SAVANNAH, GA – This summer, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will partner with ESP (Extra Special People) Savannah to host one of the community’s most uplifting and impactful programs: ESP Summer Camp. This two-week experience is designed to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Throughout the camp, the Gardens will be transformed into a vibrant gathering place filled with laughter, music, friendship, and connection as campers, volunteers, and families come together to celebrate inclusion and belonging. This year marks a significant milestone for ESP Savannah, which has doubled the size of its summer camp program, allowing even more participants to experience the joy and support that define the ESP community.
As part of the partnership, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and ESP Savannah are inviting community members to attend Friend Friday, a special opportunity to experience the energy and impact of camp firsthand. Friend Fridays will be held on June 26 (ESP’s 40th Birthday Celebration) and July 17.
ESP Summer Camp guests will begin every morning with Welcome Wagon, one of the camp’s most beloved traditions. Campers arrive to a festive celebration featuring music, dancing, costumes, cheers, high-fives, and enthusiastic volunteers creating an unforgettable start to the day.
Visitors will also participate in Flag, a camp-wide gathering where campers and volunteers come together for ESP chants, skits, songs, and moments of connection that showcase the spirit of the organization and the power of inclusive community.
“We are honored to partner with ESP Savannah and welcome campers and their families to the Gardens this summer,” said Elise Zador, Director of Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. “The mission of the Gardens is to create spaces where people can connect with nature and with one another, and ESP Summer Camp embodies that spirit beautifully. Watching campers, volunteers, and families come together in an environment filled with joy, acceptance, and belonging is truly inspiring. We invite our community to join us for Friend Friday and experience firsthand the transformational power of inclusion.”
Friend Friday offers an opportunity for longtime supporters of the Gardens, as well as those new to ESP Savannah, to witness the positive impact the organization has on participants and families throughout the region.
Community members, families, businesses, and organizations are invited to attend. Registration is required, and available spots are filling quickly. To register, please visit this link.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is a 51-acre public garden in Savannah dedicated to connecting people with plants, nature, and one another through education, conservation, and community engagement. The Gardens serve as a destination for learning, recreation, and special events throughout the year.
ESP Savannah creates transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families through year-round recreational, educational, and enrichment programs that foster belonging, confidence, and community.
For more information about the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, please visit coastalbg.uga.edu.
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