There are traditions at Camp Alleghany that evolve naturally, becoming woven into the fabric of camp life over time. One such tradition is the Tree of Life necklace, a meaningful piece of jewelry that has become a beloved symbol among campers, counselors, and staff alike. With its intricate design and deep symbolism, the Tree of Life necklace represents growth, connection, and the lasting bonds formed at camp—values that are at the heart of the Alleghany experience.
A Tradition Takes Root
The Tree of Life necklace first made its appearance at camp in the 1990s, thanks to a local artist in nearby Lewisburg, West Virginia. His beautiful handcrafted necklaces caught the eye of some of our staff members, who purchased them as gifts for one another. They quickly recognized the deep symbolism behind the design and how perfectly it mirrored the spirit of Alleghany—so much so that the trend soon spread throughout camp.
As the summers passed, more and more counselors began wearing the necklaces, and soon campers followed suit. It became a treasured keepsake of the Alleghany experience, with girls eagerly heading into town to purchase their own. Parents, too, took notice, frequently calling to ask how they could buy a necklace for their camper as a holiday or birthday gift. The Tree of Life had become more than just a piece of jewelry—it was a symbol of camp itself.
A Tree’s Symbolism in Camp Life
It’s no wonder the Tree of Life necklace resonated so deeply within the Alleghany community. Trees mirror many of the same values and themes that camp instills in its campers:
- Growth: Just as a tree grows stronger and taller each year, our campers experience personal growth, learning resilience, independence, and confidence through their summers at camp.
- Roots: A tree’s roots ground it firmly in the earth, just as the friendships and experiences at camp create lifelong connections that hold strong even after campers leave.
- Branches: A tree’s branches stretch outward, embracing the world around them. Similarly, our campers learn new skills, form new friendships, and expand their horizons each summer.
- Stability: Through storms and sunshine alike, a tree remains steadfast—just as camp teaches girls to navigate challenges, embrace new experiences, and stand strong in who they are.
For many, the Tree of Life necklace has become a symbol of their journey at camp, a reminder of the personal growth they’ve experienced and the unbreakable bonds they’ve formed. Some staff members have even taken this symbolism a step further—getting the tree tattooed on them as a permanent reminder of their Alleghany experience!
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Though the original artist who created the first Tree of Life necklaces has since passed away, his work lives on. A store in downtown Lewisburg, Cat & Kate, retains the rights to his original templates and continues to create the necklaces, ensuring that new generations of campers can continue to cherish this tradition.
But the story doesn’t end there! One of our very own former counselors, Julia Randolph, has taken inspiration from this meaningful tradition and begun creating her own version of the Tree of Life necklace through her jewelry business, Rainy Day Women. Julia worked at Alleghany for two summers and, like so many before her, fell in love with camp and all that it represents. She has since pursued her passion for jewelry-making, and we are thrilled that she has found a way to keep this tradition alive in a new and personal way.
Julia is currently living in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California working full time as an artist and metalsmith, and enjoys spending time every day outdoors with her dog, Banjo. You can check out her beautiful Tree of Life necklaces on her website here: Rainy Day Women – Tree of Life Necklaces
Wear Your Roots with Pride
Whether you have a Tree of Life necklace or simply appreciate the meaning behind it, this tradition is a beautiful reminder of the strength, growth, and deep connections that camp provides. The spirit of Alleghany lives on in the friendships made, the lessons learned, and the memories cherished. Whether through a necklace, a keepsake, or simply carrying camp in your heart, the values and experiences gained at Alleghany stay with you long after summer ends.
