I read somewhere that as long as you say Happy New Year by January 31st you’re in the clear for sharing your good cheer for the year ahead. So here I am sliding in at the last minute to wish all friends of Camp Alleghany a delightful 2012!
So why has it taken me so long to send my well wishes?
Well, as you know we work nearly constantly during camp time so when the winter comes, well, we do a little hibernating! We enjoy the holidays by spending time with family, build snowmen when the weather complies, occasionally sleep in (only occasionally) and of course dream of cozy Camp Alleghany tucked away in the hills of West Virginia.
It’s when I start that day dreaming that I realize that there’s so much to look forward to in the year ahead. And that made me think of you, and…well, here I am again. So, Happy New Year!
Looking ahead to camp
It’s exciting to see that this is going to be another full year at camp.
Already registration is up and almost every day I hear from a familiar friend of ‘Ghany or new campers and their families. Dad even says we might end up with a wait list in Junior Camp. While that’s exciting for us and the camp season I do want to make you aware of the enthusiasm in case you’ve been waiting for the right time to register. Now is a great time to get your registration in to ensure you’ve got a spot for your camper.
It’s not all naps and snowmen around here
In the meantime I’ve been enjoying reviewing counselor applications and even interviewing some candidates already. What a great roster of applicants we have!
I’ve already hired about 20 staff members. You can see where we are by visiting the Meet Your Staff page on our home website. When all is said and done we’ll have 70 staff members so keep following that page to see who’s returning and to meet the new staff members, too.
A little spit and polish
Each year we look at our facilities and decide where updates are most needed. Those of you who saw our new Infirmary last year can appreciate how refreshing and useful it is to spruce things up.
This year we’ve decided to tackle two porches that could use some love. Both the Play Hall and the Dining Hall will get face lifts on their porches thanks to Garrett O’Dell. Garrett is Ghany’s resident super hero when it comes to the kind of vision and dedication it takes to keep our building and grounds in tip top shape.
As for me, I can’t wait to see our campers and counselors sprawled out on the perked-up porches enjoying a little relaxation amidst the hub bub this summer!
Something old, something new
There’s a lot more happening this year, from our growing Alumni Association to Family Camp registrations to our 2012 reunions—JCs of 2002 will celebrate a 10-year reunion and JCs of 1972 a 40-year reunion! I’ll post more details about these soon.
Finally, I’m truly thrilled for Mason to be at camp this year because he’s now walking, running, clapping, throwing a ball and and essentially loving everything about being an active toddler boy. I can’t wait for him to get back to the fresh air and outdoors where he can bask in the freedom of our wide open spaces. Well, a little freedom that is—we’re blessed to have his babysitter Annie returning again to help him explore the camp world safely. She truly puts my mind at ease and I couldn’t run camp without her.
So, as of today, January 31st, there are 138 days until camp. And tomorrow 137. Then 136…
Does someone sound a little excited? You bet!
–Elizabeth Dawson Shreckhise, Assistant Director, Camp Alleghany for Girls
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