Camp · Specialty · Ages 6–21 · $2,275/week
Directory · United States · North Carolina · Zirconia
▌ Specialty · Ages 6–21

Talisman Camps

Talisman Camps · $2,275/week · ★ 4.5 (58 reviews)

Specialized summer programs for children and teens with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other learning differences.

▌ Editor's read Talisman Camps' website loads successfully and presents as a legitimate summer camp specializing in programs for children and teens with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other learning differences. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards. The website states the camp has been operating for over 40 years, founded by Arnie and Nancy Cooper, and explicitly mentions that staff undergo background checks. They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4, which is beneficial for their specialized population. Talisman Camps offers overnight programs, including Pathfinder (ages 6-13), Talisman (ages 8-17), and a Young Adult Program (ages 18-23). Google reviews show a rating of 4.6 stars based on 100 reviews, with many parents praising the supportive environment and positive impact on their children. Social media handles for Instagram (@talismancamps) and Facebook (TalismanCamps) are active.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 198640+ years operating
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 6–21

Talisman Camps fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given specialty program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1986 (40 years)
Operator
Private business
Staff-to-camper ratio
Published by camp see camp site →

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 6–21
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 64 Gap Creek Rd, Zirconia, NC 28790, USA
  • Phone: (828) 697-6313
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $1950 for 6 days, which is $2275/week. Financial aid is available.

Runs 24-hour residential, 11 sessions (8 one-week, 3 multi-week blocks), from Jun 14 to Aug 8.

Sessions ⛓

Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.

  • Session 1 Jun 14 – 19, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 3 Jun 21 – 26, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 4 Jun 21 – Jul 3, 2026 · 2 weeks · $4,150
  • Session 6 Jun 28 – Jul 3, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 7 Jul 6 – 11, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 8 Jul 6 – 18, 2026 · 2 weeks · $4,150
  • Session 10 Jul 13 – 18, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 11 Jul 20 – 25, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 12 Jul 20 – Aug 1, 2026 · 2 weeks · $4,150
  • Session 14 Jul 27 – Aug 1, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950
  • Session 15 Aug 3 – 8, 2026 · 1 week · $1,950

↗ What parents like

  • Specializes in neurodivergent kids
  • Professionally trained staff
  • Peer-matched groups

↘ Watch for

  • High cost
  • Limited session lengths

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about Talisman Camps

What ages does Talisman Camps accept?
Talisman Camps is open to children ages 6–21. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Talisman Camps cost?
Talisman Camps publishes $2,275/week for the standard session. That sits 17% above the $1,950 median for specialty camps in Zirconia — typical for specialty programs with smaller groups or premium facilities. $1950 for 6 days, which is $2275/week. Financial aid is available. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Talisman Camps's hours?
Talisman Camps runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Talisman Camps accredited?
Yes — Talisman Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 40 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Talisman Camps?
Talisman Camps is operated by a private business, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Talisman Camps provide lunch?
Yes — Talisman Camps includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
How does Talisman Camps compare to other specialty camps in Zirconia?
Talisman Camps is one of 10 specialty camps in Zirconia that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Talisman Camps with other camps.

Camps near here

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