Welcome to Camp Glen Arden, a cherished summer destination nestled in the picturesque town of Zirconia, North Carolina. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, their camp offers an idyllic setting for young girls to explore, learn, and grow.

Founded on the principles of personal growth and empowerment, Camp Glen Arden has been providing unforgettable summer experiences since its inception. The camp’s philosophy, “Empowering girls to grow with confidence, courage, and character,” underscores their commitment to nurturing strong, independent young women through a variety of enriching activities and challenges.

As a girls-only camp, they welcome campers from diverse backgrounds, typically ranging in age from 6 to 17 years old. their programs are thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique developmental needs of girls at different stages, ensuring a supportive and impactful camp experience for each age group.

At Camp Glen Arden, they believe in the power of outdoor adventures and the positive impact they can have on a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. Join us for a summer of adventure, friendship, and growth at one of North Carolina’s most beloved girls’ camps!

Programs Offered by Camp Glen Arden

Camp Glen Arden offers a variety of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental stages of each camper. Here is a comprehensive overview of the programs available:

Program Description: Their programs are centered around helping girls develop independence, self-esteem, and critical life skills through active participation in outdoor adventures, creative arts, and team sports. Each activity is structured to encourage personal growth, cooperation, and the pursuit of individual interests.

Length of Sessions:

One-week sessions are ideal for younger campers or first-timers who are getting accustomed to the camp experience.
Two-week sessions offer a more in-depth experience, allowing for greater skill development and deeper friendships.
Full summer options are available for families seeking a comprehensive, immersive summer camp experience. These sessions provide the most extensive opportunity for personal growth and learning.

Specialty Programs:

Arts: Their arts program includes classes in pottery, painting, and performing arts, allowing campers to explore their creativity and express themselves artistically.
Sports: They offer a wide range of sports, including archery, swimming, horseback riding, and team sports like soccer and volleyball. Each sport is tailored to encourage teamwork and personal achievement.
Science and Nature: Campers can engage in environmental education, exploring the rich natural setting of their camp through guided nature walks, astronomy nights, and science experiments.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning: Campers start their day with a nutritious breakfast followed by a morning assembly. The morning is typically dedicated to outdoor activities or specialized program sessions.
Afternoon: After lunch, there is a rest period followed by more activity sessions. These might include arts and crafts, sports, or nature explorations, depending on the camper’s interests and the session’s focus.
Evening: Dinner is followed by some free time and then evening activities, which might include campfires, talent shows, or group games.
Night: Campers wind down with a cabin chat, a time to reflect on the day’s experiences and bond with their cabin mates, before lights out.

This structured schedule ensures that each camper enjoys a balanced mix of activities, rest, and free time, promoting a healthy, engaging, and fun camp environment.

Accommodations in Camp Glen Arden

Camp Glen Arden provides a comfortable and safe environment that enhances the camping experience through its thoughtfully designed accommodations and facilities. Here’s a detailed look at the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom facilities:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers stay in traditional wooden cabins that are both cozy and rustic. Each cabin houses a specific number of campers, typically grouped by age to ensure a supportive and friendly environment. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, and storage space for personal items, and are located close to the central bathroom and shower facilities.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Glen Arden offers a full meal plan that includes three well-balanced meals per day, served in their communal dining hall. Meals are designed to be nutritious and energizing, catering to the needs of active campers.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all campers, they offer options for various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Parents can discuss their child’s specific dietary requirements with the camp staff to ensure they are met throughout their stay.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities are centrally located and easily accessible from all cabins. These facilities are modern and well-maintained, ensuring hygiene and privacy. Separate shower stalls, toilets, and sinks are available to accommodate multiple campers simultaneously, minimizing wait times and ensuring convenience.
Hygiene: High standards of cleanliness are maintained, with facilities cleaned multiple times daily by their dedicated staff. Additionally, campers are educated on personal hygiene practices to promote health and wellness during their stay.

Camp Glen Arden’s infrastructure supports a fun and safe camping experience, ensuring that all campers feel comfortable, secure, and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Activities in Camp Glen Arden

Camp Glen Arden offers a diverse range of activities designed to engage campers in fun, learning, and personal growth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Activities such as hiking, canoeing, and zip-lining allow campers to experience the thrill of adventure while learning about the natural environment.
Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding are popular, especially given the camp’s access to a lake. Safety is a priority, with all activities supervised by certified lifeguards.
Creative Arts: Campers can explore their creative sides through various arts and crafts, drama classes, and music. These activities not only foster creativity but also help in building confidence and self-expression.
Team Sports: Sports like soccer, volleyball, and archery help campers learn about teamwork, leadership, and fair play.
Equestrian Program: For those interested in horseback riding, the camp offers lessons and trail rides, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced riders.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, helping to build a sense of community and celebration.
Campfire Nights: Regular campfires offer a time for songs, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting, creating lasting memories.
Color Wars: This multi-day event features teams competing in various activities, promoting spirit, teamwork, and friendly competition.
Theme Days: Days like “Pirate Day” or “Superhero Day” encourage campers to dress up and engage in themed activities, adding an element of fun and creativity to the camp experience.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs that prepare them for roles such as counselors or activity leaders. This training includes communication skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Environmental Education: Through guided nature walks and conservation projects, campers learn about environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Personal Growth Workshops: Workshops on topics such as resilience, teamwork, and self-care are offered, providing campers with tools to develop personally and socially.

At Camp Glen Arden, every activity is designed to enhance the camper’s skills, confidence, and enjoyment, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching summer experience.

The staff of Camp Glen Arden

Camp Glen Arden is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for all campers. This commitment is reflected in the camp’s staffing policies, which ensure that every staff member is well-qualified and prepared to provide the best possible experience for the campers. Here are key aspects of the staff structure at Camp Glen Arden:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Glen Arden maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and care. Typically, the ratio is about one staff member for every four to six campers, which allows for personalized supervision and more meaningful interactions between staff and campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Hiring Process: The process includes thorough background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure that candidates are not only qualified but also have a strong moral character and a genuine interest in working with children.
Staff Qualifications: Staff members often have backgrounds in education, child development, or related fields. Many are returning staff who have a deep understanding of the camp’s culture and philosophy. Others are specialists in activities such as arts, sports, or environmental science, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the programs they lead.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Training: Before the beginning of each camp season, all staff undergo comprehensive training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and activity leadership.
Certifications: All staff members are required to have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff involved in specific activities like swimming or equestrian sports hold relevant certifications (e.g., lifeguarding or riding instructor certifications) to ensure they can provide expert and safe guidance in their activity areas.

This focus on quality staffing ensures that Camp Glen Arden not only meets but exceeds industry standards, providing a safe and enriching camp experience for all campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Glen Arden

Camp Glen Arden places a high priority on the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to address any issues that may arise during camp sessions. Here’s an overview of their safety protocols, health facilities, and emergency handling policies:

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures in case of emergencies.
Activity Safety: Each activity is overseen by staff members who are trained and certified in that specific area. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it meets safety standards.
Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times, with specific protocols in place to manage group activities, free time, and nighttime routines to ensure safety and proper oversight.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Glen Arden is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates 24/7 during camp sessions. The center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals such as nurses or a part-time doctor.
Facilities: The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary medical supplies and medications. It includes facilities for treating and monitoring campers in a comfortable environment should they need to be isolated due to illness.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of various emergencies, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, or other critical incidents.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp maintains clear lines of communication with parents and guardians. The camp is equipped with the necessary technology to communicate quickly and effectively both internally and with local emergency services.
Local Collaboration: Camp Glen Arden collaborates closely with local emergency services to ensure a rapid response time and effective handling of any serious situations. The camp also participates in community safety programs to stay updated on best practices and local safety standards.

Through these measures, Camp Glen Arden ensures a safe environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind, and parents can feel confident about the safety of their children.

Cost and Registration in Camp Glen Arden

Camp Glen Arden is committed to providing an enriching and accessible summer experience for all girls. Here’s an outline of the cost, registration process, and financial options available:

Cost of Attendance:

The cost varies depending on the length of the session and the specific programs chosen. Typically, it covers all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, and any special events.
Costs generally range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on whether campers attend for one week, two weeks, or the entire summer session.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Registration Opening: Registration for camp sessions typically opens several months in advance, allowing ample time for families to plan and prepare.
Deadlines: There are specific deadlines for registration, usually a few months before the start of each session. Early registration is encouraged as spaces fill up quickly.
Process: Families can register through the camp where they will fill out necessary forms, select sessions, and submit any required medical information.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: The camp offers payment plans to spread the cost of attendance over several months, making it more manageable for families to budget for the camp experience.
Refunds and Cancellations: There is a refund policy in place, which typically includes a non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Refunds for the remaining balance vary depending on how close to the session date the cancellation occurs. Specific details are outlined in the registration materials.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances (like health issues or family emergencies), the camp usually works with families to find the best solution, which may include transferring the registration to a later session.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Glen Arden offers scholarships to help cover the costs for families in need. These scholarships are typically need-based and require an application that includes financial information.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available through various programs intended to ensure that all interested campers have the opportunity to attend, regardless of financial circumstances.

Camp Glen Arden’s inclusive financial policies and structured registration process aim to ensure that as many girls as possible can enjoy the benefits of their comprehensive summer programs.

Cost:

Session I – $6175
Session II – $7650
Mini Session I – $4625
Mini Session II – $4625
Mini Session III – $4625

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Glen Arden

Preparing for a stay at Camp Glen Arden is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. To ensure that everyone is ready for the summer adventure, here’s a guide on what to pack, understand the camp’s rules and policies, and tips for first-time campers and their parents:

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for the session, including t-shirts, shorts, pants, and jackets. Include a raincoat, swimwear, and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes.
Bedding and Toiletries: Bring a sleeping bag or bedding for cabin bunks, a pillow, towels, and personal toiletry items.
Miscellaneous Gear: Don’t forget a flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, and a hat for sun protection.
Special Items: Include any specific gear required for specialized activities, like riding boots for horseback riding or a musical instrument for campfire performances.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Glen Arden encourages campers to disconnect from digital devices to fully engage with the camp experience. Therefore, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is typically restricted to certain times or not allowed.
Visitation: Parents are usually welcome to visit on specific designated days, helping to maintain the camp’s security and program integrity. Detailed information about visitation days and times is provided prior to the start of the camp session.
Behavioral Expectations: The camp promotes a respectful and inclusive environment. Campers are expected to adhere to rules regarding behavior, including respecting others, participating in activities, and following safety guidelines.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Engage Fully: Dive into the activities and make new friends. Camp is a great place to learn new skills and discover new hobbies.
- Speak Up: If you’re feeling homesick or have any concerns, talk to your counselors. They are there to help you have the best possible camp experience.
For Parents:
- Stay Positive: When discussing camp, focus on the exciting opportunities and fun that await. A positive outlook can help alleviate any nervousness your child might feel.
- Pack Together: Involve your child in the packing process to help them understand what they are bringing and to start getting them excited about the camp.
- Communicate: Use any pre-camp orientations or meetings to ask questions and get comfortable with the camp’s staff and policies.

By following these guidelines, first-time campers and their parents can feel prepared and excited for the wonderful experiences that Camp Glen Arden offers.

Camp Glen Arden stands out as a premier destination for girls who seek adventure, personal growth, and a chance to forge lifelong friendships in the picturesque setting of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. With a rich array of activities, from arts and sports to environmental education, the camp offers a nurturing environment that encourages each camper to explore her interests and discover new passions. The dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and a strong community ethos ensure a supportive, engaging, and safe summer experience.

Whether it’s a camper’s first summer or she’s returning for another season, Camp Glen Arden remains committed to empowering young women with confidence, courage, and character. This makes it not just a place to spend the summer, but a pivotal, enriching chapter in a young girl’s life.