1994

EF-NCA board members, staff and Department of Neurology medical staff from Children’s National Medical Center develop Camp Great Rock, a camp especially designed for children and teens with epilepsy. The camp was held at 4-H, in Upper Marlboro, MD. Camp population: 23 campers.

1995

Camp Great Rock moves its campsite to 4-H Center in Front Royal, Virginia.

1997

EF-NCA merges; Camp Great Rock becomes a departmental program within the department of Neurology of Children’s National Medical Center. Camp population grows to 50 teenagers and adults.

1999

Camp Great Rock moves its campsite to Carol-Jean Foundation in Olney, Maryland. Camp Great Rock celebrates five camp sessions. Camp population grows to 65 campers with epilepsy and 30 volunteers.

2004

Camp New Friends, a camp for children with Neurofibromatosis is developed and attracts children from nine states. Camp population: 25.

2005

Camp Connect, a camp for children and teens with Tourette Syndrome is formed. Camp attracts children from four states. Camp population: 25. Camp Super Campers, a Camp for children and teens with Sickle Cell Anemia, was established. Camp population: 24 campers and teens.

2006

Children’s National Medical Center Camps (CNMCC) moves campsite to Bishop Claggett Center, in Buckeystown, Maryland. Camp population: 75 campers and teens.

2007

CNMCC continues to grow: Camp Great Rock population: 87 campers, teens, and Counselors-In-Training (CITs). Camp New Friends population: 60 campers and teens. Camp Connect population: 45 campers and teens. Up to 50 volunteers were involved.

2008

CNMC Camps adopts new name, “Brainy Camps”. A new camp is developed for children with the high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Brainy Camps populations remain steady due to the lack of facility availability, accessibility, or space needed to expand and grow the camps. Brainy Camps develops a goal to build a permanent campsite that serves the needs of children with chronic health conditions and their families.

2009

The Brainy Camps move to Massaanetta Springs in Harrisburg, Virginia and establish a partnership with the Massanetta Springs Conference and Camp Center. Brainy Camps is established as an independent non-profit organization under Children's National Medical Center.

2010

The Brainy Camps expand to serve children with Diabetes, at risk for Childhood Obesity, Pacemakers and ICDs, and Sickle Cell Anemia.