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Talisman Programs
Zirconia, NC
Visit Our Talisman Programs Website
828-697-6313
64 Gap Creek Rd.
Zirconia, NC 28790
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
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CAMPER AGES: 6-22
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: Talisman Programs provide exceptional summer camp opportunities for young people ages 6-22 with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and other learning differences. Since 1980 our ACA-accredited programs have been offering unique alternatives to ordinary summer camps. We provide a structured, nurturing environment within an exciting adventure program in which our campers can have a successful summer while increasing social skills, a sense of personal responsibility and a more positive self-image.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: All of our programs are specifically designed for young people with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, high-functioning autism, and similar learning differences. We combine a traditional camp environment with structured programming and a highly-trained staff to help campers increase responsibility, problem-solving, and social skills while having a great time.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Fine Arts/Crafts, Swimming, Waterfront/Aquatics, Science, Adventure, Travel, Wilderness/Nature, and more. Backpacking, Canoeing, Caving, Tree-climbing, Rock-climbing, Archery, Slingshots, Ziplining, Tubing & Inflatable Kayaking
CAMP LOCATION: Talisman is located in the small town of Zirconia, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, just south of Asheville. We're surrounded by woodlands, close to the Pisgah National Forest, and easy to reach from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Greenville, SC.
CAMP FACILITIES: Our 60-acre campus includes 4 bunkhouses, a comfortable dining hall, outdoor pool, gym, campfire circle, athletic fields, infirmary, and a canoe pond.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Talisman offers a variety of camp programs for kids with ADHD or on the autism spectrum, divided by age. Younger campers join one of our campus-based programs and join in traditional camp activities, from rock-climbing and hiking, to swimming, archery, and arts and crafts. Older campers choose from a number of expedition-based programs, including backpacking, canoeing, climbing and caving.
All staff receive over 2 weeks of training in both hard skills (First Aid, Lifeguarding, camping skills, bus driving) and soft skills (building relationships, problem-solving, understanding of our population, etc.). All staff receive a background check and drug screen, and go through a thorough interview and reference check process.
Talisman Programs has been ACA-accredited since 1988. We operate in the National Forests under permit. Staff leading more involved activities (e.g., rock climbing) hold certifications in facilitation and safety in those areas.
Talisman has been providing programs for special needs populations since 1980, refining our focus over the years to ADHD and autism. We believe every child wants to do well, and that each child has unique strengths, struggles, and outlooks on life. We use a variety of tools and approaches to meet each child where he or she is and help them meet their objectives in socially appropriate and fulfilling ways.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Teens ages 14-17 and young adults 18-22 can take our Leadership course to develop more advanced skills. Successful completion can lead to acceptance to our Krewe program, an on-campus job-skill-building session. This is an invitation-only program for returning campers who qualify.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We established the Talisman Scholarship fund through the American Camp Association, allowing for tax-deductible contributions. Scholarships are limited and partial, based on need. For more information on both donating and applying, please contact our office.
OTHER CAMP INFO: Talisman offers Teen Adevnture Programs each year. This year offer a Caves and Mining session, exploring caves and rocks of the southeast and into Kentucky.
We also offer programs for young adults 18-22 who are looking to improve their independent living and social skills. The session combines the best of campus activities with an introduction to aspects of adult life and the social world.
And we top off the summer with a 7-day session just for beginners, including 6-7-year-olds! Great introduction to the camp experience.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Session 1: June 11- June 17
Session 2: June 20- July 2
Session 3: July 5 - July 17
Session 4: July 20 - August 1
Session 5: August 4- August 10
Please visit our website for complete session and fee information.
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Talisman seeks counselors with a background in psychology, education, social work, and similar fields, who are motivated to work with our camper population. Counselors live on-campus, in cabins with the campers, and lead activities and social coaching for their group. Two weeks of intensive training is provided, along with consistent support from a strong administrative team.
For more information on employment opportunities, please visit our website.
North Carolina Summer Camps Offer Wide Range of Programs & Summer Activities
Be sure to check each camp listing under INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED for the range of Special Interest Activities and Programs provided by each North Carolina Summer Camp or Summer Recreation Program.
Many North Carolina Day and Sleepaway Camps offer professional level instruction in a wide-range of activities, from Horseback Riding, to Computers & Technology, to Performing Arts, to Leadership.
For a complete List of North Carolina Special Interest Summer Camps & Summer Recreation Programs scroll down to the big black bar at the very bottom of this page.
You can go directly to any of our 2026-27 Special Interest Camp Directories from the list in the black bar at the bottom of this page.
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