Activities

At the beginning of each term, campers sign up for four daily classes, selected from the eleven different activities Camp Alleghany has to offer. By focusing on four classes, campers have the opportunity to master skills, accomplish real goals, and succeed in passing set progress levels. In addition to their four classes, campers have two periods of unstructured time daily during which they may attend Free Swim, play tennis, write letters home, shower, relax, or simply play on tent row. Counselors supervise all activities, structured and unstructured.

Archery

In Archery class, the girls learn basic shooting skills and work through the American Archer progression levels. Instructors encourage individual achievement and the mastery of the sport, as well as the development of self control and discipline. Alleghany has a well-supervised archery range with highly trained counselors and the latest equipment for the campers' use.

Arts & Crafts

In our large Arts and Crafts Lodge, campers develop skills and creativity in their chosen projects with the help of experienced counselors. A wide variety of craft supplies make it possible for the campers to do more than one project a term. A professional potter visits camp each term to teach pottery skills for those interested. Other projects include pillows, wooden stools, woven baskets, bead jewelry, painting and drawing, and more. The campers show off their work at the end-of-term Art Show.

Canoeing

In Canoeing class, campers learn the fundamentals of canoeing, from the basics of paddling to handling a canoe safely. The girls progress through four skill levels and eventually may become assistant instructors. Campers wear life jackets at all times while in the canoes and are supervised by a staff of lifeguard-certified counselors trained in canoeing skills and river safety. When the river rises appropriately, the instructors may plan canoe trips down the Greenbrier River for the campers to use their skills and experience the excitement of canoeing!

Alleghany Singers

Singing is a big part of daily life at Camp Alleghany! The Alleghany Singers learn new songs and practice old ones. All levels of singing are welcome. The girls sing during our weekly, non-denominational church services, and perform a few favorite selections during the last campfire of each term.

Dance

Campers who sign up for Dance receive instruction in the fundamentals of modern dance from trained counselors. All skill levels are encouraged to join the fun. Through the term the girls choreograph a dance to their chosen song with the help of their dance instructors, gaining self-confidence, grace, and poise. At the end of the term, the campers display their work for all of camp by performing in the Dance Show, a fun and lively night for the whole camp!

Drama

In Drama, campers learn the basics of theater art as they memorize their lines and rehearse their scenes for the play. They also gain practical experience in stage managing, scene changing, makeup, and costuming. Everyone who signs up receives a part! The campers show off their hard work at the end of the term by performing their play for the entire camp at the Drama Show.

Sports and Fitness

Alleghany's Sports & Fitness classes offer campers the chance to practice their sports skills and learn new games. Counselors teach the fundamentals of soccer, basketball, kickball, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, fitness training, and more! Girls enjoy the variety of learning new sports and playing outdoor games with a focus on fun and sportsmanship above all.

Rifle

Rifle offers campers the opportunity to learn the techniques of safely shooting and handling a .22 caliber rifle on our heavily supervised rifle range. Campers progress through four skill levels with the goal of "shooting their Expert." The Rifle Staff emphasizes safety and requires all campers to learn and follow the range commands. All of Alleghany's Rifle instructors are NRA certified and are trained according to National Rifle Association standards by a certified instructor. Providing a safe environment allows the girls to learn and excel in this unique sport.

Swimming

Campers at Alleghany swim in the beautiful Greenbrier River! Swimming classes offer a combination of learning and fun. All counselor instructors are certified lifeguards, and the Swimming program follows all Red Cross progressions from Beginner to Junior Lifesaving. Instructors place campers into small groups according to their ability to ensure that each girl receives maximum attention and help from her instructor. Optional "Free Swim" periods are open to all campers, regardless of whether they sign up for Swimming class, during free time on designated days.

Tennis

On the camp's six all-weather courts, a staff of professionally trained instructors teaches the strokes, footwork, and tactics of tennis. The ratio of camper to instructor is small so that each girl may receive some individual instruction. If a camper has been receiving instruction from a professional at home, our instruction is carefully coordinated. Additionally, the campers may participate in match competition and tournament play as time permits. The tennis courts are open to all campers, regardless of whether they are signed up for Tennis, during free times for practice or friendly competition.

Wild World

Wild World is designed for girls who love the great outdoors. Class activities include hiking, overnight camping, creek walking, and nature crafts, all with a focus on learning about our environment.  Instructors teach campers how to build campfires safely and how to cook a full meal over a fire. Wild World offers a low ropes challenge course consisting of 12 elements for teaching cooperation and teamwork.

Programs

• Upstarts

  

  15- and 16-year-old campers participate in the Upstarts program. As the oldest campers in camp, Upstarts serve as leaders and role models for the younger campers and enjoy some extra privileges and responsibilities.
   
  An Upstart's main duty is to supervise a tent of younger campers at rest hour and bedtime when that tent’s counselor has time off. This experience gives the girls a sense of responsibility, introduces them to a counselor's position, and allows them to form friendships with younger campers. Upstarts also have an important role in many activities such as Campfires, Vespers, and a booth at each term's carnival.

  Upstarts enjoy the privilege of living in their own tent, with their counselor living next door.  Once a term the Upstarts' counselors take them into town to enjoy an evening out at the local theater. Additionally, the Upstarts have their own class period, supervised by a Head Counselor, in which they share their feelings and experiences, learn accountability and some counseling training, grow closer to their peers, and have fun!

  Hoppers

  

  Hoppers are campers who elect to serve as waitresses in the camp Dining Hall. They dine earlier than the rest of camp so they may set the tables and serve food to the campers and counselors. The Hopper program is very popular as the Hoppers enjoy working together in the Dining Hall building teamwork and camaraderie. Hoppers earn a small stipend, but may choose to count their hours towards community service. Interested campers must be 15 or 16 years old and must submit a request in advance to participate in the program.

  Junior Counselors (JCs)

  

  Alleghany has a Junior Counselor (JC) training program available to 17-year-old girls who attended camp the previous summer as 16-year-old campers.  Prospective JCs must apply to be accepted into the program. JCs are responsible for a tent of campers and teach three activity periods a day. They spend their fourth activity period in a JC Class designed to support them through their first summer as counselors. At the end of the summer, JCs graduate into full-fledged counselors.

• Blue/Gray Competition

  

  Alleghany’s version of Color War! Each camper is assigned to the Blue Team or the Gray Team, of which she will remain a member for life. Family members are assigned to the same team. Blue/Gray competitions include Swim and Canoe Meets, Rifle, Archery and Tennis matches, as well as various activities throughout the term such as relay races, capture the flag, trivia games, and more. A heavy emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and friendly competition, abiding by camp’s dedication to the Honor Code. The Blue/Gray tradition was begun in 1922 and a banner hanging in our Play Hall recognizes the winner of each summer.

  Evening Activities

  

  Every night at camp the counselors organize a different evening activity for the girls to attend. Activities range from Campfire and Vespers, to movie nights, Blue/Gray competitions, a dance with Camp Greenbrier or Camp Virginia, or simply fun and games. Attendance is required and camp community is built while the counselors supervise all activities.

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