Nestled in the scenic woodlands of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Camp Allegheny is a beacon of adventure and learning for young minds. Located in a region known for its lush landscapes and tranquil surroundings, the camp is ideally positioned near notable landmarks, providing an enriching backdrop for campers to explore and grow.

Founded on the principles of fostering independence and building character, Camp Allegheny has a storied history of bringing children together in a nurturing environment. Since its inception, the camp has been dedicated to creating memorable summer experiences that aid in the development of social skills and self-confidence.

Their mission at Camp Allegheny is to empower young individuals by providing them with a safe, supportive, and fun environment where they can learn about themselves and the world around them. They believe in the power of camp to transform lives through friendship, adventure, and unwavering support.

Camp Allegheny is a gender-inclusive camp that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. Designed to cater to children and teenagers alike, their programs are tailored to meet the developmental needs of each age group, ensuring that every camper finds their place and their pace.

Join us at Camp Allegheny, where every summer is an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in the heart of Pennsylvania.

Programs Offered by Camp Allegheny

At Camp Allegheny, they offer a variety of programs designed to engage campers in activities that inspire, educate, and entertain. Their sessions are thoughtfully structured to cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring a fulfilling camp experience for all attendees.

Program Description

Camp Allegheny’s programs are diverse, encompassing everything from outdoor adventures to creative arts and science explorations. They aim to provide a balanced mix of recreational and educational activities that promote teamwork, personal growth, and a connection to nature.

Length of Sessions

One-Week Sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers who are just getting used to the camp experience. These sessions introduce campers to a broad range of activities and the joy of making new friends.
Two-Week Sessions: These sessions allow for deeper exploration of skills and interests, with more time for campers to engage in specialized activities and projects.
Full Summer: Their most immersive option, where campers truly become part of the Camp Allegheny family, participating in ongoing programs and special events throughout the summer.

Specialty Programs

Arts: Their arts program includes everything from painting and sculpture to performing arts, allowing campers to express themselves creatively and showcase their talents.
Sports: They offer a wide range of sports programs, including team sports like soccer and basketball, as well as individual activities such as archery and swimming, tailored to develop physical skills and promote healthy competition.
Science: For budding scientists, their programs include hands-on experiments and environmental studies, encouraging curiosity about the natural world and critical thinking skills.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning exercise
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities/session (e.g., arts and crafts, science projects)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Quiet time/Rest period
2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (sports games, nature hikes)
5:00 PM: Free time
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (campfire, talent shows)
9:00 PM: Prepare for bed
10:00 PM: Lights out

This structured yet flexible schedule ensures that each day at Camp Allegheny is full of opportunities for fun, learning, and growth, making every camper’s experience uniquely enriching. Whether it’s a one-week introduction or a full summer adventure, Camp Allegheny has something special to offer every child.

Accommodations in Camp Allegheny

At Camp Allegheny, they ensure that every aspect of their campers’ stay is comfortable, safe, and conducive to an enjoyable camp experience. From the living quarters to dining options, they cater to the needs of all their campers with utmost care.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation consists of cozy, well-maintained cabins that house 8-10 campers each. Each cabin is supervised by experienced counselors who ensure safety and promote a family-like atmosphere.
Tents: For older campers or those participating in specific adventure programs, they offer tent camping as a way to experience the great outdoors more intimately. These are typically used during special overnight excursions and are fully equipped for comfort and safety.
Dorms: Available primarily for their leadership training programs, dormitory-style accommodations provide a more communal living experience, ideal for fostering team-building and camaraderie among campers.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Allegheny offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes three balanced meals per day, prepared by their skilled kitchen staff. Their dining hall is a communal space where campers gather to eat and share their daily experiences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, they provide options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free meals. They encourage parents to discuss any specific dietary requirements with us during registration to ensure they meet their child’s needs.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathrooms and Showers: Their camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities, strategically located near all living quarters. Facilities are separated by gender and are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort. Each bathroom area includes multiple stalls and shower units to accommodate many campers at once, minimizing wait times and maximizing privacy and convenience.

At Camp Allegheny, they strive to make every camper’s stay as comfortable as possible, ensuring that their accommodations and facilities contribute positively to their overall camp experience. Their goal is for campers to feel at home, safe, and free to focus on the fun and learning that awaits them each day.

Activities in Camp Allegheny

Camp Allegheny offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and abilities. Their activities encourage physical health, foster creativity, and build life skills in a fun and supportive environment.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Daily swim lessons and free swim periods in their on-site pool, supervised by certified lifeguards.
Hiking: Guided hikes through the surrounding forests, teaching campers about local flora and fauna.
Crafts: A variety of arts and crafts sessions including pottery, beadwork, and painting.
Sports: Team sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, as well as individual sports such as archery and tennis.
Performing Arts: Opportunities in drama, dance, and music, culminating in performances at the camp’s open-air theater.
Nature Studies: Educational programs that explore environmental science and conservation.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water-based adventures on the nearby lakes.
Climbing: Both rock climbing and a ropes course for developing physical strength and problem-solving skills.
Cooking Classes: Basic cooking skills and nutrition lessons, often using ingredients campers help grow in the camp garden.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: Regular evenings spent around the campfire, featuring storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting.
Color Wars: A multi-day, camp-wide competition involving various sports and challenges, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Shows: Summer camps can showcase their talents and enjoy performances by their peers.
End-of-Summer Carnival: A celebration with games, food, and fun activities as a festive conclusion to the camp season.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Programs for older campers focus on developing leadership skills through mentorship roles and specialized workshops.
Environmental Stewardship: Projects and activities that teach sustainable practices and the importance of conservation.
Creative Workshops: Advanced sessions in arts and crafts, providing skills in specific techniques like sculpture, advanced painting, and digital photography.
Team-Building Exercises: Designed to enhance communication and cooperation among campers.

Through these activities, special events, and skill development opportunities, Camp Allegheny not only ensures that every camper has a memorable and fun summer but also fosters personal growth, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for learning and exploration.

The staff of Camp Allegheny

At Camp Allegheny, they pride themselves on having a dedicated, highly qualified staff committed to providing a safe and enriching camp experience for all campers. They prioritize the well-being and development of their campers by maintaining excellent staff-to-camper ratios and ensuring that all staff members are well-trained and appropriately certified.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Staffing: They maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:8, allowing for attentive supervision and personalized care for each camper.
Specialized Activities: For activities that require more intensive supervision such as swimming, climbing, and canoeing, they ensure a tighter ratio of at least 1:5 to enhance safety and instruction quality.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Their hiring process begins with a thorough screening of applicants, including background checks and verification of previous employment and references.
Qualifications: They hire individuals who have a strong background in education, recreation, or a related field. Many of their staff members are pursuing or have completed degrees in education, child psychology, or sports and recreation management.
Experience: Preference is given to candidates with prior experience working in camp settings or with children in other capacities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the dynamic camp environment.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: All staff members undergo a comprehensive pre-camp training session, which includes child safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and effective communication strategies.
Certifications: Staff involved in specific activities such as swimming, climbing, or first aid are required to hold current certifications pertinent to their role:
- CPR and First Aid: All camp staff must be certified in CPR and First Aid.
- Lifeguard Certification: Staff supervising any aquatic activities are certified lifeguards.
- Specialty Certifications: Depending on their roles, some staff may also hold certifications in areas like Wilderness First Aid, American Camping Association (ACA) certifications, or specific sports coaching credentials.

Ongoing Development

Continuous Training: Throughout the camp season, they hold regular meetings and training sessions to ensure all staff members are up-to-date on the best practices for camp management and child care.
Feedback System: A robust feedback system allows for continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that staff development is aligned with the evolving needs of the campers and the camp program.

Their staff’s qualifications, training, and passion for youth development make Camp Allegheny a trusted and secure environment for campers to explore, learn, and grow. They are committed to fostering an atmosphere where both campers and staff thrive through mutual respect, learning, and fun.

Safety and Health in Camp Allegheny

At Camp Allegheny, the safety and health of their campers and staff are their top priorities. They have established comprehensive safety protocols and health care policies to ensure a secure and nurturing environment for everyone at camp.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure everyone knows how to act quickly and efficiently in different scenarios.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at camp comes with its own set of safety guidelines, which are rigorously enforced by their staff. This includes gear checks, safety briefings, and constant supervision.
Secure Campgrounds: Their facility is secured and monitored to ensure that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises. They also enforce a strict sign-in and sign-out procedure for any visitors.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Allegheny is equipped with a well-staffed health center that is accessible 24/7. The center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call doctors, capable of handling a wide range of medical issues.
Medical Equipment and Supplies: Their health center is stocked with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to address common ailments and injuries. This includes first aid kits, emergency medications, and stabilization equipment.
Access to Local Hospitals: For more serious concerns that cannot be managed on-site, they have established protocols for quick transportation to nearby hospitals.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: They have a detailed emergency response plan that outlines specific steps for different types of emergencies, from injuries and illnesses to natural disasters.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, they prioritize effective communication with all relevant parties. Parents are notified immediately in the case of any serious incident involving their child.
Training: All staff members receive training in emergency response and are familiar with the procedures for escalating issues to higher-level medical professionals when necessary.

Health Policies

Pre-Camp Health Screening: Prior to arrival, all campers must submit a health history form completed by a physician. They also screen all campers and staff upon arrival for any signs of illness to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Medication Management: Their health center manages and dispenses all medications for campers to ensure they are taken safely and as prescribed.
Allergy Management: They take special precautions to manage allergies, particularly food allergies, by providing safe meal options and preventing cross-contamination in their dining facilities.

Through these extensive safety and health measures, Camp Allegheny ensures that every camper and staff member can enjoy a fun and safe camping experience. Their proactive approach to managing and mitigating risks helps us maintain a secure environment where parents can feel confident about their children’s well-being.

Cost and Registration in Camp Allegheny

Understanding the financial considerations of families, Camp Allegheny strives to make their enriching camp experience accessible and affordable. They offer a straightforward registration process, various payment options, and support through scholarships and financial aid.

Cost of Attendance

Fee Inclusions: The cost of attending Camp Allegheny covers all camp activities, meals, accommodation, and access to all facilities and special events. Campers will also receive a camp t-shirt and a photo package as part of their enrollment.
Variable Costs: Costs vary depending on the session length and program type. For example, specialty programs like advanced sports training or science camps may have additional fees for specialized equipment and materials.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration for Camp Allegheny is conducted online. Prospective campers will need to create an account, fill out necessary forms, and submit medical information as part of the registration.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and runs until sessions are full. Early registration is encouraged as some programs fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for each session are listed on the camp’s calendar.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Recognizing the need for flexibility, they offer structured payment plans that allow families to pay for camp in installments leading up to the summer. Details and schedules for payment plans are available during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations: They provide a tiered refund policy. Full refunds, minus a non-refundable deposit, are available up to a month before the session begins. Partial refunds may be available closer to the start date. In cases of cancellation due to medical reasons, refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Insurance: They recommend that families consider purchasing camp insurance to cover potential last-minute cancellations or early withdrawals due to unforeseen circumstances.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Allegheny offers a number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion or the full cost of camp attendance.
Application for Financial Aid: Families interested in financial aid are required to submit an application detailing their financial situation, accompanied by supporting documents. The application process for financial aid opens concurrently with registration and is reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

At Camp Allegheny, they are committed to making their camp accessible to as many children as possible, regardless of financial background. Their goal is to ensure that all campers have the opportunity to enjoy a fun, educational, and memorable summer experience.

The weekly fee for Camp Allegheny Ellwood City PA is $200. They also offer several discounts:

Sibling discount: $25 off for each additional child enrolled with the first child paying full price.
Full summer discount: $300 off for registering a child for all 10 weeks of camp.
Paid-in-full discount: 5% off the total cost if you pay when registering.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Allegheny

Preparing for camp can be an exciting time for both parents and campers, especially those experiencing it for the first time. At Camp Allegheny, they provide detailed guidelines and tips to ensure everyone is well-prepared and informed about what to expect.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, their recommended packing list includes:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, and layers for cooler evenings. Include a rain jacket, swimwear, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets appropriate for the season, plus a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Miscellaneous Gear: Flashlight, water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and a small backpack for day trips.
Optional Items: Books, stationary, and a camera (non-smartphone if possible).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp Allegheny has a no-cell phone policy for campers. Other electronic devices like tablets and laptops are also discouraged. Cameras for photography are allowed.
Visitation: Parents are welcome to visit during designated visiting days, which are communicated prior to the start of camp. Outside of these days, visits are generally not allowed to ensure the program’s integrity and schedule.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and camp property is expected at all times. Rules regarding behavior are clearly outlined in the camper handbook and during orientation.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Pre-Camp Preparation: Engage in conversations about what camp will be like focusing on the fun activities and new friendships to be made.
Homesickness: It’s normal for new campers to feel homesick. Encourage your child to stay involved in activities and talk to staff, as staying active helps reduce homesickness.
Communication: Write letters or send care packages to your camper, which can help them feel connected to home.
Trust the Process: Trust that camp staff are trained and experienced in caring for children and managing any issues that arise.

By providing this information and guidance, Camp Allegheny aims to create a smooth transition for first-time campers and their parents, ensuring that everyone feels prepared and excited for the upcoming camp experience.

Camp Allegheny stands as a vibrant and nurturing community where children and teens can thrive in a safe, educational, and fun-filled environment. From the carefully planned activities and programs to the dedicated staff and excellent facilities, every aspect of Camp Allegheny is designed to promote growth, friendship, and a deep love for nature and learning. Whether it’s through participating in a variety of sports, exploring creative arts, or engaging in environmental stewardship, campers leave with not only memorable experiences but also skills and values that last a lifetime.

They understand the importance of each camper’s development and well-being, which is reflected in their commitment to safety, health, and comprehensive preparation for both campers and parents. At Camp Allegheny, families find a supportive community that extends beyond the summer, cultivating relationships and experiences that resonate far into the future.