safe. Growing up as a camper and becoming a counselor was transformative for my life and I hope to pass this experience on to the next generation.”

Camp Southern Ground provides extraordinary experiences for children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world. Nestled on over 400 acres of rolling pastureland in Fayetteville, Georgia, Camp Southern Ground, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is the vision of Zac.

“The entire Operation Homefront family of staff, volunteers, donors and partners, like Camp Southern Ground, shares an unwavering commitment to support our troops and their families,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. “We know military children serve alongside their parents and we are thrilled to be able to send a select group to camp and give them, as Zac Brown notes ‘an opportunity to grow and learn…while experiencing the magic of the outdoors.’ Clearly, a unique experience that helps military families thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.”

An inclusive camp, Camp Southern Ground brings together typically developing children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning and attention issues such as ADHD, and Dyslexia, and social or emotional challenges. The camp also supports and includes children of military families as a vital part of its camper population. The eight children attending camp from Operation Homefront this summer are from families that are participate in the organization’s Hearts of Valor program, which provides support to the caregivers of our nation's wounded, ill or injured warriors.

“Zac is a huge supporter of our men and women in uniform and their families, so a partnership with Operation Homefront to send military kids to Camp Southern Ground was a natural fit,” said Camp Southern Ground President and CEO, Mike Dobbs.