On June 13th, Camp Alleghany for Girls welcomed families to its sixth annual Mother-Daughter Weekend, a special program designed to introduce prospective campers and their female family members to camp life.
Aimed at girls ages 6–10 who have yet to attend Alleghany, the weekend provides an opportunity for campers and their relatives—whether moms, aunts, or grandmothers—to explore camp together. From sleeping in platform tents and sharing meals in the Dining Hall to singing camp songs and trying out daily activities, it’s a shared experience meant to help young girls gain confidence and excitement about joining the camp community in the summers to come.
The weekend strikes a balance between adventure and accessibility, offering just enough of the real camp experience to get girls excited for the future—without the full commitment of a longer session. For many, it’s the first step toward a summer they’ll never forget.
This year’s program was once again led by Ace and Mae Dandridge, a mother-daughter team whose deep roots at Camp Alleghany have shaped not only their own camp journeys but also their approach to mentoring others. They were joined by Alison Fox, Cat Bunn, and Sarah Wallman—each a former camper and counselor—bringing a wealth of perspective, enthusiasm, and leadership to the weekend experience.
Campers got a taste of classic Alleghany traditions, from evening scavenger hunts and nightly Milk and Cookies to learning the ropes from experienced Term Counselors and returning Mini Camp Counselors. Families had the chance to meet other first-time campers and connect with fellow parents—all while taking in the serene beauty of Alleghany’s riverfront setting.
Mother-Daughter Weekend Highlights: Campfire, Free Swim, and More!
In addition to sampling a wide range of Camp Alleghany’s signature activities—like Archery, Wild World, and Dance—Mother-Daughter Weekend participants also enjoyed two hallmark experiences: a refreshing Saturday afternoon Free Swim and a classic Saturday evening Campfire.
While these moments are woven more frequently into the regular term schedule—with daily Free Swims and three Campfires per session—MDW campers still got a meaningful taste of what makes Alleghany feel like home. These highlights not only introduced campers to the fun and rhythm of camp life but also offered a glimpse into the special traditions that define the Alleghany experience.
Don’t Be Gone Long, Be Back Soon!
As the weekend wrapped up, it offered families a clear, firsthand look at what makes Camp Alleghany unique. From trying out core activities to meeting counselors and connecting with other new campers and parents, Mother-Daughter Weekend provided a relaxed, informative, and welcoming entry point into camp life. It was a meaningful first step into the Alleghany experience—one that left campers feeling prepared and looking forward to the summers to come.
