Summer 2023 is HERE, and as we get further into the season we want our families to start thinking about Opening Day of Camp. How are we going to get to camp, when are we going to get to camp, what do we do when we get to camp, how will my camper feel when we drop her off? There are so many questions that, hopefully, this blog will answer.
All The Feels
Whether it is your camper’s first summer or her 8th, Opening Day can be emotional. Each year we see happy tears, sad tears, anxious tears, laughter, smiles, and everything in between. And we are not just talking about the campers! Just know that all emotions are okay, because leaving your parents is hard, leaving your child is hard, seeing your friends for the first time in a year is exciting, and meeting 200 new people in one day can certainly be stressful.
After 100 years of Opening Days, our counselors and staff are pros we are prepared for it all, bring on the feelings! If you find yourself worried check out these blogs on preparing yourself for a summer away from your child and preparing your child for a summer away from home!
The Nitty Gritty
In all of the excitement and nervousness that comes with Opening Day, sometimes the logistics can get forgotten- but they are essential to making sure Opening Day runs smoothly and all of our campers cross the Barge in a timely manner.
Let’s start with some Pre-Camp housekeeping- first thing is first- please complete ALL of your campers’ forms on CampMinder! (This is where you will sign up for your Opening Day Drop Off/Arrival Time Slot) And if you haven’t checked out our partnership with ShipCamps to get your campers’ luggage to camp before you arrive check your email or the Parent Handbook on page 13.
Opening Day Info
Mother-Daughter Weekend Opening Day: Friday, June 16 at 1 pm and 2 pm
MDW participants, you all have received a link to sign up for your arrival time slot; plan to arrive at 1 pm or 2 pm- please no earlier! Once you arrive please follow the steps outlined on this page of our website. We can’t wait for your arrival!
Mini Camp and Term Camp Opening Days:
Mini Camp: Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm
1st Term: Sunday, June 25th, 2023 11 am (drop off only), 11:30 am (drop off only), 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm
2nd Term: Sunday, July 16, 2023, 1 am (drop off only), 11:30 am (drop off only), 12 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm
Mini Campers and Term Campers, you all should have signed up for an arrival time slot in your Camper Information Form in CampMinder. Please arrive at your designated time, and no earlier.
Once you arrive you will drive through these stations (outlined on the parking lot map!)
Station 1: Check in with Elizabeth: Elizabeth will greet you and your Camper, if you have any questions she is there to help! You will meet Elizabeth at the entrance of our parking lot right by our green building with the Camp Alleghany sign.
Station 2: Basic Health Check-In: You will drive straight back to the far end of our parking lot where our Medical Staff will perform temperature checks and complete our Medical Check-in form.
Station 3: Luggage Drop Off: Directly next to our Medical Check-in Station, in the back of our parking lot, our Green Team will unload your campers’ trunks and duffles from your car to transport them across the river. Please note that you do not need to pack your campers’ bedding separately, our counselors can and will help your camper make her bed when her luggage arrives at her tent. We like to hit the ground running and start teaching independence from the beginning!
Station 4: Infirmary/Medication Check-In (if applicable): If your camper has medication to drop off or you have a question or need to speak with our Medical Staff, you will stop at this station located in the first lane of our parking lot on your right. (See the Parking Lot Map) If you do not have medication or any medical questions or concerns you will pass this station and turn right down the second lane of our parking lot.
Station 5: Dietary Restrictions (if applicable): If your camper has a dietary restriction you will stop at this station, located next to the drop-off station, to speak with our Special Diets Coordinator.
Station 6: Camper Drop-Off or Parent Park: At this station, there are two options (Unless you’re signed up for 11 am or 11:30 am Term Camp Arrival Slots):
- Camper Drop Off: Drop your camper with some of our wonderful counselors who will be waiting to greet and welcome your camper to Alleghany! You will say goodbye and send her on our Barge to cross the river and begin her 2023 Camp Alleghany experience. ALL families are welcome to drop off and go, regardless of the time slot you’ve signed up for.
- Circle around the parking lot and find a parking space if you wish to go into camp with your camper for a short time.
If you are having a hard time choosing to drop off or come into camp with your camper- watch this video to help with your decision!
Other Details
Be sure to make sure your camper arrives in her Blues & Whites so she is ready for her Yearbook picture and dinner! We ask all of our campers to arrive in their Blues & White on Opening Day.
Once across the river, each camper will be checked for lice by the Nit Fairies and then head to Tent Row to meet her counselor and let the fun begin!
Don’t forget about our ‘Ghany We Will Give tradition, you can read more about this year’s donation requests in this blog! There will be a station for our Alleghany families to drop off their donations in our parking lot on Opening Day, and our local community thanks you for your donations!
We Can’t Wait To See You!
While camp may seem like it is far away, we on the Administrative Team are already here and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our campers! Bring on Summer 2023!
