Extra Special People (ESP) is celebrating an exciting milestone with the official groundbreaking of Camp Hooray & Retreat Center in Jackson County, Georgia.

Founded by Laura Whitaker, ESP has long envisioned a space where individuals of all abilities and their families can experience belonging, rest, courage, and joy. That vision is now becoming reality.

Years ago, what began as a hopeful walk across a piece of property just outside Athens has grown into a powerful community effort. Through persistence, partnership, and generous supporters who believed in the mission, ESP has transformed that vision into action.

ESP officially broke ground on Phase 1 of Hooray, which includes accessible cabins designed to host day camp programming in Northeast Georgia. This summer, campers are already being welcomed to the property for day camp experiences, with expanded programming planned as construction continues. Once completed, the cabins will also serve as retreat space for families navigating diagnosis and life-changing challenges, offering opportunities for rest, connection, and renewed hope through ESP’s Holland Retreat programming.

Camp Hooray & Retreat Center is being intentionally designed through the lens of universal design, ensuring accessibility, dignity, and inclusion are built into every space from the ground up.

As ESP shared, this project represents more than construction, it represents community. A place where isolation gives way to connection, and where families are reminded they are not alone in their journey.

With Phase 1 already 78% funded, ESP continues to invite the community to be part of what comes next as opportunities for volunteering and support become available.