Camp Alleghany Camper and Parent Policies
Please read these page full and carefully and then download them as PDFs, sign them with your camper(s), scan them to your computer and upload them back to your CampMinder account using the Upload arrow button to the right of the form in the Forms & Documents area of your account.
Please do NOT mail a hard copy of this form to camp.
Camper Code of Conduct
- Campers must remain within camp boundaries at all times, unless escorted by a counselor.
- Campers must abide by the Alleghany Honor Code: we do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do we tolerate those who do.
- Campers must abide by the Alleghany No Gossip Policy (see below).
- Campers must obey the camp rules set by the camp directors and counselors in camp and on tent row.
- Campers must obey the rules set by the department heads in each department.
- Campers must keep all medications in the Infirmary.
- Campers are not to use any telephone in camp, unless instructed by the Director.
- Campers are not to bring a cell phone to camp, nor use a cell phone while in camp.
- Campers must abide by Camp Alleghany’s Electronics Policy.
- Campers must not bring illegal substances to camp, nor use illegal substances while attending camp (includes cigarettes, alcohol, drugs).
- Campers are expected to report a violation of the Camper Code of Conduct to a counselor, otherwise they are in violation of the Code themselves.
Infractions of these rules will require an immediate meeting with the Director, and may result in immediate dismissal from camp.
By signing your parent and camper(s) names on the attached PDF, you understand and agree to follow the expectations outlined in the Camper Code of Conduct.
Parent Handbook Signature Form
Again, using the attached PDF to sign, scan, and upload to your CampMinder account, you are agreeing that:
I have reviewed the contents of the Camp Alleghany Parent Handbook and the Parents’ Guide, including the pertinent information on the website’s Forms and Info page on travel, health and medical, uniforms, cell phones, electronic devices, and mail. I understand the policies and procedures as outlined, and I understand that violations of the Code of Conduct may result in dismissal of my child from camp.
No Gossip Policy for Campers
Please read this with your camper(s) and discuss it so she understands it fully. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Director Elizabeth Dawson Shreckhise, or contact the office by phone: 304-645-1316.
The goal of this policy is to eliminate camp gossip, which can strain relationships between campers and counselors. The policy will prohibit gossip about fellow campers, counselors, as well as exclusive cliques among the members of Alleghany’s community.
The policy is aimed at creating a more team-oriented, positive culture at Alleghany. Alleghany’s counselors also learn about, sign, and adhere to this policy each summer. We have chosen to now present it to the campers and greater Alleghany community.
We know that some of your best friends are here at camp and that you only get to see them for these three or six weeks a year. In no way do we mean to say that you cannot enjoy those close friendships – these bonds are what keep you all coming back here each summer, and Alleghany thrives on that. But sometimes close friendships turn into exclusive friendships that make others feel unwelcome.
We also know that there are times when the actions of others at camp cause you to want to vent to a friend. But in doing so, you need to ask yourself: is my discussion of this issue aimed at getting it off my chest so that I can return to my day feeling better, or am I doing this in a mean-spirited way, aimed at hurting or mocking, rather than aimed at resolving the issue? Often, the better way to vent your feelings is to discuss the issue with the person who caused it.
There are also situations where you’re not the one initiating the gossip. While you might not think you’re “to blame” merely by listening, remember that if no one was there to listen, the negative statements would never be made in the first place. Even as a passive participant, just by going along with it, you are contributing to the negative environment.
Your Role as a Camper
We ask that you help establish this policy by asking yourself:
- Am I contributing to a team-oriented atmosphere, or am I (even unintentionally) making others feel unwelcome in a conversation?
- Am I allowing a frustration to fester and then making it worse by discussing it with others?
- Am I disrespecting a camper or counselor by mocking her to my friends?
- Am I giving someone an opportunity to gossip by participating in the conversation?
- Am I repeating or promoting a rumor about camp about which I have no personal knowledge?
We ask that you pledge to help us establish this policy as a sign of your commitment to make the Alleghany environment
the best it can be.
Your Promise
As a camper of Camp Alleghany, I promise:
- To be inclusive of others in conversations, activities, and free time;
- To refrain from becoming a part of a clique or exclusive group, so as not to hurt feelings or make others feel unwelcome;
- To refrain from talking about anyone (campers, counselors, other staff members) in a negative or destructive way, and to refrain from participating in conversations where others are doing so;
- To keep my negative thoughts to myself, or if necessary, vent them privately to an appropriate person, such as a counselor or leader, in an effort to resolve the frustration;
- To befriend new campers and help them learn the traditions and rules of Alleghany in a friendly and nonjudgmental manner;
- To refrain from spreading rumors that I do not have facts to prove as true, and, if necessary, to ask an authority figure if something is true before repeating it;
- To not tolerate anyone in camp who does not adhere to the above behaviors.
Your signature on the Camper Code of Conduct PDF indicates your pledge to adhere to the No Gossip Policy.