Rooted in the finest traditions of summer camping, Camp Alleghany was founded in 1922 by Dr. Walter Hullihen, founder and owner of Camp Greenbrier for Boys. With the help of director Hugh Worthington, Dr. Hullihen modeled Alleghany after Camp Aloha in Vermont, the camp Mr. Worthington’s wife Helen attended as a young girl. In 1947, the Worthingtons’ daughter Nancy took over as director.
Camp Alleghany’s leadership passed to the Dawson family in 1963 when S. Cooper Dawson, Jr. took over as director and owner. Later his son, Sam Dawson, took over as Director until December 2018, and now serves as President Emeritus. His wife, Bonnie Dawson, served during that time as the Head of Special Events.
Alleghany continues in the Dawson family today under the leadership of Cooper’s granddaughter, Director Elizabeth Dawson Shreckhise.
The family are supported by an Administrative team, who you can learn about here, and a carefully selected counseling staff. Together, they work to continue the traditions and ideals established in 1922, inspiring growth through honor, loyalty, and friendship.
Read an in-depth article about Camp Alleghany’s rich history!
This article is modified, with permission, from its original publication in the 2023 Journal of the
Greenbrier Historical Society, a non-profit whose mission is to share the diverse history and
culture of the Greenbrier Valley. The 2023 issue also includes two articles on Camp Alleghany’s
neighbor Camp Sha-Mi-Del-Ica. The 2023 issue can be purchased from the society’s North
House Museum (814 Washington Street West, Lewisburg, WV 24901), by calling (304) 645-
3398, or by joining the Greenbrier Historical Society. Membership includes a hard copy of the
Journal when published and access to archived copies of the previous Journals and other
records, free tours of the North House Museum, assistance in accessing our extensive archival
collection, and other benefits. Membership is just $40 individual, $20 student, or $50 household
annually (see https://www.greenbrierhistorical.org/memberships.html). The Greenbrier
Historical Society invites the extended Camp Alleghany family to visit the North House Museum.
The Society appreciates Camp Alleghany’s contributions to our rich history and wishes you
another 100 years!