Rooted in Purpose, Growing in Community
Camp Horizon exists to break the cycle of adversity by honoring each youth’s journey with respect, responsibility, and resilience.
Camp Horizon exists to break the cycle of adversity by honoring each youth’s journey with respect, responsibility, and resilience.
Camp Horizon empowers youth impacted by foster care in Metro Atlanta through new experiences and a caring, consistent community.
Our vision is for youth impacted by foster care in metro Atlanta to have the opportunity to thrive – bolstered by the Camp Horizon community, enriched through new experiences, and
empowered with the resources they need to succeed.
We aim to end the cycle of adversity and build a brighter, more hopeful future.
Respect: We honor the feelings, rights, and wishes of ourselves and others.
Responsibility: We are accountable for our choices, and honest in both language and actions.
Resilience: We recover from setbacks and adversity by leaning on our skills and Camp Horizon family, with perseverance and growth.
Camp Horizon was founded in 1982 by a group of friends who believed in the power of community for youth in foster care. That first summer, they hosted a weekend retreat for eight children camping in tents in a church parking lot. What began as a grassroots effort quickly revealed a deeper need for consistent, empowering support.
Recognizing this, Camp Horizon partnered with child welfare services (DFCS), expanding into a week-long summer camp at a state-of-the-art partner facility. The camp offered a safe, nurturing environment where youth could build lasting relationships, gain confidence, and experience the joy of belonging year after year.
In 1999, Camp Horizon deepened its commitment to continuity and growth by launching the Leadership Development Program (LDP) for youth ages 12–18. This program fosters personal growth, life skills, and leadership. Year-round programming soon followed, including Opportunity Days, a holiday party, and an annual family reunion ensuring youth remained connected throughout the year.
In 2010, the Resourceful, Independent, Skilled, Empowered (RISE) program was introduced for young adults ages 18–24. RISE participants step into leadership roles and help shape the future of Camp Horizon using their lived experiences.
In 2025, Camp Horizon launched a new year-round mentoring program (CHAMPS), pairing youth 1:1 with trauma-informed mentors to build connection, resilience, and well-being.
What began as a single weekend retreat more than 40 years ago has grown into a lasting community impacting hundreds of deserving young people. Camp Horizon continues to walk alongside foster youth, teens, and young adults, empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential. Each young person we serve gives purpose to our vision and strengthens our belief that a new day, a better day, is on the horizon for us all.
of youth are involved in programs for more than 6 years
Number of youth served since Camp Horizon was founded in 1982
Number of youth served annually
Camp Horizon is built around relationships. We serve children, teens, and young adults who have experienced foster care by surrounding them with a consistent, caring community. Through mentorship, family partnerships, and young adult programming, we walk alongside each person on their journey—offering stability, encouragement, and belonging.
At the heart of Camp Horizon are the children we serve—youth who have experienced foster care and need a safe space to heal, grow, and just be kids.
Through summer camp and year-round mentorship, we provide stability, encouragement, and lifelong connections.
Camp Horizon offers safe, trauma-informed respite for caregivers while youth engage in our programs. We partner with families through open communication and supportive resources, working together to create positive, lasting experiences for every young person.
We understand the unique challenges of emerging adulthood—especially for young people who have faced significant instability.
Camp Horizon’s young adult programs offer trusted mentorship, a supportive community, and leadership development opportunities that equip participants to thrive in every stage of their journey.
Camp Horizon creates a safe and supportive community where children, teens, and young adults find belonging, build lasting relationships, and discover hope for their future. Through mentorship, connection, and year-round programs, we empower each young person to know they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Through community, adventure, and empowerment, we walk beside youth impacted by foster care as they grow, heal, and thrive.
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