One of my favorite traditions each August is sitting down to reflect on the summer and share my five favorite things. Every year it’s a challenge because there are so many moments I could include, but these are the ones that have stayed with me as I’ve packed up camp and headed home.
Here we go!
1. Bolt
If you’ve followed along with our newsletters this summer, you’ve probably met Bolt.
Bolt is our new Perry Weather station, perched atop the Play Hall, quietly keeping watch over Camp Alleghany 24 hours a day. She provides real-time weather data specific to our exact location, giving us the information we need to make timely decisions and keep our campers and staff safe.
By far her most important job is lightning detection. Whenever lightning strikes within 10 miles of camp, Bolt immediately sounds an alarm, letting us know it’s time to clear the river and pause waterfront activities. Once the lightning has moved out of the area, she gives us the all-clear after we’ve gone 20 minutes without another strike. Every additional strike resets the clock, something our Family Campers became all too familiar with during an unusually stormy week!
Beyond lightning, I also became a huge fan of Bolt’s rain gauge and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature readings, which helped us monitor rainfall and heat throughout the summer.
What I never expected, though, was how much personality this weather station would take on. Campers would cheer when they heard the all-clear signal, knowing they could head back to the river. During Family Camp, there was definitely a bit of a love-hate relationship with Bolt as she repeatedly interrupted afternoon floats and, on departure day, delayed barge crossings because of nearby lightning. But every time she sounded, she was doing exactly what we had asked her to do: keep our camp community safe.
Needless to say, Bolt earned her place as one of my favorite additions to Summer 2026.
2. Podcasting at Camp
One of my greatest joys this summer was recording our ‘Ghany Gatherings podcast right here at camp.
Finding time to record during the summer season certainly wasn’t easy, but it was worth every minute. Instead of interviewing people months later, I had the opportunity to sit down with them while they were living the experience. We recorded episodes with members of our Administrative Team, Head Counselors, Counselors, LITs, campers, Family Campers, and alumnae, and every conversation brought a unique perspective on what makes Alleghany so special.
Those conversations reminded me just how many incredible stories exist within this camp community. I laughed, cried, reflected, and left every recording feeling even more grateful for the people who make Alleghany what it is.
3. New Mattresses & Canoe Docks
Sometimes the most exciting improvements aren’t flashy. They’re the ones that make camp just a little bit better for everyone.
This summer we introduced brand new mattresses in our tents (with 2 extra inches of thickness!), and during Family Camp I got to put one to the test myself! I spent the week sleeping in a tent, and I can personally report that they are a wonderful upgrade.
We also installed new canoe docks, which I thoroughly enjoyed using throughout Family Camp. They made getting in and out of canoes smoother and more enjoyable for campers and families alike.
A huge thank you goes to the Camp Alleghany Alumnae Association (CAAA) for helping make these projects possible. Their continued generosity allows us to keep investing in camp while preserving everything that makes Alleghany, Alleghany.
4. Vespers
I don’t think I made it through a single Vespers this summer without shedding a tear.
For those unfamiliar with Alleghany, Vespers is our Sunday evening reflective program. Different groups of campers or staff choose a theme and share from the heart about what camp has meant to them, how they’ve grown, or lessons they’ll carry into the world. One of my favorite themes this summer was, What I’ve Learned at Camp That I Use in the Real World.
Even though two of our four Vespers had to be moved indoors because of rain, the heart of the program never changed. The sincerity of the speakers, the songs, the quiet moments of reflection, and the vulnerability of those willing to share reminded me, once again, why this place matters so much.
More than once, I found myself wiping away tears.
Those are the moments that refill my cup and remind me exactly why I do what I do.
5. Our Staff
Every year I tell myself I won’t include the staff because they’re always on my list…
…and every year I do anyway.
Because they deserve it!
I can honestly say this year’s staff was one of the most exceptional groups I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. They were resilient through challenges, adaptable through changing weather, enthusiastic when they were exhausted, and unwavering in their commitment to our campers.
All summer long, we talked about the incredible influence counselors have on the lives of young girls. Every conversation, every encouraging word, every bedtime talk, every homesick hug, every game they led, and every lesson they taught mattered.
They showed up day after day with courage, patience, kindness, and heart.
The memories our campers made this summer happened because of them.
To every counselor, support staff member, medical staff, lifeguard, instructor, and member of our Administrative Team: thank you. You left an imprint on hundreds of young lives, and on Camp Alleghany itself. I couldn’t be more grateful.
One More Summer in the Books
As always, narrowing this list down to just five was nearly impossible. Summer 2026 was filled with growth, laughter, challenges, friendships, and moments I’ll carry with me for a very long time.
Now it’s time to catch my breath, get a little sleep, and begin dreaming about Summer 2027.
I can’t wait to see you all back on the banks of the Greenbrier next summer. ❤️
