Sitting atop a knoll of rolling pastureland, Camp Southern Ground’s Peterson Dining Hall has been described as “an open-armed gesture of welcome to those arriving at camp”. Offering breathtaking views of the campus’s dense greenery, the completion of the Dining Hall marks a major milestone for Camp Southern Ground. With its opening, we can offer a transformational experience not just to our campers, but anyone looking for a unique venue in a beautiful, natural setting.
A Note From Zac Brown
As a former camp counselor, I know how a positive camp experience can transform a child’s life. My dream is that children of all abilities will have an opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors. Thank you for helping us create an amazing place for kids to learn and grow.
– See more at: http://www.campsouthernground.org/#sthash.F0cFz6c0.dpuf
THE VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
A two-story, state-of-the-art design, Zac Brown’s vision for the Peterson Dining Hall was brought to life by world renowned architectural firm Perkins + Will, along with the construction teams at DPR and Structor Group. This one-of-a-kind, 100-year build features materials sourced locally, including a natural zinc exoskeleton with a terraced boulder waterfall feature, as well as an interior ceiling made with sustainably harvested sapele mahogany donated by Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars. Acting as the interior focal point is a 26-foot-high brick fireplace flanked on either side by large windows – allowing for an overabundance of natural light to flood the room.
FAMILY-STYLE DINING
For our campers, the dining hall offers an additional space to connect with new friends, as they dine family-style on nutritious and gluten-free meals prepared using the produce harvested from our organic garden. The food will be served from the lower level kitchen utilizing ultra-modern dumbwaiters. The dining hall is an extension of our Programs of Purpose: Nutrition, in which our campers will experience a meal created from start to finish – understand where their food is coming from, as well as the nutritional value behind it – all while dining in an unparalleled space.
COOKING UP NEW IDEAS
The dining hall will also serve as Camp Southern Ground’s culinary headquarters. Our talented chefs will work in the hi-tech kitchen to grow the camp menu to reflect our gluten-free nutrition plan for entrées, side dishes, and baked goods as well. When camp officially opens, the dining hall will be able to serve up to 300 campers plus 150 counselors, staff and volunteers.
PLAYING HOST
In 2016, the Peterson Dining Hall hosted two major events at the new venue: The 2016 Cattle Barons Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group.
American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons Ball
The American Cancer Society proudly hosted the very first event in the Peterson Dining Hall on the campus of Camp Southern Ground. On November 5th, more than 360 guests and 40 volunteers donned their favorite western attire to dance the night away at the Cattle Baron’s Ball. Guests enjoyed live music, dancing, bidding on auction items, and participating in fun games all for a great cause. Over $161,000 was raised at the event to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Indian Motorcycle
In honor and recognition of 2016 Veterans Day, Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, paid tribute to our nation’s veterans with a day of gratitude and a motorcycle ride on the outskirts of Atlanta. In partnership with Zac Brown Band, the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, and charity partner Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis, the ride kicked-off at Indian Motorcycle of Marietta and ended at the Peterson Dining Hall on the campus of Camp Southern Ground, where Zac Brown Band celebrated veterans with a private performance to close out the charity ride.
2017 Fall Mini Adventure Camp Weekends
We are excited to announce the return of our Mini Adventure Camp weekends this fall! Please stay tuned to our website and our Facebook page for camp information and registration details!
For more information, visit http://www.campsouthernground.org/
