Sunday, August 17th through Thursday, August 21st

No, but here’s why…

There is no experience quite like being on vacation with your friends and peers without carers you share a home with and see every day. One of our favorite reasons for taking vacation together is the camaraderie and shared memories we build together. Anyone who has been on vacation - as an adult - with your dad or mom can attest… it’s just not the same feeling, ya know?

$650 total.

Please make your $50 deposit by Thursday, May 1st. The amount of your deposit will be applied to that total.

$650 covers each vacationers

• Cabin accommodations

• All meals

  • Including a dinner out in Gatlinburg

• 1-day ticket to Dollywood

• And the boring stuff, like gas to get there, and group leaders.

While we will have online payments and payment plans available, you are encouraged to make payments by cash, check, or Venmo:

Make Checks Payable To:  HEART Inclusive Arts Community

Venmo: @DisabilityPrideSC   

Memo/Note: Vacation 2025

(Why to Disability Pride?  Long story short... that account doesn't have fees associated with payments.  So we don’t lose money from payments made there. However, it is very much still managed by and connected directly to HEART.)

We ask that every HEARTist joining vacation should pay the $50 deposit.

Even if you intend to ask for financial assistance.

We want every HEARTist to have the opportunity to join us on vacation. In the past, HEART has absorbed the cost of one or some HEARTists who were without support or the means to cover the cost of vacation. This year, we will be inviting those with financial limitations to apply for assistance.

Availability of assistance will likely be very limited.

Therefore, this can be successful only if families are honest about the amount they can reasonably afford toward vacation costs. The application will be made available soon.

In the case you are denied financial assistance and choose not to continue with vacation, the deposit can be returned.

We always encourage “walking around money” for incidentals like souvenirs, snacks, or impromptu experiences the HEARTist may want to enjoy.
Everyone will have their 3 squares a day included. But, if you’re anything like Sisi, you’ll want to have cash for that irresistible pastry shop you just walked past, or a fancy coffee from the cafe. And, while we’ll cover dinner out in Gatlinburg one night, that budget doesn’t include things like alcoholic beverages, if a HEARTist chooses to enjoy one.

The cabin in Pigeon Forge has 8 bedrooms in a variety of configurations. Some have a king bed with pull out sofa in the same room. Some are queen-over-queen bunk rooms that fit 4+ sleepers to each bunk room.

We always do our best to pair vacationers with their optimal sleeping arrangements - taking into account preferences, personalities, accessibility, and so much more.

HEARTists of opposite genders will not be placed in shared rooms together.

2-3 HEARTists with each group leader. The final details will be dependent on how many HEARTists sign up for vacation.

Our staff, to start with: Mel, Rae, Ryner, and Sisi.

Plus, we gather our most beloved and trusted volunteers, as needed. Many of these volunteers have been with us for years and we’ve enjoyed many great vacations together already.

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As you all know, we are a leadership team of all women at HEART, so the group leaders being the same gender as the HEARTists does not always happen. 

We are always here to listen to your concerns - of any kind - if you have any.

Deposits are non-refundable.

Beyond that, we will do our best to work with you to refund as much as possible, in the event that you have to cancel your vacation with us. Some hard costs like the cabin rental or park tickets may not be able to be refunded.

No refunds can be given for cancellations made after July 15th.