Nestled in the lush landscape of Alderson, West Virginia, Camp Greenbrier stands as a beacon of tradition and growth for young boys. Established in 1898, this historic camp is strategically located along the picturesque banks of the Greenbrier River, offering an idyllic setting that blends natural beauty with adventure. Rooted in a rich history that spans over a century, Camp Greenbrier has continuously provided a robust platform for personal development and camaraderie.

Guided by the philosophy, “Excellence through challenge and adversity,” Camp Greenbrier endeavors to foster resilience, leadership, and a strong moral compass among its campers. This all-boys camp welcomes youth from 7 to 16 years old, providing tailored programs that cater to various age groups, ensuring that every camper is engaged at an appropriate level of challenge and fun.

As a place where friendships flourish and characters are built, Camp Greenbrier prides itself on not just being a summer activity, but a transformative experience that shapes young men for their future roles in society. Whether it’s rowing on the river, tackling obstacle courses, or gathering around the campfire, each activity is imbued with the spirit of growth and excellence.

Programs Offered by Camp Greenbrier

Camp Greenbrier offers a variety of engaging programs tailored to foster growth, resilience, and skills development in boys aged 7 to 16. Each program is designed to build independence, teamwork, and leadership through a series of activities that both challenge and entertain.

1. Standard Camp Programs:

Length of Sessions: Camp Greenbrier offers flexible session lengths to accommodate different needs, including one-week introductory sessions for younger campers, two-week sessions, and a full summer option that spans six weeks.
Activities: The core program includes traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, and sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball. Additionally, campers enjoy nature hikes, crafts, and various outdoor adventures that take full advantage of the camp’s riverside location and surrounding natural beauty.

2. Specialty Programs:

Leadership Training: Designed for older campers, this program focuses on developing leadership skills through specialized activities that include team-building exercises and leadership challenges.
Adventure Trips: These programs take campers off-site for more intensive experiences, such as white-water rafting, rock climbing, and wilderness expeditions. These are typically offered to the older age groups and vary in length from a few days to a week.
Sports Camps: For campers interested in specific sports, specialized sessions focus on skill development in areas like tennis, basketball, and soccer, providing intensive training and coaching.

3. Educational and Enrichment Programs:

Environmental Education: Leveraging its natural setting, Camp Greenbrier includes programs that teach campers about local flora and fauna, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Arts and Crafts: Creative expression is encouraged through activities such as woodworking, painting, and pottery.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning: After breakfast, campers typically engage in physical activities such as swimming, hiking, or team sports.
Midday: Lunch followed by a rest period or free time for less structured activities.
Afternoon: Scheduled activities continue, often focusing on skills training or specialty programs.
Evening: Dinner and then evening activities which may include campfires, group games, or night hikes.
Night: Campers gather for a brief reflection on the day’s learnings and achievements before lights out.

Camp Greenbrier’s programs are meticulously planned to ensure that each camper experiences personal growth, fun, and the development of lifelong skills in a supportive and safe environment.

Accommodations in Camp Greenbrier

Camp Greenbrier provides comfortable and well-maintained accommodations designed to enhance the camping experience while maintaining a connection with the natural surroundings.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers are housed in rustic yet cozy cabins that blend traditional aesthetics with the practical needs of modern campers. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. The cabins are grouped by age to ensure that campers are with peers of similar age, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual support.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Greenbrier offers a full dining service with three nutritious meals provided daily. The camp’s dining hall serves as a communal area where campers gather to eat and share their daily experiences. Meals are varied to appeal to young appetites and to introduce campers to a range of healthy options.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to individual dietary needs, Camp Greenbrier is committed to accommodating special dietary requirements including allergies, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Parents can discuss their child’s specific needs with the camp staff ahead of time to ensure appropriate meals are provided.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities that are centrally located and easily accessible. These facilities are maintained with high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Separate shower areas are provided with privacy and safety in mind, ensuring that campers feel comfortable and secure.

The accommodations at Camp Greenbrier are designed to ensure that all campers have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stay, making their summer experience both memorable and rewarding.

Activities in Camp Greenbrier

Camp Greenbrier offers a dynamic range of activities designed to engage campers in physical, creative, and intellectual pursuits. Here’s a closer look at the diverse activities available:

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Sports: Summer camps can participate in traditional sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and tennis. Water sports activities include swimming, canoeing, and fishing.
Adventure Activities: Hiking and nature trails are a big part of the camp experience, allowing campers to explore the local terrain and learn about the environment. Adventure-based activities like rock climbing and white-water rafting are also offered, particularly for older campers.
Crafts and Creativity: Arts and crafts are a staple, with activities such as woodworking, pottery, and painting allowing campers to express their creativity.
Skill-Based Workshops: Special workshops are available for campers interested in specific skills like survival techniques, orienteering, and environmental science.

Special Events or Traditions:

Greenbrier Games: A tradition at Camp Greenbrier is the annual “Greenbrier Games,” a camp-wide competition that involves a variety of sports and skill challenges, fostering team spirit and healthy competition.
Campfires and Storytelling: Evening campfires are a time for storytelling, songs, and bonding. These gatherings help strengthen the community spirit and allow campers to share experiences and stories.
End-of-Summer Banquet: At the end of each summer session, a banquet is held to celebrate the achievements of campers. Awards and recognitions are given for various accomplishments and improvements.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to participate in leadership training sessions, where they learn about responsibility, decision-making, and leadership skills.
Environmental Stewardship: Through various environmental education programs, campers learn about conservation, wildlife, and the importance of sustainable living.
Personal Development: All activities at Camp Greenbrier are designed with an eye toward personal growth, encouraging campers to step out of their comfort zones, develop new skills, and gain confidence.

Camp Greenbrier’s array of activities ensures that every camper finds something that sparks their interest, while special events and traditions create lasting memories and foster a sense of community among campers.

The staff of Camp Greenbrier

The staff at Camp Greenbrier plays a pivotal role in creating a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment for the campers. Here’s an overview of the staff structure, hiring process, and training programs:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Greenbrier maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. Typically, the camp strives to have one staff member for every four to six campers, which helps in providing adequate supervision and fostering strong, mentor-like relationships between the staff and campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Selection Process: The hiring process at Camp Greenbrier is rigorous. Potential staff members undergo a thorough screening process that includes background checks, reference checks, and interviews. The camp seeks individuals who are not only skilled in various camp activities but who also possess strong moral values and a genuine interest in working with children.
Qualifications: Staff members are often college students or graduates with backgrounds in education, recreation, sports, or similar fields. Many return year after year, bringing valuable experience and continuity to the camp environment.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Training: Before the beginning of each camp season, all staff members participate in an extensive training program. This program covers camp policies, child behavior management techniques, safety protocols, and specific training related to the activities they will be leading.
Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional certifications, such as lifeguarding or specific sports coaching certificates, are required for staff involved in particular activities like swimming or rock climbing.
Ongoing Education: Camp Greenbrier encourages and often sponsors staff to pursue further education and certifications, ensuring they remain knowledgeable about the latest in safety, education, and recreational best practices.

Camp Greenbrier’s commitment to a highly qualified and well-trained staff ensures that campers not only have fun but are also safe and well cared for during their stay, enhancing the overall quality and impact of the camp experience.

Safety and Health in Camp Greenbrier

Camp Greenbrier places a strong emphasis on the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to manage any health-related issues or emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Routine Drills: Regularly scheduled drills ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures for fire, weather emergencies, and other potential threats.
Activity Safety: Each activity at Camp Greenbrier is supervised by staff trained in that specific area, with strict adherence to safety guidelines and best practices. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and safety gear is mandatory for activities like swimming, climbing, and other adventure sports.
Supervision: Campers are under constant supervision, whether in their cabins, at meals, or during activities. The camp’s low staff-to-camper ratio ensures that supervision is effective and individual attention is provided.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Greenbrier is equipped with an on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and/or a visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle routine health issues such as minor injuries, allergies, and illnesses.
Medication Management: The health staff at Camp Greenbrier manages and administers all camper medications according to physician instructions. Parents are required to provide detailed health and medication information before the camp session begins.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of various scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. This plan is reviewed and updated annually.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, Camp Greenbrier has protocols in place for communicating quickly and effectively with all camp staff and, importantly, with parents and guardians. This ensures that all parties are informed and can respond appropriately.
Training: All staff are trained in emergency response techniques, and designated staff members have additional training in handling severe weather emergencies, missing camper protocols, and other critical situations.

Through these comprehensive safety and health protocols, Camp Greenbrier ensures a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind, knowing that their well-being is a top priority.

Cost and Registration in Camp Greenbrier

Cost and What It Includes: The cost for a full 7-week session at Camp Greenbrier is typically around $7,500 to $8,000. This fee generally includes:

Lodging and meals
All regular camp activities and programs
Basic health care and insurance
Laundry service
Camp photos and a yearbook

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Registration: Parents can register their children for Camp Greenbrier through an online registration. This system guides them through filling out necessary forms, providing medical information, and selecting session dates.
Deadlines: Registration generally opens several months before the camp season begins, with early registration discounts offered to encourage timely sign-ups. Deadlines are set for each session, and it is advisable to register early as spaces can fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Camp Greenbrier offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of camp. Parents can typically choose to pay in installments leading up to the start of the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a refund policy that usually includes a non-refundable deposit at the time of registration. Specific details about refunds for cancellations made on certain dates are clearly outlined during the registration process. Generally, refunds may not be available close to the session start date unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or family emergencies, the camp tries to be accommodating, often offering the option to apply fees to a future session where possible.

Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Greenbrier believes in making the camp experience accessible and offers scholarships based on financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion or, in some rare cases, the full cost of camp.
Financial Aid: Information about how to apply for financial aid is available online. The application process for financial aid typically requires the submission of financial information to assess the family’s needs.
Sponsorships: In some cases, local businesses or community organizations may offer sponsorships or grants to help children from their communities attend the camp.

Camp Greenbrier’s comprehensive fee structure, inclusive of various financial support options, ensures that many families have the opportunity to send their children to a nurturing and enriching summer camp experience.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Greenbrier

Preparing for a stay at Camp Greenbrier involves thorough planning for both parents and campers to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camp experience. Here’s a guide to help with packing, understanding camp rules, and getting ready for camp life, especially for first-time attendees.

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, swimwear, a jacket, and rain gear. Include sturdy footwear such as sneakers and hiking boots.
Bedding: Bring sleeping bags or sheets and blankets, along with a pillow.
Toiletries: Include essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and sunscreen. Insect repellent is also a must.
Miscellaneous Gear: Flashlights, batteries, a water bottle, hats, and sunglasses.
Optional Items: Sports equipment or musical instruments if the camper intends to participate in specific activities that require these.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Greenbrier encourages a tech-free environment to help campers fully engage with their surroundings and peers. Cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are generally not allowed, or their use is strictly limited to certain times and areas.
Visitation: Parents are usually allowed to visit on specific days set by the camp to minimize disruptions to the camp schedule and the development of independence among campers.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for peers, staff, and the environment is fundamental. Bullying, possession of prohibited items, or violation of safety rules can result in disciplinary action or even expulsion from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Engage with Others: Try to participate actively in all activities and make new friends.
- Stay Positive: Homesickness is normal. Focus on the fun aspects of camp and talk to counselors if feeling down.
- Be Prepared: Understand the camp schedule and rules beforehand to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
For Parents:
- Communicate: Discuss what to expect at camp with your child, covering aspects like activities, rules, and how to handle homesickness.
- Label Everything: Ensure all belongings are clearly marked with the camper’s name to prevent losses.
- Stay Informed: Know the camp’s communication policies in case of emergencies or updates during the camp session.

By adequately preparing and understanding the expectations of Camp Greenbrier, both parents and campers can ensure a memorable and impactful summer camp experience.

Camp Greenbrier stands out as a remarkable institution that has been enriching the lives of young boys for over a century. With its picturesque setting on the banks of the Greenbrier River in Alderson, West Virginia, the camp offers a perfect backdrop for adventure, learning, and personal growth. Its wide range of activities, from sports to crafts and adventure trips, ensures that every camper finds something to spark their interest and challenge their abilities.

The camp’s commitment to fostering independence and resilience is matched by its emphasis on safety, community, and respect, creating an environment where campers not only have fun but also develop crucial life skills. With a dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and a supportive atmosphere, Camp Greenbrier provides a transformative experience that boys carry with them long after their summer adventures have ended.