We're excited to partner with Operation Helo to continue making a difference for our community. If you would like to support Funshine Camp, please consider donating through Operation Helo's webpage. Your generous contribution will help us provide a safe, inclusive, and joyful space for all our campers.

Funshine Camp: A Place Where Everyone Belongs

Funshine Camp was created with one heartfelt mission: to offer meaningful recreational and educational experiences to individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities--at absolutely no cost to them or their families. This incredible gift is made possible through the dedication of generous sponsors, committed volunteers, and a community that deeply believes in inclusion and unconditional love.

A Place to Call Home

For many years, the Toe River Campground was our beloved home, generously provided by Yancey County Government. This natural space offered the perfect setting for connection, growth, and healing. Sadly, after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we lost our original campgrounds. Despite this setback, our commitment remains stronger than ever. We are actively working to secure a new permanent location where we can continue to grow and serve even more individuals in the years to come.

How It All Begin

The vision for Funshine Camp was born from a moment that touched our hearts deeply. In the same week, a young boy and a young girl with developmental disabilities each asked about a party that had taken place in Yancey County--one they had not been invited to. Their innocent questions and visible disappointment made it painfully clear: they simply wanted to be included, to belong, and to celebrate like everyone else.

Several of us came together in prayer, asking for guidance on how to meet this need. What came next can only be described as a blessing. Through God's grace, the idea of a camp emerged--one that would welcome every camper with open arms and open hearts. In 1999, twelve campers gathered for the very first Funshine Camp, sponsored by Friends Across North Carolina Foundation. That week was filled with joy, laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Today, more than two decades later, Funshine Camp has grown beyond our wildest dreams, now welcoming between 350 and 400 wonderful campers each year.

What We Do

Funshine Camp is more than just a camp--it is a celebration of ability, community, and love. Every activity is thoughtfully planned to accommodate a wide range of abilities, ensuring that each camper can participate, contribute, and have fun in their own way.