Ward Haven Camp, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Salem, Virginia, is a beacon of adventure and growth for young minds. Located in the heart of the Appalachian region, the camp is easily accessible yet secluded enough to provide an authentic outdoor experience. Not far from prominent landmarks like the Blue Ridge Parkway, it offers campers a picturesque backdrop for their activities.

The camp’s foundation traces back to its establishment in 1982, with a vision to create a safe, enriching environment that fosters personal development and a deep appreciation for nature. Over the decades, Ward Haven Camp has become a cherished summer destination, where traditions are born and lifelong friendships are made.

Embodying a philosophy centered on “Empowerment through Adventure,” Ward Haven Camp is dedicated to helping young people discover their strengths and potential through a structured program of outdoor activities and character-building exercises. This mission is woven into every aspect of the camp experience, from leadership training sessions to environmental education.

Ward Haven serves as a camp, welcoming boys and girls aged 8 to 16. The inclusive atmosphere ensures that every camper feels valued and has the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that cater to diverse interests and skill levels. Whether through team sports, solo adventures, or creative arts, Ward Haven Camp promises an unforgettable summer of growth and joy for every young adventurer.

Programs Offered by Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp offers a variety of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of children aged 8 to 16. Each program is thoughtfully curated to ensure campers engage in meaningful, enjoyable, and enriching activities throughout their stay.

Programs Description

Ward Haven Camp provides several session options to accommodate different preferences and schedules:

One-week sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers looking to experience camp life.
Two-week sessions: Perfect for those wishing to deepen their engagement and enjoy a more immersive experience.
Full summer option: A comprehensive program that allows for full exploration of all that Ward Haven has to offer.

Specialty Programs

Ward Haven Camp is proud to offer specialty programs in three main areas:

Arts: Campers can explore their creativity through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, drama, and music. These sessions are designed to foster artistic expression and confidence.
Sports: Focused on physical education and team spirit, the sports program includes activities like soccer, basketball, swimming, and archery. Campers learn about teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition.
Science: This program is geared towards curious minds interested in the natural world and experiments. Activities include environmental studies, basic astronomy, and wildlife biology, which take full advantage of the camp’s natural setting.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Ward Haven Camp is structured to provide a balance of activities, free time, and community building:

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning exercises
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Morning sessions (activities vary by specialty)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Free time and optional activities
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Afternoon sessions (continuation of morning specialties or alternate activities)
5:30 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (campfire, storytelling, night hikes)
9:00 PM: Lights out for younger campers
10:00 PM: Lights out for older campers

Each day is designed to be dynamic and engaging, ensuring that every camper finds something to excite and inspire them. Whether they are creating a masterpiece, scoring the winning goal, or discovering the wonders of the stars, campers at Ward Haven Camp are sure to have a memorable and impactful summer.

Accommodations in Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp offers comfortable and well-organized accommodations to ensure that campers have a safe and enjoyable stay. The facilities are designed to promote a sense of community and provide all the necessary comforts of home while immersing campers in the beauty of the natural environment.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Ward Haven Camp consists of cozy, rustic cabins that house 8-10 campers each, along with at least two counselors. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. Strategically placed throughout the camp, they offer splendid views of the surrounding landscape and easy access to main activity areas.
Tents: For older campers seeking a more adventurous experience, there are supervised tent camping options available during specific sessions. These are set up in secure areas with all necessary safety measures in place.
Dorms: A few dormitory-style accommodations are available for larger groups or special events, featuring common rooms and shared facilities, fostering a communal living experience.

Dining Options

Ward Haven Camp provides a communal dining hall where meals are served three times a day. The meal plans are carefully crafted to be nutritious and appealing to young campers, with plenty of options to cater to various tastes and dietary needs:

Regular Meal Plans: Includes a variety of balanced meals, incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains to support active campers.
Dietary Accommodations: Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options are readily available. The camp encourages parents to discuss their child’s dietary requirements in advance to ensure well-prepared meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathrooms: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom facility equipped with toilets and sinks, maintained multiple times daily to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Showers: Separate shower facilities are available, divided by gender. These facilities are equipped with private stalls, providing campers with comfort and privacy. Hot and cold water is available, and shower times are scheduled to manage usage efficiently.

At Ward Haven Camp, the focus on high-quality accommodations reflects their commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment that allows campers to focus on fun, learning, and growth.

Activities in Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp offers a diverse array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels, promoting both personal growth and fun. These activities not only enrich the camp experience but also foster skills such as teamwork, leadership, and self-reliance.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Includes swimming in the camp’s lake, hiking on various nature trails around the property, canoeing, and fishing.
Athletic Sports: Summer camps can participate in organized sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, archery, and ultimate frisbee.
Creative Arts: Offers a range of artistic activities including drawing, painting, pottery, and crafts. Drama and music workshops are also available for those interested in performing arts.
Skill Workshops: These are focused sessions where campers can learn new skills like woodworking, and orienteering, or survival skills like fire-building and foraging.

Special Events or Traditions

Ward Haven Camp is rich in traditions and special events that highlight the summer:

Opening Bonfire: A welcome event that introduces campers to the camp traditions with songs, skits, and marshmallow roasting.
Color Wars: A multi-day event where campers are divided into teams to compete in various athletic and creative challenges, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Show: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents, whether in music, dance, magic, or comedy, in a supportive environment.
End-of-Summer Gala: A formal dinner followed by a night of dancing and festivities to celebrate the end of the camp season.

Skill Development Opportunities

Ward Haven Camp places a strong emphasis on personal development through its structured programs:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to take on leadership roles, assisting with younger groups and leading certain activities under supervision.
Environmental Education: Campers engage with the local ecology through guided nature walks and conservation projects, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility.
Personal Challenge Activities: High ropes courses, rock climbing, and other challenges encourage campers to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence.

At Ward Haven Camp, every activity and event is designed to provide enriching experiences that contribute to the holistic development of each camper. Whether through exciting outdoor activities, creative expression, or personal challenges, campers leave with enhanced skills, lasting memories, and a deeper appreciation for nature and teamwork.

The staff of Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for all campers, which is largely facilitated by its dedicated and well-trained staff. The camp prioritizes maintaining an optimal staff-to-camper ratio and ensures that all staff members are thoroughly vetted and trained.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Ward Haven Camp maintains a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5, ensuring that each camper receives ample attention and guidance. This ratio allows staff to effectively monitor and engage all campers, providing a personal and inclusive camp experience. In activities that require more supervision, such as swimming or rock climbing, additional staff members are assigned to ensure safety and support.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

The hiring process at Ward Haven Camp is rigorous and designed to select candidates who are not only skilled but also passionate about working with children and fostering a positive camp environment. Key steps and criteria include:

Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are conducted, including criminal records and previous employment verification.
Education and Experience: Preference is given to candidates with a background in education, psychology, recreation, or a related field. Prior experience in camp settings or with child care is highly valued.
Interview Process: Candidates undergo multiple rounds of interviews, including scenario-based questions to assess their problem-solving and behavioral management skills.

Training and Certifications

All staff members at Ward Haven Camp are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additional training includes:

Activity-Specific Certifications: Depending on their roles, staff may also be required to have certifications in lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, or specific sports and activities.
Orientation and Training Sessions: Before the camp season begins, all staff participate in an extensive orientation program. This training covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child behavior management techniques, and specific training for their assigned roles.
Ongoing Development: Throughout the camp season, staff participate in ongoing training sessions to review procedures and introduce new skills relevant to their roles.

This comprehensive approach to staffing ensures that Ward Haven Camp is equipped with knowledgeable, capable, and caring individuals, all working together to create a safe and enriching environment for every camper.

Safety and Health in Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp places a high priority on the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing stringent protocols and maintaining well-equipped facilities to address any medical needs or emergencies that may arise during camp sessions.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Safety Drills: Campers and staff participate in regular drills to practice the procedures for fire, severe weather, and other potential emergencies, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at the camp has a set of specific safety guidelines that must be followed. Staff are trained to enforce these rules strictly and ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and used correctly.
Supervised Sessions: All activities are closely supervised by qualified staff members who are trained to prioritize safety and intervene when necessary to prevent accidents.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Ward Haven Camp maintains a well-equipped health center that is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle routine health issues such as minor injuries, allergies, and illnesses.
Medication Management: The camp health staff manages and administers all camper medications according to physician instructions. Parents are required to provide detailed medical information and instructions upon registration.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Medical Response: In case of a medical emergency, the camp’s health staff provides first-response treatment, and if necessary, the camp has procedures in place to quickly transport the camper to the nearest hospital. The camp maintains relationships with local emergency services to ensure rapid response times.
Communication Protocol: The camp has a clear communication protocol to keep parents informed in the event of an emergency involving their child. This includes timely updates and details on the nature of the emergency and the steps being taken.
Preparedness and Training: All staff members receive training in emergency preparedness and response, including how to handle specific scenarios that could occur at the camp. This training is updated regularly to reflect best practices and new safety standards.

These safety and health measures are integral to the operation of Ward Haven Camp, ensuring that the environment is not only fun and enriching but also secure and well-prepared to handle any situation that might arise.

Cost and Registration in Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp aims to provide a transformative camping experience accessible to as many young people as possible. Understanding that cost can be a barrier for some families, the camp has structured its pricing and registration process to be clear and accommodating.

Cost of Attendance

Cost Includes: The cost of attendance at Ward Haven Camp covers all lodging, meals, activities, and access to all camp facilities. There are no hidden fees; however, extra costs may include optional special trips or camp merchandise.
Pricing Tiers: Depending on the length of the session chosen (one-week, two-week, or full summer), costs vary. Typically, one-week sessions cost around $500, two-week sessions are approximately $950, and full summer options can range up to $4,500.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Process: Parents can register their children through the camp’s online portal, which includes filling out various forms detailing medical information, dietary restrictions, and emergency contacts.
Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in January and offers a reduced rate. Regular registration continues as long as spots are available, but it’s advisable to register by April to ensure availability, especially for popular sessions.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Recognizing the financial commitment, Ward Haven Camp offers flexible payment plans that allow families to pay in installments leading up to the start of the camp session.
Refunds: Full refunds are available until a month before the session begins. Partial refunds may be offered up to two weeks prior to the session start date. After this point, refunds are generally not available unless in cases of medical emergencies, for which documentation is required.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be communicated in writing. The camp encourages insurance options for families concerned about potential last-minute cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Ward Haven Camp offers a number of need-based scholarships annually. These scholarships can cover part or all of the camp fees and are awarded based on the financial need and merit of the applicants.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid is available and can be applied for through the camp’s office. Families are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ward Haven Camp strives to be as accessible as possible and encourages interested families to contact the camp administration for more detailed information on scholarships and financial aid, ensuring no camper is turned away due to financial constraints.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Ward Haven Camp

Ward Haven Camp aims to ensure that both campers and their parents are well-prepared for the camp experience. Proper preparation helps maximize the enjoyment and benefit of the camp for all involved. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the packing list, rules, and policies, as well as tips for first-time campers and parents.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the following items are recommended:

Clothing: Pack enough clothes for the duration of the stay, including t-shirts, shorts, pants, undergarments, and socks. Include a jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings and a raincoat for wet weather.
Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, hiking boots, and flip-flops or sandals for the shower.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, and a sleeping pad if desired.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, bug spray, and a towel.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and any necessary medication.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-smartphone).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To encourage engagement with nature and each other, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted at camp. These devices may be used at designated times and areas if needed.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit on designated visiting days, which are communicated at the start of the camp session. Outside of these days, visits are discouraged to maintain the camp schedule and dynamics.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is a cornerstone of camp policy. Bullying, the use of inappropriate language, and disregard for camp rules are taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation for Separation: Help your child prepare for time away from home by discussing what the camp experience will be like, focusing on the fun and learning opportunities.
Pack Together: Involve your child in packing to ensure they understand what they are bringing and to boost their confidence in managing their belongings.
Communication: Explain how they can communicate with you during their time at camp (e.g., letters, emails) and discuss how often you’ll communicate.
Set Realistic Expectations: Discuss that it’s normal to feel homesick and encourage them to talk to staff if they feel uncomfortable.

For parents, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can significantly ease the transition, ensuring that the camp experience is a positive one for both you and your child.

Ward Haven Camp in Salem, Virginia, offers a unique blend of adventure, learning, and personal growth set against the stunning backdrop of the Appalachian region. With its comprehensive programs spanning arts, sports, and science, the camp provides a diverse array of activities that cater to every interest. The well-structured accommodations, rigorous safety protocols, and a dedicated staff ensure a secure and enriching environment for all campers.

The camp’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community is evident in its flexible payment plans, scholarships, and financial aid options, making the transformative experience of Ward Haven accessible to as many young people as possible. Moreover, the thoughtful preparation guides for parents and first-time campers exemplify the camp’s dedication to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.