History

In the late 1980s, Dr. Saul Lieberman, a child psychologist, and Dr. David Cooper, a professor at the University of Maryland College Park’s Department of Special Education, dreamed of creating a place where children with complex emotional and behavioral challenges could succeed in a summer camp environment. In the early 1990s, Saul and David began designing the program and co-founding the nonprofit organization known as Camp Attaway, which was incorporated around 1992. Their idea was to create a therapeutic camp program with a low 2:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, employing professionals in special education, counseling, psychology, and behavioral support, along with dedicated graduate students.

After many late-night conversations on Dr. Cooper’s front steps, their vision became a reality. In 1996, Camp Attaway opened its doors with just six campers and approximately $13,000 in the bank. At Attaway, children who had been excluded from traditional summer camps due to emotional and behavioral struggles could swim, explore nature, climb rocks, create crafts, and most importantly, feel accepted—not judged as “bad children” because of their behavioral lapses. For many, it was their first opportunity to build friendships and experience the joy of summer camp.

From the beginning, the mission was clear: provide a nurturing space where children with severe emotional and behavioral challenges could succeed, develop critical social skills, and enjoy carefree summers with peers. The values were equally strong: programs would always be designed for success, and no child would ever be turned away due to financial need. Thanks to the generosity of donors and ongoing fundraising, Camp Attaway has, for nearly three decades, continued to meet 100% of financial need, offering scholarships to all families who require them.