Scholarship mission — Aerie is one of very few programs for this population
Aerie is one of very few programs in the country specifically designed for these children. Through meaningful, engaging and intentional experiences, we help to re-wire our camper kids' trauma brains and provide a loving, engaging and accepting environment for our kids to just be kids. For many of our campers, we are the only or one of a few places where they have friends and fit in. At Aerie, we believe that every child deserves to have fun, learn what it feels like to belong, develop confidence in navigating life and, most importantly, be a child and smile.
Programs take place across Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Social Adventure groups take place north of Atlanta at Chattahoochee River National Park. Day camp takes place in Johns Creek, Georgia. Coastal Expedition camps on Cabretta Island (private island). Scuba Expedition at ScubaDive65 in Tennessee. Horse Farm Camp at Hand, Hoof, and Heart. Adult Lake House on Lake Sinclair.
Founded
2010
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Fishing
More activities
campfires
Clues to fit
Parent review — healing trauma and finding belonging after family tragedy
Aerie Experiences, more specifically Matt Weneta, was a powerful lighthouse in a life storm. My then 14 year old special needs twins had just witnessed their father die by suicide while I was away on a business trip. A few months later, we moved from Maine to Georgia for a fresh start and found Matt. He and his programs have been tremendously impactful on helping my sons process their trauma and feelings. He gave them a safe place to feel 'normal', express themselves, and heal. It took a long time but they are now happy, healthy and independent young men. I couldn't have done it without Matt. It truly takes a village. — Nancy, parent
Our campers form bonds and build strong friendships. For many, these are the first real friends they have ever had! Your camper will get invited to these new friends' birthday parties and have friends to invite to their own! Our Aerie Experiences are so fun and invaluable and effective that many of our campers choose to return (and often to multiple camps) year after year after year, eventually graduating into our Young Adult Program!
Aerie mission — strength-based, multi-disciplinary approach for non-traditional learners
Aerie's mission: Cultivate non-traditional learners through the prescriptive use of play, therapeutic wilderness, adventure based counseling and educational programming. Provide strength-based approaches to coping with specific learning differences, emotional or behavioral challenges. Support an integrated, multi-module, multi-disciplinary approach to individual, family and group development and growth through partnering with relevant practitioners and organizations.
Parent review — first sleep-away camp at age 20; confidence and independence
Aerie Experiences has given my son confidence that I could not. He attended his first sleep away camp at age 20. He was very anxious at this tremendous step (so was I!). When I picked him up from that week, he was hugging counselors and newly made friends. The next summer he asked to do multiple weeks of camp with Aerie. This was huge for his sensory system and anxious profile. Matthew and his team are adept at balancing when to push and how to support the campers. They are forthright with feedback to parents. — H. Patton, parent
Why outdoor programs — founder Matthew Weneta's story
As a child, Matthew Weneta found one place he excelled at being his best self: summer camp. When he first worked a summer camp for children with special needs, he saw campers experiencing the same growth, confidence and feelings of belonging that he himself experienced at camp. Matthew was struck by the idea that there should be programs that provide children with year-round opportunities to get into the outdoors and to experience that sense of belonging, growth and exploration found at summer camp; programs where the use of 'play' is intentional and prescriptive. And, who better to learn and grow in non-traditional settings than non-traditional learners?
