Camp Carysbrook Riner VA

Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s scenic New River Valley, Camp Carysbrook is a premier summer camp for girls located in Riner, VA. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and near the notable landmarks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this camp offers a serene and inspiring backdrop for summer adventures. Established with a rich heritage of fostering independence and empowerment, Camp Carysbrook has been a home away from home for young women since 1923.

At the core of Camp Carysbrook’s philosophy is the belief in providing a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and individuality. The camp’s mission is to offer a space where girls can explore their strengths, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships in a community that values each member’s unique contributions.

Camp Carysbrook caters exclusively to girls of various ages, typically ranging from 6 to 17 years old. It provides a variety of programs that encourage personal growth and fun, designed to meet the developmental needs of each age group. As Virginia’s oldest girls’ camp, Carysbrook continues to dedicate itself to enriching young lives through the timeless joys of camp experiences.

Programs Offered by Camp Carysbrook

Camp Carysbrook offers a diverse array of programs tailored to nurture the interests and skills of young girls, ensuring a balanced and enriching summer experience. The programs are structured to accommodate different lengths of stay, from one-week sessions to the full summer, allowing families to choose the option that best fits their schedule.

Programs Description

• Traditional Camp Programs: These core programs encompass a wide range of activities including swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures. The aim is to develop skills, foster friendships, and build self-esteem in a fun, supportive environment.
• Specialty Programs: Camp Carysbrook also offers specialty programs that focus on specific interests:
  • Arts: Includes visual and performing arts, providing an outlet for creativity through painting, drama, dance, and more.
  • Sports: Focuses on physical activities beyond the traditional camp offerings, such as archery, tennis, and team sports.
  • Science and Nature: Engages campers in environmental education and science experiments, promoting curiosity about the natural world.

Length of Sessions

• One-Week Sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers who are getting accustomed to the camp experience.
• Two-Week Sessions: Allow more time for deeper engagement in activities and building stronger relationships.
• Full Summer: The most immersive option, where campers fully embrace the camp lifestyle and participate in a comprehensive range of activities.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Camp Carysbrook is structured to provide a balance of activity, personal time, and community involvement:

• Morning:
  • Wake-up and personal time
  • Breakfast
  • Morning activities (campers rotate through their chosen activities)
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch and rest hour
  • Afternoon activities (continuation of morning programs or different specialty activities)
  • Free time for campers to explore, play, or relax
• Evening:
  • Dinner
  • Evening program (varies daily, can include campfires, talent shows, or group games)
  • Bedtime routine

This schedule is designed to keep campers engaged and active, while also providing enough flexibility to meet individual needs and interests. Each day is a blend of structured activities and free time, ensuring that all campers have the opportunity to thrive and explore in a way that suits them best.

Accommodations in Camp Carysbrook

Camp Carysbrook provides comfortable and rustic accommodations designed to enhance the camp experience while ensuring the safety and comfort of all campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

• Cabins: Campers at Carysbrook stay in traditional cabins that blend into the natural surroundings of the camp. Each cabin is equipped with beds for the campers and basic storage facilities for their belongings. The cabins are grouped by age to ensure that campers are with peers of similar ages, fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

Dining Options

• Meal Plans: Camp Carysbrook offers a communal dining experience with all meals served in the camp dining hall. The meal plan includes three well-balanced meals per day, prepared by the camp’s kitchen staff. The menu is designed to be kid-friendly and nutritious, providing the energy needed for active days.
  
• Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp Carysbrook is committed to providing options for campers with dietary restrictions. This includes meals suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies or specific dietary requirements. Parents are encouraged to communicate any special dietary needs during the registration process to ensure that these are accommodated throughout the camp session.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

• Facilities: Each cabin group has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities. These facilities are centrally located and shared among a small number of cabins to ensure accessibility and convenience. Bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, and showers offer privacy and hot water, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all campers.

Camp Carysbrook prioritizes a setting that is both functional and conducive to building a close-knit community among campers. The facilities are regularly maintained and designed to meet the needs of young campers, providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping environment.

Activities in Camp Carysbrook

Camp Carysbrook offers a wide range of activities designed to engage, entertain, and educate campers, promoting both personal growth and group cooperation. Here’s an overview of the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available at the camp:

List of Activities Offered

• Outdoor Adventures: Includes hiking, canoeing, and orienteering, which teach campers about teamwork and the environment.
• Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding are popular activities, especially given the camp’s lakeside location.
• Creative Arts: Campers can explore their creativity through crafts, pottery, painting, and drama.
• Sports: Traditional sports such as soccer, volleyball, and archery are available, along with less common offerings like fencing.
• Equestrian Program: Horseback riding is a hallmark of Camp Carysbrook, with lessons for all skill levels and opportunities for trail rides.
• Nature and Science: Programs that encourage curiosity about the natural world, including stargazing, wildlife studies, and ecology.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Carysbrook is rich in traditions that create a sense of community and belonging among campers:

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, helping to foster a sense of unity and celebration.
• Campfire Nights: Regular campfires offer a time for songs, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting, reinforcing the camp’s community spirit.
• Color Wars: A multi-day event where campers are divided into teams to compete in various fun and spirited challenges.
• International Day: Celebrates the diversity of the camp community, with campers sharing their cultures through food, dance, and storytelling.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Carysbrook focuses on the holistic development of campers, offering numerous opportunities for skill acquisition and personal growth:

• Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to teach responsibility, teamwork, and decision-making.
• Skill Tracks: Campers can choose to focus on specific skills throughout their stay, gaining proficiency in areas like sports, arts, or horseback riding.
• Workshops and Clinics: Special sessions are offered on topics ranging from environmental conservation to advanced art techniques, allowing campers to delve deeper into subjects of interest.

These diverse activities and special events ensure that each camper’s experience at Camp Carysbrook is not only fun but also enriching, providing them with valuable skills and lasting memories.

The staff of Camp Carysbrook

Camp Carysbrook is dedicated to maintaining a high-quality, safe, and nurturing environment for all campers. This commitment is reflected in their careful approach to staff selection, training, and overall staff-to-camper ratios.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

• Camp Carysbrook maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and superior supervision. Typically, the ratio is about 1 staff member for every 3 to 4 campers. This allows staff to effectively monitor and engage with each camper, ensuring a supportive, responsive, and safe environment.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

• Recruitment: Camp Carysbrook recruits staff from a variety of sources, including top universities, referrals from educational professionals, and through networks in the camping industry. This diverse recruitment strategy helps in selecting passionate, dedicated, and skilled individuals.
  
• Qualifications: Prospective staff members must have a background in child development, education, or a specific activity area (like sports or arts). Experience working with children in a supervisory capacity is highly preferred.
  
• Background Checks: All potential staff undergo thorough background checks, including criminal records and previous employment verifications, to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.

Training and Certifications

• Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff members participate in a comprehensive training program. This includes orientation on camp policies, child psychology, emergency procedures, and specific training for their assigned roles.
  
• Certifications: Staff involved in activities that require special skills, such as swimming or horseback riding, are required to have appropriate certifications. Additionally, a significant number of staff are trained in CPR and First Aid to handle any medical emergencies that may arise.
  
• Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and feedback sessions to refine their skills and adapt to the evolving needs of the campers and camp program.

The emphasis on a stringent hiring process, coupled with rigorous training and appropriate staff-to-camper ratios, underscores Camp Carysbrook’s dedication to creating a safe, enriching, and enjoyable camp experience for every camper.

Safety and Health in Camp Carysbrook

Camp Carysbrook places a high priority on the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing rigorous protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to manage any potential health concerns or emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

• Safety Training: All staff undergo detailed safety training, which includes emergency response procedures, hazard recognition, and prevention strategies.
  
• Regular Drills: Campers and staff participate in regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown procedures, to ensure everyone knows how to act in different emergency situations.
  
• Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at Camp Carysbrook is guided by a set of specific safety rules, which are rigorously enforced by trained staff. Equipment and facilities are regularly inspected to maintain high safety standards.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

• Health Center: Camp Carysbrook is equipped with an on-site health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as nurses or paramedics, available 24/7. This center is prepared to handle routine illnesses and minor injuries.
  
• Healthcare Protocols: Upon arrival, all campers undergo a health check to identify any existing conditions or medications needed during their stay. Parents are required to provide a detailed health history and current medication regimen to ensure continuity of care.
  
• Collaboration with Local Hospitals: For more severe medical issues, Camp Carysbrook has arrangements with nearby hospitals and emergency services to provide quick and comprehensive care.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

• Communication Plan: In the event of an emergency, Camp Carysbrook has a clear communication plan that includes notifying parents, coordinating with local authorities, and managing media inquiries. This ensures that all stakeholders are appropriately informed and that the situation is managed smoothly.
  
• Evacuation Procedures: The camp has predefined evacuation routes and procedures for different types of emergencies. Staff are trained to lead and execute these plans efficiently and safely.
  
• Continuous Review and Improvement: Safety protocols and emergency procedures are regularly reviewed and updated based on past experiences and new safety standards in the industry. This continuous improvement process helps the camp maintain a high level of preparedness for any potential situation.

Camp Carysbrook’s comprehensive approach to safety and health reflects its commitment to providing a secure and caring environment where campers can enjoy their summer experience without undue risk.

Cost and Registration in Camp Carysbrook

Camp Carysbrook aims to provide a transparent and straightforward cost structure and registration process, ensuring that families are well-informed and able to plan appropriately for their campers’ summer experiences.

Cost of Attendance

• Cost: The cost of attending Camp Carysbrook varies depending on the length of the session chosen. Prices typically range from approximately $1,000 for one-week sessions to over $5,000 for full-summer enrollment.
  
• What’s Included: The cost covers all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, all scheduled activities, equipment use, and any special events. Uniforms or camp gear, if required, are usually extra.

Registration Process and Deadlines

• Registration Process: Families can register their campers through an online registration system. The process includes filling out camper information, health history, session selection, and payment details.
  
• Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as sessions can fill up quickly. Early registration often comes with the benefit of discounted rates.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

• Payment Plans: Camp Carysbrook offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of the camp. These plans typically allow families to spread the cost over several months leading up to the camp session.
  
• Refunds and Cancellation Policies: The camp provides a structured cancellation policy, where a full or partial refund is available depending on when the cancellation occurs. For example, cancellations made several months in advance may receive a full refund, less a registration fee, while last-minute cancellations might not be eligible for any refund.
  
• Refund Insurance: Families are also given the option to purchase refund insurance at the time of registration, which allows for a higher percentage of reimbursement under a broader range of circumstances, including illness.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Scholarships: Camp Carysbrook offers scholarships and financial aid to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion or the entirety of the camp fees.
  
• Application for Aid: Families interested in applying for financial aid can do so through a separate application process, which typically requires documentation of income and a written statement of need. The availability and amount of scholarships can vary from year to year based on funding and the number of applicants.

Camp Carysbrook is committed to making its camp experience accessible and affordable to as many families as possible, offering a range of financial accommodations to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to enjoy a memorable summer at camp.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Carysbrook

Preparing for a stay at Camp Carysbrook is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. To ensure a smooth transition and a successful camp experience, here are some key points regarding packing, rules, and tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List

A comprehensive packing list is crucial to ensure that campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay:

• Clothing: Enough clothes for the session duration, including comfortable wear for daily activities, warmer layers for cooler evenings, a rain jacket, and a bathing suit.
• Footwear: Sturdy shoes for hiking, sandals for casual wear, and closed-toe shoes for activities.
• Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, and a small comfort item like a stuffed animal if desired.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Special Equipment: Any specific gear required for activities such as a musical instrument for campfire songs or a camera for photography classes.
• Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and any other items for leisure time.

Rules and Policies

Camp Carysbrook emphasizes a few key policies to maintain a safe and positive environment:

• Technology Use: To foster a fully engaging camp experience, personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops are usually discouraged or not allowed. This policy helps campers connect more with each other and with nature.
• Visitation: Parents are generally encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to help maintain the camp schedule and minimize homesickness.
• Behavioral Expectations: Respect, cooperation, and kindness are expected at all times. Specific rules regarding behavior and interactions are provided to ensure a community where all campers feel safe and valued.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

• For Campers:
  • Be open to making new friends and trying new activities. Camp is a great place to learn new skills and grow.
  • Remember that it’s okay to feel homesick. Most campers feel this way at some point, and staff are there to help.
• For Parents:
  • Prepare your child by talking about what camp will be like focusing on the exciting opportunities and activities.
  • Write letters or send care packages to provide comfort and a connection to home.
  • Trust the camp staff. They are experienced in caring for children and are trained to handle various situations that might arise.

By following these guidelines, both first-time campers and their parents can feel more prepared and confident about the upcoming camp experience, ensuring that it will be a memorable and positive one.

Camp Carysbrook stands out as a beacon of growth, adventure, and discovery for girls in the heart of Virginia. With its comprehensive array of activities, dedicated staff, and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment, the camp offers a unique opportunity for young women to explore their potential, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. The blend of tradition and modern educational approaches forms the foundation for a memorable summer experience that goes beyond fun and leisure.

At Camp Carysbrook, each camper is encouraged to embrace her individuality while also learning the value of community and teamwork. The camp’s focus on personal development, leadership, and respect for nature ensures that every camper not only enjoys her summer but also leaves with a deeper understanding of herself and her capabilities. Whether it’s through engaging in outdoor adventures, expressing creativity, or participating in special camp traditions, Carysbrook provides a nurturing space where every girl can thrive.