Nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Camp Horizons is a beacon of adventure and learning located just outside the vibrant town of Harrisonburg. Since its establishment, this camp has been dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where young minds can explore, grow, and discover in a scenic setting marked by rolling hills and clear blue skies.

With a mission to provide a safe, vibrant, and supportive environment, Camp Horizons encourages campers to push their boundaries and explore their potential through engaging activities and interactive learning experiences. The philosophy here revolves around building character, fostering independence, and cultivating friendships that last a lifetime.

Camp Horizons offers an experience tailored to children and teenagers from ages 6 to 17. This inclusive camp brings together boys and girls from diverse backgrounds to participate in a wide range of activities that cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching summer experience for every camper.

Programs Offered by Camp Horizons

Camp Horizons provides a variety of programs designed to cater to the diverse interests of its campers. These programs are carefully crafted to ensure a balance of fun, learning, and personal development, structured around various session lengths to accommodate the preferences and schedules of different families.

Description of Programs:

Adventure Programs: These programs emphasize outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and canoeing, helping campers develop resilience and teamwork skills.
Arts and Crafts: Focusing on creativity, these sessions include painting, sculpture, and performance arts, encouraging campers to express themselves artistically.
Sports and Recreation: From swimming and soccer to archery and horseback riding, these activities promote physical health and sportsmanship among campers.
Science and Nature: These programs allow campers to engage with the natural world through experiments, wildlife exploration, and environmental education.

Length of Sessions:

One-Week Sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers, these short sessions provide a taste of what camp life offers.
Two-Week Sessions: These sessions offer a deeper dive into the camp experience, allowing for more significant personal growth and skill development.
Full Summer: The most immersive option, this session spans several weeks and provides a comprehensive experience with progressive skill-building and personal development opportunities.

Specialty Programs:

Leadership Training: Designed for older campers, this program focuses on developing leadership skills through workshops and practical leadership opportunities.
Performing Arts: This specialty area includes drama, dance, and music, culminating in performances at the camp’s own theater.
Environmental Stewardship: Campers learn about sustainability practices and participate in conservation projects around the campgrounds.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning: After breakfast, campers engage in their chosen program activities, which might include workshops or intensive skill sessions.
Afternoon: Post-lunch, a different set of activities are scheduled, often more relaxed or recreational, like swimming or free play in the camp’s many amenities.
Evening: Dinner is followed by camp-wide games, bonfires, or talent shows, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among campers.
Night: Campers wind down with their cabin groups, participating in quiet activities like storytelling or stargazing before lights out.

Each element of Camp Horizons’ programming is designed to nurture different aspects of camper development, making every day a new adventure and a step towards becoming more confident, capable individuals.

Accommodations in Camp Horizons

Camp Horizons ensures that every aspect of a camper’s stay is comfortable, safe, and conducive to an enjoyable and enriching camp experience. From the sleeping arrangements to the dining options, careful consideration is given to facilitate a smooth and pleasant stay.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Camp Horizons is cozy, rustic cabins designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses 8-12 campers, grouped by age and gender, along with at least two counselors who provide supervision and support. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, and storage space for personal items, and are centrally located to all camp facilities.
Tents: For specific adventure programs, campers may have the opportunity to spend part of their session sleeping in tents. This is usually part of a structured outdoor educational experience, such as overnight hiking trips or exploration excursions.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Horizons offers a full dining service with three well-balanced meals per day, plus snacks. Meals are served in a communal dining hall where campers gather to eat and socialize. The dining hall is a hub of activity, offering a chance to build friendships and share the day’s experiences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of nutrition and individual dietary needs, Camp Horizons caters to a range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether campers require vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-sensitive meals, the camp kitchen is equipped and willing to accommodate these needs, ensuring all campers have access to nutritious and satisfying meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Modern, well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities are strategically located near the cabins and main camp areas. Separate facilities for boys and girls are provided to ensure privacy and convenience. Each bathroom facility is equipped with multiple stalls and shower units, hot water, and is cleaned and restocked daily by the camp’s maintenance staff.
Hygiene: Emphasizing cleanliness and hygiene, Camp Horizons ensures that all facilities are up to health and safety standards. Campers are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene with scheduled breaks for morning and evening routines, and counselors supervise younger campers to assist them as needed.

The accommodations at Camp Horizons are designed to ensure that all campers feel comfortable, secure, and well-cared for throughout their stay, allowing them to focus on the fun and learning aspects of their camp experience.

Activities in Camp Horizons

Camp Horizons offers a broad array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. From outdoor adventures to creative arts and athletic pursuits, the camp provides a dynamic environment where everyone can find something exciting to do.

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
Water Sports: Swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding in the camp’s private lake.
Creative Arts: Crafts such as pottery, painting, and jewelry making; performing arts including drama, dance, and music.
Sports: Soccer, basketball, tennis, archery, and horseback riding.
Nature Exploration: Gardening, wildlife studies, and environmental education programs.
Team-building Exercises: Ropes courses, group challenges, and leadership games.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening Ceremony: A welcome event that kicks off the session with introductions, performances, and an overview of camp rules and traditions.
Color Wars: A camp-wide competition that spans several days, involving various sports, puzzles, and creative contests, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
Campfire Nights: Regular evenings spent around a campfire where campers and staff share stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy camp songs.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents to their peers and the camp staff in a supportive environment.
Closing Banquet: A formal dinner on the last night of camp, followed by an awards ceremony that celebrates the achievements of campers throughout their stay.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Skills: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to develop their ability to lead and mentor younger campers.
Artistic Skills: Through dedicated arts programs, campers can refine their creative skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Athletic Skills: Sports training sessions help campers improve in specific sports, with coaching from knowledgeable staff.
Environmental Awareness: Programs focused on sustainability and conservation provide practical knowledge and skills in caring for the environment.
Social Skills: The diverse, community-focused environment of Camp Horizons naturally fosters interpersonal skills, including communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Camp Horizons is dedicated to providing a fun, safe, and enriching environment where campers can explore new activities, develop valuable skills, and build lasting friendships. Through its comprehensive activity roster and supportive community, the camp ensures a memorable summer experience for all attendees.

The staff of Camp Horizons

The staff at Camp Horizons plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for all campers. The camp prides itself on maintaining a high standard for staff selection, training, and performance, ensuring that every camper receives personalized attention and care.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio: Camp Horizons maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper gets the attention and supervision they need. Typically, the ratio is set at one staff member for every five campers, which allows for close monitoring and more meaningful interaction between staff and campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Camp Horizons recruits staff from a variety of sources, including universities, teacher associations, and through referrals from educational professionals.
Selection Process: Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process that includes background checks, interviews, and reference checks to ensure they are suitable for working with children.
Qualifications: Staff members often have backgrounds in education, child development, or a specific activity area such as sports or arts. Many are returning staff who have previously excelled in the camp environment.

Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: Before camp begins, all staff members participate in a comprehensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and specific activity training.
Certifications: All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff members leading special activities such as swimming, rock climbing, or horseback riding are required to hold relevant certifications or proven expertise in those areas.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff members participate in ongoing training sessions to refine their skills and adapt to any evolving camp needs or challenges.

Camp Horizons also emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Staff members are encouraged to share knowledge and skills with each other, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that benefits both campers and staff alike. This focus on quality and development ensures that the camp operates smoothly and that every camper’s needs are met with expertise and care.

Safety and Health in Camp Horizons

Camp Horizons is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and health for all campers and staff. The camp’s comprehensive safety protocols, well-equipped health facilities, and thorough emergency procedures are integral to its operation, providing a secure environment where parents can feel confident about their children’s well-being.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Routine Inspections: Regular safety checks are conducted on all camp facilities and equipment to ensure everything is in good working order and compliant with safety standards.
Safety Training: All camp staff undergo extensive safety training, which includes emergency response drills, conflict resolution techniques, and activity-specific safety practices.
Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times by experienced staff members, with specific rules and guidelines enforced during all activities to prevent accidents and injuries.
Weather Safety: The camp has protocols in place for severe weather conditions, including safe shelters and procedures for quickly moving campers to safety if necessary.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Horizons has an on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a part-time physician. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary medications and first aid supplies.
Availability: The health center is open 24/7, ensuring that medical care is available at all times during the camp session.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, all campers undergo a health check to identify any existing medical conditions or allergies that the camp staff should be aware of. This helps in managing individual health needs effectively throughout their stay.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Horizons has a detailed emergency response plan that includes procedures for various potential scenarios, such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security threats. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a system in place for quickly communicating with all camp personnel and contacting emergency services. Parents are promptly notified of the situation and updated regularly.
Training and Drills: Emergency drills are conducted with campers and staff at the beginning of each session to ensure everyone knows how to react in different emergency situations. This training includes evacuation routes, meeting points, and the use of communication tools.

Through these rigorous safety and health protocols, Camp Horizons ensures that every aspect of camp life is managed with the utmost care and professionalism, allowing campers to enjoy their activities and explore their interests in a safe and supportive environment.

Cost and Registration in Camp Horizons

Camp Horizons is dedicated to providing an enriching summer experience for children and teenagers. The camp’s registration process, cost structure, and financial assistance options are designed to be transparent and accessible, ensuring that families can plan effectively and that children have the opportunity to enjoy everything the camp has to offer.

Cost of Attendance:

Inclusion: The cost of attending Camp Horizons covers accommodation in cabins or tents, all meals and snacks, full participation in scheduled activities, access to all camp facilities, and 24/7 supervision and healthcare services.
Additional Costs: While the base fee covers most aspects of the camp experience, additional costs may include special excursions, certain specialty programs, or optional merchandise like camp apparel.
Typical Fees: Costs can vary depending on the length of the session and the specific programs selected. For example, one-week sessions may cost around $750, two-week sessions around $1,500, and full-summer options could be priced upwards of $4,500.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Families can register their children for Camp Horizons through an online portal. This portal allows for the selection of session dates, programs, and accommodation preferences.
Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in January, with discounts offered for early sign-ups. Final deadlines for registration are usually set for the end of May, but late registrations may be accepted based on availability.
Documents Required: The registration process includes filling out health forms, emergency contact information, and any necessary consent forms for participation in certain activities.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Recognizing that families have different financial capabilities, Camp Horizons offers structured payment plans that allow for installment payments leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp provides a tiered refund policy where full refunds minus a processing fee are available up to a certain date, which is typically one month before the session starts. After that, partial refunds are issued up to two weeks before the session begins. No refunds are typically offered once the session has started, except in exceptional circumstances such as medical issues.
Insurance: Families are encouraged to purchase cancellation insurance to cover unexpected changes in plans.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Availability: Camp Horizons offers scholarships and financial aid to families who demonstrate financial need. These are awarded based on the availability of funds and the number of applicants each year.
Application Process: Families interested in financial aid can apply through a separate application form available online. This process requires documentation of financial need and a personal statement regarding the benefits of the camp experience for the child.
Sponsorships: In addition to direct financial aid, the camp also partners with local businesses and community organizations that may sponsor additional scholarships.

By offering a range of financial options and assistance, Camp Horizons aims to make its valuable camp experience accessible to as many children as possible, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Horizons

Preparing for camp can be an exciting time for both campers and their parents. Camp Horizons offers comprehensive guidance to ensure that both first-time and returning campers have everything they need to make their experience enjoyable and stress-free. This includes providing detailed packing lists, outlining camp rules and policies, and offering tips to help everyone feel prepared.

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable clothing for the session, including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, and layers for cooler evenings. Include a rain jacket, swimwear, and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes.
Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, plus a pillow, as these are not provided by the camp.
Toiletries: Essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and a towel should be packed. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent!
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, hats, sunglasses, and a small backpack for day trips.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-smartphone if possible).

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Horizons encourages a technology-free environment to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and each other. Cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are either not allowed or are collected and stored upon arrival.
Visitation: Parents are generally encouraged to allow their children to experience camp independently. Specific visitation days may be arranged for longer sessions, during which families can visit and participate in camp activities.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, positivity, and a willingness to participate are crucial. The camp has a strict policy against bullying and promotes an inclusive environment.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Embrace the experience: Be open to trying new activities and making new friends.
- Communicate: Feel free to express any concerns to the camp staff who are there to help.
- Stay organized: Keep track of your belongings and maintain a tidy living space in your cabin.
For Parents:
- Discuss what to expect: Talk with your child about the activities at camp and the daily routine to help them visualize their experience.
- Pack together: Involve your child in the packing process to ensure they know what they have brought with them.
- Stay positive: If it’s your child’s first time at camp, reassure them about the fun they’ll have and the new skills they’ll gain, which can help alleviate any pre-camp anxiety.

By following these guidelines, campers and parents can prepare for a successful camp experience at Camp Horizons, filled with fun, learning, and adventure.

Camp Horizons stands as a vibrant and enriching environment where children and teenagers have the opportunity to grow, explore, and create lasting memories. Nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the camp offers a diverse array of activities and programs designed to cater to all interests and foster a spirit of adventure and learning. From arts and crafts to sports and environmental stewardship, campers are encouraged to push their boundaries and discover new passions.

The dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and supportive community ensure that each camper experiences a safe and nurturing environment. With tailored programs that accommodate various age groups and a commitment to personal development, Camp Horizons is more than just a summer camp—it’s a place where lifelong friendships are forged, and the joys of childhood are celebrated in a secure and engaging setting.