Prepping for camp

The newly designed Camp Alleghany entrance awaits your arrival. Photo: Camp Alleghany

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve looked forward in the spring to spending each summer at Camp Alleghany.

Over the years I had different reasons for looking ahead as the summer drew closer. But whether it was being a camper myself, meeting up with my cousins for family camp, or eventually becoming a counselor, one thing remained constant: That was the excited anticipation of another season spent at my favorite place in the whole world!

All grown up (sort of)

Now that I’m an assistant director, I find that those feelings are as alive as ever, only now I’m excited not only for myself and my family, but for each and every camper headed our way—to see old friends and make new ones.

Just last week I went down to camp to help get things on the ground ready for everyone. A great group of volunteers was ready to meet me on site. They did some of the really heavy lifting by getting the tents set up, aired out, tied on and otherwise made ship shape. This is always an inspiring sight to me. It’s when I can truly visualize that camp is really coming together and only weeks away!

Something that made this year especially exciting is seeing the new entrance finally completed. The beautifully laid stone and rustically carved Camp Alleghany sign were just such a delight to see fully finished. You’re going to love being greeted by this when you arrive.

Now that the weather is pretty warm, I couldn’t resist swimming in the Greenbrier River. Mason, my eight-month old son, went in with me. I’m sure you can imagine how thrilled I was to see him taking his first dip in my favorite river spot! Watching his sweet face light up and his little hands splash around made it clear that he’s going to love this special place just as much as me.

Down to work

But it wasn’t all fun and games. I also set up and strategized my office. Now I’m not saying this isn’t fun. But it’s a little more functional. It helps me figure out how to set up spaces to chat with counselors, get to my computer quickly, have a place for Mason should he stop by with his summer nanny, and craft that perfect system for having all my essentials—paperwork, walkie-talkies, the daily schedule—literally right where I need them right when I need them. And a few pictures on the walls to brighten up the place! (Okay, it actually was a little fun!)

Finally I checked in on a remodel that we’re psyched about. We redid the Infirmary—which looks amazing I might add. There’s a brand new bathroom in it and an overall remodel on the inside, with new ceiling fans on the front porch. When I say it’s very cool I mean it in more ways than one. Our full time doctor and nurse are sure to enjoy the comforts of the updated Infirmary.

Adding to my pre-camp pleasures were our nighttime campfires. This really got me in the summertime camp mood as I planned activities and pictured the camp full of ‘Ghany girls singing, laughing and having a blast under the twinkling West Virginia sky.

I can’t wait to see you!

—Elizabeth Dawson Shreckhise, Assistant Director, Camp Alleghany