Camp · Specialty · Ages 8–13 · $2,275/week
Directory · United States · North Carolina · Zirconia
▌ Specialty · Ages 8–13

Talisman Camps - Foundations

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

Specialized summer programs for children with ADHD and learning differences, focusing on social skills and personal...

▌ Editor's read Talisman Camps' website loads as a legitimate camp, offering specialized overnight programs for neurodiverse children and teens. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) with an expiration year of 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards. The website states a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4, which is excellent for a specialized population, and mentions that staff undergo background checks and extensive training. Founded by Dr. Robert Long, the camp has been operating for over 40 years, demonstrating significant experience in the field. Google reviews average 4.6 stars from 100 reviews, with many parents praising the positive impact on their children's social skills and confidence. The camp appears to be a for-profit entity, given its clear business structure and pricing. Social media presence includes an Instagram handle @talismancamps and a Facebook page 'TalismanCamps'.
★
ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 198640+ years operating
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 8–13

Talisman Camps - Foundations sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right specialty fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.

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: 8–13
  • 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 - Foundations

What ages does Talisman Camps - Foundations accept?
Talisman Camps - Foundations is open to children ages 8–13. 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 - Foundations cost?
Talisman Camps - Foundations 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 - Foundations's hours?
Talisman Camps - Foundations 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 - Foundations accredited?
Yes — Talisman Camps - Foundations 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 - Foundations?
Talisman Camps - Foundations 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 - Foundations provide lunch?
Yes — Talisman Camps - Foundations 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 - Foundations compare to other specialty camps in Zirconia?
Talisman Camps - Foundations 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 - Foundations with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Talisman Camps - Foundations.