Camp Alleghany is a family-owned and operated business and has been for three generations. Currently, the directors include Elizabeth Shreckhise and her parents, Sam Dawson, Owner and President, and Bonnie Dawson, Head of Special Events, along with four phenomenal administrative team members. Together with their staff and counselors, these seven leaders effectively operate, maintain, and organize all of the functions of Camp Alleghany for Girls.
Elizabeth Shreckhise, Director
Elizabeth spent ten summers as a ‘Ghany camper beginning at age seven. She then became a Junior Counselor, full-fledged Counselor, and served in leadership roles such as Head of Dance, Unit Head, Head of Junior Camp and then Senior Camp. She was the Assistant Director from 2008-2017, and became the Director at the start of 2018. Elizabeth communicates with parents and oversees all camp activities, program planning, staffing, and professional development. During the off-season she oversees marketing, hiring, communications, program planning, strategy, and more. As a third-generation director, it’s her mission to bring ‘Ghany in to the 21st century while preserving its rich history and traditions. Elizabeth has an MA. in Education and Human Development from George Washington University and was formerly a school counselor. She lives in Staunton, Virginia with her husband Matt and three sons, Mason, Ellis, and Noah. Contact Elizabeth.
Casey Tucker, Program Director
Casey began as Camp Alleghany’s Program Director in early 2017 after working at Birch Trail Camp for Girls in northern Wisconsin for six summers. There he served as a Wilderness Trip Leader and Trip Director. Realizing his passion for the industry, he found a great opportunity to work year round for Alleghany. Casey’s passion for the outdoors, young people, camping, and adventure are legendary and infectious. After all, what’s life without sharing a good adventure? Contact Casey
Beth Anne Clark-Thomas, Mini Camp Director
Beth Anne (BA) has spent more than 45 years as a camper, counselor, Unit Head, Department Head, Upstart Mom, and now Director of Mini Camp. She is also very active with Camp Alleghany Alumni, remaining joyfully engaged year-round, and bringing loyal, veteran alumnae back to work alongside her at Mini Camp, connecting and serving at the L.O.L. Alumni Weekend, enjoying Family Camp together, and more! BA has a Masters and Ph.D. in Education, and is a University Professor in Northeast Ohio. Contact BA.
Louise Dawson, Office Manager
Louise spent 13 summers on the banks of the Greenbrier River. After eight years as a camper, she worked as a Junior Counselor, Counselor, Unit Head, Upstart Mom, and taught canoeing. Louise met her husband, Cooper Dawson, at camp when he worked on the Green Team. After ten summers spent at Tent Raisings and Family Camp, Louise joined the family business as our Office Manager. Cooper and Louise live in Lynchburg, Virginia with their daughter, Sally and son Henry, who she loves bringing to Camp Alleghany during the summers! Contact Louise.
Garrett O’Dell II, Site Manager
Garrett began working for Alleghany in May of 2010 as Facilities Director, visioning and building much of Camp’s newer infrastructure — such as the new Bathhouse, Office, and Camp Store. In 2020, Garrett took a brief hiatus from camp and then returned in 2022 in the new role as Site Manager. He’s eager to keep camp up and running and introduce more ideas for camp’s outdoor education setting.
Sam Dawson, Owner/President
Sam spent eight summers as a camper at our brother camp, Camp Greenbrier Boys Camp, and then worked at Alleghany on our Green Team in the 1960s. In 1984 he became the Associate Director, working under his father S. Cooper Dawson, Jr. During the 80s and 90s Sam managed almost all aspects of camp. From 2000-2017 he was the Director, and he works year-round for Camp Alleghany. A Certified Camp Director, Sam loves camp and holds Alleghany to the highest standards, continuing to earn the American Camp Association’s accreditation status each year. He looks forward to each summer with excitement and anticipation and hopes to see all of you at Alleghany this year! Sam lives with Bonnie in Staunton, Virginia. Contact Sam.
Bonnie Dawson, Head of Special Events
Bonnie was introduced to Alleghany when she married Sam in 1970. Over the years she’s been Head of Drama and Wild World, Head Hopper, Store manager, and a Senior Camp tent Counselor. She’s currently the Head of Special Events, managing Alleghany’s special ceremonies such as Babies’ Boats, Candlelight Campfire, and the Mini Camp Banquet and Show of Shows. Bonnie also handles risk management and emergency procedures and leads a non-denominational service on Sundays. Bonnie is a retired science teacher. She always looks forward to the serene, peaceful setting of the West Virginia Mountains, and seeing the happy, smiling campers every day. Contact Bonnie
Staff
Whitney Kiper, Administrative Assistant
Whitney Kiper lives in Reston, Virginia where she’s an elementary special education teacher in Fairfax County. In 2015, she earned a Masters in Education. Whitney began camp in 2004, enjoying five years as a camper. She was on staff from 2009-Present as a Junior Counselor, Counselor, Head of Carnival, Unit Head, Department Head, Assistant Head of Junior Camp, Head of Junior Camp, and now our Administrative Assistant. Whitney says, “It is so much fun watching campers grow up over the summers and then become confident and independent counselors!”
Stephanie Astley, Head of Family Camp
Stephanie Astley grew up in North Carolina and lives in York, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Peace College and Mercer University. She has spent all of her professional career in education. She has two daughter-campers. Stephanie began Alleghany in 1987 and was a camper for seven years. Stephanie was on staff from 1994-1999 as a Junior Counselor, Store worker, Unit Head, Head of the Waterfront, Midway Mom, Upstart Mom, Head of Senior Camp, Head of the Store, Head Hopper, Mini Camp Counselor, and Assistant Head of Family Camp from 2015-2018. She’s excited to continue to help families experience a taste of Alleghany during Family Camp and looks forward to creating a week of fun filled activities to enjoy — traditional ones and new ones!
Ann Claiborne Elder “Ace” Dandridge, Head of Mother-Daughter Weekend
Ann Claiborne “Ace” Dandridge is a lifetime ‘Ghany girl. She is married, lives in Charlottesville, Virginia and has three daughters, each of whom started camp as a Mini Camper and continued on to be counselors. Between the four of them, they have 40 years of ‘Ghany experience and a lifetime of memories and friends. Ace is thrilled to introduce the camp experience to the young girls and their moms or special friends during Mother-Daughter Weekend!
Verity “V” McVey, Leadership Program Coordinator
V lives in London, UK where she’s a masters student in Political Economy at King’s College London. V’s first summer as a counselor was in 2016 and she’s been coming back since as NCCC Mom, camp photographer, Unit Head, Head Counselor and now as Leadership Coordinator. V is thrilled to be back at camp this summer to provide support for counselors and campers alike.
