JT’s Camp Grom is a place for hope. The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation envisioned a camp where wounded veterans, children with all types of disabilities and families who have lost loved ones in combat could have fun, heal and enjoy outdoor activities. Work Program Architects is proud and honored to be a part of JT’s Camp Grom team, helping to bring this camp to life.
The 13-acre camp, located in Virginia Beach on a 70-acre parcel of land on Prosperity Road, opened in June 2018. Camp Grom includes a Welcome Center, Wellness Center, Amphitheater, Cafeteria and Tiki Café, lake with fishing pier, Adventure Ropes Course, and an Aquatic Center that features a Splash Park and Flowrider — surfing/body boarding attraction. The camp is fully accessible to those in wheelchairs.
The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation approached regional architectural firms to assist with the project on a pro-bono basis. WPA designed the Welcome Center and Canopy Connections portion of the camp. The Welcome Center offers the first impression and entry point for all campers, visitors, and supporters. The 4,000-square-foot building houses offices, a boardroom, reception area, first aid center, and locker rooms. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads conducts day-to-day operations from the Welcome Center. WPA contributed more than $130,000 in design services to the project.
