Each term, campers choose four activities on which they concentrate. Their selection is limited in order that they may come closer to complete mastery of a few skills rather than a passing knowledge of many. Sign-up takes place as soon as the campers arrive so that activities may begin the next day.
Archery
The Camp has two excellent shooting ranges and provides
the latest equipment for the campers' use. Emphasis is on
the individual achievement and the mastery of the sport,
as well as the development of self control and discipline.
Classes in archery are held every day. To insure their safety,
campers are under constant supervision at all times during
practice.
Arts & Crafts
Girls who enjoy creative work may elect Arts and Crafts as one of their
activities. Experienced teachers provide instruction as the girls learn
to develop skills in their chosen projects. A wide variety of craft supplies
make it possible for the campers to do more than one project a term.
Canoeing
The canoeing department is staffed by instructors who are well trained
and teach the fundamentals of paddling and how to handle a canoe as well
as the advanced techniques needed to handle a canoe alone. Fun white water
trips are arranged if the river rises.
Dance
Instruction in the fundamentals of modern dance is available to the campers.
The purpose of this activity is to help the girls gain self-confidence,
grace, poise, and muscular control. At the end of the term, the campers
participate in controlled shows for the rest of camp.
Drama
A trained dramatics coach and staff of skilled assistants offer campers
practical experience in stage managing, scene changing, makeup, lighting
and costuming. Instruction is also given in the basic principles of theater
art, and every attempt is made to develop the girls' various talents in
performing and in stagecraft. Participating campers present plays at the
end of each term.
Land Sports
Landsports is an activity at camp that reviews with the girls
the fundamentals of soccer, basketball, kickball, volleyball, field hockey, and lacrosse.
Each sport is covered at least once a week, and the girls have the advantage
of a different sport each day. By the end of the term, the campers are grounded
in each sport and are able to carry their skills on into the school year.
Low Ropes
The low ropes / challenge course was established in 2000. This course
consists of a series of twelve elements that teach cooperation and teamwork
in the outdoors, while challenging the campers creativity.
Rifle
Camp Alleghany's program in rifle shooting is conducted in strict accordance
with the standards for the safety established by the National Rifle Association.
Twenty-two caliber rifles are provided by the Camp with heavier models for
the older girls and lighter ones for the younger campers. Targets, ammunition,
shooting coats, gloves, and eye patches are furnished by the Camp without charge.
All practice is conducted under strict, safe supervision. Camp Alleghany has an outstanding record in the N.R.A. Girls' Summer Camps National Championships matches.
Swimming
The swimming department has a well-trained staff of American Red Cross
Instructors who supervise carefully to insure the campers' maximum pleasure
and protection. The program follows all of the Red Cross progressions from
Beginner to Junior Lifesaving. Campers are divided into small groups according
to their ability in order that each girl receives the maximum help from her
instructor.
Tennis
On the camp's ten all weather courts, a staff of professionally trained
instructors teaches the strokes, footwork, and tactics which are advocated
and taught by leading teaching professionals. To provide the necessary individual
instruction needed for intermediate and advanced campers, one instructor
teaches only four girls each period. Beginners are in larger groups, but
the ratio of camper to instructor is still four to one. If a camper has
been receiving instruction from a professional at home, our instruction
is carefully coordinated. In addition to instruction, as much match competition
and tournament play is conducted as the camp schedule will permit.
Wild World
The wild world program is especially designed for girls interested in overnight
camping, outdoor living, and nature lore as well as a desire to protect
the environment in which we live. The program reinforces the recycling needed
in today's lifestyle, and proper methods to carry out a program at home.
The beautiful and thickly wooded mountains offer a wide variety of fascinating
places for hikes and nature crafts.
Upstarts
Upstarts is a special program for all fifteen and sixteen year old campers.
The girls perform many duties and services for camp as well as enjoy many
pleasures and privileges. The main duty of an Upstart is to take care of
a counselor's tent when that counselor is on time off. This duty gives the
girls a sense of responsibility, and also introduces them to a counselor's
position. Upstarts also have their own class in which they grow closer to
people of the same and age by discussing and sharing experiences. Fifteens
meet every other day during their third activity and sixteens meet every
day during the fourth activity period. In addition, the Upstarts perform
many evening activities such as campfires, Vespers, and Upstart Day. Once
a term the Upstarts are taken into town to enjoy a play at the local theater.